SOMATICS
Slowing down. Listening in. Exploring from within.
Somatics is a practice of movement and stillness in which we learn to sense and understand ourselves from the inside out. Through slow, mindful movement and sensory awareness, we develop a more nuanced sense of our moment-to-moment experience - noticing habitual patterns, exploring tension and discovering new possibilities for movement and rest.
My teaching is rooted in Hanna Somatic Education and informed by my wider study of developmental movement, particularly Body-Mind Centering, alongside Bartenieff Fundamentals, Feldenkrais and the Yoga teaching of Donna Farhi.
The word soma refers to the living body as we experience it from within. Somatics is an approach to movement that places this first-person experience at the centre of the practice.
Rather than focusing on how a movement looks, we pay attention to how it feels. We might explore a small movement, notice where there is effort or ease, or become aware of habitual ways of holding or moving that have become so familiar we barely notice them.
Through this process, we can begin to recognise patterns of tension and develop greater sensitivity to the relationship between movement, sensation, breath and our wider experience. It’s an opportunity to become more familiar with the body’s own language, with curiosity rather than judgement.
What is Somatics?
what happens in a somatics class?
Somatics is mostly floor-based, with much of the practice taking place lying on your back or side. Movements are generally slow and small, with plenty of time to pause, sense and notice what’s happening.
You’ll often be guided through questions and suggestions, rather than simply being shown what to do. There’s no need to get things right or keep up with anyone else. The invitation is to develop your own awareness and find a pace and range of movement that feels appropriate for you.
For many people, Somatics offers a way into the meditative state, finding stillness and presence through movement and sensation, particularly when sitting still feels difficult because of restlessness, discomfort or pain.
Who is it for?
Somatics can be explored by people with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You might be:
Living with persistent pain, tension or restricted movement, and curious about a different way of working with your body.
Experiencing fatigue, stress or overwhelm, and looking for a quieter, less demanding form of movement.
Recovering from injury or finding that your body has changed through illness, pregnancy, ageing or other life experiences.
An experienced Yoga or movement practitioner wanting to develop greater sensitivity and understanding.
Drawn to meditation, but finding it easier to settle into stillness through movement and sensation than through sitting quietly.
Simply curious about your body, and interested in a slower, more inward practice.
You don’t need previous experience of Yoga, Somatics or meditation. The movements can be adapted, and you’re encouraged to work within your own comfortable range. If you have particular health concerns or significant movement restrictions, you’re welcome to get in touch to discuss whether the classes are likely to be suitable.
ways to explore somatics
group somatics
Slow, exploratory, floor-based classes in a shared space. An opportunity to develop awareness, explore habitual patterns of tension and experience the restorative quality of moving and resting.
one-to-one somatics
Individual sessions shaped around a person's needs, experiences and intentions, with time and space to explore movement, sensation and patterns in more depth.
curious to find out more?
You’re very welcome to get in touch if you have any questions about Somatics or which option might be right for you