Spiritual Somatic Practices: Healing Racial Trauma Through Body, Mind, and Spirit
The Good Neighbors Racial Healing Initiative integrates spiritual somatic practices into its work because racial trauma affects not only the mind and spirit but also the body. Trauma lives in the body, manifesting as tension, pain, and disconnection, making it difficult to experience authentic relationships and wholeness in Christ. Spiritual somatic practices are intentional movements and embodied spiritual exercises that help participants process and release this trauma while reconnecting with God, themselves, and others.
Why Somatic Practices Matter
For BIPOC Christians, somatic practices help reclaim the sacredness of their bodies, affirming their identity as image-bearers of God and addressing the generational and systemic trauma caused by racism. For White Christians, these practices invite reflection on their role within systemic injustice and provide a space for repentance, healing, and transformation. Together, somatic practices help participants embody justice, forgiveness, and reconciliation, fostering unity in the body of Christ.
Simple Spiritual Somatic Practices
1. Breath Work: Grounding in God’s Presence
Breath work is a powerful way to calm the nervous system and invite the Holy Spirit into our bodies and minds.
Steps for Breath Work
- Find a Comfortable Position: Sit or stand with your feet firmly planted on the ground, shoulders relaxed.
- Take a Deep Breath: Inhale through your nose for 4 seconds, feeling your abdomen expand.
- Hold Your Breath: Gently hold your breath for 4 seconds, acknowledging God’s sustaining presence.
- Exhale Slowly: Breathe out through your mouth for 6 seconds, releasing tension and offering your burdens to God.
- Repeat: Continue this cycle for 3–5 minutes, praying or meditating on God’s peace with each breath.
2. Walking as a Spiritual Somatic Practice
Walking is a simple yet profound way to integrate movement, reflection, and prayer.
Steps for a Walking Practice
- Set an Intention: Begin your walk with a prayer, asking God to guide your steps and open your heart.
- Focus on Your Breath: Take slow, intentional breaths as you walk, syncing your breathing with your steps.
- Pay Attention: Notice the sensations in your body—the feeling of your feet on the ground, the rhythm of your movement, and the air around you.
- Pray or Reflect: With each step, pray a short phrase (e.g., “Lord, guide me”) or meditate on a scripture like Micah 6:8: “Walk humbly with your God.”
- End with Gratitude: Conclude your walk by thanking God for the journey and the lessons along the way.
3. Somatic Lectio Divina
This practice combines the traditional spiritual discipline of Lectio Divina with embodied awareness.
Steps for Somatic Lectio Divina
- Choose a Scripture: Select a passage that speaks to healing or justice, such as Psalm 23 or Isaiah 43:19.
- Prepare Your Body: Sit comfortably, take a few deep breaths, and relax your body.
- Read (Lectio): Read the scripture slowly, aloud if possible. Notice any words or phrases that resonate in your mind or body.
- Reflect (Meditatio): Focus on the words that stood out. Where do you feel them in your body? Are they comforting, challenging, or awakening?
- Respond (Oratio): Offer a prayer or response to God, using your body to express it—lifting your hands, bowing, or placing a hand on your heart.
- Rest (Contemplatio): Sit in stillness, allowing God’s presence to settle in your body. Feel the scripture’s truth resonate in your whole being.
Join the Good Neighbors Racial Healing Journey
Spiritual somatic practices are woven throughout the Good Neighbors Racial Healing Journey to help participants experience holistic healing and reconciliation. These practices, combined with storytelling, shared meals, and intentional fellowship, create a sacred space for transformation and unity.
Are you ready to bring your whole self into the work of healing racial trauma and fostering reconciliation? Sign up today to join the Fall 2025 Good Neighbors Racial Healing Journey and discover how God can work through your body, mind, and spirit to bring healing and justice.
[Contact Us] to learn more and reserve your spot. Together, we can embody the love and justice of Christ.