{"id":56278,"date":"2023-10-24T21:08:19","date_gmt":"2023-10-24T21:08:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/?p=56278"},"modified":"2024-12-16T08:35:01","modified_gmt":"2024-12-16T08:35:01","slug":"somatic-meditation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-meditation\/","title":{"rendered":"Somatic Meditation: Definition, Benefits, and How To"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_75 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-meditation\/#What_Is_Somatic_Meditation\" >What Is Somatic Meditation?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-meditation\/#What_Are_The_Practices_of_Somatic_Meditation\" >What Are The Practices of Somatic Meditation?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-meditation\/#Body_Scan_Meditation\" >Body Scan Meditation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-meditation\/#Breath_Awareness_Meditation\" >Breath Awareness Meditation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-meditation\/#Walking_Meditation\" >Walking Meditation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-meditation\/#Yoga_Nidra\" >Yoga Nidra<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-meditation\/#What_Are_The_Benefits_of_Somatic_Meditation\" >What Are The Benefits of Somatic Meditation?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-meditation\/#Enhanced_Mind-Body_Connection\" >Enhanced Mind-Body Connection<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-meditation\/#More_Effective_Trauma_Management\" >More Effective Trauma Management<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-meditation\/#Lower_Likelihood_of_Suffering_from_Stress_and_Anxiety\" >Lower Likelihood of Suffering from Stress and Anxiety<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-meditation\/#Improved_Sleep\" >Improved Sleep<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-meditation\/#Pain_Reduction\" >Pain Reduction<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-meditation\/#What_Can_You_Expect_from_a_Somatic_Meditation_Session\" >What Can You Expect from a Somatic Meditation Session?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-meditation\/#Find_a_Comfortable_Position\" >Find a Comfortable Position<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-meditation\/#Close_Your_Eyes_and_Start_Breathing_Deeply\" >Close Your Eyes and Start Breathing Deeply<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-meditation\/#Scan_Your_Body\" >Scan Your Body<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-meditation\/#Focus_on_Sensations\" >Focus on Sensations<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-meditation\/#Integration\" >Integration<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-meditation\/#Return_to_the_Physical_World\" >Return to the Physical World<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-meditation\/#Can_Somatic-Based_Meditation_Help_with_Trauma_Healing\" >Can Somatic-Based Meditation Help with Trauma Healing?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-meditation\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-meditation\/#Is_yoga_a_somatic_exercise\" >Is yoga a somatic exercise?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-meditation\/#Are_somatic_exercises_safe\" >Are somatic exercises safe?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-meditation\/#Is_there_touching_in_somatic_therapy\" >Is there touching in somatic therapy?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-meditation\/#Can_meditation_heal_trauma\" >Can meditation heal trauma?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-meditation\/#How_long_does_somatic_therapy_take\" >How long does somatic therapy take?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A wandering mind can get in the way of achieving a state of mindfulness, tranquility, and focus that meditation promises. Most beginners struggle to rein in their thoughts, often finding themselves lost in a labyrinth of worries, plans, or memories.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;&lt;a href=&quot;&quot;https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=somatic_meditation&quot;&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;video autoplay=&quot;autoplay&quot; loop=&quot;loop&quot; muted=&quot;muted&quot; playsinline=&quot;playsinline&quot; width=&quot;777&quot;&gt;&lt;source src=&quot;&quot;https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4-1-5.mp4&quot;&quot; type=&quot;video\/mp4&quot; \/&gt;&lt;\/video&gt;&lt;\/a&gt;&quot;}\" data-sheets-userformat=\"{&quot;2&quot;:256,&quot;11&quot;:3}\" data-sheets-formula=\"=replace(R[-12]C[0],SEARCH(&quot;LINK TO QUIZ&quot;,R[-12]C[0]),LEN(&quot;LINK TO QUIZ&quot;),R8C[0])\"><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=somatic_meditation\" target=\"_blank\"><video autoplay=\"autoplay\" loop=\"loop\" muted=\"muted\" playsinline=\"playsinline\" width=\"777\"><source src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4-1-5.mp4\" type=\"video\/mp4\" \/><\/video><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even with experience, it&#8217;s totally natural to find yourself grappling with the challenge of maintaining focus.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Somatic meditation<\/strong> provides an interesting solution to this ubiquitous problem. It is a technique that emphasizes awareness of physical sensations and the perception of bodily experiences in the present moment as a means of improving the mind-body connection.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Research into this specific style of meditation is not as extensive as it is with more traditional forms, but anecdotal (experience-based) evidence suggests that this method can be particularly beneficial.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Research on mindfulness has suggested that it makes potential improvements to stress management, emotional regulation, and overall well-being (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3679190\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here&#8217;s everything you need to know about somatic meditation: its definition, the benefits it offers, and how you can practice it.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_Somatic_Meditation\"><\/span><b>What Is Somatic Meditation?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Somatic meditation<\/strong> is rooted in the belief that our bodies are not just vehicles for our brains, but are deeply integrated elements of our being. In more traditional forms of meditation, the focus is often on the mind, with individuals striving to achieve a state of mental calm (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dharmaocean.org\/what-is-somatic-meditation\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, somatic meditation flips this approach, placing the body at the center of the practice. Instead of seeking to quiet the mind directly, somatic meditation encourages a bottom-up approach where you tune into the physical sensations of your body.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Practitioners often incorporate talk therapy, mind-body exercises, and physical techniques with somatic meditation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These sensations can be as subtle as the feeling of your breath on the tip of your nose or as pronounced as the tension in your shoulders. By directing attention toward these physical experiences, the mind can naturally quieten down.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This approach is particularly useful for enhancing physical, emotional, and mental well-being.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Something tells us you often forget to put all the everyday hustle and bustle on hold and simply concentrate on yourself. It\u2019s time to straighten out your priorities! <a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=somatic_meditation\">Take a moment to heal<\/a>, process your emotions, ground yourself, release all the pent-up tension and recharge with the BetterMe: Meditation &amp; Sleep app before getting back into the race of life!<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_The_Practices_of_Somatic_Meditation\"><\/span><b>What Are The Practices of Somatic Meditation?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are several specific practices that fall under the umbrella of somatic-based meditation, each of which is focused on building awareness of bodily sensations and experiences and improving the mind-body connection.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Body_Scan_Meditation\"><\/span><b>Body Scan Meditation<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This practice stems from mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and involves systematically directing your attention to different parts of your body, from your toes to your head.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As you focus on each part, you will observe any sensations that arise, whether they&#8217;re tension, warmth, tingling, or even the absence of sensation. This practice fosters a deep connection with your body by staying present with and breathing into these sensations which can help provide relief for our minds\u00a0 (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6753170\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Breath_Awareness_Meditation\"><\/span><b>Breath Awareness Meditation<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This practice is focused on the sensation of breathing. You focus on the physical experience of inhaling and exhaling, noticing how your chest, belly, and nostrils move with every breath. This method anchors you in the present moment and can help reduce stress and anxiety (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6753170\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Walking_Meditation\"><\/span><b>Walking Meditation<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also known as Kinhin in Zen traditions, this practice involves <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/mindful-walking\/\">mindful walking<\/a> where you focus on the sensation of your feet touching the ground, the movement of your legs, and your balance. This form of meditation has been proven to reduce anxiety, depression, and disease severity in Parkinson&#8217;s disease. (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6064756\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Yoga_Nidra\"><\/span><b>Yoga Nidra<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes referred to as \u2018yogic sleep\u2019, yoga nidra is a form of guided somatic-based meditation that induces deep relaxation. You lie down and follow the guide&#8217;s instructions, typically starting with a body scan and then moving into more profound stages of relaxation and awareness (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC9033521\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=somatic_meditation\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30039 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/41-1.png\" alt=\"somatic meditation\" \/>\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_The_Benefits_of_Somatic_Meditation\"><\/span><b>What Are The Benefits of Somatic Meditation?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic meditation offers a unique set of benefits that set it apart from more traditional forms of meditation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This practice emphasizes the body&#8217;s physical sensations and can provide a more accessible pathway to mindfulness, particularly for those who struggle with mental chatter during meditation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some benefits you can look forward to when you practice somatic meditation:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Enhanced_Mind-Body_Connection\"><\/span><b>Enhanced Mind-Body Connection<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic meditation can create an intimate conversation between your mind and body. By tuning into your physical sensations, you will develop a deeper understanding of your body\u2019s language, which results in a more harmonious mind-body relationship (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/body-scan-meditation-why-and-how-3144782\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"More_Effective_Trauma_Management\"><\/span><b>More Effective Trauma Management<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When combined with other psychotherapies such as <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-experiencing\/\">somatic experiencing<\/a> therapy, somatic meditation has the potential to be a tool for processing and healing traumatic experiences that are held in the body.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By focusing on physical sensations, somatic meditation helps in grounding, which allows individuals to progressively work through traumatic memories in a safe and measured manner (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7451147\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">11<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is important to note that without appropriate guidance, somatic meditation can be more of a stressor than a support for some people, and result in re-traumatization. Therefore, if you have experienced a traumatic event, you should seek the guidance of a trained therapist before you attempt somatic meditation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lower_Likelihood_of_Suffering_from_Stress_and_Anxiety\"><\/span><b>Lower Likelihood of Suffering from Stress and Anxiety<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The incorporation of somatic meditation for stress and anxiety can be an effective tool in your mental health arsenal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic-based meditation such as yoga nidra helps regulate the fight or flight response, which is often hyperactive in anxiety disorders, and promotes calm and relaxation (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC9033521\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We discuss additional low-impact ways of handling stress and anxiety in our <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/chair-yoga-for-stress-relief\/\">chair yoga for <\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">stress relief <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">article.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Improved_Sleep\"><\/span><b>Improved Sleep<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic meditation for sleep encourages a deep sense of relaxation and facilitates the transition into a peaceful slumber. By bringing awareness to the body and releasing pent-up tensions, somatic meditation can help create the ideal conditions for restful sleep(<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007\/s12671-019-01290-9\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">13<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pain_Reduction\"><\/span><b>Pain Reduction<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic meditation for pain harnesses the power of body awareness, which can shift your relationship to pain, potentially reducing its intensity. By focusing on the body, somatic meditation can help you become more attuned to your pain sensations and work towards managing it more effectively (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/meridian.allenpress.com\/ijyt\/article-abstract\/30\/1\/49\/441049\/Effectiveness-of-Somatic-Yoga-and-Meditation-A?redirectedFrom=fulltext\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><strong>Read more: <\/strong><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-techniques\/\"><i>Somatic Techniques for a Health Body and a Happy Mind<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Can_You_Expect_from_a_Somatic_Meditation_Session\"><\/span><b>What Can You Expect from a Somatic Meditation Session?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A typical somatic meditation session may unfold as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Find_a_Comfortable_Position\"><\/span><b>Find a Comfortable Position<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unlike other forms of meditation, you are not required to sit in a cross-legged position for somatic meditation. Instead, you should find a position that enables you to be most aware of your body. This may be sitting, lying down, or standing. It&#8217;s important that you are comfortable and able to relax. Your hands can rest gently in your lap or by your side.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Close_Your_Eyes_and_Start_Breathing_Deeply\"><\/span><b>Close Your Eyes and Start Breathing Deeply<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you are settled, close your eyes and start taking slow, deep breaths. Breathe in fully through your nose and exhale slowly through your nose or mouth. Feel your stomach expand like a balloon on an inhale and relax and let go as you exhale.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Scan_Your_Body\"><\/span><b>Scan Your Body<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are distracted by sounds in the room, simply notice this and bring your focus back to your breathing. Start a slow scan of your body, starting from your toes and moving upwards. You may want to wiggle your toes a little and feel any sensations without judgment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pay attention to any sensations you feel along the way as you move your attention up to your ankles, calves, knees, and thighs. This could be a sense of relaxation, tension, discomfort, or even neutrality. Do not judge or try to change these sensations &#8211; simply observe them. Slowly move your attention to the sensations in your lower back and pelvis, and then to your mid-back and upper back until you reach your head.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your mind starts to wander, gently bring it back to the sensations of the area. Remember to keep breathing in and out as you move to the next area of your body.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Focus_on_Sensations\"><\/span><b>Focus on Sensations<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As you scan your body, you may notice certain sensations that are more powerful than others. This could be a tightness in your chest, a tingling in your fingers, or a heaviness in your legs. Whenever you identify one, spend some time focusing on it. Again, do not attempt to alter the sensation, merely observe and acknowledge its presence without judgment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=somatic_meditation\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30039 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/4-2.png\" alt=\"somatic meditation\" \/>\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Integration\"><\/span><b>Integration<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you have scanned your entire body, spend a few moments simply lying or sitting in silence, which will allow your body and mind to integrate the experience. Bring into your awareness the top of your head down to the bottom of your toes. Feel the gentle rhythm of your breath as it moves through the body. You may notice a sense of peace, relaxation, or relief.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Return_to_the_Physical_World\"><\/span><b>Return to the Physical World<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you feel ready, slowly bring your awareness back to the room. Take a full, deep breath, taking in all the energy of this practice before exhaling fully. Wiggle your fingers and toes, stretch your arms and legs, and when you are ready, slowly open your eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During a somatic meditation session, you may experience a variety of sensations and emotions. The key is to observe them without judgment or resistance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Over time, you may notice an enhanced ability to perceive subtle bodily sensations, a deepening sense of connection with your body, and an overall increase in mindfulness and well-being.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Following a somatic meditation session, it is common to feel a sense of calm and relaxation. You may also notice a greater sense of connection with your body.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With consistent practice, somatic meditation can lead to long-term benefits such as improved sleep, reduced anxiety, resolved traumatic memories, enhanced mind-body integration, and potentially pain reduction.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every individual\u2019s experience with somatic meditation is unique. The sensations, emotions, and benefits you experience may vary greatly from those of another person.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is completely normal and is a reflection of your unique body and mind. It is recommended that you approach somatic meditation with an open mind and a readiness to accept whatever comes your way.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It should be noted that without appropriate guidance, somatic meditation can be more of a stressor than a support for some people, and this can cause re-traumatization. Therefore, if you have experienced a traumatic event, you should seek guidance from a trained therapist before you attempt somatic meditation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>With stress being a constant presence in our lives, taking time to process emotions, decompress and get into the right frame of mind is absolutely crucial. With BetterMe: Meditation &amp; Sleep app your mental health is in good hands! <a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=somatic_meditation\">Start using it now<\/a>!<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_Somatic-Based_Meditation_Help_with_Trauma_Healing\"><\/span><b>Can Somatic-Based Meditation Help with Trauma Healing?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People who seek out somatic therapy often have unresolved emotions that are linked to their experience of a traumatic event. According to the American Psychological Association, the definition of trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event such as an accident, rape, or natural disaster.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The traumatic event can be a one-time event, a prolonged series of events, or chronic, lasting stress. If trauma is not addressed, this can lead to long-term consequences, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5518443\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When using somatic meditation to release \u2018trapped\u2019 emotions that are linked to a traumatic event, this should be guided by a trained therapist. The therapist may combine somatic-based meditation techniques with other psychotherapies in the session to help enhance body awareness and release pent-up emotions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><strong>Read more: <\/strong><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-practices\/\"><i>Somatic Practices: What They Are and How They Work<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span><b>Frequently Asked Questions<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_yoga_a_somatic_exercise\"><\/span><b>Is yoga a somatic exercise?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No, but while yoga is not classified as a somatic exercise, it does incorporate elements of <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-practices\/\">somatic practices<\/a>. Yoga emphasizes the mind-body connection, encourages mindfulness, and involves tuning into your body&#8217;s sensations, which is similar to<a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises\/\"> somatic exercises.<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, somatic exercises focus solely on internal physical perceptions and sensations, whereas yoga also involves achieving specific physical postures and incorporates spiritual and philosophical aspects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Therefore, while they share similarities, yoga and somatic exercises are distinct practices with their own unique approaches and goals.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_somatic_exercises_safe\"><\/span><b>Are somatic exercises safe?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic exercises are safe for most people. These exercises are typically gentle and aim to increase <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/body-awareness\/\">body awareness<\/a> and comfort.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, if you have any pre-existing conditions or health concerns, it is important that you consult your doctor before you start somatic exercise practice.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition, if you experience any discomfort while you are performing somatic exercises, you should stop and rest until the sensation passes and\/or seek professional support.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_there_touching_in_somatic_therapy\"><\/span><b>Is there touching in somatic therapy?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Touching can be a component of some forms of somatic therapy. However, the degree and nature of touching are dependent on the specific therapy method and the therapist. It is always conducted in a professional manner and with the informed consent of the patient.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_meditation_heal_trauma\"><\/span><b>Can meditation heal trauma?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Meditation, particularly practices such as somatic meditation, can be a powerful tool for healing traumatic memories. It can help individuals reconnect with their bodies, manage stress, and cultivate mindfulness.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, it&#8217;s important to note that while meditation can support trauma healing, it is generally most effective when it is used in conjunction with other therapies and under professional guidance.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_does_somatic_therapy_take\"><\/span><b>How long does somatic therapy take?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The duration of somatic therapy varies widely depending on the individual and the nature of the issues that are being addressed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some people may notice changes after just a few sessions, while others may require longer-term therapy that lasts for several months or even years. It is a highly individual process and progress is often gradual.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>The Bottom Line<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic meditation is the practice of using internal physical cues, such as breath and body sensations, to connect with the present moment and cultivate mind-body awareness.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Research has suggested that somatic meditation may have multiple benefits, including improved sleep, reduced anxiety, resolved traumatic memories, enhanced mind-body integration, and pain reduction.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re interested in trying somatic meditation, you should consider finding a qualified practitioner or attending classes. Meditating under the guidance of professionals can ensure that your practice is safe and effective.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;&lt;a href=&quot;&quot;https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=somatic_meditation&quot;&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;video autoplay=&quot;autoplay&quot; loop=&quot;loop&quot; muted=&quot;muted&quot; playsinline=&quot;playsinline&quot; width=&quot;777&quot;&gt;&lt;source src=&quot;&quot;https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4-2-4.mp4&quot;&quot; type=&quot;video\/mp4&quot; \/&gt;&lt;\/video&gt;&lt;\/a&gt;&quot;}\" data-sheets-userformat=\"{&quot;2&quot;:256,&quot;11&quot;:3}\" data-sheets-formula=\"=replace(R[-12]C[0],SEARCH(&quot;LINK TO QUIZ&quot;,R[-12]C[0]),LEN(&quot;LINK TO QUIZ&quot;),R8C[0])\"><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=somatic_meditation\" target=\"_blank\"><video autoplay=\"autoplay\" loop=\"loop\" muted=\"muted\" playsinline=\"playsinline\" width=\"777\"><source src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4-2-4.mp4\" type=\"video\/mp4\" \/><\/video><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A wandering mind can get in the way of achieving a state of mindfulness, tranquility, and focus that meditation promises. Most beginners struggle to rein in their thoughts, often finding themselves lost in a labyrinth of worries, plans, or memories.\u00a0 Even with experience, it&#8217;s totally natural to find yourself grappling with the challenge of maintaining [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":51,"featured_media":56281,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[209],"tags":[],"coauthors":[125,213],"class_list":["post-56278","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-somatic-exercises"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v20.2.1 (Yoast SEO v25.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Somatic Meditation: Definition, Benefits, and How To - BetterMe<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover \u2605 SOMATIC MEDITATION \u27a4 and its benefits for managing stress, reducing anxiety, and healing from trauma. Learn about the definition of somatic meditation and how you can practice it safely.\u00a0\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-meditation\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Somatic Meditation: Definition, Benefits, and How To\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Discover \u2605 SOMATIC MEDITATION \u27a4 and its benefits for managing stress, reducing anxiety, and healing from trauma. Learn about the definition of somatic meditation and how you can practice it safely.\u00a0\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-meditation\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"BetterMe Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-12-16T08:35:01+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/somatic-meditation-1024x576.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"576\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Eve Chalicha, Sachini Akuretiya, MS\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@betterme\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@betterme\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Eve Chalicha, Sachini Akuretiya, MS\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"11 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-meditation\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-meditation\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Eve Chalicha\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/d1d11e4a15fabff24babb9717275e520\"},\"headline\":\"Somatic Meditation: Definition, Benefits, and How To\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-12-16T08:35:01+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-meditation\/\"},\"wordCount\":2419,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-meditation\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/somatic-meditation.png\",\"articleSection\":[\"Somatic Exercises\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"articleBody\":\"<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">A wandering mind can get in the way of achieving a state of mindfulness, tranquility, and focus that meditation promises. Most beginners struggle to rein in their thoughts, often finding themselves lost in a labyrinth of worries, plans, or memories.\u00a0<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span data-sheets-value=\\\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;[video-shortcode link=\\\\&quot;https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=somatic_meditation\\\\&quot; mp4=\\\\&quot;https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4-1-5.mp4\\\\&quot;]&quot;}\\\" data-sheets-userformat=\\\"{&quot;2&quot;:256,&quot;11&quot;:3}\\\" data-sheets-formula=\\\"=replace(R[-12]C[0],SEARCH(&quot;LINK TO QUIZ&quot;,R[-12]C[0]),LEN(&quot;LINK TO QUIZ&quot;),R8C[0])\\\"><\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Even with experience, it's totally natural to find yourself grappling with the challenge of maintaining focus.<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\"><strong>Somatic meditation<\/strong> provides an interesting solution to this ubiquitous problem. It is a technique that emphasizes awareness of physical sensations and the perception of bodily experiences in the present moment as a means of improving the mind-body connection.<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Research into this specific style of meditation is not as extensive as it is with more traditional forms, but anecdotal (experience-based) evidence suggests that this method can be particularly beneficial.<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Research on mindfulness has suggested that it makes potential improvements to stress management, emotional regulation, and overall well-being (<\/span><a href=\\\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3679190\/\\\"><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">2<\/span><\/a><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">).<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Here's everything you need to know about somatic meditation: its de ...\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-meditation\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-meditation\/\",\"name\":\"Somatic Meditation: Definition, Benefits, and How To - BetterMe\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-meditation\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-meditation\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/somatic-meditation.png\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-12-16T08:35:01+00:00\",\"description\":\"Discover \u2605 SOMATIC MEDITATION \u27a4 and its benefits for managing stress, reducing anxiety, and healing from trauma. 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She has a passion for promoting good health and well-being and believes that education is the first step towards changing lives for the better. For the past few years, Eve has been writing about topics such as nutrition, fitness, natural remedies, and more. Thanks to her background in Legal studies, she has a knack for research and always prioritizes scientific facts over hearsay. She is also very socially conscious and ensures that her pieces inform and empower readers. When she's not writing, Eve enjoys watching documentaries, going on nature walks, or just hanging out with friends.\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/author\/evechalicha\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Somatic Meditation: Definition, Benefits, and How To - BetterMe","description":"Discover \u2605 SOMATIC MEDITATION \u27a4 and its benefits for managing stress, reducing anxiety, and healing from trauma. Learn about the definition of somatic meditation and how you can practice it safely.\u00a0","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-meditation\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Somatic Meditation: Definition, Benefits, and How To","og_description":"Discover \u2605 SOMATIC MEDITATION \u27a4 and its benefits for managing stress, reducing anxiety, and healing from trauma. Learn about the definition of somatic meditation and how you can practice it safely.\u00a0","og_url":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-meditation\/","og_site_name":"BetterMe Blog","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching","article_modified_time":"2024-12-16T08:35:01+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1024,"height":576,"url":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/somatic-meditation-1024x576.png","type":"image\/png"}],"author":"Eve Chalicha, Sachini Akuretiya, MS","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@betterme","twitter_site":"@betterme","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Eve Chalicha, Sachini Akuretiya, MS","Est. reading time":"11 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-meditation\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-meditation\/"},"author":{"name":"Eve Chalicha","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/d1d11e4a15fabff24babb9717275e520"},"headline":"Somatic Meditation: Definition, Benefits, and How To","dateModified":"2024-12-16T08:35:01+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-meditation\/"},"wordCount":2419,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-meditation\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/somatic-meditation.png","articleSection":["Somatic Exercises"],"inLanguage":"en-US","articleBody":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A wandering mind can get in the way of achieving a state of mindfulness, tranquility, and focus that meditation promises. Most beginners struggle to rein in their thoughts, often finding themselves lost in a labyrinth of worries, plans, or memories.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;[video-shortcode link=\\&quot;https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=somatic_meditation\\&quot; mp4=\\&quot;https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4-1-5.mp4\\&quot;]&quot;}\" data-sheets-userformat=\"{&quot;2&quot;:256,&quot;11&quot;:3}\" data-sheets-formula=\"=replace(R[-12]C[0],SEARCH(&quot;LINK TO QUIZ&quot;,R[-12]C[0]),LEN(&quot;LINK TO QUIZ&quot;),R8C[0])\"><\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even with experience, it's totally natural to find yourself grappling with the challenge of maintaining focus.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Somatic meditation<\/strong> provides an interesting solution to this ubiquitous problem. It is a technique that emphasizes awareness of physical sensations and the perception of bodily experiences in the present moment as a means of improving the mind-body connection.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Research into this specific style of meditation is not as extensive as it is with more traditional forms, but anecdotal (experience-based) evidence suggests that this method can be particularly beneficial.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Research on mindfulness has suggested that it makes potential improvements to stress management, emotional regulation, and overall well-being (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3679190\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here's everything you need to know about somatic meditation: its de ..."},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-meditation\/","url":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-meditation\/","name":"Somatic Meditation: Definition, Benefits, and How To - BetterMe","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-meditation\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-meditation\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/somatic-meditation.png","dateModified":"2024-12-16T08:35:01+00:00","description":"Discover \u2605 SOMATIC MEDITATION \u27a4 and its benefits for managing stress, reducing anxiety, and healing from trauma. 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She has a passion for promoting good health and well-being and believes that education is the first step towards changing lives for the better. For the past few years, Eve has been writing about topics such as nutrition, fitness, natural remedies, and more. Thanks to her background in Legal studies, she has a knack for research and always prioritizes scientific facts over hearsay. She is also very socially conscious and ensures that her pieces inform and empower readers. When she's not writing, Eve enjoys watching documentaries, going on nature walks, or just hanging out with friends.","url":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/author\/evechalicha\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56278","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/51"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=56278"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56278\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/56281"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=56278"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=56278"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=56278"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=56278"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}