With somatic movement, we discover ourselves and cultivate compassion. We discover how our body is showing up, where it is tight, where it is in pain or discomfort. Somatic movement asks us to notice, without judgement, where our body is at.
So what is judgement of our body? It's the story we tell ourselves when we notice something we dislike about ourselves. In a somatic movement context this can be stories we tell ourselves about how our body should be somehow different to what we are perceiving. We tell stories about how we should be more flexible, or have 'better' posture, or shouldn't be in pain. We lament getting older and stiffer as if we'd like to be some place else in our life other than where we are.
If you resonate with any of those sentiments, then notice the word 'should' in all of those statements. Inherent in the word 'should' is a judgement, a comparison of what and where you are to what and where you think is better.
When we notice without judgement can we allow ourselves the space to explore. If we had no ideal, no ideas of what we would like to be, then we can be a blank canvas to notice how we are showing up at this time. In this space of acceptance you allow possibility. Instead of pushing to be something different, you can allow space for change to be discovered.
So when you notice that you are tense, tight, stiff, in pain or discomfort, take a moment to ask yourself, 'how do I feel about that?', followed by 'why do I feel that way?' You may be surprised to uncover some things that you weren't aware of in your thoughts about yourself. At the end of the day, you can feel however you like about anything you perceive. There's no rule that says you have to feel bad about getting older, or feel inadequate for being inflexible, stiff or in discomfort. None of those things are inherently true, only if you decide that they are for you.
After enquiring and gaining awareness you can make a decision to choose different thoughts, or if that's not possible right now, just notice and go about your day with a new recognition that you understand yourself that little bit more. However, judging yourself for where you are and how your body shows up will not help you explore and re-pattern your movements. That's why cultivating a mindset of just noticing where you are at will be central to your practice. Go easy on yourself, we're all human and we've all got our stories, no one is perfect and perfection is not required.