SOMATIC
Awakening

A transformational class that weaves together
Yin Yoga, Therapeutic Breathwork, and Meditation.

Come and discover how you can awaken to your internal experience with more trust, surrender, and love.

The term “Somatics” comes from the Greek word “Soma” meaning “body”. Thomas Hanna, who is credited for coining the term “somatics,” relates it to the whole person. Somatic practices are inherently holistic in nature - weaving together individual parts of a whole.

The term “Awakening” refers to the act of becoming aware of something.

This Somatic Awakening practice is designed to help you awaken and align, by gently inviting you to explore your somatic edges. Helping you move through any areas of internal blocks, mental tension, somatic tightness, or emotional stagnation that may be stuck in your Body, Mind, Heart, or Spirit and awaken your relationship with your body.

CONSIDER THIS...

Do you find that you typically respond to discomfort or overwhelm in one of two ways?

You either “bite down and bear it,” “pulling yourself up by your bootstraps,” white-knuckling yourself through the difficult times?

Or your like, “this shit is too hard… I’m out!”

You are not alone, my friend.

These two responses are how we humans typically respond when the “going gets tough” but, it doesn't have to be this way.

I’m here to share with you an alternative way of responding, a way of working WITH your system to respond with intention, rather than react from past patterns.

So, if you are ready to...

Experience less overwhelm, stress, anxiety, or emotional turbulence.
Have more control over your own emotional reactivity.
Break free from reoccurring patterns of emotional reactivity and create space for more positive and empowering emotional experiences.

SOMATIC AWAKENING IS FOR YOU.

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"Somatic Awakening is a beautiful fusion of practices that I wholeheartedly endorse as a yoga teacher and Breathwork Facilitator. Through this class, I've come to truly grasp the essence of a somatic practice. It taught me the art of residing in my personal experience, embracing feelings over thoughts, and becoming more curious about my state of mind. Keri has masterfully woven together these 3 modalities that leave you feeling more vibrant, fluid and embodied"

- Rachel, Somatic Awakening Participant

Holistic somatic practices can indeed have a profound impact on transforming our lives. Somatic practices encompass a wide range of approaches that involve integrating the Body, Mind, Heart and Spirit to promote overall well-being and personal growth.

Here are some ways in which these practices can be transformative:

Mind-Body Connection:
- Holistic somatic practices emphasize the connection between our physical sensations and emotional experiences. By becoming more aware of our bodily sensations and the signals it sends us, we can better understand and process our emotions, leading to increased emotional intelligence and self-awareness.
Stress Reduction:
- Many somatic practices, such as yoga, tai chi, and mindfulness meditation, have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety. Regularly engaging in these practices can lead to a more relaxed and balanced state of mind, allowing us to cope better with the challenges and demands of daily life.
Healing Trauma:
- Somatic therapies are often used to address and heal past traumas that may be stored in the body. These practices can help individuals release and process trauma, leading to emotional healing and a sense of empowerment.
Improved Physical Health:
- Somatic practices often involve movement and physical exercises that can contribute to improved flexibility, strength, and overall physical health. They may also aid in relieving chronic pain and promoting better posture.
Enhancing Resilience:
- Through somatic practices, individuals can cultivate resilience and the ability to adapt to life's ups and downs. By developing a greater sense of self-awareness and grounding, we become better equipped to handle challenging situations with grace and strength.
Mindful Living:
- Somatic practices encourage being present in the moment and cultivating mindfulness. This can lead to a deeper appreciation of life and a shift away from dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
Increased Empowerment:
- Engaging in somatic practices often gives individuals a sense of agency over their lives. As they become more in tune with their bodies and emotions, they gain a greater understanding of their needs and desires, leading to empowered decision-making and life choices.
Enhanced Creativity and Intuition:
- Somatic practices can open up channels of creativity and intuition within individuals. By connecting with their bodies and inner selves, people may find new perspectives and solutions to challenges in various aspects of their lives.

** It's important to note that the transformative power of holistic somatic practices varies from person to person, and consistent practice over time tends to yield the most significant results. As with any approach to personal growth, it's essential to find the practices that resonate with you and complement them with other healthy habits to create a well-rounded and fulfilling life.

This Somatic Awakening class weaves together three distinct modalities: Yin Yoga, Therapeutic Breathwork, and Meditation

First, we begin with Yin Yoga - a practice of “active rest,” which helps you soften the deeper areas of your body where you hold patterns of tension and tightness.

Then you will be guided deeper within through Prema Breathwork, encouraging you to release any energy that may be stuck in your physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual bodies. After releasing the breathing technique you will be invited to experience a deep rest - Savasana - to help you integrate anything that may have come up for you during your Yin Yoga or Breathwork practices.

This is then followed by a silent Meditation practice to support deeper layers of integration and somatically observing what is present for you in the moment.

Lastly, we will close our practice with what we lovingly call “chatting practice,” where we get to share any parts of our experience or ask any questions that may have come up about the practice.

ABOUT THESE Somatic AwakeningMODALITIES

YIN YOGA

Yin Yoga is a practice of “active rest,” which helps you soften the deeper areas of your body where you hold patterns of tension and tightness. This class improves joint mobility and flexibility by applying moderate stress to connective tissues (tendons, ligaments, and fascia). Each pose is passively held for 2-5 minutes. This class is suitable for all levels of practitioners.

“Yin Yoga is an invitation for us to explore the inner landscape of our bodies. Our gentle breath provides the vehicle and we drop our mind into our hearts for the journey” - Asha Wolf

THERAPEUTIC BREATHWORK

Therapeutic Breathwork, inspired by Stan and Christina Groff’s Holotropic Breathwork, aims to move towards wholeness by accessing non-ordinary states of consciousness. This practice facilitates healing past emotional wounds, alleviating present mental suffering, and integrating unconscious material within the body for healing. It combines emotional catharsis, primal sound creation, somatic release, and mental clearing to connect with intuition and Inner Healing Intelligence. Prema Breathwork uses the power of breath, music, and consensual touch to overcome mental, emotional, and physical blocks.

MEDITATION

is a practice to help you observe your thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment, allowing you to create some distance from them and gain insights into their underlying causes. It’s a practice learning how to be present and fully immersing yourself in the “here and now,” without dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.

“Mindfulness is paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally” - Jon Kabat-Zinn

“Keri is a true gem of a facilitator for the somatic awakening practice. She holds sacred space for healing that is trusting and safe. The weaving together of Yin yoga, Prema breathwork and mediation is truly a brilliant combination. As a breathwork facilitator myself, I deeply value the art and practice of all three of these modalities and Keri executes them together with ease and grace. Somatic awakening has brought me a deep sense of peace and connection back to divinity + universal consciousness that has helped me shift my perspective on life for the better. This practice inevitably brings me more clarity on who I am and how I am moving through life through a lens of compassion. “

- Jenna, Somatic Awakening Participant

It's great to have you interested in the wonderful world of Somatic Awakening! So, let's dive into this practice and explore what it's all about.

Imagine taking a journey of self-discovery that involves embracing every aspect of who you are—your body, mind, heart, and spirit. Somatic Awakening is precisely that journey! It's a practice that aims to help you develop a deeper sense of awareness and connection within yourself, not just in one isolated part, but in a holistic and all-encompassing way.

“Somatic” simply refers to the embodied experience of living through your physical body. It's about being present in the here and now, fully engaged with your sensations, emotions, and bodily movements. In Somatic Awakening, you learn to listen to the wisdom of your body and use it as a powerful tool for understanding yourself better.

When we talk about “awakening,” this isn't about waking up from sleep, but rather, it's about becoming more conscious and awakened to your true self. It's about recognizing that you are much more than just your thoughts or physical form. It's about embracing the essence of who you are at a deeper level.

The practice encourages you to explore and understand your body. By becoming more aware of your breath, posture, and physical sensations, you can gain insight into the messages your body is trying to convey. It's like having a conversation with yourself, where your body is the communicator.

But it doesn't stop there! This practice also delves into the realms of the mind, heart, and spirit.

YOUR MIND

Your mind holds your thoughts, beliefs, and patterns of thinking. Through Somatic Awakening, you can become more aware of your mental processes and cultivate a healthier and more balanced mindset.

YOUR HEART

Your heart is the center of emotions and feelings. By acknowledging and understanding your emotions without judgment, you can experience a profound emotional healing and emotional intelligence.

YOUR SPIRIT

Your spirit - the core essence of who you are. This aspect transcends the physical and mental realms and connects you with something greater than yourself, whether it's a sense of purpose, a universal consciousness, or a spiritual belief.

The beauty of Somatic Awakening is that it brings all of these elements together. It invites you to integrate the wisdom of your Body, Mind, Heart, and Spirit into one harmonious whole. As you progress in this practice, you may experience a deeper sense of self-acceptance, inner peace, and alignment with your authentic being.

Remember, Somatic Awakening is not about achieving some end goal or reaching a destination—it's a continuous journey of exploration and growth. So, embrace it with an open heart and a curious mind, and let it lead you to a more profound understanding of yourself and the world around you.

Enjoy the process, and may it bring you joy, peace, and fulfillment!

"Through this powerful experience, I awakened to my internal world with trust, surrender, and love, leaving me forever grateful for Keri's guidance and the profound impact it had on my life"

- Jenny S. , Virtual Participant

BREATHWORK
CONTRAINDICATIONS

This type of Therapeutic Breathwork is NOT recommended for individuals who have or are experiencing any of the following:

Pregnancy
Epilepsy, a detached retina, glaucoma
Uncontrolled blood pressure
Cardiovascular disease (including prior heart attack)
Prior diagnosis of a manic disorder, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia
TIAs (transient ischemic attack), seizures or other brain / neurological conditions
History of aneurysms in your immediate family
Use of prescription blood thinners
Hospitalization for any psychiatric condition or emotional crisis within the last ten years
Osteoporosis that is serious enough that intense movement could cause physical issues or concerns
Prior physical injuries that are not fully healed and could be re-injured through intense movement

Note: If you have asthma, you are welcome to participate in Breathwork. It is requested that if you have an inhaler that you bring it with you just in case.

Please consult with your medical provider prior to attending a Breathwork session if you have any questions or concerns about whether or not Breathwork would be a safe and beneficial practice for your particular medical conditions at this time.

Somatic Awakening Details:

IN - PERSON
SESSIONS

Weekly: Saturdays, 9-10:15am EST

at Wildflowers Yoga

https://www.wildflowersyoga.com

205 NW 10th Ave, Gainesville, FL

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

VIRTUAL
SESSIONS

Offered Seasonally

7-8:30pm EST | 4-5:30pm PST

Held on Zoom

Pre-registration Required

$40 per class

*Email to find out more about virtual offerings