Here's a super foundational Embodied Communication practice to get you started towards sharing more authentically.
It's just the tip of the iceberg, so don't worry if it seems too basic or silly. Just give it a try and see what happens!
Here's some more explanation:
Have you learned great communication techniques but felt awkward about implementing them because they felt too forced or structured?
Have you tried using communication practices but had your partner or others complain you sounded unnatural?
Or have you noticed your communication keeps you in your head because you’re trying to figure out how to say it Right?
If you have, you’re definitely not alone.
There are some great communication techniques available but they may not be effective because they don’t feel authentic or they're too much work.
They keep you in your head and out of your heart.
The type of communication I teach and use myself includes your whole body and that’s why I call it Embodied Communication.
Embodied Communication asks you to inquire into your body and listen to it’s messages.
Then you include your body wisdom in your communication.
You see, your body is 90% of who you are.
So when you’re just coming from your mind, you’re forgetting to access 90% of your intelligence!
So speaking from your body intelligence and experience will get you to the truth of what’s happening for you.
From there, you’ll create a much more authentic connection with the person you’re trying to communicate with.
How cool is that?
Want to try it?
Here's the practice I give in the video above:
Sit or stand facing a friend.
First person, report 2 - 3 things your’e noticing in your body.
Switch roles.
Take turns reporting your body sensations 3 more times.
Really practice noticing what’s happening Right Now
in your body without judgment or filtering.
There are no wrong answers. But speak only about
body sensations and don’t add anything to it like
“because….” or "this is weird but..."
So no explanations or assessments.
So it may look like this:
Partner A: My hands are sweaty and my belly is tight.
Partner B: My feet feel hot and my heart is pounding.
With practice, it will get easier to report your body
sensations, even in a heated moment of conflict.
I know you may be thinking "this is silly" or
"this is too simple, it won't work."
But you gotta trust me on this.
If you stick with reporting body sensations,
you’re way less likely to fuel a conflict!!
Of course there’s a lot more to Embodied Communication
and to staying out of conflict.
But this will get you off to a great start.
So give it a try and let me know how it goes!
To your Thriving Relationships,
Robyn
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We'll cover all aspects of healthy communication including Embodied Communication. Sign up below...
