The difference between traditional and somatic yoga
I often get asked what somatic yoga is. Somatic yoga is becoming more widely known. And somatic therapeutic approaches are really taking off as we begin to understand and appreciate how important it is to integrate our whole body as well as the mind.
But what are the differences between somatic yoga and traditional yoga? Well, they aren’t as pronounced as you might have been led to believe.
Traditional Yoga
Traditional Hatha yoga focuses on the eight limbs of yoga that includes the physical postures, commonly referred to as asanas, along with breathing techniques known as pranayama, and incorporates meditation (dhyana).
In the West, we tend to focus more on these aspects of yoga but in essence, the physical postures in yoga are part of a system of eight limbs or practices that has the aim of integration with the higher Self.
In this way, traditional yoga is very much aligned with practices like IFS (Internal Family Systems) which help us heal our wounded parts and make a greater, more loving connection to Self.
I feel that yoga has become more about the physical postures and less about a way of living that is healing and helps us align spiritually. Yoga that we may experience at the gym or in some classes has become more about how well we do the physical postures themselves.
Somatic Yoga
Somatic yoga prioritises the internal experience of the body over the external form and appearance of movement.
It encourages us to develop a heightened sense of self-awareness and to tune into our bodily sensations.
This practice incorporates gentle and mindful movements that help to release tension and facilitate a deeper, more meaningful connection with our body. The emphasis here is on awareness and personal experience rather than strict adherence to specific postures. I feel somatic yoga can be a little more accessible because it’s bringing in awareness of the nervous system, and a sense of down-regulation to bring peace and calm.
Somatic yoga seeks to promote healing and emotional release, allowing us to explore our unique movement patterns, ultimately facilitating a sense of ease and freedom within our bodies. Which actually isn’t that different to traditional yoga asana, which were designed to help us move more fluidly so we could meditate with more ease.
Either practice, when explored in its fullest sense of what a yogic way of living really is, can help us connect more to Self. Live a life that feels more authentic and spiritual if that is what you are seeking.
My Take On Living a Peaceful Life
I tend to use a somatic approach in my classes and in my own practice because I am specifically trying to support integration of body and mind. And access that greater sense of Self.
There are also other practices we can bring to help ourselves life a more peaceful life. These are my interpretations of living a yogic way of life:
Selfless Service - trying to find the joy in even the smallest most mundane daily tasks
Meditation - spending time in nature, contemplation, and connecting to inner peace
Nourishment - eating fresh nourishing food, lots of water, herbal tea, and mushrooms
Healing relationship with Self - spending time with my parts, working on connection to Self
Co-regulation with others - kindness, understanding and generosity
Breathing - using breath to support my nervous system
Movement - moving my body as much as possible every day, in both deliberate ways (yoga asanas) and freely (going for a walk)
If you are interested in exploring somatic yoga practices, you can join one of my classes.
