Somatics and Self-Kindness with Erica Webb

In this week's podcast episode, we have a conversation with Erica Webb, a mindful movement coach who weaves together Somatic Exercise, Yoga, and Mat Pilates to support people to shift tension and reconnect with their body through a lens of self-kindness and curiosity. We talk about what exactly Somatic Exercise is, including the concept of pandiculation, and how it works with the nervous system to help release patterns of tension in the body. Erica explains how pandiculation is different from stretching, and how it can complement a yoga practice. You'll hear about movement "blind spots," and how somatic work can help us identify habits and recover more movement options. We also talk about how Somatic Exercise can be extremely useful in cases of pain or injury, since it allows us to explore very gently to gradually decrease the fear of movement that often accompanies a pain experience. And, Erica will inspire you in this conversation with her emphasis on self-kindness. We discuss how this orientation toward kindness can be developed as an alternative to motivating ourselves with dissatisfaction or negativity, and how it can influence our choices on the mat and throughout the day.  To connect with Erica, you can visit her website at https://www.ericawebbyoga.com.au/ or follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ericawebbyoga/ For more resources from this episode, find the show notes on my website at movedtomeditate.yoga/podcast.  To connect further with me (Addie), check out my offerings at movedtomeditate.yoga.