"The Connection of Somatic & Spiritual Awakening: Embracing Unconditional Love in the Here and Now"
While exploring somatic and spiritual awakening, I was initially drawn to understanding the intricacies of the nervous system, particularly the vagus nerve. I held a belief that much of the inflammation and physical ailments we experience stem from suppressed emotions and unresolved traumas.
Discovering the practice of embodied processing seemed like a revelation—a key to healing me, imparting these tools to my loved ones and integrating them into my workplace's coaching approach, which emphasized a holistic view of the body.
However, as I immersed myself in this journey, I began to recognise the profound resonance between this work and the teachings of the Bible. It dawned on me that the essence of embodied processing aligns closely with the message Christ left for us.
“So now I am giving you a new comandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other” NLT John 13:34
It revolves around accepting ourselves as worthy, recognising our lives as gifts (EPH 2:8), and extending unconditional love and compassion to all beings—a reflection of the divine love bestowed upon us.
“Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. “ (EPH 4:32 -NLT)
In many religious circles, intellectual understanding and doctrinal adherence are often emphasised, neglecting the experiential aspect of spirituality. Yet, to truly embody Christ's teachings and receive the Holy Spirit, we must learn to feel His presence within us. Our capacity to experience this divine connection is hindered when we remain disconnected from our physical and emotional sensations.
Consider the skin, our body's primary interface with the external world. It serves as a conduit for information, transmitting signals to our entire being even before our minds register them. Living in a perpetual state of fight or flight inhibits our ability to attune to these subtle signals, preventing us from fully experiencing life's richness.
It's crucial to differentiate between emotions and feelings. Emotions are visceral responses originating in the heart, predating conscious thought or action—a phenomenon beautifully articulated in scripture. Feelings, on the other hand, are mental constructs influenced by bodily states, often distorted when our nervous system is disregulated.
To achieve true alignment, we mustn't reduce ourselves to mere physical or intellectual entities. Denying the influence of our emotions and disregarding the importance of processing our feelings disrupts our equilibrium and permeates every aspect of our lives.
In a society fixated on conformity and self-improvement, we've strayed from the essence of Christ's teachings—unconditional love and acceptance.
“Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect” Rom 12:2 NLT
Our preoccupation with appearances and standards of righteousness alienates those who struggle, fostering shame and isolation instead of compassion and understanding.
Embracing the practice of embodied processing offers a pathway to liberation from these constraints. It empowers individuals to challenge limiting beliefs, break free from destructive patterns, and cultivate love and compassion—qualities exemplified by Christ himself. By addressing the whole person—body, mind, and spirit —we reclaim the transformative potential inherent in Christ's message.
Personally, the phrase "ALL IS WELCOME," a cornerstone of embodied processing, resonates deeply with me. Just as Christ implored us to confess our sins to one another, not for judgment but for mutual understanding and compassion, embodied processing encourages us to embrace our vulnerabilities and be fully seen without fear of condemnation.
In moments of profound despair, such as suicidal ideation or severe depression, what individuals need most is not advice or solutions but the assurance that they are unconditionally accepted and valued. By embodying Christ's love—sitting with others in their pain, without judgment or agenda—we offer a beacon of hope and healing, not only for ourselves but for all who are lost and in need of restoration.
