Finding Calm Amidst Chaos:

A Somatic Exercise for Emotional Relief

Staying grounded amidst a world full of chaos is a daunting task but a much needed one. On Sundays I like to provide a somatic break to reset your body mind and soul.

With social media allowing us 24/7 access to the globe (which as humans and living beings we have never had) we are exposed to real time views of extreme chaos, violence and sounds of terrors that is creating an entirely new human collective consciousness and experience.

Exposure to distressing images like those from war, enslavement, child trafficking, and so forth; is and should be deeply unsettling and will activate a range of emotions and trigger past traumas that you may be unaware you even had. (You would be surprised how many of the global majority grew up or fled war zones) So it is vital to take moments to sit, pause, reflect and ground onesself to be able to carry on.

This world and very specifically America saw a shift in collective consciousness during the Vietnam war as it was the first war televised. That exposure brought war into peoples living room at dinner time to sit in the shock and terror of what all to many around the globe are aware of in daily life. With that there was a severe morale drop in the myth of American exceptionlsm as well as a much needed distrust of the Government.

Today we are seeing yet another collective shift now with the ability and access and having real time, first hand POV within a device in our pockets. May this shift bring us to collective solidarity as well to dismantle violent governments and regimes that are exploiting the people and her lands.

That all being said; It is imperative that deep self care and awareness is happening so that you don’t look away, so that you don’t burn out so that when you do burn out you have a practice in place so we can bring forth a new world of collective liberation through decolonization and whole self healing.

With that being said, here is your Sunday Somatic break:

This somatic exercise is designed to help process these feelings and foster a sense of safety and calm.

Somatic Exercise: Grounding and Releasing

Objective:

This exercise aims to help release the stress and emotional burden that can come from exposure to distressing images, grounding you in the present moment and helping to restore a sense of inner peace.

Duration:

15-20 minutes

Preparation:

• Choose a quiet, safe space where you feel comfortable and won't be disturbed.

• Have a comfortable place to sit or lie down.

• Optionally, have a blanket or a comforting item (like a soft pillow or a soothing object to hold).

Guidance:

1. Setting the Intent:

•    Begin by acknowledging your intent to release the distress and emotional weight you're carrying. Recognize that it's okay to feel affected by what you've seen.

2. Finding a Comfortable Position:

•    Sit or lie down in a comfortable position. If sitting, keep your feet flat on the ground. If lying down, feel free to stretch out in a way that feels natural and relaxing.

3. Conscious Breathing:

•    Close your eyes, if comfortable, and turn your attention to your breath. Take slow, deep breaths, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth.

•    With each exhale, imagine releasing tension, stress, and disturbing images, as if they're flowing out with your breath.

4. Body Grounding:

•    Place one hand on your heart and the other on your abdomen. Feel the rhythm of your heartbeat and the rise and fall of your belly with each breath. This physical connection can help bring you back to the present moment.

5. Sensory Awareness:

•    Gradually shift your focus to your senses. Notice five things you can hear, four things you can feel (like the chair or floor beneath you), three things you can see (with eyes open or in your imagination), two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste.

•    This sensory grounding can help anchor you in the here and now, away from the distressing images.

6. Visualization for Release:

•    Imagine a safe, peaceful place. This could be a real or imagined location. Visualize yourself in this place, feeling safe and at ease.

•    Envision a gentle wave of light or energy washing over you, carrying away the distress and leaving a sense of calm and tranquility.

7. Gentle Movement (Optional):

•    If it feels right, incorporate some gentle movement, like slowly rocking your body or stretching your arms and legs. This can help to release stored tension.

8. Closing the Exercise:

•    Take a few more deep, grounding breaths.

•    When you feel ready, gently open your eyes (if they were closed) and take a moment to come back to your surroundings.

•    Reflect on how your body feels now compared to before the exercise.

Remember, it's normal to be affected by distressing images, and taking the time to care for your emotional and physical well-being after such exposure is important. This exercise is a way to honor that need for care and grounding.