Somatic Personal Practice
When Pleasant is not the Thing
I often invite attention to what is pleasant. But that’s not the only thing we need to make space for. When you have private space and time, invite your anger and protest to express. Claws, sounds, “F#@k You!”s. You can have a person or situation in mind or you can express your frustration with the way the whole world and everything are. I say more in the fine print.
When Pleasant is not the Thing
I often invite you to consciously notice things that are pleasant, enjoyable or neutral.
This is an important practice when our bodies are accustomed to threat, vigilance and protectiveness.
But sometimes it doesn’t work. “Don’t tell me to feel good! I don’t feel good! Right now I don’t want to feel good!”
Protest, frustration, anger, upset, disappointment.
For many of us, there’s a lot in there and sometimes that upset needs to be felt and expressed. Not necessarily in communications with others (though sometimes that’s right on target) but privately to give your body permission and satisfaction with no relational consequences.
When you have time and private space, and with some sense of support coming from within and/or outside yourself, I invite you to invite your body to express protest, frustration and boundaries. Your voice might growl, hiss, snarl, or shout. Your hands might make claws or fists or a “stay away” posture. You might say, “Get away! Leave me alone! F&*k you!” If your health is compromised, you might say, “I hate being sick and weak! I hate not being understood by doctors!” Maybe, “I hate being alone!” or “I hate being with people who hurt me!” You could also twist a towel really tight like you are wringing its neck. Maybe keep it in slow motion and let yourself feel what is underneath as much as it wants to be felt.
Then just sit and feel. Allow. Be curious.
And sometimes anger opens into grief or sadness. That’s ok too.
Know that there is love and support for you, even if you can’t easily see it or feel it. Know that the Universe and the Earth welcome your protest and your aliveness.