Embodied Self Awareness

“Only human beings have come to a point where they no longer know why they exist. They have forgotten the secret knowledge of their bodies, their senses, their dreams.” (Lame Deer & Erodes, 1972, p157)

Embodied self awareness can be seen as a “returning home to belonging within oneself”.

Self inquiry, self knowledge and self observation, done through moment by moment attention, can lead to a process of self healing. Connecting and integrating the mind and body is essential to achieving an embodied self awareness.

Human beings have an innate self healing capacity and are able to tap into this through presence, acceptance and judgement. Paying attention to the felt-sense rather than purely cognition (thoughts, patterns, planning, concepts, behaviours).

Embodied Self Awareness Practice

Introception: Self awareness related to body sensations (tingling, softness, dizziness)

Proprioception: Self awareness related to movement

Body Schema: Size, shape and location of our bodies

• Self inquiry/observation/acceptance

• Self compassion

• Present moment awareness

• Non-judgment

• Attunement to self

• Felt-sense (body and sensation awareness)

• Focusing on the breath

Benefits of Embodied Self Awareness

• Self healing and empowerment

• Celebration of Self

• Tension release (physical and mental)

• Mental clarity

• Stillness and calming the mind

• Deep relaxation

• An inner sense of knowing

• Feeling more grounded and present in the world

Exercises:

• Mindfulness practice

• Yoga & Meditation

• Sensory art making

Resources:

Book: Body Sense: The Science and Practice of Embodied Self‑Awareness, Alan Fogel

Book: The Embodied Self: Movement and Psychoanalysis - Katya Bloom