Therapy ~ EMDR ~ Consulting
Somatic Consciousness
Q: What is Somatic Consciousness?
A: Somatization generally refers to when a person's psychological discomfort is expressed in the body as a physical complaint (two common examples are: I'm stressed at work and I get a headache, I'm afraid of talking in front of an audience and get diarrhea, or I'm feeling butterflies in my stomach as I think about ..."). Somatic is a Greek word that means relating to the body and consciousness is really about being aware. Thus, "Somatic Consciousness" is just a general term I use to describe how you can become more mindful and present in your body, to your visceral sensations and feelings. When you learn to be yourself, to be genuine and really IN the moment, you can observe and participate in the process without becoming emotionally overwhelmed.
Self Awareness is a journey that asks you to focus on being PRESENT in the MOMENT. Practicing in your daily life the tasks of paying attention, asking questions, acknowledging and surrendering to reality as it is, making choices and accepting consequences.
This is not an easy path and it takes courage to embark on the road of discovery. You won't do this perfectly. With consistent practice you'll make progress though.
Learning about who you REALLY are, and not who you think you are based on what others have told you and that you have automatically believed is a goal of psychotherapy, which is just one of many tools that can be used to helping you discover your true self, become more aware of the lies that keep you stuck and challenge you to change what you can. The journey becomes the focus, and the process becomes the learning.
Staying with your thoughts and feelings is the first, and most important step, to learning about who you really are. Otherwise, it's virtually impossible to get to know yourself. How can you change what you don't know needs changing!?
Free to Be!
Now, just because it's serious business to self-evolve, doesn't mean that we can't have some fun along the way. After all, we humans can be funny beings.
Mr. Miyagi: “First wash all cars, then wax. Remember deal: no questions. Wax on, right hand, wax off, left hand. Breathe in through nose, out of mouth, don't forget to breathe, very important.” ~ Weintraub, J. (Producer), & Avildsen, J.G. (Director). (1984). The Karate Kid [Motion picture]. United States: Delphi Films, Columbia Pictures Corporation.
“Learning is movement from moment to moment.” ~ Krishnamurti
"If while washing dishes, we think only of the cup of tea that awaits us, thus hurrying to get the dishes out of the way as if they were a nuisance, then we are not "washing the dishes to wash the dishes." What's more, we are not alive during the time we are washing the dishes. In fact we are completely incapable of realizing the miracle of life while standing at the sink. If we can't wash the dishes, the chances are we won't be able to drink our tea either. While drinking the cup of tea, we will only be thinking of other things, barely aware of the cup in our hands. Thus we are sucked away into the future -- and we are incapable of actually living one minute of life." ~ Thích Nhất Hạnh (1999). The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation. Beacon Press: Boston.
Email Anna
4202 N. 32nd. Street. | Bldg 1, Ste. J.
Phoenix, AZ 85018
Serving: Phoenix, Scottsdale, Cave Creek, Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, Glendale, Surprise, Avondale, Goodyear
In the case of a LIFE-THREATENING
emergency ALWAYS call 911 first.
Disclaimer: Any and all website information is not intended to replace professional consultation. Information listed is intended only to provide information and as a courtesy for informational and educational purposes. The Practice of counseling means the direct application of professional counseling techniques, which includes the use of psychotherapy for the purpose of diagnosis, evaluation and treatment in individuals, couples, families and groups. Listings at this site do not necessarily constitute promotion. If you would like to be considered for inclusion,please send an email to SANE Resources Web Administrators would appreciate your letting them know if you find any incorrect / outdated information listed on this page! THANKS.
Copyright (c) 1994-2008 Anna Valenti-Anderson. All Rights Reserved.
