Disclaimer: The thoughts and ideas represented in this blog post are not meant to replace advice or treatment offered by a licensed or registered therapist. If serious mental health concerns are present for you or someone you care about, please contact a licensed healthcare professional.
Grief is an experience that touches every part of our being. It challenges our emotional, mental, and physical resilience. Traditional approaches to grief support work (GSW) often focus on verbal expression and cognitive processing. However, somatic/embodiment approaches offer a unique perspective, acknowledging the intricate connection between mind, body, and spirit in the grieving process.
Somatic approaches to GSW recognize that our bodies hold and express emotions. It is natural in times of stress or fear to become “disembodied.” It is the nervous system’s response to traumatic experiences. When a wave of grief crashes over us, the body may not feel safe anymore, we may fear that our grief will become overpowering, so we push it away and disengage to escape, or dull the impact. But, when we continue to numb ourselves or avoid our internal world, we stop being present for, and able to experience all that life has to offer. The safe witnessing and expression of emotions and tension can bring a deep sense of calm, and new perspectives on life and loss.
Embodiment approaches encourage us to explore internal sensations through awareness, movement, breath, and sound. Incorporating these practices provides a holistic and profound way to come home to the body, move toward, rather than away from grief, and find wisdom and peace on the other side.
Examples of somatic practices:
Movement as Expression:
The body becomes a canvas for emotional expression with somatic techniques. Movement–such as dance, yoga, or non-linear/sensation-based movement practices–allows individuals to experience and express their emotions physically and can be especially beneficial for those who find it challenging to articulate their emotions verbally. This practice helps to complete cycles of stress without having to re-live the story. Movements can be as small as a shoulder shrug, or as large as a full-body undulation, dance, or yoga asana.
Embodied Mindfulness:
Embodied mindfulness invites individuals to bring attention to their present moment experience, cultivating awareness of sensations, breath, and movement. Meditation allows people to ground themselves in the reality of their bodies, fostering a sense of safety and stability.
Breathwork and Relaxation:
When grief manifests as tension and constriction within the body breathwork and relaxation techniques provide a gateway to release physical tightness, promoting a sense of ease and safety. Through intentional breathing exercises, individuals can tap into the body's innate ability to regulate emotions and find moments of peace. Modalities such as craniosacral therapy, bioenergetics, and massage therapy provide relaxation and focus on the physiological responses to grief, facilitating the integration of emotional experiences on a physical level.
Rituals and Symbolic Gestures:
Incorporating rituals and symbolic gestures into the process offers a tangible outlet for mourning. Rituals that involve the senses—such as lighting candles, holding meaningful objects, essential oils or perfumes, favourite foods, music, writing and engaging in symbolic movements — provide a physical anchor for the emotional aspects of loss.
Somatic/embodiment approaches to GSW illuminate the interconnected nature of mind, body, and spirit offering a trauma-sensitive and graceful way to move with and through painful times, embracing our strong emotions and sensations rather than dulling or repressing them. By acknowledging the physical manifestations of grief individuals can find solace, healing, and a renewed connection to life and authenticity in the aftermath of loss.
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Miriam Mcnarma is an HHA IPLD candidate, and Feminine Embodiment Coach with certifications in Integrated Somatic Trauma Therapy, Applied Polyvagal Theory in Yoga, Craniosacral and Massage Therapy, and a Diploma in Rehabilitation Assistance. Miriam works primarily with parents in her coaching practice. More info can be found at bloomtogether.ca
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