Photo Credit: Andrei-Lazarev

“Moving your body in ways that you love” is one of the key themes I explore with women in coaching, counselling and psychotherapy. It’s about reconnecting with the feminine aspects of self and a deeper sense of soul.

Many women are over-identified with the masculine, which can show up as relating to ourselves in harsh, patriarchal and oppressive ways. This might look like overworking, perfectionism, lack of rest or self-care, or pushing the body through punitive diets and punishing exercise routines.

One way of restoring balance is through listening and moving to music.

Movement and music can support us on many levels, physiological, emotional, psychological, relational and spiritual. From a somatic perspective, they also support nervous system regulation, helping to gently shift states of stress, overwhelm or shut down into greater ease and connection. As we move, we begin to listen to the body in a different way, developing awareness of sensation, rhythm and internal experience.

This can deepen self-awareness and help us reconnect with parts of ourselves that may have been pushed aside or gone unheard. Movement can also become a form of expression, allowing feelings held in the body to be released and processed over time.

Part of my own recovery involved engaging in dance and movement practices, as well as attending retreats where music and movement were central to the experience.

If you’re wanting to reconnect with your body and soul in a more intuitive way, you might explore practices such as BodySoul Rhythms®, Qoya, Gabrielle Roth’s 5 Rhythms or Nia.

If getting to a class or retreat isn’t possible, you might begin simply by listening to music and allowing your body to move in its own way. I’ve also curated playlists and inspiration on my Move Your Body Music/Dance Therapy board.

If you’re wanting to deepen your relationship with your body and self, you’re welcome to begin with my free eBook, How to Befriend Your Body Feelings Mind and Soul.