At B-rooted Counselling, we believe that healing isn’t always about avoiding discomfort — it’s about learning to embrace it. Wait, what? Lean into discomfort? That might sound a little counterintuitive, right? After all, who wants to spend time with uncomfortable feelings or sensations in the body? It’s a bit like sitting in a room with a squeaky chair that you know is about to break — it’s hard to ignore the urge to move away from it!
But here’s the thing: leaning into those uncomfortable feelings isn’t about suffering or staying stuck. It’s about making room for real transformation. And in this blog post, we’re going to explain why leaning into the discomfort in your body can actually be one of the most freeing things you can do for your emotional and physical wellbeing.
The Body Knows What Words Can't Always Reach
Our bodies are incredible. They store wisdom, emotions, and even memories that our minds might forget or struggle to process. Ever noticed how certain emotions — like anxiety, sadness, or even excitement — can feel like a physical presence in your body? Maybe it’s a tightness in your chest, a pit in your stomach, or a weight on your shoulders. It’s your body’s way of communicating, but often, we push these feelings aside or ignore them because, let’s be honest, they don’t feel so great.
But when we lean into those sensations instead of running from them, we allow ourselves to listen deeply. We give our bodies permission to speak. And often, by simply noticing where and how we’re feeling something, it can begin to shift on its own. This process isn’t about forcing it or making it go away — it’s about gently exploring what’s there.
Leaning In Creates Space for Release
When you allow yourself to fully feel what’s happening in your body, whether it’s tension, fear, anger, or even joy, something amazing happens: it creates space for release. Think of it like clearing out an old closet. At first, it feels messy. You’re pulling out all the things you’ve shoved in there for years, and it might feel overwhelming. But once the clutter is gone, you have room to breathe, move, and fill that space with something new and more aligned with who you are now.
In somatic therapy, we use this principle to help you release old patterns, trauma, and emotions that have been stuck in the body. By leaning into discomfort, you allow yourself to let go of what’s no longer serving you. The discomfort is often temporary, but the relief and growth that follow can be lasting.
Discomfort is Your Body’s Way of Asking for Attention
If we’re being honest, discomfort in the body is kind of like a little red flag. It’s your body saying, “Hey, I need your attention! I’m holding onto something, and I’d love for you to notice me.” It might be asking you to slow down, take a deep breath, or maybe even take a hard look at something you’ve been avoiding.
What we often forget is that discomfort isn’t inherently bad — it’s information. It’s a signal that there’s something deeper that needs to be explored or understood. When we ignore it, we risk staying stuck in patterns of stress, anxiety, or emotional overload. But when we lean in, we start to understand the story behind the sensation — the fear, the old belief, or the memory that’s been carried around for way too long.
Trusting the Process: You’re Not Alone
Leaning into discomfort doesn’t mean you’re doing it alone. In somatic therapy, we provide a safe, compassionate space for you to explore these sensations, with guidance and care. Whether you’re noticing a tightness in your chest during a stressful situation or feeling an overwhelming wave of emotion, we’re here to support you as you move through it. You don’t have to navigate this on your own. Together, we’ll move at a pace that feels right for you, creating small, manageable steps toward healing.
So, Why Choose to Be Uncomfortable?
Okay, but why would anyone choose discomfort, right? Well, here’s the thing: embracing discomfort can bring freedom. When you lean into uncomfortable feelings and sensations, you move through them. You no longer feel controlled by them. You free yourself from old stories, unprocessed emotions, and physical tension that may have been holding you back.
Choosing discomfort means choosing growth. It’s choosing to step into a life where you feel more connected to yourself, more present in your body, and more empowered to handle whatever life throws your way.
It’s also about trust. Trusting that you have the strength and resilience to face the things that may have once seemed overwhelming. And when you start to see that you can handle it, discomfort becomes a little less scary and a lot more manageable.
So, the next time you feel that flutter in your stomach or tightness in your chest, instead of immediately trying to push it away, take a moment to check in. What is your body trying to tell you? Lean in, breathe through it, and let yourself be present with the experience. You might just discover something that’s ready to shift, heal, or release.
At B-rooted Counselling, we’re here to guide you through the process with warmth, understanding, and a whole lot of compassion. If you’re curious about somatic therapy and want to explore how it might help you, reach out for a free 15-minute consultation. We’d love to walk alongside you as you embrace your body’s wisdom and uncover the deeper layers of your healing.
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