What does it mean to be "embodied"?

Recent yoga and sound class at the Denver Athletic Club

In my journey as a yoga instructor and counseling student, I've often found myself reflecting on the question: what does it mean to be embodied? At first glance, it may seem like a simple concept—being in touch with our physical body—but through my experiences in yoga, sound healing, and graduate school for counseling, I've come to see that embodiment is a profound and multifaceted state of being.

The Mind-Body Disconnect

We live in a world that often encourages disembodiment. Stress, screens, and societal pressures pull us out of our physical experience and trap us in our heads. In my counseling studies, I've learned how this disconnection from the body can manifest itself by way of mental health concerns as well as body-focused illness. Many clients come to therapy seeking to make sense of their emotions and experiences, but they often feel cut off from the wisdom their bodies hold.

Yoga as an Embodied Practice

This is where yoga comes in. Yoga is far more than physical asana (if you've come to my classes I do sincerely apologize for the amount of times you'll hear me harp on this); it is a practice of returning home to the body. Through mindful movement, breathwork, and meditation, yoga invites us to notice the sensations, emotions, and stories that live within us. Embodied Sound Yoga, my practice, weaves in the transformative power of sound healing to deepen this connection.

Sound has a unique ability to bypass the thinking mind and speak directly to the body. Whether it's the resonance of a singing bowl or the gentle vibrations of a gong, sound creates a space for the body to release tension and the mind to quiet. In those moments, we find ourselves not just thinking about our existence but feeling it deeply.

Embodiment in Counseling

In grad school, I've been exploring how embodiment plays a crucial role in the therapeutic process. The field of somatic therapy, for example, recognizes that trauma and emotional pain are not just stored in the mind but are held in the body. Unfortunately, we do not exist as walking minds - connected to our whole being is a body that listens, that knows, and that holds so much more than we may think. By tuning into our physical sensations and bodily wisdom with a detached compassion, we can unlock pathways to healing that traditional talk therapy alone may not access.

As counselors, we are often trained to listen with our minds—to analyze patterns, interpret meaning, and offer insights. But I believe that true healing also requires listening with our bodies. When we are embodied as therapists, we create a safe and attuned space where clients can explore their own embodiment.

Bringing It All Together

Embodied Sound Yoga and counseling may seem like separate practices, but for me, they are deeply intertwined. Both involve holding space for transformation, guiding others to reconnect with themselves, and trusting the body's innate capacity for healing. Through yoga and sound, I am learning* (*this is key, it's an ongoing, evolving practice) to listen to my own body and, in turn, hold a more embodied presence for my clients.

So, what does it mean to be embodied? It means being present in our bodies, attuned to our sensations, and open to the messages they carry. It means grounding ourselves in the here and now, even when life pulls us toward disconnection. And it means trusting that within our bodies lies a deep well of wisdom and healing.

If you're on a journey toward embodiment, I invite you to explore practices that help you come home to yourself—whether it's through yoga, sound healing, counseling, or simply taking a moment to breathe and notice your body. Embodiment is not a destination but a practice, one that offers endless opportunities for growth and connection.

Let's continue this journey together, one breath, one sound, and one embodied moment at a time.

<3,

Caroline