Collective Healing for Empaths: Somatic Rituals to Transform Global Pain Into Power
Having a heightened ability to connect with other people is a gift, but it can also feel draining when you’re watching people suffer during turbulent times. Learning about somatic rituals for healing could help you soothe your nervous system. You may feel more physically and mentally at peace after practising some techniques in the comfort of your home.
What Is Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy is a body-focused type of therapy that teaches the nervous system to reinterpret sensations it associates with previous traumatic experiences. Instead of relying solely on conversations like psychotherapy, somatic sessions combine talking with meditation, bodywork and deep breathing to facilitate improved mind-body healing.
Somatic Rituals for Healing as an Empath
You can learn how to protect your energy as an empath by practising rituals that feel best for your physical and mental well-being. Consider some of the most widely used techniques when you’re ready to recover from a long period of emotional stress.
1. Recognise and Release Negative Beliefs
Empathetic people sometimes feel like it’s their responsibility to help those who are suffering. The noble effort may be rewarding at times, but you can’t heal whole communities or fix global turmoil. Recognising that subconscious belief and letting it go can facilitate somatic healing by releasing a source of constant stress. When you recharge your energy, you’ll better support the individuals closest to you.
2. Practise Deep Breathing
Slow, deep breaths relax the parasympathetic nervous system by slowing your heart rate. You can practise this somatic ritual anywhere. When you feel overwhelmed, count to three slowly while inhaling. Hold your breath for three seconds before exhaling for three seconds. The energetic healing may strengthen you during overwhelming times.
3. Try Gentle Exercise
Connecting with others through your strong, empathetic nature can affect your physical being. Empaths sometimes visualise someone’s story in their bodies, meaning you can feel their tension or pain literally. Exercising can become a quick ritual to release those feelings.
Some empaths enjoy a few minutes of dance therapy or yoga to work through things like muscle tension. Press play on your favourite music to distract your mind while practising your preferred form of gentle exercise.
4. Stick With Movements That Feel Good
Prioritise your emotional well-being for a few minutes each day to transform your empathy skills into a source of empowerment again. Doing your somatic movements for five to 10 minutes daily can generate positive change. Make them a new ritual when you have quiet time to yourself.
5. Explore Grounding Strategies
Once you’re somewhere quiet, close your eyes. Feel your feet pressing into the floor as you imagine them forming roots and digging in. Rooting is the first step in many grounding sessions. Imagining a connection to your surroundings requires focus, so it helps you take your mind off everything happening in your life.
If you root yourself and do deep breathing, your somatic grounding session may be exactly what your brain and body need to relax. You could also follow that step by grabbing something around you, like a scatter cushion. What is its texture? Is it hard or pliable? Thinking purposefully about how the object interacts with each of your senses can further hook your mind in the present.
Protect Your Energy as an Empath Every Day
Practising somatic rituals for healing may be more soothing than taking a bubble bath or using an aromatherapy diffuser. Explore techniques like deep breathing, dancing and grounding to see if your mind and body feel more at rest. Once you know how best to protect your energy, you can show up for yourself and the people in your life when the world is full of chaos.
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Beth, the Managing Editor and content manager at Body+Mind, is well-respected in the mental health, nutrition and fitness spaces. In her spare time, Beth enjoys cooking and going for runs with her dog.
