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What is an Embodied Life?
Embodiment might be a word that is familiar or totally foreign to you. This area is often ignored, misunderstood, or devalued in many parts of our social world. As it relates to people and well-being, embodiment explores how we experience our bodies.
The Many Perspectives
There are many ideas about the significance of our bodies and what role they play in our lives, identity, and healing. This conversation about embodiment has been going on throughout history. Are our bodies of little significance, as Descartes suggests in his principle “I think, therefore I am”? Is it possible to separate our thoughts, emotions, and sensations or are these innately connected? How do our bodies respond to trauma and stress? Why do we sometimes feel distant or unable to connect with our bodies?
Reading about this now, you might notice how the many perspectives about embodiment have impacted your life. You also might remember your own experiences of your body that have impacted you.
Why is it important?
Joining this conversation about embodiment is important because it influences our lives in many ways, potentially without us realizing this. If how we relate to our bodies results in a fragmented, restrained, or damaging experience over time, then perhaps there are other approaches we can take. It’s also crucial to acknowledge how our experience of our bodies is shaped by the systems around us and ongoing discrimination. You may have learned that some bodies are accepted more than others or that only some ways of moving in your body are welcomed. Embodiment doesn’t happen in a vacuum, and for you this may have meant internalizing vibrant affirmation or shame-filled judgment.
Where to go from here?
In an area where there is so much to be explored, learned, and experienced, it can be difficult to know where to go with embodied living. This also is a gift, as you get to decide along the way what this journey will look like for you and what connecting (or reconnecting) with your body means. Maybe this means you:
- notice the signals your body is sending
- get curious about what your body needs
- move your body more in activities like dance, yoga, or play
- reflect on your personal embodiment perspective
- practice gratitude for all the hard work your body is doing for you.
Noticing what options feel right for your body can take time, there is no need to rush movement toward wholeness.
Here are Some Additional Resources for More Information:
Further resources:
If you are looking to connect further or receive support around an embodied life, or other supports, please get in touch with us at 250-718-9291 or email us at info@okclinical.com.
If you are interested in specialized services, our team is here to help those explore what an embodied life can look like through programs in our counselling services. You can also refer to our General Counselling Services, our Types of Therapy or visit our booking page here
- The Wisdom of Your Body: Finding Healing, Wholeness, and Connection through Embodied Living by Dr. Hillary McBride
- Return to Rhythm: Learn Your Nervous System Rhythm to Restore Resilience in Your Body, Deepen Your Relationships, and Ignite and Embodied Spiritual Awakening by Elena Dominguez
- Somatic Internal Family Systems Therapy by Susan McConnell
Written by: Emily Beckett, Practicum Student
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