So when I say we do some somatic movement in my yoga classes, what exactly do I mean? What is somatic movement?
This is a movement that looks for Internal focus over external form.
The movements are not aiming for large ranges, ideal shapes, or “correct” postures. They invite sensing: weight, contact with the chair, breath, ease, and transition.
It means slow, continuous, low-effort motion
The pace allows the nervous system to track what’s happening. Movement happens at a speed the brain can learn from.
Self-regulation Is.key rather than instruction-heavy correction
There’s space for the person to adjust, pause, or soften rather than being pushed toward a goal.
Somatic movement has functional, everyday orientation
Sitting, spiralling, bending, and returning upright mirror daily movements (getting up, turning, orienting), which is a hallmark of somatic work.
In short, this type of movement is simple and pleasant, prioritises felt sense, nervous system regulation, and movement re-education. It offers benefits that go far beyond flexibility — especially for stress, pain, coordination, and long-term embodiment.
Combined with yoga
Somatic movement and yoga complement each other naturally. Yoga offers structure and form. Somatic movement brings the attention to the inner experience. Practised together, they support not only flexibility and strength, but a more responsive, self-aware relationship with the body. The combination of the two shifts the focus from achieving poses to inhabiting them. Both support ease, awareness, and long-term comfort in the body.
If you wish to try this out, come and practice with me. You can find more about my classes here.
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