What is Embodiment?

Believe it or not, emotions start as physiological sensations in the body. Emotions occur automatically and unconsciously– our body responds to external stimuli before we can identify, think about, or act on our emotions. For example, when we are scared, our hearts begin racing, our breathing quickens, and our muscles contract before we are even able to a) identify that we are scared and b) identify the trigger for our fear.

As infants, we are acutely aware of any physiological changes and respond to those changes swiftly and without question to assure our basic needs are met. We’re hungry, so we cry. We’re full, so we stop eating. We’re overwhelmed, so we withdraw. As we get older, develop our cognitive abilities, and participate in our fast-paced society, we lose touch with our bodies and learn to ignore or avoid them. We may do so by turning to alcohol, food, drugs, excessive exercise, shopping, scrolling through social media apps, watching television, or constantly staying busy and distracted. When we’re numbing, suppressing, or avoiding our emotions, we’re also numbing, suppressing, or avoiding our bodies.

The long-term effect of numbing and avoiding is that we are unable to appropriately care for our bodies and keep them safe. Our body may try to send us warning signals, but we may not hear them or may even choose to ignore them because we’re too busy numbing ourselves or “living from the neck up,” paying closer attention to our constant mental chatter. Unfortunately, when we don’t hear our body’s whispers, it will start to scream, which can look like illness, injury, or burnout.

That’s where embodiment comes in. Embodiment is the process of re-establishing our relationship with our body. It is tuning into our body’s infinite wisdom by listening to all the messages it is constantly sending us; faint or loud, good or bad. It is a commitment to tuning in to any and all emotions so that we can determine how to nurture and care for ourselves adequately. It is connecting the body and the mind to find a sense of wholeness.

At Embodied Wellness Center, we specialize in helping our clients reconnect with their bodies through a holistic approach that includes yoga therapy, mindfulness training, and other body-based techniques. Our goal is to provide you with the tools you need to live a healthier and happier life. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, burnout, or struggling to maintain work-life balance, our customized mind-body practices can help you find relief and fulfillment.