Becoming Embodied.
How do we know are becoming embodied? What does that mean? How do we know if we are not embodied?
Being embodied means that we are in tune with our bodies and the sensations happening within us, and what those sensations are telling us. Our bodies are incredible and often respond to our emotions before we do.
Anger, jealousy, betrayal.
What sensations happen in your body when you are feeling those emotions?
Many of our emotions are synced with physiological reactions within our bodies. These reactions may cause us to react in ways that might be considered “emotional” instead of “rational”. Becoming embodied can help us to identify, understand, and react appropriately to our emotions.
How to know if you are becoming embodied:
You are able to notice a change in your heart rate. (Whether it increases or decreases).
You are able to notice a change in your breathing. (Whether is increases, decreases, or if you are holding your breath without noticing).
You are more aware of changes in your nervous system. (Heart rate, breath, tingly feelings in your fingers, toes, arms etc.)
You are able to respond to these changes and provide your body with the rest or nourishing it needs. (You notice these changes and take the appropriate steps to feel more calm or relaxed, ie focusing on your breath, need for sleep, connection etc.).
You are more aware of your body’s need for movement. (You notice tension or anxiety and go for a walk or exercise to clear the tension and anxiety from your system).
You are able to make connections between different emotions and different sensations in your body. (For example, you know that when your heart rate is high, you might be feeling anxious or angry).
You can sit with your emotions longer, instead of reacting immediately. (You are able to experience emotion without reaction to it, and you can sit with your feelings without judgement of yourself).
To find out how you can become more embodied, please email us to schedule an appointment at info@openheart-counselling.ca.
December 2020