I'd always thought the biggest barrier to reaching my desired weight was my love for pasta, or maybe those missed spin classes after a long day at work. 

I'd tried everything: intermittent fasting, every conceivable diet, and all the latest workout fads. I even tried that buzzed-about juice cleanse (once was enough).

But while chatting in a wellness community, a new idea surfaced, and it got me pondering: Maybe there’s something deeper that diets and treadmills aren’t addressing?

My close friend, Mia, once spilled about this cool thing she was trying to reach her health goals. "It's not all about the food or hitting the gym," she hinted. She told me about stress, trauma, and our body's sneaky way of handling it all. It got my attention! 

So here's the scoop!

When we experience trauma or even chronis stress, our body goes into protective mode. It releases pro-inflammatory molecules as part of its defense mechanism against a perceived “threat”, increasing inflammation in the body. 

This inflammation can become persistent and low-grade, inadvertently affecting our metabolism, fluid retention, appetite and cravings, hormonal balance, and even our perception of weight. The body thinks it’s keeping us “safe” by piling on extra cushioning in the form of, well, weight.  Even doctors are openly admitting it! 

Wild Right?

My body was trying to keep me safe? Yet, I had no idea it was storing the memory of my traumatic event in my body.

It's a vicious cycle: Stress leads to inflammation, which can contribute to weight gain, and the weight gain itself may cause even more stress.

This intricate dance between stress, inflammation, and weight underscores the importance of addressing chronic stress, not only for weight management but for overall health.

Here is another doctor talking about how its not just about diet and exercise...

And guess what? As our body gets the memo, it begins to let go of that extra cushioning. 

When I began incorporating Somatic practices into my daily routine, the initial shifts were subtle. Within a week, I felt a newfound lightness, not necessarily on the scales, but in my spirit. 

A month in, I felt more in sync with my body. My 'shield' wasn't my enemy. It was a sign my body was trying to protect me. 

A month in, I felt more in sync with my body. My 'shield' ceased to be my enemy; it became a profound sign that my body was tirelessly trying to protect me while delivering a valuable lesson. It showed me the importance of managing my personal power, cultivating self-awareness, and selecting the right environments and people to surround myself with. I learned that I needed to tap into my inner guide. When we navigate life without recognizing our unconscious habits, our body functions in the same way, often beneath our conscious awareness.

By the third month, the changes weren't just emotional, they were physical too.

I shot a text to Mia: "Why isn't everyone talking about this?!"

And she said I am not the only one seeing the benefits of somatic movement!!