Connected with Jen and Shannon What the Heck is Embodiment Anyway with Nick Walker
Oct 26, 2025
Dr. Nick Walker, a scholar of somatic psychology and 7th-degree Aikido black belt, dives into the transformative power of embodiment. He challenges the dualism of body and mind, suggesting they shape each other continuously. Nick also explores how emotions are interpretive stories arising from bodily sensations and discusses the concept of 'field' in personal embodiment. Listeners learn about visualization techniques to shift energy and the importance of intentionally embodying narratives for personal growth.
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Early Aikido Shaped His Path
- Nick started Aikido at 12 and saw repeated personal transformations that sparked his interest in somatic psychology.
- Those early dojo experiences led him to study how changing bodily movement can be psychologically life-changing.
We Are Integrated Body-Minds
- Dualistic language (my brain vs. my body) hides that we are integrated systems whose minds arise from bodies.
- The brain and body mutually shape each other rather than a top-down controller-worker relationship.
Let The Body-Mind Lead Intentionally
- Decide which part of your body-mind you want to lead with in a situation and use embodiment to express that choice.
- Use the brain's decision-making to intentionally inform bodily expression for clearer communication.