Pip, of Western Wellbeing, brings huge amount of yoga instruction experience, and a deep passion for community wellbeing to our lovely Green Room, at The Growforward Project, on Tuesday evenings.
Somatic yoga is a gentle, therapeutic form of yoga that blends traditional postures with the principles of somatics, focusing on cultivating internal physical perception and awareness (interoception) rather than external form or achieving the "perfect" pose. The goal is to deeply connect the mind and body to release chronic muscle tension, alleviate pain, and process stored emotional trauma.
Somatic yoga is highly accessible for all levels, including beginners or those with injuries, as it prioritizes comfort and inner experience over performance.
Its Core Principles Are...
Mindful Movement: The practice involves slow, deliberate, and often repetitive movements (sometimes called pandiculation, a natural contracting and releasing of muscles) designed to re-educate the brain and nervous system to release habitual tension patterns.
Internal Focus: Practitioners are encouraged to tune into their internal sensations and feelings—their "soma" or living body—rather than how the pose looks from the outside.
Breath Awareness: Conscious, deep breathing is a central component used to deepen awareness, calm the nervous system (activating the parasympathetic response), and facilitate the release of tension.
Self-Compassion and Exploration: The practice emphasizes listening to one's body and moving within a comfortable, non-judgmental range of motion, fostering a sense of personal agency and self-discovery.
Neuroplasticity: By practicing mindful, intentional movements, somatic yoga leverages the brain's ability to rewire neural pathways, leading to improved movement patterns and increased body awareness.
Key Benefits Are...
Pain and Stress Relief: Helps relieve chronic pain and tension (such as in the back, neck, and shoulders) often caused by stress and poor posture.
Emotional Healing: Provides a gentle way to access and release stored emotions and trauma held within the body's tissues.
Improved Body Awareness: Enhances proprioception (sense of the body in space) and interoception, leading to a deeper understanding of movement patterns and imbalances.
Enhanced Flexibility and Mobility: By addressing muscle tension and promoting balanced movement, it leads to lasting improvements in flexibility and overall mobility.
Mind-Body Connection: Fosters a strong link between mental and physical states, enabling better emotional regulation and overall well-being.
Typical Practice Is...
A somatic yoga session is often slower-paced than traditional yoga and may include poses like:
Body Scans: Lying down and mentally scanning the body for areas of tension.
Pelvic Tilts: Gentle movements of the pelvis while lying on the back to release lower back tension.
Cat-Cow: Slow, undulating spinal movements on hands and knees.
Seated Torso Circles: Mindful circular movements of the upper body to release spinal and hip tension.
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