43. Embodied Connection in Digital Spaces (w/ Ēlen Awalom)
Jan 12, 2024
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Embodiment practitioner Ēlen Awalom discusses bringing embodied wisdom to online spaces, navigating triggering interactions with somatic intelligence, and the importance of increasing somatic intelligence in response to the meta-crisis and interpersonal relationships.
Incorporating embodied communication methodologies enhances empathy and understanding in discussions and interpersonal strategies.
Balancing intellectual discussions with embodied elements promotes healthier engagement and communication effectiveness in online spaces.
Deep dives
Embodied Communication methodologies for advancing interpersonal relationships
The podcast episode delves into the significance of incorporating embodied communication methodologies into discussions, training scenarios, and interpersonal strategies. It emphasizes the importance of moving beyond abstract and cognitive discussions in fields like metamodernism, highlighting the need for a more relational and emotional approach. The discussion revolves around introducing training programs in authentic relating, circling, focusing, and somatics to enhance communication effectiveness and promote empathy and understanding among individuals.
The importance of balanced intellectual and embodied engagement
The episode touches on how the metamodern space often leans towards intellectual discussions, prompting a critique about the lack of embodied elements in dialogues. The speaker acknowledges the value of intellectual exchanges but advocates for a balanced approach that includes embodied communication and relational practices. By addressing the lopsided development in some communities, the episode advocates for integrating somatic work to enhance interactions and promote healthier engagement.
Navigating online interactions with somatic intelligence
The conversation delves into the challenges of interpersonal dynamics in online spaces and the impact on virtual engagements. Insights are shared on staying centered in online conversations, tracking emotional reactions, and utilizing open-ended questions to foster curiosity and understanding. The importance of setting boundaries and recognizing when to step back from unproductive interactions is highlighted to promote healthier virtual communication.
Optimism and advocacy for embodied somatic work
The podcast concludes with a discussion on the transformative potential of somatic work in navigating personal and collective traumas. The speaker expresses optimism about the healing possibilities of somatic psychology and embodied communication. Plans for offering trainings, workshops, and advocacy for broader accessibility to somatic tools are outlined as a means to support individuals and communities in developing empathic connections and addressing systemic challenges.
Embodiment practitioner and teacher Ēlen Awalom joins me to talk about the promise and necessity of bringing more embodied wisdom into our world and, especially, our online spaces. We consider some approaches one can use in the context of triggering or polarizing engagements in digital forums in an attempt to return the focus back to the body and lived emotional experience in very disembodied contexts. Finally, we talk in broad terms about the importance of increasing our somatic intelligence in all areas of life, whether that's in response to the meta-crisis or our own interpersonal relationships.
0:00 Introduction
2:00 Bringing More Embodiment to Metamodern Discourse
9:13 Responding with Somatic Intelligence: Step 1. Center Yourself and Feel the Emotion
16:47 Step 2. Respond with Open Questions
20:00 Step 3. Use "I Statements"
23:15 Step 4. Know When to Step Back
31:20 The Challenge of Bypassing
36:19 Intentions for Embodied Leadership
50:19 Conclusion
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