Embracing Change: A Somatic Perspective
Change is a constant in life, yet many of us experience it as a disruption—something to brace against or manage. From shifting seasons to transitions in our relationships, health, or identity, change has the power to stir both possibility and discomfort.
In the somatic and therapeutic work I do, I often meet people in moments of transition. Some arrive with a sense of urgency: "Something needs to shift." Others come with resistance: "I don’t want this change." In both cases, the body holds clues—not only to what’s challenging about the change, but also to the resources that can help us meet it.
Why change feels so intense — through the lens of the body
Our nervous system is wired for familiarity. Even when something isn’t good for us, it can still feel safe simply because it’s known. Change—even positive change—can trigger a state of alertness or even threat in the body.
When something changes, our system naturally begins scanning for risk. It compares the present moment with past experiences: "Have I been here before? Was it safe? What might happen next?" This internal scanning can lead to heightened sensitivity, tension, or feelings of overwhelm—even when the external change appears minor or logical.
On a physiological level, transitions can activate the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system, associated with mobilization—fight or flight. For others, it may trigger a freeze or collapse response. That’s why one person might feel agitated in the face of change, while another feels numb or checked out.
This is where somatic practices come in. When we include the body in how we relate to change, we open up new possibilities. We can begin to:
Notice our habitual responses: Do we freeze, tense, push through?
Practice regulation: Grounding, breathwork, and conscious movement help calm the nervous system.
Create micro-moments of safety: Reassuring the body that it doesn’t have to rush.
Understanding this physiological response can bring compassion into the process. You're not overreacting—you’re having a natural response to unpredictability.
Working with change, not against it
Change often brings with it a mix of grief and renewal. Letting go of the old can be painful. Meeting the new can feel tender. In somatic therapy and embodied movement, we explore this not as a problem to fix, but as a process to move with.
Sometimes, simply recognizing that resistance is a form of protection helps us soften. The body may be saying, "I need more time." When we listen, we create space to stay connected to ourselves in the midst of transition.
A practice: Pause and sense
Take a moment—right now—and notice what change is present in your life. It could be big or small. Then, ask yourself:
Where do I feel this in my body?
Can I offer that part of me a little support, space, or breath?
Even a few seconds of mindful attention can shift how we relate to change.
Want to explore this more deeply?
If this article speaks to something you're experiencing, you might find it helpful to explore these themes in a more embodied way. I've recorded a guided meditation called Embrace Change—a gentle invitation to slow down, come into your body, and meet what's shifting with care. You can find it in the Embodied Living podcast (Episode: Embrace Change).
For a broader perspective, I also recommend listening to The Currents of Change—another episode that explores how we can ride the inner waves of transition with softness and trust.
If you'd like more somatic practices like these, you're warmly invited to join my online community, Embodied Living. We explore a new theme each month through live sessions, a growing library of guided practices, and tools to support your nervous system in everyday life. Whether you're in a time of transition or simply want to deepen your connection to your body, there's a place for you here. Learn more and join here.
Change doesn’t have to feel like something we must get through alone or perfectly. With the support of body awareness, breath, and presence, we can learn to meet change with curiosity, compassion, and trust.