Have you ever felt like you’re stuck in a loop?
You know what you want to change, but somehow, you don’t feel different. You might journal, meditate, or read self-help books, but the stress and anxiety still linger.
That’s where somatic work comes in. It’s not about thinking your way through problems; it’s about experiencing change through your body. And it’s the foundation of the work I do as a Self-Leadership Coach.
What is Somatic Work?
The word somatic comes from the Greek word soma, meaning “body.” In the simplest terms, somatic work is about reconnecting with your body’s innate wisdom. Our bodies hold stories—of stress, joy, trauma, and resilience.
But in a world that often prioritizes productivity over presence, we’ve learned to ignore or suppress the messages our bodies send us. Somatic practices help us slow down, notice those messages, and move through them with awareness.
How This Shows Up In Your Life
Think about a time when you wanted to speak up for yourself but felt frozen. Maybe your shoulders tensed, your voice got quiet, or your body instinctively made you smaller.
Even though you knew what you wanted to say, something in you pulled back.
That wasn’t just hesitation—it was your nervous system’s automatic response trying to keep you safe.
This is where somatic work makes the difference. It helps you recognize these patterns in real time and gives you tools to shift how you respond—not just in your mind, but in your entire body.
Why Self-Leadership and Vulnerability?
When I say self-leadership, I’m talking about taking ownership of your life—not just the goals you set, but how you navigate your inner world. It’s about:
✨ Understanding your patterns
✨ Choosing how you respond to challenges
✨ Leading yourself with confidence and clarity.
But there’s a missing piece: vulnerability.
Without vulnerability, self-leadership can feel hollow—like you’re just checking boxes instead of creating a life that feels like yours.
For many women, the fear of vulnerability comes from years of being told to “hold it together.” To be the caretakers, the over-achievers, the ones who make everything look effortless.
But vulnerability is not weakness. It’s courage. It’s the willingness to show up as your whole self—messy, strong, and real.
And when you bring vulnerability into self-leadership, you start making choices from a place of authenticity, not just obligation.
My Journey to This Work
My own path to somatic work and coaching began with a feeling of disconnection.
I was living in my head—analyzing, overthinking, trying to control every outcome—while my body was screaming for attention.
Through movement, breathwork, and somatic practices, I learned how to listen to myself in a deeper way. I discovered how much strength and clarity come from being embodied—from aligning my thoughts, feelings, and actions.
This journey also taught me that vulnerability isn’t a liability; it’s a superpower.
When I started to embrace my own fears, insecurities, and desires, I not only felt more grounded, but I also connected with others in a more authentic way.
And that’s what I want for the women I work with—to feel connected, capable, and in charge of their own lives.
How Do You Actually Feel Different?
This is why feeling different isn’t just about mindset–it’s about practice.
If your body is used to shrinking, hiding, or reacting a certain way, no amount of self-talk will instantly change that.
✅ But learning to:
✅ Tune into your body’s signals
✅ Respond differently
✅ Practice new ways of moving
…can.
That is what somatic work is.
And you don’t have to start big. Even small shifts–like noticing tension, inviting breath, or adjusting your posture–are a step toward feeling different.
A Simple Somatic Practice to Try
Before I leave you with something to reflect on, I want to offer a small practice you can try anytime stress or overwhelm creeps in
1️⃣ Pause. Close your eyes if it feels comfortable and take a slow breath in.
2️⃣ Notice any sensations. Where do you feel tension? Is it in your chest, shoulders, stomach? What do those sensations feel like—tightness, pressure, warmth?
3️⃣ Acknowledge it. Instead of trying to push it away, simply notice it. Say to yourself, “I see you. I hear you.”
4️⃣ Invite gentle movement, if it feels right. Roll your shoulders, stretch your arms, or take a deeper breath. See if the tension shifts, even slightly. Does it soften? Does your breath feel easier?
5️⃣ Come back to this when you need it. With practice, these small, mindful check-ins help you start feeling different in your body—less tense, more aware, and more present in yourself.
A Thought to Walk Away With
Now, take a moment to consider: How often do you pause to really listen to your body? The next time you feel yourself shrinking—your shoulders rounding, your voice getting smaller, or the same old pattern creeping in—try shifting something.
✨ Take a fuller breath before speaking.
✨ Lift your head a little higher.
✨ Plant your feet firmly on the ground before answering.
These small shifts are how change happens.
Over time, they add up. They become the new normal.
And that is how you begin to feel different—not just for a moment, but in your life.
Why This Matters
When you tune into your body’s sensations rather than ignoring them, something shifts.
🌿 Your breath deepens.
🌿 Your muscles soften.
🌿 The tension that felt stuck begins to move.
This is how change happens—not just in your mind, but in your entire being.
When you start to understand these signals—and respond to them with care—you’re stepping into self-leadership.
You’re saying, “I trust myself. I can feel different. I am here for me.”
And that’s a powerful place to be.
Want to Go Deeper?
If you’re ready to reconnect with your body and experience more inner strength and calm, I’ve created a free guide to help you get started.
Download Reconnecting with Your Body: A Guide to Inner Strength and Calm here.
This guide will walk you through simple practices to tune into your body’s signals, release tension, and build a stronger connection with yourself–so you can move through life with more ease and confidence.