It Starts with Soma

If your first thought of Soma is a store that sells women’s undergarments, you are on the right track. Sort of. The word Soma means of or pertaining to the body. In recent history, our view of the body has become superficial, commercialized and compartmentalized. We approach the body like an automobile, dressing up its exterior, treating (or even replacing) its parts when they break down. For many, the mind is supreme and the body, an afterthought. A deeper exploration of Soma tells a different story; that the body, in partnership with the mind, is the foundation for physical, mental and social-emotional well-being. Soma, in the Hindu Vedas, is a plant (and deity) associated with enlivening the body and strengthening consciousness. The Greeks took the Sanskrit word, Soma, and applied it to the body in the 1800’s, influencing the western medical use of the word today. The hope is that our view of Soma becomes a blend of Eastern and Western thought, understanding somatic, bodily awareness as the gateway to healing the body, mind and spirit.

At its core, the PQ Initiative, is about the Soma and the role it plays in the development of our sense of self and our social, emotional and relational capabilities. We have long treated the mind as the source for these skills; however, without somatic awareness, these traits are not readily available to the mind. Phil Stutz describes this well. Prior to watching the documentary Stutz, produced and directed by Jonah Hill, I had never heard of the renowned psychiatrist and author whose unique approach and tools are so aligned with my own journey of transformation. What I stumbled upon as Physical Intelligence (PQ), Stutz adeptly describes as Life Force.

The Life Force model is a pyramid with three levels, the foundation of which is centered on the body – the soma – highlighting the necessity of caring for our physical well-being, first and foremost, with proper nutrition, hydration, sleep and physical activity. The model illustrates that we need a well-developed connection with our own body before we can connect well with others or increase our own levels of consciousness and happiness.

In the documentary, when asked how important the first level of the pyramid is, Dr. Stutz emphasizes that as much as 85% of growth is dependent on that

first layer. Attending to our basic physiological needs is paramount for attainment of higher social and emotional goals. Another way to look at Stutz’s pyramid is Soma as the foundation necessary for accessing Emotional Intelligence required for healthy relationships with others and ourselves.

What is perhaps most important to understand about this foundational layer of the Soma, is that it is not just about getting exercise and eating right. It is about noticing how our body feels when we do and don’t do these things. The body is constantly sending the mind signals and not just cues for hunger and thirst. In partnership with our nervous system, the body communicates messages to the brain about perceptions of fear and safety, which then drive our thoughts and actions. When we feel fear or a sense of calm, when we feel anxious, nervous or relaxed, these are sensations that originate in the Soma.

Often, our body’s signaling system is faulty and based on prior experiences that no longer serve us. The exciting thing is that, when we attend to our body through exercise, we tune into these subtle sensations and begin to recognize where they are coming from. When we do this we can begin to “rewire” communication between the body and the mind. A well-developed mind-body connection, provides an objective lens through which we come to see things as they truly are. With that awareness, we gain new insights and develop the ability to regulate our behavior, thoughts and actions in ways that help us heal and thrive.

The Soma - the body - can only be a foundation for health and healing if we tune into its messages. A regular practice of any form of physical activity you enjoy is a good place to start. Walking, running, biking or swimming. Mindfulness practices like Yoga, Tai Chi, Qigong and meditation. Karate. Lifting Weights. Zumba. Dance. Any activity that engages the body and mind partnership will build somatic awareness as well as provide all the physiological benefits associated with different forms of exercise. While the latter is important, it is somatic awareness that provides an entry point for healing.

Image credit: https://www.wiktoriadalach.com/pyramind-of-relationships-by-phill-stutz