Introducing the 2024 Lineup of Somatic Breaks:
Essential Practices for Your Journey of Liberation and Decolonization
Welcome to the exclusive 2024 lineup of Somatic Breaks, thoughtfully curated for our paid subscribers. This year, we delve deeper into the transformative world of somatic practices, recognizing their profound impact on our journey toward liberation and decolonization. As we navigate the complex paths of personal and collective healing, integrating somatic practices becomes not just beneficial but essential. These breaks are more than mere exercises; they are gateways to enhanced self-awareness, emotional resilience, and a profound reconnection with our bodies.
In the process of decolonization, where we seek to dismantle oppressive structures and narratives, our bodies often bear the brunt of both visible and invisible scars. Somatic practices offer a path to reclaim our bodily autonomy, helping to release stored traumas and fostering a sense of empowerment. Through mindful movement, breathwork, and grounding techniques, we begin to rewrite our stories, transforming our bodies from sites of struggle to sanctuaries of strength and resilience.
This year's lineup is not just a series of exercises; it's a journey of reclamation and healing. Each session is designed to fit seamlessly into your daily routine, allowing you to access these practices regardless of your schedule's demands. For those who wish to explore further, each break provides avenues for deeper engagement, enabling a richer, more profound experience.
Join us as we embark on this journey of healing and empowerment. Together, let's explore how somatic practices can enhance our efforts in decolonization, lending strength to our voices and fluidity to our movements, as we stride towards a future where liberation is not just a dream, but a lived reality.
January - Embracing Beginnings and Self-Connection
New Year, Grounded You: Grounding techniques to start the year with stability.
Breathing into Possibility: Breathwork focusing on openness and potential.
Body Gratitude Practice: Acknowledging and thanking each body part.
Finding Rhythm: Using gentle, rhythmic movements to connect with bodily rhythms.
February - Love and Community Connection
Heart Space Visualization: Focusing on heart space for love and compassion.
Mirror Work: Practicing self-love and acceptance through mirror reflections.
Community Web Imagery: Visualizing connections to community and loved ones.
Cultivating Warmth: Generating feelings of warmth and safety within.
March - Reawakening and Growth
Embodying New Growth: Stretching and reaching movements to symbolize growth.
Nature Connection Exercise: Outdoor mindfulness to connect with nature’s cycle.
Spring Cleaning Breathwork: Breath techniques to ‘cleanse’ the mind and body.
Balancing Act: Practices for physical and emotional balance.
April - Renewal and Resilience
Rain Visualization: Using the imagery of rain for renewal and cleansing.
Root to Rise: Rooting exercises to foster a sense of resilience.
Flowing with Change: Fluid movements to embrace adaptability.
Resilient Tree Imagery: Visualizing oneself as a sturdy, resilient tree.
May - Nurturing and Growth
Sunlight Visualization: Absorbing energy and warmth from the sun.
Cultivating Inner Garden: Imagining nurturing an internal garden.
Gentle Self-Massage: Fostering self-care through touch.
Breathing with the Wind: Synchronizing breath with the natural world.
June - Reflection and Balance
Solstice Reflection: Reflecting on the year's first half.
Water Flow Exercise: Emulating the flow of water for adaptability.
Mid-Year Grounding: Re-establishing grounding and stability.
Balancing Light and Dark: Embracing duality and contrast.
July - Connection and Joy
Laughter Yoga: Incorporating laughter for joy and release.
Dancing Freedom: Free movement to express joy and release.
Celebrating Community: Visualizing and connecting with community support.
Gratitude Walk: A mindful walk focusing on gratitude.
August - Strength and Empowerment
Power Poses: Using body postures to cultivate inner strength.
Voice Empowerment: Using vocal exercises for assertiveness.
Ancestral Strength Visualization: Drawing strength from ancestors.
Boundary Setting Practice: Physical movements to assert boundaries.
September - Harvesting and Letting Go
Harvest Visualization: Acknowledging personal growth and ‘harvest’.
Leaf Falling Meditation: Letting go of what no longer serves.
Preparing for Rest: Slowing down, preparing for quieter times.
Equinox Balance: Practices to find balance as seasons change.
October - Transformation and Inner Wisdom
Shadow Work Meditation: Embracing and understanding the inner shadow.
Inner Guide Visualization: Connecting with inner wisdom.
Transformative Breathwork: Breaths symbolizing transformation.
Ancestor Connection Ritual: Honoring and connecting with lineage.
November - Gratitude and Grounding
Grounding in Gratitude: Grounding practice focused on thankfulness.
Body Scan for Thankfulness: Scanning and thanking each body part.
Nature’s Wisdom Walk: Connecting with nature’s teachings.
Community Tapestry Visualization: Seeing oneself in the tapestry of community.
December - Reflection and Release
Year-End Reflection: Reflecting on lessons and growth of the year.
Candle Light Visualization: Using candlelight for release and peace.
Solstice Silence: Silent contemplation to honor the year's darkest day.
Releasing Ritual: Physically shaking off the year's burdens.
Special Sessions (Will happen in the Make Shi(f)t Happen Online Healing community)
Full Moon Release: Aligning with the lunar cycle for release.
New Moon Intentions: Setting intentions with the new moon.
Cultural Reconnection Ritual: Reconnecting with cultural roots.
Seasonal Transition Ceremony: Marking the change of seasons with a ritual to honor and adapt to the new cycle.
These guided somatic breaks and special sessions are created to aid and incorporate a holistic approach to decolonization by integrating physical, emotional, and spiritual practices to support overall well-being and a deeper connection with oneself and the community.
With love and care,
Desireé B Stephens