October 16th, 2024

Written by: Amy Lo, Somatic Practitioner

As we enter this full moon in Aries, rooted in the element of fire, we are called to harness the transformative power of this element—its warmth, intensity, and ability to spark change. While fire often evokes energy and action, it also invites us to soften, to temper its flame with intentional pauses and moments of reflection. This full moon offers the perfect opportunity to balance the fiery energy by welcoming softness into our bodies and hearts. Just as fire needs stillness to burn steadily, we too can find harmony by releasing tension, creating space, and embracing ease within ourselves. By doing so, we allow the power of this moon cycle to work through us more gently, aligning with both the vitality of fire and the nurturing qualities of softness.

Inviting softness into yourself during the full moon can be a beautiful practice for releasing tension and embracing a sense of ease. Here are some somatic tools and tips that can help you cultivate that softness:

1. Breath Awareness with Sighs

• Practice: Start by taking deep, slow breaths through your nose, and exhale with an audible sigh through your mouth. Imagine you're releasing all the tension as you exhale.
• Why: Sighing helps reset your nervous system, signaling relaxation and inviting softness into your body. The deep exhale helps release stored energy and encourages a sense of letting go.

2. Gentle Self-Touch

• Practice: Slowly and mindfully stroke your arms, neck, or chest with soft, nurturing touches. You can also cradle your face or hold your hands over your heart.
• Why: Gentle touch stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, calming the body and creating a sense of safety. It also helps bring awareness to areas of tension, allowing them to soften.

3. Gentle Swaying Movement

• Practice: Stand or sit comfortably and begin to sway gently from side to side or in circular motions. Let the movement be fluid and effortless, following the natural rhythm of your breath.
• Why: Swaying helps release stuck energy, promoting fluidity in the body and mind. The gentle motion invites softness and eases rigidity in both your physical and emotional state.

4. Hum or Chant

• Practice: Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and hum or chant softly. Feel the vibration of the sound moving through your body, focusing on how it feels in your chest and throat.
• Why: The vibration created by humming or chanting can calm the nervous system and relax tense muscles, especially in the chest and throat. This practice can also open up space for emotional release.

5. Body Scanning for Softness

• Practice: Start from your feet and work your way up to the crown of your head, scanning each body part with gentle attention. As you focus on each area, invite the muscles to relax, imagining them softening like butter melting in the sun.
• Why: A body scan helps you become aware of where you may be holding tension, allowing you to consciously release and soften those areas.

6. Soften the Gaze

• Practice: Find a soft focus in your gaze, allowing your eyes to relax. Avoid focusing sharply on any one point and let your vision blur slightly, as though you're looking at something far away.
• Why: Soften your eyes to relax the muscles around them, which can help calm your mind and body. A soft gaze promotes a gentle, inward focus, helping you feel more connected to your body.

7. Warm Baths or Showers

• Practice: Immerse yourself in a warm bath or take a shower, letting the water flow over your skin as you consciously relax. You can add essential oils like lavender or rose to enhance the soothing effect.
• Why: Warm water helps ease physical tension and invites a deep sense of relaxation. It can also act as a ritual of cleansing and release during the full moon.

These somatic practices, when paired with the energetic potency of the full moon, create a powerful opportunity to invite softness and renewal into your life. By engaging in gentle, intentional movements and mindful breathing, you create space within your body for stillness and relaxation. This softness allows you to surrender the pressures of daily life and feel more grounded in your body.
As we listen to our body's needs—honoring where tension resides and gently coaxing him/her to release—we cultivate a deeper awareness of the wisdom held within us. In doing so, we align not only with our own rhythm but also with the natural flow of the lunar cycle. The act of softening becomes a practice of nourishment, a way of reconnecting with ourselves and attuning to the moon’s energy. This creates fertile ground for emotional and physical renewal, allowing us to move through the rest of the cycle with a sense of openness and clarity.

With Mettā,
Amy Lo, Somatic Practitioner