Most of us don't live life through our bodies because we've been taught that our bodies are not safe. We've been told that our bodies are not good enough, that they're not worthy of love, and that they're not safe to express. This message has been ingrained in us from a young age, and it can be difficult to break free from it.

Again, there are many reasons why someone might not feel safe in their body. Physical injury or pain, being in a larger body, trauma, sexual abuse, physical trauma, feeling like you don't want to receive unwanted attention, or growing up in an emotionally volatile household can all contribute to a feeling of unsafety in the body.

When it comes to inhabiting your body, it's essential that you first feel safe in your body.

If you're struggling with feeling safe in your body, it's important to remember that you're not alone. There are many people who feel the same way. And there are things you can do to help yourself feel more safe and comfortable in your body.

Our nervous system is incredibly smart. It is designed to protect us from harm. When we feel unsafe, our nervous system goes into "fight, flight, or freeze" mode. This is a natural and healthy response. However, if we are constantly in "fight, flight, or freeze" mode, it can be very difficult to feel safe in our bodies.

If you are struggling to feel safe in your body, it is important to be patient with yourself.

Here are a few simple things you can do to begin feeling a little bit more safe in your body:

1. Ground yourself in your body. Start by placing your feet on the ground. Notice how the ground feels beneath your feet. You can also rub your feet back and forth on the ground to help you feel more grounded.
2. Breathe deeply. Take a few deep breaths, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. As you breathe, focus on your breath and how it feels in your body.
3. Pay attention to your body. Notice any sensations in your body. You may feel tension in your muscles, or you may feel a sense of calm. Just notice whatever you're feeling without judgment.

These are just a few simple things you can do to feel a bit safer in your body. With practice, you can learn to feel more grounded and connected to yourself, even in difficult situations.

I hope this blog was helpful for you. As you navigate through your week, take note of the moments when you're only breathing shallowly. These are cues to ground yourself into your lower half of your body, feel your feet, and allow yourself to breathe deeply and notice what sensations are alive in your body. 

Here are some examples of opportune times to play with the three tips to help integrate a more embodied present experience into your daily life:

• When you're at a red light
• When you're brushing your teeth
• When you're waiting in line
• When you're in a challenging conversation with your partner, colleague, or friend

Basically what I’m encouraging you to do here is to start finding moments in your day that you can use as opportunities to connect back to yourself. I know sometimes the world of embodiment can feel elusive and also like ‘who has time for that?’ when we think of a long meditation / movement practice. 

But the truth is, embodiment is a consistent, constant courageous choice that we make again and again. We are never ‘there’. But we get to continue to expand our capacity. Weaving in little practices like what I have shared here will support you substantially. 

It takes time and effort to feel safe in your body. But it's worth it. When you feel safe in your body, you can start to live your life to the fullest.

Remember that your body is your home. It’s the only place you have to live, and it deserves your love and respect. When you learn to love and accept your body, you can start to live life through it. You can start to feel safe in your own skin, and you can start to express yourself more fully.

It's not always easy to love our bodies, but it's worth it. When we do, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities. We can experience more joy, more pleasure, and more connection. We can be the best versions of ourselves!

If feeling safe in your body is a big challenge for you and you're ready to shift that pattern and receive more support, schedule a complimentary 15-minute call with me today.