u/elefun15

I’ve been with a somatic experiencing therapist for about a year, and wow I just can’t believe the newfound self-awareness that has helped me get out of chronic pain. But not all of my progress has come through therapy, much has been personal practice.

It all started with reading mind your body by Nicole Sachs last year. That book opened the door to me being able to see how my inner world and emotions could be causing my chronic back pain. I had all kinds of PT, pain management doctors, massage, and was on a muscle relaxer three times a day. After starting journaling and developing the language to understand somatic experiencing an how it would help me, I sought out a somatic experiencing therapist.

I can’t believe how my body moves through emotions when I give it the space to. That led me to try guided dance meditations on YouTube and finding yoga that focuses on embodiment. I’m now able to identify when my body is speaking to me and when I need to attend to myself.

It’s a lot of work, kind of an exhausting amount to be honest. I’m always feeling like I need a yoga nidra session, an hour of somatic groundwork, and to sit down with my journal. My biggest challenge lately is that I need those things but want to avoid them because it feels like such a time suck. Getting myself to prioritize practice is so challenging lately but every time I start, I remember why I do it and enjoy my time.

The journey has taken me from a life of flare ups and avoidance to being able to ride horses, travel, and feel like a whole human again. I could go on and on with how bad the pain was and how good I am now. Most of the tools and resources I use have been completely free. If you have ever wondered whether you’ll ever get better, I’m here to give you a glimmer of hope.

My recommendations:

1. Somatic Groundwork YouTube
2. Guided Dance Meditation YouTube
3. Yoga Nidra
4. Mind Your Body by Nicole Sachs
5. Journey With Sierra Yoga YouTube

Edit: TIL the links you share from your YouTube account make your account visible. I fixed the links to address that, and thanks for letting me know u/culinary_fruit_salad

I’m an adult beginner rider, but honestly I’m not even sure I want to ride. My goal for working with horses is to develop a connection, maybe lightly riding but honestly trotting and cantering hurts my back. A trail ride here or there or walking the arena is the most I really want to ride. Is there such thing as leasing a horse just to groom and hang out with? Maybe do some ground work like lunging and possibly liberty work? I wonder if I could lease someone’s retired horse just to love on 2-3 days a week and contribute to care. Has anyone heard of a lease like this or have tips about what to look for?