Embodiment Practices to Transform Stress into Vitality and Joy

How much time do you spend on a screen?

If you’re like most of my students (and me!), the answer to that question is A LOT.

In today’s fast-paced world, most of us are operating from our heads and feeling disconnected from our bodies.

It’s so easy to get caught up in the endless hustle and bustle of daily life and to always be trying to cross one last thing off your To Do List (just me?!).

However, in the past few years, I’ve discovered a way to get back into my body—and I want to share it with you.

What if I told you that reclaiming your presence, power, and pleasure in your life lies within one simple thing…

Embodiment!

I want to show you how to reconnect with the wisdom and vitality of your body in a profound and transformative way. Let’s start with what embodiment is…

What Is Embodiment?

Well, it’s simple. Embodiment is simply getting back into your body.

It’s the practice of inhabiting and fully experiencing the physical sensations, emotions, and energy present in your body. It’s about coming home to yourself, cultivating a deeper sense of self-awareness, and honoring the innate wisdom within.

For many women, embracing feminine embodiment means embracing the unique qualities and strengths of your feminine energy…

Core Elements Of Feminine Embodiment

When we operate in a go-go-go, hustle mode, we’re operating from masculine energy. In fact, most of our society is rooted in the masculine.

We’ve been taught that to rest, take things slowly, and to allow our intuition to lead the way is not logical or how we become successful. Actually, the opposite is true.

Feminine energy includes your intuition, receptivity, creativity, nurturing, and collaboration. Embodying feminine energy involves tapping into these qualities within yourself and integrating them into your daily life.

It’s about embracing the essence of the feminine, whether you identify as a woman or not, and allowing it to guide your actions, decisions, and interactions with the world. Truth: We all have feminine energy, regardless of gender.

Embodiment practices allow you to reconnect with the wisdom and power of the feminine essence within yourself. At its core, any embodiment practice is about honoring the body as a vessel of intuition, creativity, and vitality. It involves slowing down, deepening the relationship with your body, emotions, and intuition, allowing for greater authenticity, presence, and aliveness in daily life.

The key elements of feminine embodiment include…

• Body Awareness: Cultivating a deep awareness of bodily sensations, movements, and rhythms in the present moment.
• Emotional Intelligence: Developing the capacity to recognize, express, and navigate a wide range of emotions with grace and authenticity.
• Intuitive Wisdom: Trusting and honoring the innate wisdom of the body and intuition. Listening to your inner voice.
• Sensuality and Pleasure: Embracing sensuality and pleasure as pathways to self-love, joy, and vitality.
• Connection to Nature: Nurturing a sense of connection and reverence for the natural world and its cycles.

These elements form the foundation of feminine embodiment practices, guiding you on a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and transformation.

If you start incorporating embodiment practices into your daily life, you can awaken to the fullness of their feminine essence and embody your most radiant, beautiful self!

Take my feminine energy quiz to get a recommended practice for balancing YOUR feminine energy 👇

7 Feminine Embodiment Practices

Embodiment practices can include everything from movement to meditation to expressive arts to rituals. There are so many ways to get back in your body.

Today, I want to share of few of these practices to help you deepen not only your yoga practice, but your physical being in everyday life:

Embodied Yoga

If I had to choose any type of embodiment, this would be it. Embodied yoga involves practicing yoga poses and sequences from a place of safety and relaxation, allowing your body to move intuitively.

What is Somatic Yoga – 5 Min Explainer Video 👇

As a yogi, I was taught yoga was about structure and repetition. And while there is a time and place for structured asanas, I realized what was missing from my yoga practice: feminine energy!

So, I started practicing Embodied Yoga. I took the poses I learned and loved, and adapted them to fit my body’s needs, incorporating pleasure and intuition.

Instead of rigid movements, I embraced the healing power of the body and let the body lead. By creating a sensory experience on the mat, I’ve used specific postures to find balance, foster deeper self acceptance, and even, practice self massage.

I like to incorporate breathwork and other somatic techniques to promote deep relaxation and self-awareness. Embodied yoga isn’t just about moving your body – it’s about connecting mind body and spirit on the mat. This type of embodiment exercise feels like a form of embodiment therapy and it’s so beneficial to your mental health, movement practices, and in dealing with any health issues.

I’ve never felt better – and loved yoga more – than when I started practicing Embodied Yoga.

Experience My Somatic Yoga Workshop (usually $67) FREE!👇

Goddess Archetype Exploration

I love working with goddess energy. When we invite in archetypal energy, especially of a goddess, we allow ourselves uninterrupted time to embody a new energetic expression we want to incorporate more into our daily lives.

For instance, when I’m feeling like I want to really operate from a place of fierce power, I connect with Kali energy. Or if I’m wanting to embrace my softer, more sensual side, I might connect with the energy of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty.

Goddess archetype exploration can help you connect with different aspects of yourself too, like nurturing, sensual, or warrior energies.

You can do this through guided meditation, visualization, and creative expression exercises focused on invoking and embodying different goddess energies. You can also practice journaling about different goddess archetypes and reflecting on how they resonate with their own experiences and qualities.

Moon Cycle Tracking

Do you love the moon? Many women do and connecting with your moon cycle can be a key part of your healing process.

You can observe and track the phases of the moon to connect with the natural rhythms and cycles of the lunar cycle. This practice can help you attune to your own natural menstrual cycles, energy levels, and emotional patterns.

The best way to start is by journaling about the moon’s phases, noticing any correlations with your own energy levels, emotions, and experiences throughout the month. Do you experience intense emotions around a certain part of your cycle? When do you have the most energy? The least?

Just like the moon, your body goes through cycles each month too. You can use your body as a tool to understand what it needs during different times of the month, and stay present to where you are, day by day. When you feel connected to the cycles of the moon, you can honor your own natural cycles too.

Breathwork

Conscious breathing techniques can help you access and activate the feminine energy within yourself. You don’t have to get on the mat or practice any physical movement to reap the rewards of breathwork.

Simply sit and observe your breath. This will automatically engage your parasympathetic nervous system, allowing your rest and recharge physical sensation to come online. You can use different breathing techniques to increase, discharge, or neutralize your energy.

For feminine embodiment, you’ll most likely want to focus on deep belly breathing, circular breathing, and alternate nostril breathing. You also may want to focus on expanding and softening the belly, activating the pelvic floor, and connecting with your heart center.

However, you want to listen to your body’s signals and practice somatic psychology by allowing yourself to self regulate by whatever your body needs. Just find a safe space to let go of stress and tension, and to simply focus on your breath.

Gathering in Circle

Women have been gathering in circles for centuries. In modern times, we don’t have as many opportunities to connect, so it’s important to find ways to gather in a group with other women.

Coming together in community is one great way to embody, honor and celebrate the divine feminine within ourselves and each other. You can practice rituals, ceremonies, and even have a sharing circles focused on empowerment, sisterhood, and self-discovery.

There’s no one way to gather and there’s no right way to do it. Studies have shown the benefits of group and support networks for promoting emotional well-being and social connection.

To facilitate a circle gathering, create a sacred and inclusive space, set intentions for the gathering, and guide other members through rituals, meditations, and reflective exercises. Find something you all have in common and want to heal together, whether it’s chronic pain, other physical ailments, or simply supporting your physical body. Embodiment involved listening not only to yourself, but to other people too and showing up fully present.

Oracle Cards

I love using oracle cards when I teach a workshop. You can find different decks that depict goddess archetypes to receive guidance, inspiration, and insight into various aspects of life.

This practice can help you tune into your own intuition and gain clarity on your path and purpose.

Studies have shown the benefits of using oracle cards for promoting self-reflection, intuition, and spiritual growth.

Select cards intuitively, interpret their messages, and reflect on how they resonate with your current life circumstances. Notice any unique sensations that might come up. Think of this as an opportunity to set aside time for quiet reflection, shuffling your card deck, and drawing cards to receive guidance and inspiration. It’s a great way to release stress and develop awareness of your intuition, a key part of embodiment.

Embodiment Practices to Try

Embodiment therapy is beneficial not only for your motor systems, blood pressure, and lymphatic system, but for your mental health too. Daily movement is a great part of embodiment, but it’s not the only way to practice. Paying attention and noticing changing sensations in your mind and body is all embodiment is about. Embodiment involves listening to the human body and your soul. You have to use embodied cognition to allow your parasympathetic nervous system to kick in.

Here are a few embodiment practices to try…

Non-doing practice

With your back against the floor, place a book, rolled up blanket, or pillow under your neck. Place your feet on the ground with your knees up. Let your hands rest on your pelvis or at your sides. Rest in this position for 20 minutes. This is a practice in non-doing that allows the body to restore itself. This is the most powerful tool for your mental health and overall well being.

Taking a moment to rest your mind and body is essential for embodiment. This is a chance to replease tension, focus on the breath, and find balance in your day.

Connect your body with nature

Put your bare feet on the ground. Lay in the grass. Take a walk in the forest. Go swimming in a lake or the ocean. Walk along the beach.

Some people call this grounding or forest bathing, but anything you can do to get connected with nature will help you feel more embodied. There’s scientific evidence that proves how beneficial this practice is to your health, especially your mental health.

Releasing the Martyr Visualization

As women, many of us find ourselves faced with feeling like a martyr. We’re taught to sacrifice our own needs for others, from a young age. This can lead to feeling like a martyr – which isn’t a very empowere type of energy.

Try this embodiment practice to release that energy. Visualize a situation where you felt you were sacrificing your energy. Begin to release your emotions around it. You might say things like “I’m angry at you for not recognizing my needs.” Repeat those words until you feel you’ve been heard.

Now, imagine you’re being recognized for all you’ve done. Imagine you’re being told “We recognize your needs and release you to do what you need to do for yourself.”

As you close out the exercise, imagine a healing color wrapped around you, allowing love to grow and mature inside yourself.

Mirror, Mirror Exercise

I love this exercise, but it might be uncomfortable when you first start.

Hold a mirror and look at yourself for a few moments. Say to yourself: 

• Hello, I love you.
• I’m creating the very best for you that I know how.
• I care for you.
• I listen to you and I love you unconditionally.
• You don’t have to do anything or be anything other than who you are for me to love you.

Now, choose a color which represents this warmth you feel towards yourself. This is a perfect practice when we want to learn how to love ourself.

Affirm Your Body

Our bodies respond to positivity. During your movement, try to foster a deeper mind body connection with affirmations.

For example, try swimming and keeping an affirmation in your mind as you glide through the water. Or go for a walk in nature and empty your mind of thoughts so you can enjoy the present moment. Maybe get on the mat and keep one of your favorite affirmations in mind throughout your practice.

Embodying Power

This is one my favorites. It’s a great way to own your inner power.

Think of three people you consider to be powerful. They can be loved ones, someone famous, or anyone who comes to mind.

Define what it is you find powerful about each person, naming the qualities for each.

Now, turn those qualities into affirmations for yourself. For example:

• “I am influential.”
• “I can say no.”
• “I can make things happen.”

Whatever you admire or despise is always a part of yourself. This embodiment exercise helps you draw those good qualities into your being.

Forgiveness Exercise

Forgiving usually starts with forgiving our parents. Think of your parents (if it’s not harmful to do so) and say something like, “I forgive you and let go of the past.”

Next, forgive anyone who you feel didn’t love you in the way you wanted to be loved. Repeat the sentence and let go of your resentment.

Finally, forgive yourself for being harsh on yourself, for any self-criticism and self-judgment. Acknowledge that it is your right to be loved and to give love fully.

You might need to repeat this exercise a few times.

Embodied Yoga Pose to Try

One of the best ways to get physical, release tension, and get connected with your breath and inner femininity, is through embodied yoga.

Embodied yoga is a bit different from “regular” yoga because you’re inviting intuitive movement in to your practice. Instead of following the alignment rules you’ve learned, here, you’re allowed to break the rules and follow what your body wants. This is the ultimate act of embodiment.

I want to share one embodied yoga pose that might help you in getting started:

Constructive Rest

Lie down on your back with your knees bent. You can put your feet on a bolster if it’s more comfortable.

Put your palms up with arms to the side, or place your left hand to your heart, right hand on your belly.

All your doing in this position is allowing your physical being to rest. No movement is required.

You can add a body scan, starting at your feet and moving up. Maybe you want to visualize an Earth element to get really grounded, something like mud or being in a forest.

Tell yourself you’re not just supported by the earth, you’re sinking into the earth.

Allow yourself this time to do a “pose” that only involves being. Stay for as long as you need to.

Journaling Prompts for Your Embodiment Practice

Even though writing might not seem like a physical embodiment practice, it’s actually very complimentary to any movement practice and can help you get in touch with any sense and form a connection between your mind and soul, and your human body.

Here are a few journaling prompts to add to your embodiment practice:

• When did you feel most ALIVE? Where were you? What activities were you doing?
• When you’re lit up the most, what colors come to mind? 
• What textures? 
• Where is that light in your physical system?
• What emotions do you feel?

Going through these exercises will help you pinpoint where your inner essence resides in your body and what it feels like to be lit up.

As you go about your daily life, you can start to see if things are in aligment with you, based on how “lit up” you feel.

Getting to know how this unique sensation feels in your body is key to releasing tension and living your fullest, best life.

Somatic Embodiment Training And Certification

Becoming a certified embodiment coach typically involves completing training and certification programs offered by reputable organizations or training institutes specializing in somatic psychology, embodiment practices, or body-oriented therapy.

Any program that has an embodied cognition approach is what you’re looking for. Personally, I couldn’t find an embodied yoga training, so I created one!

While specific requirements may vary depending on the program, there are still some common steps involved in obtaining certification as an embodiment coach:

1. Research Training Programs: Begin by researching different programs that offer certification in somatic embodiment coaching. Look for programs that align with your interests, goals, and values, and consider factors such as program length, curriculum, teacher expertise, and accreditation. Will you be learning alone in a silo or will you have a cohort to lean on?
2. Meet Certification Requirements: Once you enroll in a program, in addition to completing coursework and practicum requirements, you may need to fulfill other certification requirements, such as passing exams, submitting case studies or client testimonials, and demonstrating proficiency in core competencies and ethical standards. Be sure to understand what exactly is required of you to become certified.
3. Continuing Education and Professional Development: This is the step I think most people skip. Once you become certified and complete your program, it’s so important to engage in ongoing development and continuing education to stay current with best practices, emerging research, and evolving trends in the field of somatic embodiment coaching. This may include attending workshops, conferences, and advanced training programs, as well as participating in supervision and peer consultation groups.

By following these steps and investing time, effort, and dedication into your own training and development, you can get certified and start a fulfilling career helping others connect with their bodies, emotions, and authentic selves.

FAQs About Embodiment Practices

Are embodiment practices suitable for beginners?

Yes, embodiment practices are suitable for beginners and actually, all experience levels.

You don’t need any special skills or prior experience to start practicing embodiment. Simply approach the practices with an open mind and a willingness to explore and learn. Start simple and gradually build your skills and confidence over time.

Remember, the most important thing is to listen to your body and honor your own pace and journey.

Can anyone benefit from embodiment practices?

Absolutely! Embodiment practices are beneficial for people all ages, backgrounds, and levels of experience.

Whether you’re new to embodiment work or have been practicing for years, there are practices suited to meet your needs and desires.

From reducing stress enhancing self-awareness, embodiment practices offer so many benefits that have ripple effect throughout every area of your life.

How do I know which embodiment practice is right for me?

Finding the right embodiment practice for you depends on listening to your body.

Consider exploring different modalities, such as yoga, dance, breathwork, mindfulness, and creative expression, to see what resonates with you.

Pay attention to how each practice makes you feel and whether it aligns with your energy.

It’s also helpful to seek guidance from experienced practitioners and teachers who can offer personalized recommendations based on your unique needs and preferences.

Are embodiment practices only for women?

While embodiment practices are often associated with feminine energy and principles, they are not exclusive to women. Remember, we all have feminine energy, regardless of our gender identity!

Embodiment practices are beneficial for individuals of all genders and identities who seek to deepen their connection to their bodies, emotions, and authentic selves.

However you identify, you can explore and benefit from embodiment practices that resonate with you and support your personal growth and well-being.

Can I practice embodiment techniques on my own, or do I need a teacher or guide?

While it’s possible to practice embodiment techniques on your own, working with a qualified teacher or guide can offer additional support, guidance, and accountability.

A skilled teacher can provide personalized instruction, feedback, and adjustments to help you deepen your practice and avoid injury. They can also offer insights, perspectives, and resources to support your growth and development.

However, if working with a teacher is not feasible, there are many resources available, such as books, online courses, and videos, that can help you learn and practice embodiment techniques on your own.

Final Thoughts

You can start practicing embodiment practices right away.

If you’re interested in practical kriya yoga as a way to improve your daily life and relationships, check out my Yoga for Self Mastery course.

If you’re ready to go deep into embodiment, I want to invite you to Embodied Yoga Life Coaching. This training is an intensive deep dive into your own personal development. You’ll also benefit from the friendship, expertise, networking, and support of like-minded professionals in your handpicked cohort.