Somatic Idioms

It has become a recent habit of mine to notice the number of somatic idioms in our everyday language (I give a nod to my sister who has her PhD in Linguistics!) A somatic idiom is a verbal phrase used to describe an emotional experience that makes reference to a bodily sensation. For example, when we tell a friend that "I have butterflies in my stomach" we are using a somatic idiom to describe anxiety. The existence of somatic idioms are linguistic acknowledgement that our emotions are not simply cognitions, but that emotions are visceral experiences! For another example, have you ever heard someone say, "That person rubs me the wrong way!" Now, most likely, the two people have not had any actual physical contact involving massage--but in fact, there is something being said about the quality of the interaction--it causes a level of emotional  or energetic discomfort akin to being physically "rubbed the wrong way."

For a long time, emotions in psychology have been often processed and treated as if they are only cognitions--we just have to change our minds/thoughts about something. However, our language betrays us! Our bodies register and hold our emotions as much (if not more than) our words! If this is so, then there needs to be a somatic component to psychological growth and healing. Hence, why I have entered into the bodywork field. 

Some other somatic idioms:
"My heart is just broken over this situation."
"My stomach is doing flip-flops."
"My blood is about to boil!"
"You are such a hot-head!"
"I just have a gut feeling about this...."
"He's got cold feet about changing jobs."
"I can't stomach that!"
"I can feel it in my bones!".....etc.....

Self Care 101

You may ask yourself, what does a cat have to do with bodywork? A lot actually. Sasha, my cat, is my self-care icon. From the fact that she sleeps more than 14 hours a day (rough life!) and stretches EVERY TIME she moves from a prone position, she has the self-care thing down pretty good. She faithfully takes a bath every day, eats her kitty crunchies, and does not overdo it on sweets (yeah, I could learn a lot from her). She drinks only water (no wonder her skin is so young looking under all that fur!). Anyway--Sasha reminds me daily to take life at an appropriate pace. She is also very affectionate, at 4:30am visiting hour--which is not so fun. Her only flaw given that I am a non-morning person. Anyway, as a counselor, I am convinced that self-care is a priority--and as a bodyworker--I am doubly convinced. If I take care of myself well--I am able to be fully present for my clients. And that is my reasonable act of service. Thank you Sasha! See the video below to see Simon's Cat, a "cousin" of Sasha.....

What I'm learning now...

Hi All! I thought you might enjoy seeing a sample of what we are learning now--its my final techniques class with Randy Cummins. It is called "Eastern Modalities" and we are learning a form of bodywork called "Shiatsu." Very cool. Very chill. Very awesome :)  Take a peek at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctu8dU2BfZw