Somatic plant medicine connects us more deeply with the sensations that arise as we build a relationship with plants.

We can connect to some of these sensations through movement. In this article, I want to share some ideas that can help you to explore movement as part of your healing.

Intuitive movement in nature

Plants’ leaves turn toward the sun. The wind moves trees in whatever direction. Mountains slowly relax from erosion. Even the most still aspects of nature move.

We can connect with nature – in person, through videos, or through visualization – and find ways to express the emotions and sensations in all kinds of ways. Movement helps to create embodiment and discharges some of the energy that is stuck in the nervous system.

Yoga

Many yoga poses are helpful for somatic embodiment. Forward folds can help to activate the vagus nerve. Gentle chest openers can help to activate the heart center. Twists wake up parts of the nervous system.

I speak from the angle of a yoga teacher, but there are many other movement therapies that can be helpful: qi gong, tai chi, martial arts, dance… there are all kinds of ways to express movement.

You do not have to have formal training in order to begin exploring healing movement. Just twisting, stepping, and stretching can help you to begin to connect further to your body.

Let’s explore

When you sip on your afternoon tea, notice what sensations arise. Do these sensations encourage some form of movement? Maybe its just waving your arms or stretching. If you aren’t noticing anything specific, start moving and see what comes up.

What about getting out into your yard, your local park, or even on a hike? As you are surrounded by plants, what movement are you drawn to doing?

This doesn’t have to be anything fancy or complex. Sometimes I find myself just wanting to stretch my arms as if I am pushing something away. Other times I have the urge to dance different dances I’ve learned. Martial arts forms, yoga flows, or even just walking slowly – whatever comes to mind, allow yourself to gently go through the movements and see what arises.