When we are in an embodied state of presence, we have already achieved all that we require to help us navigate the day ahead. We can move through our day out into the world with ease and calm.
Our challenge is to maintain that state of ease and be able to respond from that place when faced with the ups and downs of day-to-day life. To meet each encounter with that same ease and calm, regardless of the state of mind of those around you or the scale of the issue.
To be able to create the space to ‘respond’ to a given situation rather than to ‘react’ to it is worth putting in effort for.
In my work as a Somatic Trauma Therapist, it is imperative that I provide a calm, strong and safe container for all my clients, despite the scale of any issues they may bring to my studio space, whether in-person or online. The ability to remain grounded, calm and unflappable, regardless of difficult or uncomfortable content, is partly the result of many years of spending time in nature and with animals.
When we are outside and in a relaxed state, we are able to observe and absorb the wider field. This helps maintain the regulation of our parasympathetic nervous system. This then becomes self-fulfilling. The more time we spend in this state of ease, the more relaxed and grounded we become in general. The brain physiology attunes to the comfort of this way of being.
When we are working or constantly indoors due to time, weather or family constraints, our field of vision can become very much reduced. This can have a detrimental impact on us over a relatively short time span. Keeping ourselves within a much smaller space may suggest to our nervous system that there could be a threat or danger outside of the immediate environment. Again, our brain physiology can respond quickly to the situation in which we place ourselves. Our sympathetic nervous system can respond to this way of being by creating a sense of unease about the wider world.
What do we have to do to be able to access calm and ease more frequently and to be able to meet life’s challenges head-on?
My initial suggestion would be to create that wider field, even if you are inside for long periods of time. For example, if working, place your desk by a window. This will ensure that when you have a moment to think, you can take your gaze outside and absorb the sense of the wider space. Allow yourself a moment every so often to empty your mind as you take in the view. Pay attention to whatever it is that you can see. Sense into your seat bones on the chair and your unshod feet on the floor. Make a point of feeling the ‘ground’ and standing and moving whenever possible.
If you have visitors at home or are elsewhere with family or friends over the festive season, find space by going for a walk, even with others.
Dogs are great to have around at these times. They are the perfect excuse for some quiet outdoor space and time while you walk them. Notice the ground beneath your feet and the sound as you walk. Pay attention to any plants and wildlife you come across. Employ a child-like sense of wonder as you take in the sounds, colours and shapes around you.
Another useful tip is volunteering to do the washing up.
This may seem counter-intuitive. However, it enables you to create quiet space for yourself in the kitchen whilst others are elsewhere. Also, most sinks are located under windows. This means you can access the wider field outside even though you are inside. This is another opportunity to bring attention to your feet and their contact with the floor. Move your weight across from one foot to the other. Allow the body to keep moving and maintain your sense of ‘ground’.
Both Somatic Experiencing® and Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy are, by definition, trauma-attuned modalities. Used together, either online or in person, they can facilitate the resolution of embodied trauma in a very profound but gentle way, honouring the unique wishes and needs of each client.
If you think you could benefit from working with me, please get in touch. Email sarah@ytenehealing.co.uk or call me on 07747 111040.
Please remember to contact your medical practitioner in the first instance if you have any concerns regarding your health.
