Stress impacts our bodies in ways that make it difficult to cope with day-to-day life - let alone to heal from injury, sickness, or trauma.
Somatic Self-Bodywork classes offer a beginner-friendly opportunity to observe and release body tension, practice mindful self-massage techniques, and discover your body's unique sensory landscape.
Classes typically focus on common areas of physical and emotional discomfort, using gentle movement, stretching, and other restorative strategies for soothing your nervous system.
Donation-based live classes are currently on hiatus.
Library rental is currently unavailable. Please check back or join the mailing list for updates.
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Classes are held Sundays at 4pm EST unless otherwise specified.
For students attending the live class, the Zoom meeting room opens at 4pm, and the practice begins 5 minutes later at 4:05pm. After this 5 minute grace period, the room will close to additional students.
The practice itself typically lasts between 35-45 minutes, but may last up to 55 minutes. Students are encouraged to continue their meditative practice after the conclusion of the guided exercise.
All classes and recordings are audio-only. This is to encourage students to keep their eyes closed as much as possible throughout their practice.
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Classes involve minimal movement, comparable to a gentle yoga class. Dress comfortably in clothes that you can easily move in order to access different parts of your body. Loose clothing, or no clothing, is best.
The area you practice in should be a place where you can comfortably move your body without worrying about bumping into things. If you don’t have (or prefer not to use) a yoga mat, a comfortable chair, carpeted floor, and freshly-made bed are all excellent options.
I suggest that you do at least one thing to make your practice area more comfortable before class begins. Think of adding something sensory: lighting a candle, burning incense, getting a soft/comfortable cushion, playing quiet wordless music, etc.
Showering or bathing before class is recommended, but not required. You may wish to have massage tools, comfort objects, body oil/lotion, and/or a journal nearby for your practice; however, the only. things necessary for the practice are you and your awareness.
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Spend as much time in your space of relaxation as you like.
Take some time to gradually return to the rhythms of daily life. This could mean taking a bath/shower, writing in a journal, or brewing a mug of tea. You may find it useful to keep a separate notebook for reflecting on the physical and emotional experience of your embodiment practice.
Within 48 hours of the live class, you will receive a recording of the guided practice. Revisit your practice daily, if possible. You can do this by listening to the audio recording of class, or by recreating the practice from memory. Previous class recordings are also available to students who rent access to the practice library.
These exercises are best practiced towards the end of the day, in a safe and comfortable environment, as close to bedtime as possible.
