Harnessing the Power of Somatic Tracking

Establishing a Baseline

When you're tuning into the body using somatic tracking, it's often beneficial to assess your starting point as a base line. Ask yourself, is the sensation starting at zero, implying no tension? Or is it at ten, signifying it's so intense that you feel it might just explode? Recognizing this baseline or starting place is useful to measure progress.

As you delve deeper into the sensation, approach it with a sense of curiosity, compassion, and allowance. Let whatever feelings or sensations that arise exist without judgment. With time, you might notice that the sensation begins to shift. The speed at which this happens can vary—visual processors often experience changes swiftly, sometimes so fast that they're left wondering where the sensation went or what they just witnessed. It's great if you visualize something, but ensure that you're not putting a FIX on what you are seeing. Let the fix come from your inner knowing...you could ask what does this need and let it be shown to you.

On the other hand, kinesthetic processors, of which I'm a part, might observe a more gradual transformation in sensations. However, it's essential not to harbor preconceived notions about the duration it might take. Approach the process with curiosity, compassion, and openness. If your mind starts wandering, contemplating dinner plans or whether you need to get gas for your car, remind yourself that these distractions can diminish your presence in the moment. Refocus the mind by bringing it back to the bodily sensations. Allow the body sensation to be 100% as it is.

Tracking the Shifts

If you discern that the sensation is moving, just follow it as it moves in the body. For instance, it might originate in your stomach but then rise to your throat. Maintaining curiosity and being wholly present can be beneficial. When a sensation emerges in the throat, I often pose a question to myself, wondering if there's something that needs verbal expression. While you can simply continue breathing without engaging in this line of inquiry, I find that sometimes I'm eager to expedite the process. I might probe further, asking that sensation, "Is there anything you'd like to say?". And then if yes, let it speak. 

By allowing this latent energy or repressed expression to surface, you can facilitate its movement. This approach is arguably one of the most potent and rapid healing methods. We can indulge in exhaustive conversations, rehashing stories until we're tired. Or, we can recollect a specific event and focus solely on the body's sensations.

For those grappling with chronic pain, rather than wishing for it to vanish or condemning it, sit with it. Observe its nuances. I urge you sit with the sensations and to be attentive to the healing being present can bring about.

Sending blessings for your well-being. Thank you.