By Noemí Gutiérrez Valdés
Once upon a time, a curious girl found herself in a magical forest, protected by a pack of elephants and wolves. She felt a deep sense of safety and was ready to explore the world, uncovering new joys along the way. This image stayed with me after the final session of the “Awakening the Body: Introduction to Somatic Contemplation” workshop by Joanna Samona, where I began exploring the connection between my mind and body.
For the last five years, I have been a PhD researcher in Plant Biotechnology in Finland, focusing on developing medicines from plants. Over the past year and a half, I have been more actively committed to maintaining a balanced approach to my mental health.
Discovering MIELI Without Borders
The journey began at a networking event last spring, where Hope Makara introduced the mental health activities and events promoted by MIELI Without Borders. Intrigued by the potential benefits, I decided to participate in their workshop facilitated by Joana Samona from her company Expanding Intimacy and sponsored by Citizen’s Forum.
The Workshop Experience
The workshop was structured as a series of three two-hour sessions held over three Saturdays in May (4, 11, and 18 May 2024). Each session focused on different aspects of somatic practices, emphasizing the connection between the mind and body.
Session 1: Getting in Tune with the Body
The first session introduced the concept of interoception, which involves paying attention to internal and external body sensations. Guided practices helped participants notice sensations like temperature and pressure. For someone with little prior knowledge of somatic theories, this session was enlightening, highlighting how often body signals are overlooked.
Session 2: Understanding the Nervous System
The second session explored the polyvagal theory, explaining how the nervous system affects emotions and behavior. Participants learned to recognize stress signals and techniques to return to a calm state, or simply recognizing our different states and embracing them. This session emphasized the importance of bodily awareness, revealing that most information processing occurs in the body rather than the brain.
Session 3: Finding Strength in Imagery
The final session featured e.g., a visualization exercise to find sources of strength and support. As part of my practice, my mind imagined a protective forest with wolves and elephants, bringing a profound sense of empowerment and reinforcing the idea that strength can be drawn from both internal and external resources.
Reflections and Moving Forward
These sessions arrived at a crucial time as I prepared for my PhD defense. They underscored the need to balance mental exertions with bodily awareness. The tools and insights from the workshop are now part of my daily routine, fostering a healthier balance between mental and physical well-being.
The Impact on Well-being
Despite my limited prior knowledge of somatic practices, this workshop allowed for an open-minded exploration of bodily communication, highlighting the importance of integrating somatic practices into daily life and emphasizing the connection between mind and body. I plan to add nourishing practices like daily meditation, a weekly sauna session, and more singing to my life.
For those interested in enhancing their mental health, this workshop offers a valuable introduction to somatic practices. It sets the stage for a more balanced and mindful life, much like the curious girl in the forest, feeling protected and ready to explore the world.
You can learn more about services and workshops by Joanna Samona from her website. https://www.expandingintimacy.com/ and you can also follower her on Instagram at @expandingintimacy.
If you want to learn more about Citizen Forum’s activities, you can read about them here.
Thank you and don’t forget to like and follow MIELI Without Borders for more information and events on how to care for your mental well-being.
