The embodied mom & therapist
We often believe we are our thoughts. And yet, we’re also made up of our bodily sensations and emotions (felt in the body). I explore how motherhood has made me more aware of embodiment and somatic practices.
Embodiment and motherhood
Embodiment is about reconnecting with our body and its sensations. Being aware of the mind-body connection helps us notice how emotions affect us physically. For instance, anxiety often shows up as knots or butterflies in the stomach. By recognizing this, we can release tension and focus on more positive states like calm or confidence.
In the rush of life, we rarely pause to feel. We may see emotions as vulnerable or unproductive, so we push them aside until they build up and explode as anger.
My first year of motherhood was the most emotionally challenging of my life. I tried to keep my usual routine with a baby but didn’t make time for practices like movement, breathwork, or mindfulness. I was in survival mode, unaware of my anxiety. Motherhood also opened my eyes to the importance of community. We can’t do it all alone, even if society pushes for independence. We thrive by finding connection and support.
Imperfection and the “craptastic” approach
Reconnecting with my body has taken over a year of feeling scattered. Now, I’m finding moments of calm in the chaos. Embodiment, part of somatic psychology, uses body-centred tools like breathwork and movement to increase body awareness. Somatic therapy, on the other hand, focuses on releasing trauma stored in the body.
My embodiment practice includes stretching, gentle exercises, meditation, walks, and writing down how I feel. It’s far from perfect—my rituals change daily—but I don’t wait for the “right time” to start. Doing things imperfectly, or "craptastically," works better than chasing perfection.
CBT vs. Embodiment practices
I used to think I was my thoughts, following the “I think, therefore I am” mindset. But we’re so much more—our energy, emotions, dreams, and subconscious drives are just as important. Mainstream therapy often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which connects our thoughts, feelings, and habits. The idea is that by changing negative thoughts, we can change how we feel and behave. While this makes sense logically, when we’re emotionally blocked or carrying trauma in our bodies, we can’t always think our way out of anxiety or depression.
I went through perinatal depression, which affects 10-20% of mothers in the UK. When you're depressed, just getting through the day feels overwhelming, and being present is often unbearable. I avoided embodiment practices at first, but eventually started with embodied writing—reflecting on emotions and sensations through writing. This helped me realize that slow, intentional self-care is productive. We’re often told to strive for faster and stronger, but sometimes, we need to embrace the seasons of struggle. I’m in an autumn/winter phase of my life, and while spring will come, denying pain only makes it last longer.
Dysregulation, toddler tantrums, and embodiment rituals
My 15-month-old is going through toddler tantrums and teething, a time of big changes for him—much like the autumn season we’re in. When he tantrums, screaming and kicking, my whole body tenses, and my instinct is to shout, “Stop.” But I’m aiming for gentle parenting, which is based on empathy, respect, and clear boundaries. It’s not always easy—especially when I’m tired and frustrated—but I want to be more present and conscious, even though daily life constantly pulls me toward distraction.
My embodiment practices include taking three deep breaths before responding. I hold his hand, get to eye level, and try to explain patience (even though he doesn’t fully understand yet). Lightly rubbing his back when he’s upset also helps. I’m still learning to manage my own dysregulation when he triggers me. Creating a pause, breathing, and seeing the bigger picture helps me stay grounded and not get caught up in stress.
Have a big vision
Daily life can feel like an endless list of to-dos, but within that routine, there’s room for something more. I’m always seeking new ways to expand my embodiment practice, understanding that many people feel overwhelmed by stress through no fault of their own. Not everyone has a support network, and the busyness of life can cloud our ability to pause and reflect.
Yet, it’s in those small pauses that we glimpse at our larger vision, finding the glimmers.
Instead of waiting for big moments, I’m thankful for the glimmers or small, seemingly insignificant moments when I feel joy, calm and peace.
The simple pleasures of seeing my baby giggle, being able to journal and allowing myself to expand as an embodied mother and therapist through listening to a psychology podcast — these are the daily joys I make time for.
Instead of focusing on the dirt on the glass, I’m actively looking through the window to the world beyond. If I embrace glimmers and moments of stillness, I can start to feel myself once again —seeing the bigger picture.
TL;DR
Embodiment in motherhood: reconnecting with my body helps me process my emotions. Anxiety manifests as tension and stomach issues that I can consciously release (rather than avoiding difficult emotions).
Imperfect action: embodiment rituals like breathwork, stretching and writing from the heart show me I can do small things imperfectly (or “craptastically”). This approach helps me get started, rather than pressuring me to do something perfectly (and never starting).
Find the bigger vision: busyness clouds our ability to reflect and see the bigger picture. Stillness allows us to be present, opening space for self-awareness, growth and envisioning what we desire (from a grounded and embodied space).
✍️ Journal prompt: During stressful moments how does my body react? How can I shift this feeling into a calmer state?
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