Returning to Our Bodies: Caring for Ourselves to Bring Our Full Selves

4/29/2021

“The more consciously we inhabit our bodies and surrender to the flow of life in us, the more that flow moves us towards wholeness, connection and fulfillment…. Coming back into our bodies isn’t easy and takes courage, but aliveness itself is our strongest ally in the process.”
-Alta Starr

As many of our schools and students have returned to in-person learning, I urge us to resist returning to the status quo. The past year of immense loss and global grief has given us space for deep healing, connections, and engaging in generative practices of self-care.

While our bodies will remember the habits and memories of the physical life that existed before the pandemic, we can utilize alternative practices to slow down and deepen our somatic awareness. Centering and grounding practices like meditation, centering, yoga, stretching, deep breathing, quiet reflection, physical exercise, and rest are more important than they’ve ever been. As we move towards a world with more justice, liberation, joy, and freedom, our bodies – and the connection between our body and mind – are essential.

I’ve compiled a list of community organizations, activists, and practitioners who are connecting practices of liberation to our bodies. Integrating these somatic and embodiment practices into our everyday allows us the opportunity to act more consistently in alignment with our values even when we are under pressure. Take a moment to explore the offerings below and see if you can create a new normal with your body. Make your practice your own. Do not rely on punishment if you miss a centering activity or are unable to easily incorporate this into your life. Small moments of rest and reflection whether that be when your day begins, before you step in a classroom, a post workday ritual, or 60 seconds of mindfulness on your break time can be the political or self-care practice we need to continue to engage in this work with dignity, care, and compassion as our full selves.