When You’re Ready for Joy, but Your Body Says “Not So Fast”
Ever find yourself ready to welcome more joy, ease, or playfulness into your life—only to have that nagging question pop up: “Is that even possible for me?”
It’s not always about worthiness. Sometimes, it’s simply wondering if a different way of being could really exist for you. You know the feeling of anxiety, stress, or overwhelm all too well. But the idea of consistent joy, peace, and ease? It can feel so far away, almost like it belongs in someone else’s reality.
Maybe you’ve been taking steps to move in that direction, like:
Setting up a date,
Planning a career change,
Prepping for an interview or networking event,
Signing up to meet new people, or
Starting a new health routine…
…and then, just as you’re about to step forward, your body says, “Nope, not happening!” Suddenly, you’re dealing with a flare-up, getting sick, or feeling too exhausted to move. It’s as if something deep inside is working against your efforts.
Here’s what’s actually happening: that pushback isn’t random. It’s your subconscious at work, sticking to what’s familiar. It hasn’t seen or felt enough “proof” that this new life—one filled with ease and joy—is possible. So, it falls back on the old patterns, holding you in place, even when those patterns aren’t what you want.
Why Does This Happen?
Our bodies and minds are wired to seek safety, and “safety” often means familiarity. When your subconscious doesn’t fully buy into the vision of what you want, it’ll resist any changes, sometimes in ways that feel downright frustrating. This resistance can show up as doubts, old habits, or even physical issues that seem to derail your progress.
How Somatic Experiencing Changes the Game
This is where somatic experiencing comes in, and why I’m such a fan of this approach. Somatic practices go beyond just talking about what you want—they help you create a physical, mental, and emotional experience so real and grounded that your subconscious starts believing it’s possible.
With somatic work, you’re not just imagining a different life; you’re embodying it. You’re creating a vivid, full-body sensation that convinces your subconscious that this new, joyful reality isn’t just possible—it’s real.
Building a New Reality, Step by Step
One of the somatic practices I use involves a step-by-step visualization where you actually walk into what you desire. By physically taking steps toward what you want, you get to feel any resistance that comes up along the way. We work through it together, using grounding exercises, breathwork, and vagal nerve practices to help you stay steady, calm, and open as you move forward.
Each step in this process feels lighter and more familiar, building a sense of confidence and excitement around the new possibilities you’re creating. And it’s not just about big goals—this kind of embodied experience can make a difference in the small, everyday ways you show up, too. Whether it’s handling stress without burning out, feeling excitement instead of dread, or just finding more moments of joy and flow in your daily life, these practices make a difference.
Bringing Your Whole Self into the Picture
We also use sensual movement and grounding practices to connect with your body, moving stuck emotions and old energy. The slow, mindful quality of this movement helps you integrate these new beliefs physically, so your mind and body can start working together, aligned with what you want.
By the end of this kind of work, you’re not only clearer about what you want—you’re also more confident, at ease, and ready to show up fully, whether it’s for a first date, a career change, or simply the daily moments that make up your life.
Curious About What’s Possible?
If you’re feeling the pull to explore what more ease, joy, and playfulness could feel like in your life, I’d love to share more tools and insights with you. Sign up for my newsletter to stay connected, and get real, practical support on creating a life that feels more aligned, less reactive, and fully yours.
