Somatic Wisdom

This is an introduction to the practice of Somatics, which was originated by Thomas Hanna and has been a part of many different practice traditions.   In Greek, the term "soma" refers to "the living body in its wholeness."   This living, breathing, self-sensing, self-aware, and self-moving perception from inside out differs from the concept of body. Somatics draws from the traditions of Feldenkrai...

We conclude this mini-series on habit change with some work from Cheri Huber , who wrote Making a Change for Good: A Guide to Compassionate Self-Discipline . When we get quiet and we listen to the dialogues within our heads, we will hear a lot of "feedback" from those voices about trying to make a change. These are known as sub personalities, and at least one of them is typically a critic. I give...

In part 5 of my mini-series on habit change we talk about a few concrete examples of how to implement one habit change at a time.   This is about how it takes 30-300 repetitions (typically) to form a strong habit, though it depends on how much skill is required. Give yourself permission to work on just one habit for the next 2-3 months.   I use the habit of journaling or thought downloads in detai...

In part 4 of my mini-series on habit change we cover how our identities play a role in our habits, and how we may need to adopt or reframe identities to reach our potential. Then I review the parts of James Clear's 4 laws covered in Atomic Habits :  Make it Obvious, Make it Easy, Make it Attractive, and Make it Satisfying. I extend this into how to consider the habits we may want to stop or change...

In this episode I continue the exploration of habits by asking your "Four Tendencies" type.   I use my running habit and the different ways my husband and I were able to stick to the habit to illustrate a Questioner and an Obliger approach.  Then we dive into one of the most helpful books I've read thus far about habits, by James Clear, called Atomic Habits: Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results. His o...

In this episode, we explore the parts of a habit: cue, routine, and rewards (based on the book The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg). We consider the fact that reprogramming a habit is easier than eradicating one, based on research.   We also explore Four Tendencies as described by Gretchen Rubin. These are the Upholder, the Questioner, the Obliger, and the Rebel. By better understanding our tende...

The regular actions that we take have more impact than the things we do only once in a while.   Consider the habits that serve you well in your life, and those that don't serve you as well. This is an introduction to habit change and a doorway to contemplating what changes you'd like to make. *** Resources mentioned in this episode:   Wade Brill hosts Centered in the City podcast episode on the di...

My first 10 episode are out in the world! This episode is a celebration of double digits and modeling the concept of celebrating small wins.   I discuss why it's important to fuel ourselves with small acknowledgements and celebrations along the way, especially if we have big goals and dreams that required small and steady daily or weekly actions. I share a personal example related to my book writi...

This episode is about the seventh and final micro-practice I describe in my book Unleash, Unlearn, and Enliven . This is about dancing and being in motion, moving things through our bodies. Dance is a joyful way to do this. It is also a wonderful metaphor for finding the rhythms we need to sustain us in our lives.   Where can you find better rhythm in a way that honors your body's need for rest an...

This episode is about the sixth micro-practice I describe in my book Unleash, Unlearn, and Enliven . This is about creative expression as a way to enjoy being human, and I also explore some of the reasons that we shy away from our creativity.  Resources I mentioned in the podcast include Liz Gilbert's book Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear , and the Magic Lessons podcast.   Want to get in tou...

This episode is about the fifth micro-practice I describe in my book Unleash, Unlearn, and Enliven . It's all about time in nature as a way to nourish your senses.   This episode explores some of the ways you can fully appreciate the outdoors during a break from work and especially away from a computer. Short and sweet so you can refresh your thinking for the day.   Thanks for listening!   To lear...

This episode is about the fourth micro-practice I include in my book, Sensing Emotions and Energy. In it, I talk about the importance of knowing where our emotions are located in the body, and I walk through a visualization exercise so you can practice with this.  Thanks for listening!   To learn more about the practices, check out the book Unleash, Unlearn, and Enliven . Special thank you to Lace...

I wanted to check in with you to see how the micro-practices are going for you. Rather than rush into the next set of practices, I want to introduce the notion of self-compassion.  I also share a story on my own challenges with putting personal development into practice to illustrate why this can be hard, based on our social and familial conditioning.  I'd love to hear how things are going for you...

This episode is about the third micro-practice I describe in my book Unleash, Unlearn, and Enliven . It's all about somatic awareness. This episode will guide you through a short somatic awareness exercise so you can sense into the parts of your body. Take it gently and don't worry if you don't feel too much right away. This takes practice and is very individual. Thanks for listening!  *** If you...

This episode is about the second micro-practice I describe in my book Unleash, Unlearn, and Enliven . It's all about breath awareness. Tuning into your breath for just a few minutes, or even for three deep breaths while you notice where your breath moves you.   The breath is a key way we tune into the nervous system and prevent anxiety and it is a fundamental building block to coping with stress....

This episode is about the first micro-practice I describe in my book Unleash, Unlearn, and Enliven . We start with journal entries or thought downloads. Listen in to understand why this is important and how you can get started, even if this is something that's been difficult for you in the past.   Thanks for listening!  *** If you want to leave us a voice message, Somatic Wisdom is now on Speakpip...

This episode contains a summary of the practices mentioned in the book Unleash, Unlearn, and Enliven so you get acquainted with what we will cover in the first month of episodes.  Thanks for listening! *** If you want to leave us a voice message, Somatic Wisdom is now on Speakpipe! We would love to hear your thoughts or questions:  https://www.speakpipe.com/SomaticWisdomLoveNotes For more resource...

How can you navigate life's inevitable changes with ease and excitement? Through accessing your somatic wisdom!  Your host, Cristy De La Cruz, is here to mentor you with body-based practices to help you get unstuck.  If you struggle with making confident decisions or taking brave action toward your goals, Cristy's got you covered.  In this episode she shares more about how she is qualified to spea...