Why Embodiment is Key to Freedom

Embodiment is our ability to learn to be fully present and comfortable in our own body.

There is our own body that we are being called to ground in and there is also the land and the earth that is calling us to pay attention to what supports our life force. 

As above, so below is a theme for anyone who is tuned into the intelligence of nature, including our own. “The sea is only the embodiment of a supernatural and wonderful existence. It is nothing but love and emotion; it is the “Living Infinite,” according to author Jules Verne. 

This is a time to connect with what feels healthy and reclaim our power, vitality and energy. 

A State of Mind + A State of Heart

We are surrounded by theories, philosophies and stories. Do we really need more theory? Maybe our turning point in life right now is one of feeling more of our own truth. Coming to terms not with what we do but how we practice and live. 

This is a time to take impeccable care of our bodies and you will be hearing more and more talk about the importance of embodiment. And what is meant by this is moving beyond the knowing of the mind and also anchoring practice and movement into our being. In essence, being grounded in our physical body in a very practical way.

Being in touch with how our body reacts to situations allows us to experience our deep truth. And so many people are starting to understand that being healthy means taking care of our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual body—holistically. 

And when we do, we are in touch with not only our own nervous system but also our energy. We understand what depletes us and what fuels us. What feels heavy and what feels light. What scares us and what embraces us. 

Embodiment is Wholeness

When we understand that we have a switch that we can choose to navigate, we enter a turning point in life. Because then we look at our relationships, our work, our lives. We get in tune with what energizes us in the morning, whether we take on the problems and struggles of others, where we are overwhelmed and where we are at peace. It is all an expression of what we create.

Every thought that enters our minds like it’s going to be an amazing day or dreading what is on the agenda is a turning point in life—an energetic consumption. This is why often we hear people say, “be careful what you wish for” especially in a negative state of mind. But when we live in awareness and are conscious, we understand that we can navigate ourselves in healthier ways. 

What matters most is our ability to be present in this moment. And, see it as an opportunity to understand not only what is holding us back but to understand where we may be stuck.

When we are in touch with the messages our bodies constantly send us, we get in touch with our discomfort and can shift our energy. We may not know with our mind, but our bodies never lie. When all our attention is in the mind, we may ignore the feelings in our body and be dis-embodied. 

Trusting Ourselves

And this is why no one is an expert of our lives. No one really can know us as we can know ourselves should we choose to move into full embodiment. How secure and safe we feel is up to us and not some external wizard who preaches the secrets to life. 

We’re not having a crappy day because of the weather or because someone wronged us. Blaming people, the weather or our circumstances for how we feel is a bit insane. We have opportunities to choose how we react. 

Our internal navigation system is available to us 24/7 and is a part of us that we learn to trust. We are always at some turning point in life. If we weren’t, we wouldn’t be truly alive. In nature, change is natural and is made up of flows. Our natural state is one of change and transformation.

Navigating with Embodiment

Some practical in-sights on our freedom and turning point and please add your own:

• Be gentle with yourself; forgiveness is a form of letting go
• Embody your whole self  
• Begin by speaking your truth to yourself; listening is an art
• Understand what energizes you and when you can dim the switch on distraction or drama that depletes
• Connect with healthy people, food, movement, situations and work that lift you up
• Choose consciously; in high awareness

“Fear is the lock and laughter the key to your heart.”—Crosby, Stills and Nash