Resting into the New Year
There are numerous holidays celebrated by many throughout the months of November and December. During this fast-paced, stress-ridden period, we often forget to or forgo giving our bodies the attention and care they truly deserve. It is easy to believe the fallacy that we will rest once all our tasks are completed or we need to work more to “earn” the rest our bodies and souls require.
As we welcome in the New Year, a time where society tells us we “need” to set goals to accomplish in the next twelve months, I encourage us all to pause, take a deep breath, and reflect on what it would mean to rest into this moment and simply exist without needing to move onto the next thing. Somatic healing and mindful rest are two invaluable tools that can help us reconnect with our bodies and encourage us resting into the New Year.
Somatic Healing
Somatic healing is a holistic approach to healing and self-discovery that focuses on the body's wisdom. The term "somatic" refers to the lived experience of the body, encompassing not just the physical sensations but also the emotions and thoughts tied to those sensations. Somatic healing believes that the body stores memories of the past, and by paying close attention to bodily sensations and movement, we can release these stored tensions and cultivate healing.
Mindful Rest
Mindful rest is an essential aspect of somatic healing. It involves intentionally slowing down and paying full attention to the present moment. This practice allows your body and mind to rest, recover, and rejuvenate. In the context of somatic healing, mindful rest helps you develop a deeper awareness of your body, uncover hidden tensions, and invite healing processes.
Practical Steps for Somatic Healing and Mindful Rest
Breath Awareness: Start with focusing on your breath. Take a few minutes each day to simply sit or lie down and follow the rise and fall of your breath. This simple act can help calm your nervous system and create a strong mind-body connection.
Body Scan: Regularly perform a body scan. Begin at your toes and work your way up to your head, paying attention to any areas of tension or discomfort. As you identify these areas, breathe into them, allowing them to release and relax.
Movement Practices: Incorporate gentle movement practices like gentle stretching or yoga into your routine. These activities encourage you to move your body mindfully, promote care, and relieve stored tension.
Mindful Rest Rituals: Establish rituals that encourage rest and relaxation. This can include warm baths, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, or any activity that allows you to disengage from the stresses of daily life.
Journaling: Keep a somatic journal to document your experiences with mindful rest and somatic healing. This will help you track your process and gain insights into how your body responds to different practices.
Professional Support: Sometimes, somatic healing might involve working with a somatic therapist and/or yoga teachers to support you in your somatic exploration and healing process.
In the New Year, my hope for you is that you have time to pause, slow down, experience greater softness, and enhance connectedness to yourself and others. As always, your journey is a personal one, and there is no right or wrong way to approach it. What matters is a commitment to collective care, cultivating connection, having the courage to embrace the wisdom your body holds. Wishing you more love, softness, and healing in 2024!
Interested in working with Kelsey? Connect with her at KelseySchroeder@RoomToBreatheChicago.Com.