Somatic Dreaming invites us into a unique and restorative state that floats between the comforting embrace of the ventral vagal system and the gentle low-tone dorsal state within our parasympathetic nervous system. These are the realms often described as "safe to connect" and “rest and digest.” In this non-sleep deep rest state, our energy becomes available for holistic healing of our mind, body, and spirit, allowing us to connect inwardly and envision new possibilities for our lives.

When we enter this state of deep rest and receptivity, something transformative happens: we harness the incredible power of imagination to help prime our system for creating new neural pathways.

This process is vital. Our nervous system, remarkable in its efficiency, often prefers familiar patterns. We tend to repeat the same behaviors, even when they no longer serve us, because change feels threatening to our sense of safety.

We all carry within us a part that continually strives to keep us safe.

Because of this, our experiences and nervous system states become entrenched in what we know. For instance, if we grew up in an environment of chaos, it’s likely our bodies become accustomed to that experience, leaning towards sympathetic arousal in moments of stress. We may find ourselves unintentionally recreating chaotic circumstances in our lives, simply because that's the narrative that feels familiar.

Consider this: if we spend our days caught in the relentless whirlwind of “getting stuff done”—a hallmark of our capitalist culture—we may yearn for a more profound sense of ease and flow. This is where somatic dreaming practice comes into play.

Here, we can actively cultivate that sense of ease, transforming it from a fleeting idea into a tangible experience.

This practice isn't just about achieving a moment of bliss; rather, it’s about priming and expanding our system for greater capacity.

We immerse ourselves in the foundational principles of somatic experiencing, allowing our nervous systems to down-regulate. This process invites in a profound spaciousness, a sanctuary where we can drop our intentions for our lives, similar to the restorative experience of yoga nidra.

Many people refer to this transformative process as ‘manifesting.’ In somatic dreaming, we teach our systems what it truly feels like to embody ease, abundance, love, creativity, or any other intention we hold dear.

The more we experience these feelings during our practice, the more attuned we become to recognizing their presence in our everyday lives.

As we nurture this connection, we reshape our inner narrative. Each session becomes an opportunity to not only dream but to awaken a deeper awareness of our potential. This practice encourages us to expand our perceptions and embrace the fullness of what life has to offer.

In Part Three of this series, I will guide you through what to expect during a somatic dreaming meditation, answer some common questions, and share how to prepare and integrate this practice into your life.

Read Part 1 here and Experience A Somatic Dreaming Guided Meditation Practice