In a society that often encourages us to disconnect and even disassociate from our bodies, particularly our pelvis, and particularly for women, it's no wonder that many of us struggle with awareness and embodiment.
As little girls, and even babies, we are taught to avoid this integral part of our anatomy. We are discouraged from even acknowledging it; given euphemisms to refer to parts of our bodies as "down there" or "private parts," creating disconnect and shame. And this often continues to be the language women use into adulthood.
This cultural narrative has profound implications on how we experience our bodies and show up in the world.
The Societal Disconnect
Less than 10 years ago a survey in the UK found 65% of women 18-25 reported difficulty saying the word "vagina" even to their medical providers! This hesitation reflects a broader societal discomfort that teaches us to turn away from our bodies rather than embrace them. When we disconnect from our pelvis, we are not just avoiding a body part; we are muting an essential source of power, intuition, and self.
What Happens When We Disconnect
Disconnection from the pelvis can have far-reaching consequences. When we are unaware of the changes in our bodies, we are more likely to disregard pain, discomfort, and other warning signs. We may:
Dismiss Discomfort: Pain or irregular sensations are often seen as something to push through rather than a signal that needs attention.
Live Muted Experiences: Our pelvis is connected to creativity, sexuality, and vitality. Disconnection can lead to a diminished sense of joy and self-expression.
Experience Dysfunction: Muscles that are too loose may reflect a body no longer able to carry its burdens, leading to weakness or prolapse. Conversely, muscles that are too tight from stress, trauma, or jaw-clenching tension can cause pain and restricted movement.
The Road to Reconnection
Reclaiming embodiment is an act of self-love, empowerment and revolution! When we intentionally reconnect with all of our parts, we foster a deeper relationship with our bodies and a greater sense of wholeness and balance.
Some things to play with...
1. Call Your Body Parts by Their Names
Language matters. Learning and using correct anatomical terms like "vagina," "vulva," and "pelvic floor" removes shame and normalizes body awareness. Honoring our bodies with accurate language is the first step toward deeper embodiment.
2. Breathe into These Parts
Breath is the bridge between mind and body. Gentle breathing, directing your breath towards the pelvic bowl, can enhance awareness and relaxation. Breathing into these parts invites softness where there is tension and strength where there is weakness.
3. Gentle Movement
Movement helps us tune in. Cat-Cow pose on forearms is a great way to mobilize the pelvis and bring awareness to how it moves. This rhythmic movement supports flexibility and connection.
4. Self-Massage
Our hips and glutes store tension from daily stress. Self-massage with gentle pressure or using a soft ball can release stored tension and improve circulation. Touch is a powerful tool for reclamation.
5. Practice Gratitude and Self-Love
Embodiment is not just about physical exercises; it is also about mindset. Regularly expressing gratitude for your body fosters self-acceptance. Write down or say aloud one thing you appreciate about your body each day.
Living Embodied
When we reconnect with our bodies, we reclaim our power. We become more attuned to our needs and more capable of addressing discomfort before it turns into dysfunction. We experience life more fully and authentically. Let this be an invitation to honor your pelvis, to listen to its messages, and to walk the path of embodiment with love and compassion.