What Do These Words Mean?

Soma — A Greek term that signifies the holistic experience of being alive in a body. It is inclusive of our physical sensations, emotions, narratives, our actions, and our non-actions—our entire lived experience.

Somatics — A modern day field of study and practice, with ancient roots across many cultures, that explores the integration of the body and mind, focusing on bodily sensations, movements, and experiences.

Somatic Practice — Intentional activities aimed at deepening awareness of bodily sensations and movements, often involving techniques such as breathwork, movement exploration, and mindfulness.

Somatic Awareness — The ability to perceive and attend to bodily sensations, providing valuable information about one's internal state and experiences.

Somatic Capacity — The ability to remain present and engaged with one's bodily sensations and experiences, even in challenging or stressful situations.

Somatic Transformation — The process of cultivating change and growth through somatic practices, leading to shifts in how one perceives, experiences, and responds to oneself and the world.

Embodiment — The state of being fully present and connected to one's physical self, embracing the experience of living in a body.

Mind-Body Connection — The reciprocal relationship between physical sensations, emotions, and cognitive processes, highlighting the interconnectedness of the body and mind.

Mindfulness — The practice of purposefully paying attention to the present moment without judgment, cultivating awareness and acceptance of one's thoughts, feelings, and sensations.

Neuroplasticity — The brain's capacity to adapt and reorganize itself in response to new experiences, learning, and environmental changes.

Embodied Cognition — The understanding that cognitive processes are influenced by bodily sensations and experiences, emphasizing the integration of body and mind in cognition.

Self-Regulation — The ability to manage and modulate one's emotions, impulses, and physiological responses to maintain balance and well-being. 
Dysregulation — A state where the nervous system becomes overwhelmed, leading to symptoms such as heightened arousal, intense emotions, and difficulty in managing stress.

Window of Tolerance — The optimal range of arousal where a person is able to effectively cope with stress and maintain emotional regulation. When a person exceeds this window, they may experience dysregulation.

Trauma-Informed — An approach that recognizes the prevalence and impact of trauma on individuals, emphasizing safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, and empowerment in healing and recovery processes.