The intersection of yoga and psychology is an exploration into the best of both fields. The possibilities here allow for a deeper understanding of our psychology and an extension of the maps of consciousness that currently exist. This means that there is greater potential for addressing the whole person- somatically and physically.
Somatic Therapy + Yoga + Psychology =
A bio-psycho-social-spiritual model of health.
An intuitive and integrative approach to wellness. This path is not meant to be theoretical or philosophical.
It is meant to offer actionable practices to enhance well-being.
What Lies at the Intersection…?
What Psychology Offers:
- A way to work with the relational nature of human beings.
- Working with the psyche
- Introspective work that can be useful in clarifying our relationship to ourselves and all of life.
- The possibility to address spiritual bypassing
- Confronting trauma
What Yoga Offers:
- Addresses participants at varying levels of awareness (multiple entry points)
- Improved vagal nerve tone
- Does not separate psychological and spiritual well-being
- Inherently embodied
Breathwork
Both yoga philosophy and contemporary research highlight the importance of breathwork in self inquiry, embodied understanding, and physiological health. Therefore, both modern and wisdom tradition breath practices are critical components on the Embodiment Path.
Self-Inquiry
Chronicling and processing sensory data is an often-dismissed step on the path to healing. The Embodiment Path values the role of interpreting what arises during movement and practices. Self-inquiry may be verbal, written, or non-verbal.
Embodied Mindfulness & Contemplation
Research shows that mind-wandering may allow individuals to disentangle from repetitive or persistent thoughts. Even though this correlation seems antithetical to mindfulness, constructive mind-wandering may contribute to creativity. As such, the Embodiment Path interprets constructive mind-wandering as a form of contemplation that, ultimately, enhances mindfulness.
Embodied Spirituality
Embodied Spirituality is a lived experience of spirituality that is rooted in the body. It takes that which is outside of us and connects it viscerally.
Embodied Movement
The physical body offers opportunities- through anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics- to better understand oneself and their environment. Embodied Movement functions as a gateway into deepening relationship with the self. The Embodiment Path utilizes yoga postures as the primary physical practice however, mobility practices, intuitive movement, and rest practices are also resourced.
Somatic Practices
Somatic practices include a variety of techniques designed to increase body awareness. They differ from general movement in their focus on reflection which is designed to deepen relationship with the body. Somatic practices usually include interoceptive (awareness of the internal environment), proprioceptive (awareness of where the body is in space), and exteroceptive (awareness of the external environment) components. The Embodiment Path highlights the value of these implementations in whole-self-care.
Course Blueprint
Module 1:
Theories and Frameworks
Module 2:
Yoga Psychology Frameworks
Module 3:
Somatic Psychology, The Science of Embodiment and Neuroscience
Module 4:
Practices
Module 5:
Movement
Module 6:
Embodied Spirituality
Video Library
Available Free Online Courses
Spine Movement Practice
Spine Movement Practice – Embodied Spirituality
A brief talk and exploration to practice gentle, accessible movements along the spine that tap into the idea of “the human body as course content.”
Embodiment Practices
Embodiment Practices/Breath for Rediscovery
A brief talk on the definition of embodiment practices, along with the practice of noticing. Resourcing breathwork practices are also explored.
Embodiment Practice
Embodiment Practice – Soma- Vagus Nerve- Brahmari
Brief talk on somatics as a study of first-person experience, and its role of understanding the self. Practices include: gentle vagus nerve neck lengthening, facial massage, and Brahmari breath with tragus pressure point.
Schedule a Lesson
with Niki Wikström
If you have any questions or would like are looking to schedule a booking, please send me an email or fill out the contact form on this page, and I will respond as soon as possible.