MY SOMATIC MINDFULNESS TRAINING

In 1999, I began a 3-year intensive training program in WaveWork, a somatic psycho-spiritual healing modality. Its philosophical and theoretical foundation integrated the ancient spiritual teachings of Yoga and Somatic Experiencing. Founder, Sandra Scherer (Dayashakti), studied with Dr. Peter Levine, developed WaveWork, and established a training institute at the Kripalu Center in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. With her passing in 2003, the modality lost momentum. In today’s world, it would overlap with Hakomi, focusing and compassion-mindfulness practices as well as Somatic Experiencing, AEDP, Internal Family Systems, and the somatic awareness process in Somatic IFS.

The work was based upon the knowledge that our bodies have an innate intelligence designed to aid us in living from our highest Self. This intelligence can be experienced as an internal energy, and is meant to serve as a guide in our lives. 

Connection to this intelligence can be blocked. When we bring breath, attention, and compassionate mindfulness to somatic sensations, we activate the energy available for healing; connection returns; the natural state of aliveness is restored. Completeness and integration are possible for all levels of our being: mental, physical, emotional, spiritual.

The WaveWork process was similar to some types of meditation. Tracking the moment-to-moment somatic experience was “riding the wave.” WaveWork reawakened the innate aliveness and inner resources for healing.

Somatic Mindfulness is my current description for this process and this methodology is included in my practice of psychotherapy.