When we are busy, we can easily overlook the connection between our emotional health and our physical well-being. Body empathy, or somatic empathy, is the practice of tuning in to how our bodies hold and process emotions. Two essential elements in this process are building a personal relationship with our higher purpose and reconciling with our past. These foundations help us ground our healing and give us the strength to move forward.
1. Building a Personal Relationship with the Creator (Higher Purpose)
At the core of our healing journey is the relationship we build with our higher purpose or Creator, however we define it. This isn’t about adopting someone else’s belief system; it’s about finding and nurturing our own. When we develop this personal connection, we begin to understand ourselves more deeply—spiritually and emotionally.
Our bodies also respond when we feel connected to something greater. Whether through meditation, prayer, mindfulness, or nature, building that spiritual foundation calms our nervous system, reduces stress, and helps us manage life’s challenges with more grace and resilience. This is where somatic empathy matters the most—listening to the body as it reacts to our emotions and spiritual practices. When we build a stronger internal connection, our bodies follow suit, allowing us to be more present, compassionate, and empathetic toward others.
Reflection:
Now ask yourself, “How is your environment at work and home impacting your ability to practice somatic empathy?” Are the spaces you occupy conducive to fostering that deeper connection, or do they add stress and disconnection?
2. Reconciling with Our Roots: Parents and Ancestors
No one comes from a perfect family. Our relationships with parents and ancestors are often complicated, but healing starts when we acknowledge and reconcile with those ties. Even though our predecessors may be flawed, their experiences shaped the paths that brought us here. Their strengths run through us—literally.
Reconciliation, however, doesn’t mean condoning past wrongs. It means recognizing the influence of our roots, learning from the lessons they provide, and releasing any pain or grudges that weigh us down. This acknowledgment brings somatic relief—tensions we hold in our bodies start to dissolve when we let go of generational pain. By releasing emotional weight, our bodies heal too, creating more room for empathy and understanding.
Building a personal connection with our higher purpose and reconciling with our past are two crucial steps in living an empathetic, fulfilled life. Our bodies reflect the peace we find through these practices, allowing us to move through the world with greater compassion. Next time your body sends you signals of stress or discomfort, remember that healing often starts with spiritual and emotional grounding.
Stay tuned for part two of this post next week!