Mind + Body
Somatic
Somatic comes from the Greek word soma, which means the living body in its wholeness; unity of mind, body and spirit. We have been given the gift of living in a body. It is through the body that we experience the world and ourselves. Our bodies offer us the possibility of self healing and self knowledge. As we awaken to our skills of intuition, feeling and sensing, we can let our bodies wisdom emerge and guide us. As our awareness increases we can make the choice to shift and change patterns that no longer serve us in our lives.
Somatic coaching can involve both leading and following the client as they move towards their goals of changing old patterns and shifting into new ways of being.
Integrative Bodywork
Integrative bodywork is not massage. It is the integration of different systems in the body that match a quality of touch, intention and builds a somatic awareness that allows for growth and change. The focus of each modality is either on the nervous system, the structural body, the facial planes, energetics, alignment and the transference of each system working with gravity again. This is the “aha” moment where everything comes together.
A session can include all or some of these modalities:
- Positional Release Techniques
- Cranio-Sacral Therapy
- Zero Balancing
- Myofascial Release
- Aston Bodywork
- Manual Lymph Drainage
- Neuromuscular Therapy
Movement as a Metaphor
As clients shift into new ways of being they can learn movement sequences from both Aston Movement, Bones for Life, Aikido, and Modern Dance, to reinforce the new shift.
These movement sequences teach them how to feel supported by the ground, discover that weight transfer gives integrity to the muscle and the bone and that all parts of the body work in relation to one another. The metaphor becomes alive in their body as they discover how their body and its parts have been compensating. These new ways of moving can change habit, tone muscle, reinforce bone, decrease effort on joints and get at the true source of the pain or the conflict.
Leadership Embodiment (LE) Coaching and Teaching
LE is a body based method that uses principles from Aikido(a non violent martial art) and mindfulness, to help both Leaders and the Leader within us, to manage stress, improve presence, and make better decisions under pressure.By focusing on shifting posture and breathing, it helps us shift from a reactive habit based behavior to a more centered and creative state.
- Somatic (Body) Focus: Rather than relying solely on cognitive or intellectual learning, this method trains the body to hold a "centered" state, even when faced with high-stress situations.
- The "Stress Simulator": As an LE coach, Elizabeth often uses gentle physical pressure or exercises to help clients recognize their habitual stress reactions and practice staying centered and grounded.
Core Skills Developed:
- Centering: Regaining balance and composure quickly.
- Inspiration: Opening up to new possibilities rather than shutting down.
- "No" (Boundaries): Setting firm boundaries without aggression.
- Difficult Conversations: Navigating high-stake discussions with calm, confidence, and compassion.
Elizabeth can integrate these energetic practices into a one on one Integrated session, a group process in an organization or in an LE Level One Class.