3 practical tips for living an embodied life

I led a powerful Somatic Class last April 13, and I want to share my three practical tips for living an embodied life with you.

But first, why is embodiment so important?

Embodiment is important because the way we express ourselves affects how we feel about ourselves and, as a result, impacts our confidence level, vitality, and resilience. Embodiment allows us to tap into our inner wisdom, react with softness, and step deeper into our role as change-makers.

Embodiment Tip #1: Resonance and dissonance

In dissonance, we feel off when what we say and the energy of what we do doesn't match. When our inner and outer worlds don't fit, it feels uncomfortable. It's almost like we're out of our own skin.

On the contrary, when we're in resonance, we feel aligned in our actions and connected to our core. We make decisions with a sense of clarity and grounded presence.

In dissonance, we want to leave our body, which creates anxiety and discomfort. In resonance, we relax into it and let it flow through us. We feel at home with ourselves in a profound way.

Embodiment Tip #2: Paying attention inside

It's important to pay attention to what goes on inside you as much as what goes on outside. As we develop more self-awareness, more somatic awareness in the body, we are better able to handle an internal crisis and be grounded during challenging times.

When we ignore what is going on inside, we are likely to get triggered and respond externally in ways that might not be ideal.

Developing this somatic awareness helps us to self-assess and self-manage, so we make better decisions and be more productive, present, and authentic in our actions. We can relate deeply to others, set better boundaries, and become more effective and compassionate leaders.

Embodiment Tip #3: Listen to the communication of your body

The body communicates with us all the time, through sensations and feelings, and we don't always pay attention. A good way to learn how to listen is to ask yourself often, "What am I feeling right now?"

Maybe you're feeling fear or sadness or shame, whatever it is. Then ask yourself, "How do I know that I'm feeling this way?" Check how and where the body reacts to that question.

You'll see that the body is communicating through feelings and sensations, which is really powerful. With practice, you can learn the emotional resilience that is essential to surviving today’s busy world. You’ll be able to interpret your body’s whispers to reach a whole new level of performance.

Embodiment is a landing into yourself, a coming back into a deep alignment of your soul’s core, a commitment of who you were put on this planet to be.