A few years ago, I started to un-learn everything that is not of me. This stripping away of external ideals and conditioning is an ongoing process, but I wish to share my journey with you. Some of the work may resonate with you and some might not. That is absolutely fine! The path to practical authenticity looks different for everyone.
The concept of embodiment stands out for me, because I have had a personal experience of wrestling with depression, mania, bipolar II, anxiety, PTSD and some obsessive tendencies, including a mal-adapted relationship with food and sustenance. This is how typical Western medicine defines me. Born in another culture, I might have been labelled “medicine woman”, “seer”, etc. That’s another discussion altogether. Embodiment is what happens when we truly settle into ourselves. It involves interoception (awareness of the body’s inner sensations, including the organs, muscles, bones, etc) and quiet awareness of the mind, without letting thought take over the experience.
Where the “intentional” aspect of the work comes in for me, is the conscious decision to live in the present moment. By actively trying to stay in tune with our body, and by honouring the body’s feedback, we step closer towards a state of balance and internal harmony. The details vary, but the concept for me remains the same – I have wrestled with thoughts of suicide, unhealthy patterns and have had multiple *NDE’s in this life. One day, on a beautiful mini mushroom journey, I observed my body in the mirror with curiosity. The realisation that I could actively choose to look after this body because it affords me the privilege of interacting with this world, settled into me and I made a choice there – if I’m going to choose to live, then I’m going to LIVE.
Embodiment – the action of fully settling into yourself
Intentional/conscious embodiment – the choice to fully settle into yourself
As for the “how”, there’s so much to share! I am excited to welcome you on this shared journey. Here’s to learning and growing together!
*NDE – Near-death Experience