How can you “feel” trust in your body?
Trusting Your Body: The Power of Movement and Somatics
Posted by Flow Warrior Fitness on 09/17/2023
Have you ever wondered how movement and somatics can deepen the trust you have in your body? Well, it does, and if you want to know more, let me know!
This has been a focus for me on the mat lately. The connection between the mind and body is undeniable, with intentional training we can reprogram negative feelings like fear - turning them into a deep inner trust.
Today, that trust was tested. I competed at my first ever Tai Kwon Do tournament. I also had to challenge tradition and conquered my fears. I was nervous, anxious, jittery. But I wasn’t fearful… because I have been trainjng trust in my body. I knew that I could stand tall, chest open, and trust myself to move the way I trained.
I went into this tournament knowing I wanted to compete in a weapons form. And I wanted to do it so the my steel mace - which is not a traditional martial arts weapon. Instead of taking the easier, traditional route - I stuck with my decision and made my own form. It was my body of work, my choreography, my hours of sweat and tears… and putting it out there to be judged was nerve wracking
Luckily - like I said, I’ve been training trust into my body. In the weeks leading up to the tournament, I used my knowledge of somatics to reprogram the fear of failure, turning it into unwavering trust. Through this practice, one that challenged me to breath deep, open my chest, keep my chin up, and stand strong, I have been able to let go of any limiting beliefs I had. I was able to show up authenticly.
The day of the tournament, I knew I had to challenge the norm. I watched the others performing traditional routines and respected their dedication to the discipline. Then I went on with my Steel Mace form - unique and, well… mine. As my name was called - the fear of judgment crept in, but the trust I have trained countered it.
My voice shock when I introduced mhsf, but then I got in the flow. I felt the strength and energy of my form through the connection I had developed with my practice. I stopped thinking and still executed each kick, punch, and block with confidence, knowing that I was showing up authentically.
The moment the final pose was struck, I felt light. Strong. Focused. Confident. Precise. I felt like a warrior. I challenged the norm, but I also demonstrated the power of movement and somatics in cultivating trust within my physical body.
That was win enough for me, but… authenticity and courage paid off.
To my surprise, I came home with not just one but two medals—one for my weapons form, and one for my sparring. Neither of which I expected!
The message today is: transcend the boundaries of tradition… trust yourself to take the path less traveled. And never forget how those wins and big positive emotions feel in your body. This is the power of movement and somatics. You can literally program trust in your bodies. Be courageous - be authentic. Because when we challenge the norm and express ourselves genuinely, the rewards can be far greater than we ever imagined.
Let’s flow, Warriors! - Coach Jes