“I came into the workshop feeling angry (about something that happened before), but now I’m leaving feeling relaxed and happy.”
This was the powerful reflection shared by one participant at a recent somatics workshop that I co-facilitated in collaboration with TOUCH Community Services in Singapore. The session was specially designed for a group of 12 deaf and differently abled individuals, and the reflections we received from the participants were inspiring.
What Is Somatics?
Somatics comes from the Greek word soma, meaning “the living body in its wholeness.” In somatics coaching, we explore how our bodies—through posture, breath, movement, and sensation – hold and express our emotions, habits, and deeper narratives.
It’s a body-centered approach to personal development, often used in ontological coaching, that helps individuals understand and shift how they “are” in the world by paying attention to how they physically show up. Unlike purely cognitive approaches to coaching, somatics acknowledges that the body is not just a vessel for the mind – it’s an active participant in how we think, feel, and respond.
When we begin to notice what’s happening inside our bodies (sensations), we start to see how those internal states influence our thoughts and emotions.
For example, tightness in the chest may accompany stress or anxiety, while an open posture may generate a feeling of calm and receptivity. Once we build awareness of these patterns, we can consciously shift our bodies to invite new ways of thinking and being.
In short: when we change our body, we change our story.
Experiencing the Body as a Source of Insight
During the workshop, we guided participants through a series of embodied exercises. As a group, we stood together and explored different body positions to notice how they impacted our internal states.
Some participants found the “Warrior” stance – a forward, action-oriented posture – familiar and comfortable. This made sense; especially in the ‘chiong’ culture of Singapore, many of us are accustomed to always being in motion, pushing forward, striving.
Conversely, the “Lover” stance – a more open, relaxed, backward-leaning posture – felt unfamiliar, even uncomfortable for some. This raised meaningful questions around vulnerability, rest, and openness.
If you practiced a little more openness, where in your life might that make a difference?
With whom?
Integrating Ontological and Somatics Coaching
Blending ontological coaching and somatics invites powerful self-inquiry. It’s not just about posture; it’s about the kind of energy we habitually live in – and what becomes possible when we experiment with shifting that energy.
In a city like Singapore, where high performance and busyness often dominate, this kind of embodied awareness is especially valuable.
So, I invite you to reflect:
What kind of energy do you find yourself in most of the time?
What is that energy telling you about how you relate to the world?
Leave a comment below or message me directly – I’d love to hear your reflections.
Interested in exploring somatics or ontological coaching in Singapore?
Connect with me to learn more about one-on-one coaching sessions or upcoming workshops designed to support your personal and professional transformation.