I was thinking about the word Embodiment recently, because I had a 1- 1 client who told me that she had literally got all the knowledge, she has been there, done it, and got the T shirt when it came to ditching the booze, but she just wasn’t ‘feeling it’. She had no sense of what it really meant to be sober. It struck me that she had probably gone through the motions, read the quit lit, set herself a challenge, even succeeded…for a while, but she wasn’t ‘feeling all the feels and embracing her new sober identity.
Embodiment holds immense power in our quest to be fully authentic and aligned with our true selves. It’s a concept that has the ability to transform our lives, especially when we find ourselves in the early stages of sobriety, courageously unravelling the layers of who we really are.
Embodiment, as I understand it, is the art of fully inhabiting your body and emotions and experiencing life with a profound sense of presence. It’s about bridging the gap between our minds, hearts, and physical being, allowing us to live in harmony with our authentic selves.
When we really embody our authenticity, when we embody our new sober identity, there is an invitation to move away from the distractions and disconnection that often gets in the way. It encourages us to tune in to the signals our bodies send us—the subtle whispers, the aches, the tingling sensations—and truly listen. This process involves reconnecting with our physicality, nurturing our bodies, and learning to trust our intuitive wisdom.
When we embark on the journey of recovery, we are, in essence, shedding the layers of numbing and escaping that have kept us disconnected from ourselves for far too long. We’re peeling back the layers of masks and facades we’ve worn, unveiling the truth that lies beneath.
In this vulnerable and transformative process, embodiment becomes a guiding light. By attuning ourselves to our bodies, we can begin to understand the root causes of our addictive patterns. We can explore the emotions we’ve suppressed, the traumas we’ve buried, and the stories we’ve been telling ourselves.
Practicing embodiment allows us to be fully present with our experiences, even the uncomfortable ones. We learn to sit with our emotions, witnessing them without judgment or the need to escape. It’s through this embodied presence that we begin to unravel the tangled web of our past, understanding ourselves on a deeper level.
So, how can we embrace embodiment and bring it into our daily lives?
Mindful Movement: Engage in activities that encourage a connection between your mind and body. This could be yoga, dance, or simply taking a mindful walk in nature. Let your body guide you, and observe the sensations that arise. You know I often recommend putting on a track you loved as a young adult, and just dancing, shake it out! (Members have access to Shaman Yacov Darling Kahn’s movement medicine session)
Breathwork: Take time each day to focus on your breath. Deep, conscious breathing helps anchor us in the present moment and facilitates a stronger mind-body connection. Explore different breathwork techniques and find what resonates with you. As leading breathwork teacher Tim Van de Vliet says, If you can control your breath, you control your life. (Members have access to a breathwork session with Tim)
Self-Care Rituals: Engage in practices that nurture your body and soul. It could be a warm bath, indulging in nourishing foods, or engaging in creative expression. Get out into nature, you can literally hug a tree! Treat yourself with kindness and compassion, you’re worth it!
Try a Body Scan Meditation: Set aside a few moments each day to perform a body scan meditation. Start from the top of your head and slowly move your awareness down to your toes, observing any sensations or areas of tension. This practice enhances your ability to listen to your body’s messages.
Embodiment is not about achieving perfection or attaining a specific outcome. It’s about embracing the journey of self-discovery, accepting ourselves as we are, and aligning with our true essence. Its about being fully present. As we navigate the early stages of sobriety, embodiment becomes a trusted companion, illuminating our path towards authenticity. It invites us to let go of external expectations, societal pressures, and the need for approval. Instead, it guides us towards our own inner truth.
Step into your sober identity, embody the real you without the booze goggles.
Check out The Sober Club for inspiration and connection