How the Body Holds the Story:

A Path to Healing Through Somatic and Intuitive Movement

Our bodies are powerful storytellers. They carry the memories, emotions, and experiences that shape who we are. But how does the body actually hold the story? What happens when the past, its traumas, and its unresolved energy remain stored in our muscles, tissues, and nervous system? How can we release these old narratives and create space for new ones?

In this post, we’ll explore how the body processes and stores emotional experiences, and how somatic work and intuitive movement can help us reconnect to our bodies and shift these stories.

The Body and the Stories We Carry

When we experience something traumatic or emotionally intense, our body responds long before our conscious mind processes it. We feel physical sensations—tightness, discomfort, or tension—and these sensations are often the first indication that something needs attention. These sensations can lead us to specific memories or old emotional stories, often sending us back to the past.

However, it’s important to recognize that we aren’t actually traveling backward in time. We’re still very much in the present moment. Our nervous system and body are simply recalling past events as if they are happening again. The body reacts, the mind interprets the feeling, and we begin to relive an old story.

That’s where healing begins: in the present moment. It starts with acknowledging and validating these sensations, understanding that it makes sense to feel what we feel given our past experiences. From there, we begin to create space for change, reframing the story, and shifting our perspective.

The Healing Power of Intuitive Movement

As a therapist and coach, I’ve seen firsthand how somatic practices—like intuitive movement—can help release trapped energy and shift these emotional stories. Intuitive movement is about following what your body wants to do naturally, without judgment or preconception. It’s a process of listening to the sensations within your body and allowing those feelings to express themselves through movement.

For example, if you’re feeling anxiety after an argument, your body may tense up or contract. Instead of pushing those feelings aside, intuitive movement invites you to explore that sensation. Does it feel like bracing yourself or holding back? How can you release that energy? Maybe a gentle stretch or a spontaneous dance helps the energy flow freely again.

When we don’t allow ourselves to release energy, it can become stuck in our nervous system. Intuitive movement helps us complete the cycle of that energy, letting it flow naturally through the body and back into the earth where it can transform into something new.

Creating Space for Authentic Healing

The journey of healing isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. While traditional talk therapy has its place, it’s not always enough to truly move through trauma. I came to this realization personally, during a transformative time in my life. It was only through breathwork and intuitive movement that I found the release I needed. That experience taught me the importance of integrating both mind and body in the healing process.

My goal is to provide a space where my clients can feel safe to show up authentically. In this space, there’s no judgment, no need to conform to any expectation. Whether through somatic techniques, breathwork, or intuitive movement, the aim is to help you reconnect with your true self. You are your best teacher, and my job is to hold that space where you can access your own inner wisdom.

The Role of Connection and Relationship in Healing

As one of my mentors once told me, "The relationship alone is curative." Connection is everything. When you feel truly seen, heard, and understood, your nervous system can begin to calm, and new neural connections form. This sense of safety is key to transforming past narratives and creating new, healthier stories.

Intuitive movement, somatic practices, and connection all work together to help release trauma from the body. It’s not about trying to be someone you’re not. Instead, it’s about reconnecting with who you are—your authentic self.

Conclusion: Trusting Your Body’s Wisdom

Healing is a deeply personal and ongoing journey, but it’s one that we don’t have to go through alone. With practices like somatic therapy, intuitive movement, and the power of connection, we can transform old stories and create new, empowered narratives. You don’t need to look outside yourself for the answers—they are already within you.

If you’re ready to start this healing journey, know that the path is about honoring where you are, moving at your own pace, and trusting your body’s innate wisdom. Through mindful practices and deep connection, you can release old trauma, find balance, and begin writing a new story for yourself.