What is Somatic Movement?
What is Somatic Movement?
Somatic movement is a mindful and intentional approach to movement that focuses on internal perception and awareness of the body. Unlike traditional exercise or fitness routines that emphasize external form and muscle engagement, somatic movement encourages individuals to tune into their bodily sensations, fostering deeper self-awareness and movement efficiency.
The Core Principles of Somatic Movement
Mind-Body Connection – Somatic practices emphasise the relationship between movement and consciousness, allowing individuals to experience movement from within rather than following external cues.
Internal Awareness – Instead of focusing on appearance or performance, somatic movement encourages sensing and feeling bodily sensations in real time.
Neuromuscular Re-education – Many somatic practices help release habitual muscular tension, improve coordination, and restore natural movement patterns.
Slow and Intentional Movements – The practice often involves gentle, slow movements (although not always!) that encourage mindful exploration and prevent unconscious tension.
Benefits of Somatic Movement
Reduces Chronic Pain and Tension: Helps release habitual muscular patterns that contribute to pain.
Improves Mobility and Flexibility: Encourages natural movement patterns, enhancing joint and muscle function.
Enhances Body Awareness: Supports better posture, balance, and coordination.
Aids Stress Reduction: Calms the nervous system and fosters relaxation.
Supports Emotional Well-being: Encourages a deeper connection between the body and mind, which can lead to emotional release and healing.
Why I Guide Somatic Movement
Somatic movement is more than just a practice—it’s a radical reclamation of bodily autonomy. I guide somatic movement because it celebrates the individual body, not suggesting that there is one 'right way' to move. It calls you deeper into yourself, asking, ‘Fuck what I look like, how do I feel?’ It disrupts the idea that the female body is supposed to be pleasing or pretty, allowing you to feel how unique and ever-changing you are.
Somatic movement counteracts the narrative that there is a goal or a preferred outcome. Instead, it invites you to move for the sake of feeling, sensing, and reclaiming space in your own body. It is a rebellion against perfectionism, a practice of deep listening, and an opportunity to trust the intelligence of your body. Through this work, we break free from conditioning and rediscover the fluid, limitless potential within us.
Want to find out more? Get in touch for a 1:1 or drop-in to one of my weekly offerings
Sam x