Before I jumped into the world of learning and development and later career and life coaching, I used to be a full-time professional dancer and dance educator. But here's a little something you might not be aware of....
Somewhere in my forties, life got incredibly hectic. I was working in a school, raising two kids, being a supportive wife to my husband who had a demanding job and a lengthy commute, and managing household chores. In the midst of all this chaos, I did something surprising – I gave up dancing.
Yep, just like that..
I turned it off.
It wasn’t until I got sad, very, very, sad, that I realized (with the help of a coach) that I had abandoned an essential ingredient of my happiness – my connection to my body and my unique expression. Enneagram 9 folks, you'll understand! So, I decided to pay attention and started exploring how that mind-body (somatic) connection worked for me. I found little ways to reignite it, bit by bit. This journey led to more realizations and actions that completely transformed my life, eventually propelling me into a career I absolutely adore – coaching people through their career and life transitions. I'm not sharing this to preach about how changing one small thing, can have a massive impact (although it can, give it a shot!), or to sing praises about the wonders of coaching (which are truly amazing). Instead, I want to talk about the incredible power of reconnecting with and purposefully working with the physical sensations that most of us have been trained to ignore. Bringing somatics tools into your approach to managing career and life transitions can be a game-changer. Here are 5 reasons why:
Stress Resilience: Transition periods are rife with uncertainty, and that can stress anyone out. Somatic tools are like your trusty compass, helping you find your center and navigate these changes with grace.
It's normal to feel a loss of control during transition(s). Somatic grounding practices put you in charge of yourself within the present moment rather than getting lost in worries about the future.
Facing Fear and Resistance: Transitions often stir up fears and resistance, whether you initiated them or not. With somatic techniques, you can gently explore these intense emotions in a safe and supportive way, freeing yourself from what might be holding you back from embracing new opportunities.
Embodied Decision Making: Big life decisions often accompany career and life transitions. Tuning into your physical sensations can offer valuable insights that complement your logical analysis. It can lead you to choices that truly resonate with your core, ultimately bringing more fulfillment.
During transitions, it's easy to forget about self-care. Somatic techniques serve as a gentle reminder to honor your needs. Cultivating a kind relationship with yourself is closely linked to feelings of optimism and curiosity, which are vital during (and after) significant changes.
If you want to supercharge your transition process, consider teaming up with a coach. In my 12 years of coaching, I've honed my skills in integrating somatics into my sessions with clients, always ensuring it feels right for both of us. I'm thrilled to announce that I'll be presenting on this topic with a workshop called "Get Physical!" for the fantastic members of ICF - CT on September 29th. Later this year, I'll be sharing more insights with Career Development Professionals at the MACCA Conference in December.
Judy Garfinkel helps you clarify "what's next." Her expertise in building confidence and resilience supports personal development and the ability to navigate career and work transitions – especially now! She also crafts bespoke resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn profiles, and bios that open doors for her clients and land jobs. Judy is a Past President of the International Coaching Federation - Connecticut Chapter, where she led 250+ member coaches. You can reach her at judy@moveintochange.com.