Ayurveda • Somatic Yoga • Contact
“The soma is both observer and observed, mover and moved. It is the unity of body and mind in action.”—Thomas Hanna
The word soma in Greek means whole living body. Making whole is a theme repeated across traditions, religions and other disciplines like psychology.There is this persistent notion that we are cut off from parts of ourselves or split. The mind-body duality is one example of a separation between the logical, analytical function and a more animalistic, intuitive self. Somatic movements are designed to ease the tension such conflicts create resulting in a more integrated, holistic way of being.
Movement therapist Thomas Hanna, who coined the term Somatic in the 1970’s expanded its definition to “the body perceived from within”, and explains the practice as the “study of the soma, which is not only first-person perception of the living body but is its first-person regulation.”
This study of the whole living body, as Hanna explains, is not a passive process. The sensing of the soma through movement expands awareness and somatic movements are designed to gently guide this awareness inward to notice and release tension.
Somatics as a healing modality is relatively new. Hanna and his collaborator Moshe Feldenkrais are credited as methodically mapping this new way of understanding and introspectively working with our bodies through movement. Both were in sync in their belief that building sensitivity and awareness of patterns in the body led to a freer ease in movement and a more integrated self.
The combination of Somatics and Yoga brings together a modern understanding of the nervous system and internal healing mechanisms with the profound ancient wisdom established in Vedic systems of knowledge. Somatic yoga practices, which aim to increase awareness of internal processes, is a means to integrate mind, body, emotions and spirit through playful, intentional and subtle movement.
While external influences routinely take us out of our bodies, somatic yoga gently guides us back inward and reminds us that the body is not simply a mechanical tool for the mind, but stores unique intelligences, instincts, memory, and mystery.
As Feldenkrais states: “I believe that the unity of mind and body is an objective reality. They are not just parts somehow related to each other, but an inseparable whole while functioning. A brain without a body could not think.”
This echoes the yogic philosophy. Yoga meaning yoke (yug) in Sanskrit invokes this unification process. Movement and breath is a bridge that helps join seemingly dualistic or separated forces. Through gentle receptivity and attention encouraged in the somatic yoga practice, this body-mind wholeness can be accessed, healed and restored.
Where to begin in Somatic Yoga? Constructive Rest Position
The constructive rest position is a base pose in somatics from which other movements are built upon and where one can return to in-between movements. It is often referred to as a ‘neutral’ position as the spine is not arched or flat but rests in its natural curves. From the outside, it might look like one is just resting in this pose, but this natural position invites receptivity. One can observe many nuances like the depth of the breath as well as inner sensations and tensions, allowing for more awareness in the practice of one’s unique needs and patterns.
Grounded Support
The firm ground supports the back of the body signalling relaxation of the core stabilizing muscles that work to keep us upright. Placing the hands on the front of the body can give added support for these muscles to let go.
Thighs are parallel and feet are about hip distance apart.
Lifting the feet up so the thighs are at a right angle to the spine and dropping them down helps in finding a comfortable alignment
Gaze is facing upward. Neck is relaxed. A folded towel can be placed under the head if it is tilted back.
Surrender to Gravity
Although we don’t often consciously notice gravitation forces, in CRP the gentle downward pull works in our favour to encourage the release of any contraction held within. Scanning the body in this position and sensing what can sink downwards calms the nervous system. Or as yoga teacher John Stirk puts it, “The gravity experience is considerable, sobering and enlightening.”
A Safe Landing Space
In any practice, feeling safe and relaxed is the ideal place from which to initiate movement. The feet flat on the ground generates a knowing of where the body is in space. Sensing the feet on the ground in this position can offer much needed comfort and stability in a practice.
Time here varies depending on the practice. It is an ideal position to start any practice to tune into the breath and observe any tightness, or contraction, which can then be addressed with more awareness.
This seemingly simple position offers a foundational base and a safe space to land in the somatic yoga practice.
Sources
Feldenkrais, M. (2011). Embodied Wisdom. North Atlantic Books.
Hanna, T. (2016). What is Somatics? Somatic Systems Institute. https://somatics.org/library/htl-wis1
Hanna, T. (1979) The Body of Life. New York: Alfred A. Knopf Publishing.
Stirk, J. (2015). The original body: Primal Movement for Yoga Teachers. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.