Written by Samantha Howes, Life Coach
Samantha Howes, founder of Athalia Restoration, and I, Samantha Sphinx, help others transform their lives and homes. Her diverse experiences fuel her passion for restoring lives and creating sustainable futures for all humanity.
In a world that often demands constant productivity and external validation, the art of self-compassion and inner healing can feel like a distant dream. Yet within each of us lies a profound well of resilience and power, waiting to be tapped. This journey of self-discovery and healing begins with cultivating self-compassion and understanding how to regulate our somatic system, the intricate network connecting our mind and body.
The foundation: Self-compassion
Self-compassion is not self-pity or self-indulgence. It's the practice of treating yourself with the same kindness, understanding, and acceptance you would offer a dear friend facing hardship. It's recognizing that suffering is a shared human experience and that you are worthy of care and support, especially from yourself. Here's how to cultivate self-compassion:
Mindful self-awareness: Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Notice when you're being harsh or critical and gently redirect your inner dialogue.
Common mumanity: Remember that everyone struggles. You are not alone in your experiences. Acknowledge that imperfections and difficulties are part of being human.
Self-kindness: Treat yourself with gentleness and understanding. Speak to yourself with compassion, as you would to someone you deeply care about.
The body's language: Somatic regulation
Our bodies hold a wealth of information about our emotional and psychological states. The somatic system, which includes the nervous system, muscles, and organs, is our body's way of communicating stress, trauma, and unresolved emotions. Learning to regulate this system is crucial for healing. Here's how to connect with and regulate your somatic system:
Grounding techniques: When feeling overwhelmed, try grounding techniques like:
Feel your feet firmly on the ground.
Noticing five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste.
Engaging in slow, deep breathing.
Body awareness: Pay attention to sensations in your body. Notice tension, tightness, or discomfort and gently explore these sensations without judgment.
Movement and somatic practices: Engage in activities that promote body awareness and release tension:
Yoga or tai chi.
Dance or mindful movement.
Somatic experiencing or other body-centered therapies.
Vagal nerve stimulation: The vagus nerve plays a key role in regulating the nervous system. Stimulate it through:
Deep, slow breathing.
Humming or singing.
Cold water exposure.
The synergy of self-compassion and somatic healing
When self-compassion and somatic regulation work in tandem, they create a powerful force for healing. By treating ourselves with kindness and understanding, we create a safe space for our bodies to release stored tension and trauma. Here’s how they work together:
Self-compassion reduces the internal critic, allowing the somatic system to relax.
Somatic practices help release physical tension, which can alleviate emotional distress.
By connecting with our bodies, we learn to trust our intuition and inner wisdom.
By combining the two, you can start to feel safe within your own body.
Finding your power within
Healing is not a linear process. It requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to embrace vulnerability. By cultivating self-compassion and learning to regulate your somatic system, you can unlock your inner power and create a life of greater peace, resilience, and well-being.
Remember, the power to heal lies within you. No one can love you the way you do! You are the light; shine bright!
Read more from Samantha Howes
Samantha Howes, Life Coach
Samantha Howes is unapologetically candid and empowers others to transform their lives and homes to improve their overall quality of life. Her diverse background, spanning healthcare, fitness, interior design, home renovation, and DIY, fuels her passion for guiding individuals toward healthier, more fulfilling lives. She's dedicated to restoring lives and homes. Connect to learn more.
