Somatic Breathwork Journey : Week 1 – Returning to the Center

 

Over the next 12 weeks, I’m documenting my experience with somatic breathwork—a practice that combines breath, body awareness, and nervous system regulation. This is more than just a breathing technique. It’s a way of coming back to the body, tuning in, and learning to relate to ourselves and others through felt presence.

I’m currently participating in a somatic breathwork practitioner training through a program called Soma+IQ. These reflections are based on what I’m learning in the course, combined with my personal insights and experiences along the way.

Each week, I’ll reflect on what we practiced, what I observed, and how it shaped my awareness. These entries are both personal and practical—meant to be honest documentation as well as a resource for others who are curious about the process.

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Week 1: Returning to the Center

This week marked my first experience with somatic breathwork, and it gave me a new perspective on how the body holds information and responds to intentional attention. The focus was not just on breathing techniques, but on learning how to stay connected to both myself and others through body awareness.

One of the core practices we worked with was identifying physical sensations and naming emotions in real time. We were encouraged to notice what was happening in our bodies and use that awareness as a way to stay present. This included exercises where we paired with others, made eye contact, and shared what we noticed internally—without judgment or over-analysis. It was a practice of simply observing and naming, which brought a surprising amount of clarity.

We also explored the concept of somatic relating—a way of communicating that goes beyond words. This included noticing subtle shifts in posture, breath, and facial expression as cues for deeper connection. It helped me realize how much we communicate non-verbally and how tuning into those signals can strengthen empathy and presence.

Another key part of the training involved the ARC framework:

• Activate the nervous system through breath and movement

• Regulate through intentional slowing and grounding

• Connect with others through shared presence and co-regulation

What stood out to me most was that somatic breathwork is not just about emotional release; it’s also about pattern recognition and nervous system awareness. By learning how to track subtle sensations, it becomes possible to shift long-held patterns of stress or disconnection.

Overall, this first week felt like a solid introduction—not just conceptually, but practically. It helped me engage with breath, body, and attention in a more intentional and embodied way. I’m looking forward to continuing and seeing how these practices evolve over time.

Stay tuned for Week 2.