Living life more embodied

You have probably heard me talk about Body Mind Centering® (BMC), how much I love it and how helpful I find it in the process of being a human being alive on planet Earth. BMC helped me in so many different ways, and I’ve seen it support the lives of many others too. Let me share with you why I love it so much.

First of all, a little bit about BMC. It was developed by somatic pioneer Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen, and is “an experiential study based on the embodiment and application of anatomical, physiological, psychophysical and developmental principles, utilizing movement, touch, voice and mind. The articulation of the body systems through the process of experiential anatomy and our early developmental patterning are the basic foundations of all of our movement, from the most simple to the most complex activities. A transformative process of movement re-education and hands on re-patterning, Body Mind Centering® also provides a sophisticated body based language for describing and analyzing movement and expression.” (from www.bonniebainbridgecohen.com)

So, why do I love BMC so much?

BMC has helped me to become much more aware of my body and to stay present to physical sensations. Through BMC practices like guided movement explorations and experiential anatomy, I've learned to listen to my body and tune in to the subtle cues and signals it sends me. This has helped me to develop much deeper body awareness and a greater understanding of how my body functions.

It literally brings me back into my body, and grounds me in the here and now. It supports me gaining a sense of safety in being present in my own body, and to experience security in the present moment. This allows past connections of alarm, unsafety, fight or flight, or any trauma related connections from the past to dissipate and lose importance in my own inner making. The more I experience myself physically present and the more time I spend rooted right here right now, the more new neurological pathways develop that take over the old ones associated with pain or dysfunction. This is the powerful work of somatics.

As someone who spent a lot of my first decades in life experiencing dissociation, and hypersensitivity to the environment, BMC has been fundamental in my journey to being present in my body, building a physical sense of safety and containment, and in giving me ways to come back to the body when my attention wanders off.

But BMC isn't just about physical awareness - it's also about emotional and psychological awareness. By exploring the different layers of the body and how they relate to our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs, I've gained a greater understanding of myself and my inner world. BMC has helped me to identify and work through patterns of tension or holding in my body that are related to past emotional experiences, and to release those patterns through movement, touch, inner connection, and a wide range of somatic practices.

Another reason why I love BMC is that it's a very mindful and curiosity based approach to movement. Rather than focusing on achieving a particular pose or choreography, BMC encourages exploration and improvisation, allowing us to discover new and unique movement patterns that feel good in our bodies. I love the sense of freedom and creativity that comes with BMC practice, and how they allow me to connect with my body in a simple and joyful way. It helps me feel at home in myself.

BMC takes us into the exploration of the journey since conception to embryo to baby to child to adult + the journey of movement and body adaptation through the species.

For me the connection with the earlier stages of my life has been fundamental in understanding and knowing myself better, while integrating everything that’s been part of my life, and exploring the freedom that comes with a present where that integration is embodied.

I appreciate this work so much in the way it supports the physical felt experience as an important piece in doing my inner work. And I love to travel through the movements still present in me that are the predominant movements of other species. I find it so incredible to feel in my body the flow and movement of evolution. It brings such an expanded embodied sense of perspective.

To trust the body it helps to know the body really well

BMC has helped me to become more embodied and present in my daily life. I've learned to be more mindful and attentive to my body and my physical environment, and to cultivate a sense of presence and groundedness in the present moment. It’s been an essential piece in integrating all past experience, and in knowing myself more intimatelly. This has had a profound impact on my overall sense of well-being and has helped me to navigate the challenges of daily life with greater ease and joy.

If you are interested in exploring BMC, I highly recommend finding a qualified practitioner or teacher who can guide you through the practices and help you to discover the many benefits of this amazing approach to movement and embodiment.

If you want to have BMC as part of an integrated practice of psychotherapy, you can book a session with me here.

I wish you a lot of joy and pleasurable embodiment as you journey with this beautiful practice! May it be supportive to your path.