It may seem strange to talk about embodiment as sacred. For those who grew up with various religious backgrounds, the body itself was often seen as anything but sacred. In my experience, attending a strict Catholic school, the body was regarded as sinful, and any connection with it was frowned upon. As a young girl, I vowed to become a nun, yet despite my mental devotion, I found the body to be, well, interesting. You know what I mean; all teenagers eventually learn that bodies can be pleasurable. Despite my early programming and adherence to Catholic dictates, I knew deep down that connecting with our bodies was important.
As a young Catholic girls, we were instructed to never touch our bodies, except when absolutely necessary, like during a bath or shower, and always using a giant sponge, similar to those used for washing cars. Yes, really! I followed this rule until my parents, who weren't as religious as I was, found it odd that several car-washing sponges were in the bathroom.
We were also taught to cover our bodies completely, revealing only our hands and face, emulating the nuns in their full habits. This made trips into town, especially in the summer heat, quite uncomfortable, but I was determined to get it right as I prepared for the convent. Ironically, years later, I became a massage therapist, touching bodies for a living, but that's another story altogether.
The point I want to make is that I did not conclude that embodiment was sacred through my religion, schooling or socialization but through my own experience. I became aware of the power of tuning into our innate body wisdom. The power of trusting one's gut to make decisions in life. The amazing things the body can do without our conscious control, like breathing, maintaining a heartbeat, and the magic of cellular respiration. Yet, it was not just how amazing the body was but that when we connect with our bodies, life feels more alive, authentic, and passionate.
The language of the body is sensation, and feelings manifest as bodily sensations. You've likely felt the heat of anger or passion, the butterflies in your belly when excited, or the paralysis of fear. Our bodies and minds are intricately connected. Not only does our body communicate our feelings to us, but our thoughts also send messages to our bodies, reflected in our physical state. Think of how a fearful thought can cause your body to react or how happiness can uplift your posture and make you feel buoyant. The relationship and communication between mind and body are bidirectional.
So, how do you tune into what your body has to say? For me, it was subtle. Initially, I felt victimized by my multiple sensitivities. My body seemed to react to every food, sound, and person I didn't feel comfortable around. I wanted to rid myself of this sensitivity and just be like other non-sensitive people. But it wasn't in the cards for me. I was unique, highly sensitive, and very kinesthetic. In other words, I lived my life through my bodily experience. I felt best when moving, singing, writing, and using my body to express myself.
As I realized this connection, I became curious about my relationship with my body. Were we friends, enemies, or somewhere in between? I concluded we were acquaintances. It seemed odd since I lived in my body—it is my home, so to speak. But yes, we were acquaintances. I knew my body was there, as it had a lot to say, but I wasn't always sure what it was saying, especially the deeper messages.
My curiosity led me to embark on an extensive journey that spanned decades. Commencing as a massage therapist to offer solace for both physical and emotional well-being, I progressed into a somatic movement therapist and later a somatic psychologist and mind-body coach. My passion strengthened the connection between the body and the mind. This exploration deepened my understanding of this intricate relationship and how nurturing it can lead to wholeness, authenticity, and embracing our unique path in life.
It has been my honor to support others in discovering the messages their bodies hold and the gift of creating a truly remarkable relationship between body, mind, and spirit. And for this reason, I affirm that the body is indeed sacred and an essential part of our spiritual journey on this earth.
What is your relationship with your body? Are you interested in strengthening that bond to improve health, intuition, authenticity, and wholeness? For more information or to schedule a session, please visit: https://www.dranyahricko.com/services
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