Finding Calm in Chaos: Somatic Movement Educator Offers Tools to Soothe the Nervous System
In today’s rapidly changing world, many people are seeking ways to find calm amidst the storm. Nahid de Belgeonne, known as the "nervous system whisperer," offers a pathway to peace through somatic movement and breathwork.
"If your toddler wanted to eat, they would tell you," says de Belgeonne. "They would tell you they wanted you to care for them or put them down to sleep. Our nervous system needs that regularity and tenderness, too."
De Belgeonne’s approach recognizes the toll modern life takes on our nervous systems. Constant information overload, sedentary lifestyles, and the pressure to keep pace with technology leave many feeling burnt out and overwhelmed.
Her work, The Human Method, emphasizes the body’s innate wisdom as a guide. Through gentle movements and mindful breathwork, individuals can learn to listen to their bodies, identify stress, and find ways to release it.
"We’re experiencing a rejection of that [fast-paced, external control] and instead, more people are wanting something deeper," de Belgeonne shared in a recent interview, musing on the rising interest in somatic practices.
De Belgeonne stresses the importance of reclaiming agency over our mental and emotional well-being. "We are subject to so much content," she explains, "that’s why it’s important to trust your own bio-intelligent body." Her method empowers individuals to become "the gatekeeper" of their nervous system, responding consciously rather than reacting impulsively.
When asked about practical tools for managing stress, de Belgeonne suggests a simple yet powerful exercise that can be done anywhere:
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**Start seated on a chair, feet on the floor, feeling the sit bones beneath you. Consciously connect with your pubic bones and your last rib.
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Next, gently curl your pubic bones towards your last rib, rounding your back and tucking your chin. Then, gently reverse the motion, rolling your pubic bones away from your last rib, allowing your belly to expand and your chest to lift.
- Combine this movement with your breath: exhale as you round your back, and inhale as you open your chest. Repeat this for a few minutes.
This gentle movement helps release tension stored in the body, while the mindful breathing calms the nervous system.
De Belgeonne’s teachings remind us that amidst the complexities of the modern world, there are simple yet powerful tools within us waiting to be rediscovered.
For those interested in learning more about The Human Method, you can visit de Belgeonne’s website: https://www.thehumanmethod.co.uk/?ref=mariashriversundaypaper.com . The book, "Soothe: Restoring Your Nervous System from Stress, Anxiety, Burnout, and Trauma," further explores these concepts.
