Written by Anna Choi, Energy Master
Anna Choi is an Energy Master, Qigong Tai Chi Instructor, and Taekwondo Black Belt. After burning out from her wealth management and event consulting business, she hit rock bottom. She met her two enlightened energy masters, transforming her life into a singer-songwriter performance artist, 2x TEDx speaker, & Amazon No.1 International Best Selling Author as Founder of SolJoy with Anna Choi SPC.
Somatic has become a buzzword in today’s health and wellness scene. You may have noticed this term used in new classes at your local gym, on social media, or other health and wellness related venues. So what exactly is somatic mindfulness? Let’s break this down so it’s easier to understand
What is somatics?
Somatics means “pertaining to the material body (as distinct from soul, spirit, and mind)” ¹ derived from the Latinized form of the Greek “somatikos,” meaning “of the body” or “soma,” which translates to “the body” in 1753.
From a Western European-American perspective, online sources claim somatics is a field within bodywork and movement that emphasizes internal perception and experience, first coined in naming a class by Dr. Thomas Hanna in 1990.
However, somatics has been around for millennia since ancient times in the form of Qigong, a type of somatic mindfulness.
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is conscious awareness. You are intentionally being present, often through your senses. For example, consciously noticing your breath go in and out. Or slowly chewing your food and feeling grateful for it. It could be slowly walking, feeling the weight of your foot touch the ground.
Mindfulness practices sharpen our awareness to allow and accept the feelings of sensations that arise from physical or emotional triggers allowing more inner peace.
Somatic mindfulness is bringing conscious awareness to or from the body.
So you might now ask yourself: How is mindfulness different from meditation?
What is meditation?
Meditation is a type of mindfulness practice. Often, the stereotypical meditation gets portrayed in the media as sitting still in silence without thoughts, but that’s just one practice existing among infinite ways to meditate. There are moving meditations, walking meditations, singing meditations through chants, and more that are the opposite of stillness or silence.
In 20 years of energy mastery training, trained meditators cultivate meditation as a way of daily life to purify the ego mind, much like brushing your teeth daily. Meditation is a mindfulness practice of staying consciously aware of what may or may not involve the body.
Somatic Mindfulness is when you use your body to be consciously aware of your inner world of thoughts, emotions, and body sensations for your personal growth.
Qigong is a type of somatic mindfulness practice that has existed for millennia.
Understanding Qigong: A fusion of movement and mindfulness
Qigong, pronounced "chee-gong," is a practice from traditional Chinese medicine and philosophy. The name combines "qi," meaning life force, and "gong," meaning work, study, or to practice the skill of. So Qigong is the practice and study of energy.
Qigong is a fusion of movement and mindfulness. It involves slow, deliberate movements combined with focused breathing. This ancient practice aims to harmonize the body, mind, and spirit.
Through Qigong, individuals can cultivate a deeper connection to their inner selves. By engaging in Qigong, one can enhance their self-awareness and well-being.
How Qigong is a form of somatic mindfulness
Qigong is a somatic mindfulness practice. It focuses on body sensations, movements, and energy flow. Unlike cognitive mindfulness, it focuses on physical sensations now. You enter a flow state where time fades and awareness grows to cultivate and embodied awareness.
Qigong helps people connect with their bodies through active movement, repetitive movements, or stillness to notice where there’s stress or tension in the body you otherwise may not notice. More gentle postures connected with deep breathing start to calm your nervous system down away from the survival mode of fight, flight, freeze, or fawn which builds an internal sense of being present and calm.
Top 4 benefits of Qigong as a somatic mindfulness practice
Qigong helps your body, mind, heart, and soul grow stronger with it’s holistic approach and focusing on embodied awareness through somatic mindfulness.
1. Stress reduction and relaxation
Qigong reduces stress . It helps to release tension and relax habitual muscle contractions. This works through gentle movements and focused breathing. It activates the relaxation response, leading to calm and tranquility.
Qigong movements allow you to bring your awareness and thoughts into the present moment where the body lives rather than stuck in past memories or future planning.
In my work with clients, you’re able to stay focused and enhance productivity through relaxation–the ideal state for high achievers–whether an athlete, musician, teacher, student, or parent, or CEO.
2. Enhanced physical health and vitality
Qigong improves the body's organ, gland, and system functions by promoting Qi flow. It enhances circulation, strengthens the immune system, and boosts vitality. Additionally, it maintains flexibility, balance, and posture through joint movement.
Many clients share how they walk into class anxious, stressed, with body tension. By the end of class, they leave calm, yet energized and have a more relaxed mind and body.
3. Emotional resilience and mental clarity
Qigong builds emotional resilience and mental clarity. It helps manage life's challenges with ease. You learn to observe your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. This insight into the mind-body connection promotes emotional balance and inner peace.
You are able to live a purpose and heart centered life that is fulfilling. Rather than rely on outside circumstances to bring happiness, many clients feel joy emanating from within for no reason.
4. Mind-body integration and wholeness
Qigong deepens the connection between mind and body allowing you to stay grounded rather than scatter your energy.
It unites conscious awareness and physical experience. This approach utilizes our physical, mental, and energetic aspects.
How Qigong is holistic wellness practice
Harmonizing mind, body, heart, and soul.
So you are physically well, no emotional baggage, peace for mind, fulfilled spirit and purpose.
In today's fast-paced world, finding inner peace in chaos is crucial. Qigong is a somatic mindfulness practice that combines movement, breathwork, and mindfulness. It aims to balance body, mind, and spirit and offers a path to self-discovery and well-being.
Somatic mindfulness will enhance our presence, energy, and inner harmony. It's a crucial step towards holistic well-being and completeness. By moving, breathing, and staying aware, we connect with our bodies, minds, and spirits. We then tap into our inner wisdom and energy.
Read more from Anna Choi
Anna Choi, Energy Master
Anna Choi is an Energy Master, Qigong Tai Chi Instructor, and Taekwondo Black Belt. After burning out from her wealth management and event consulting business, she hit rock bottom. She met her two enlightened energy masters transforming her life into a singer songwriter performance artist, 2x TEDx speaker, & Amazon No.1 International Best Selling Author as Founder of SolJoy with Anna Choi SPC.
SolJoy services high-achieving, impact-driven, mindful community leaders, entrepreneurs, and executives to shift from burnout to brilliance, unleashing their soul's joy. Serving thousands of students, SolJoy specializes in somatic mindfulness, moving meditations, and healing martial arts to tap into boundless energy for more health, happiness, and peace.
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