How to make your Yoga Practice a Somatic Practice
The many benefits of Somatic Yoga
Somatic Yoga can improve posture, mobility, strength, balance, coordination and proprioception. It can reduce neuromuscular pain and symptoms related to chronically tight muscles such as headaches, frozen shoulder and breathing issues. It can mitigate symptoms of anxiety, depression, sleeping issues and fatigue.
I teach various styles of yoga, and the through line is threading in the importance of a somatic experience. Curious exploration and mindful compassion are the keys to a somatic yoga practice, where you can use your yoga practice to establish a deeper mind-body connection.
Yoga, as a somatic practice utilises and changes your muscular skeletal system by changing your nervous system and thus can reduce tension throughout your body. Paying attention to what’s happening in your body is the first step toward regulating your nervous system and feeling more balanced and comfortably present.
How do I make my Yoga Practice a “Somatic” Practice?
1) Breathe: try to keep a slow, even, steady, and comfortable pace of breathing, through your nose where possible.
2) Move slowly and consciously: notice what it takes to make a movement occur or what it takes to hold your body in a yoga pose.
3) Move gently and with as little effort as possible: notice where you hold “secret” unnecessary tension, such as in your face, shoulders, or hands.
4) Somatic movement shouldn’t be painful: don’t force any movement and see what movement and what poses you can inhabit without causing pain.
5) Be persistent, patient, and positive: don’t expect your body to change by sheer determination. Relax. Give yourself time to explore what is there and find gratitude with what you have as you patiently and compassionately explore.
If you’d like guidance then contact Jeni Howland, who works as a Natural Health Practitioner and Holistic Health Coach in Ledbury and runs group yoga classes in Cheltenham, Gorsley, Linton and online, as well as one to one bespoke sessions, assisting people of all ages and abilities to find comfort through mobility.
Jeni is also running a Yoga Glamping Weekend in July 2022. Contact Jeni for more information.
