Can somatic movement make us better conversationalists?

It can be challenging to have interesting conversations with others when many of us are living much smaller lives than before. Yet a recent Globe and Mail article, talking about the mundane or nothing, really made me realize there’s a lot we can learn from greater inner awareness. It’s that inside-out experience that can turn those conversations into meaningful experiences and become a high point of our days.

In somatic movement, it starts with mindful, inside-out muscle awareness. When we look inward and really sense and feel our bodies, we start to just live in the moment. It’s that practice that allows us to release and lengthen tight muscles, reduce aches and pains naturally with the dual result of calmer, more centered lives.

For most of us, the pandemic has been challenging and at times sad. It has also been a gift in that we can take the time to slow down, become more mindful, and have even better conversations. Clinical psychologist John Eastwood gives this wonderful advice: 

“If we use our enforced downtime for some careful self-discovery there is suddenly a wellspring of things we can share with our friends. Pre-pandemic, we were on autopilot. So luxuriate in daydreaming and mind-wandering because it can be a wellspring of creativity. Share with the people you are close to, what is going on in your inner life.”

Allow yourself to slow down, move inward, and take the time without guilt or remorse. Somatic movement is a great way to do that and better understand the mind-body connection.

For new and more experienced somatic movers, here’s a 10-minute morning wake up audio movement sequence. Who knows, maybe your somatic experience will lead to richer conversations for you and your closest relationships, too!