In the world of somatic therapy and trauma healing, the phrase “State creates Story” by Deb Dana resonates deeply. This quote encapsulates a profound truth about the relationship between our physiological state and the narratives we build about our lives. Essentially, it means that our body’s state—how we physically and emotionally feel—shapes the stories we tell ourselves and experience.

The Science Behind State and Story

Our body is constantly sending signals to our brain through a network of afferent nerves. These nerves carry sensory information from the body to the brain, informing it about what we are feeling in real-time. For example, when we experience stress, our afferent nerves send signals indicating increased heart rate, muscle tension and rapid breathing. This sensory input shapes our emotional and mental state, influencing how we perceive and react to situations.

Consider a person who feels a tightness in their chest and shoulders when faced with a stressful situation. The afferent nerves transmit these physical sensations to the brain, which then interprets them as anxiety or fear. This interpretation influences the person’s thoughts and behaviours, reinforcing a narrative of being overwhelmed or out of control.

The Power of Bottom-Up Approaches

Working with the body, or using bottom-up approaches, is crucial for creating lasting change in our lives. Traditional top-down methods, like cognitive therapy, often focus on altering thoughts and behaviours. However, they can miss the underlying physiological states that contribute to our mental and emotional experiences. Bottom-up approaches, such as Somatic Experiencing®, address these physiological states directly.

By tuning into our bodily sensations, we can begin to understand and shift our internal states. This process helps to regulate our nervous system, allowing us to move from a state of distress to one of calm and balance. When we address the body’s signals, we access and transform the core states that influence our stories and experiences.

Implicit vs. Explicit Memory

One of the key reasons why working with the body is so impactful is its connection to implicit memory. Implicit memory refers to the unconscious, automatic memories of past experiences that influence our current behaviour and emotional responses. It differs from explicit memory, which involves conscious recollection of facts and events.

Traumatic experiences are often stored in implicit memory. These are the memories that we might not be able to explicitly recall but still affect us on a deep, unconscious level. By engaging with the body through bottom-up therapies, we can access and process these implicit memories, allowing for healing and transformation at a fundamental level.

For instance, someone who experienced early childhood trauma might have physical reactions or sensations triggered by certain situations, even if they don’t consciously remember the original trauma. By working through these bodily responses, individuals can uncover and address the implicit memories that continue to shape their emotional experiences and behaviours.

Transformative Insights Through the Body

Engaging in body-focused therapies offers profound insights into our life experiences. When we pay attention to our bodily sensations and learn to interpret and regulate them, we gain a deeper understanding of how our state influences our story. This awareness empowers us to rewrite our narratives, moving from a place of reactivity to one of conscious choice and healing.

In our Somatic Sovereignty community, we embrace the wisdom of the body to foster true and lasting change. By integrating bottom-up approaches into our healing practices, we support you in accessing and transforming the implicit memories that shape your life. As we continue this journey together, let’s honour the connection between our state and our story, and embrace the transformative potential of working with the body to create profound and lasting change.

In somatic sovereignty,