Somatic Flow Writing Practice - The “One Living at the Edge”
By Jessica Conway, RN, MSN, RYTT
Welcome to this Somatic Flow Writing Practice. Somatic Flow Writing is a practice to connect with our wisest Self. This wise Self is within each and every one of us and is also known as our true nature, higher self, or even Grace. The goal is for you to get curious about this version of you who is the natural leader of all the other parts that live inside. We often have parts such as an inner critic, inner perfectionist, inner judge, and what I like to call “the one living at the edge.”
There are a few rules and guidelines when we practice Somatic Flow Writing…
Rule #1:
Write in a language that comes directly from your intuitive knowing - the voice of your wise self. It is your soul-voice, telling us truths; it is a wild voice.
Rule #2:
Write by hand. Writing by hand creates an intimacy with our whole being. It connects us to our senses, our emotions, our bodies, and our breath and allows us access to our deepest knowing.
Rule #3:
Ask your inner judge, analyzer or the one who compares and thinks to step aside for this practice. Ask these parts if they are willing to give you space to connect to your true nature and wise self.
Rule #4:
Keep your hand moving. Don't pause to reread the line you have written, don't cross out or worry about spelling or punctuation. Lose control. Don't stop writing until the end of the practice.
Rule #5:
Go for the jugular. Write through your tears, your fears, your anger. Break the rules. Find what is alive in you and write. Write words that feel dangerous, wild, exciting. Go to the edge of what feels comfortable.
Gather your writing materials. But before we begin, I'd like to share with you my own experience with this “one living at the edge” and my Wise Self.
There is a part of me that has a big NO in her body to opening and trusting in life and love. I call this part of me “the one living at the edge.” For, although she has every right to feel the way she does…suspicious, distrustful, scared and closed off…she is relentless in her search for ways she can grow her capacity for love, relationships and aliveness.
She has been through a lot and knows the truth…that opening to love and life could lead to heartbreak. I remind her, this one resisting, the one that is suspicious and not sure about this other path of love and partnership, I remind her I am here (adult Jessica as Self) to protect us and guide us. I remind her of our commitment to fully living this human life - the sorrow and the joy. I remind her that together we are capable, we are strong, we are wise, and we are resilient.
With that said, we take one step at a time closer towards love, towards trusting another, towards opening our hearts despite what the world has shown us. Despite our fears and trepidations. Despite the unknown forest we are embarking to walk through. Just the next step is all I tell her. Let’s open our hearts to the one next step.
This one inside of each of us who is “living at the edge” needs to feel you there with her - reaching your hand out to gently guide her forward. She needs an updated, honest and wise narrative to trust in. Her narrative is outdated, an old pattern of the mind. Her beliefs are not always the most current and updated truth. Her strategies and actions are adapted from a time long ago when that was all she knew what to do to protect herself. You are older, wiser, more resourced. She needs you to show her the new path to the next mountain peak. Welcome her, believe in her, teach her, guide her. Whatever obstacle she comes across, you are the one to take her beyond.
We will begin our 10 minute Somatic Flow Writing Practice to connect with the “one living at the edge” and your wise Self who is reaching out your hand to welcome her, believe in her, teach her and guide her.
Here are your prompts.
Feel free to write them at the top of your page….
What emotions and beliefs does the “one living at the edge have?” What pain does he or she carry?
Where do you feel this one in or around your body?
What is he or she afraid of?
What situation or relationship is this part stuck in from the past?
Begin your somatic flow writing from the perspective of “the one living at the edge”. At some point during your writing, trust yourself on the timing, begin to write from the voice of your wise Self.
What does your wise Self have to say to the “one living at the edge.” What does your wise Self want this one to know?
I will leave you now to write for 10 minutes. Have fun, trust the process.
(10 min flow writing)
As you close your last thought, I'd like you to take a moment to close your eyes, place one hand on your heart and another on your belly. Bow your head slightly down and give thanks to this one inside that is living at the edge. The one who is learning to trust, to love, to fully live awake.
There’s a beautiful quote that I love by Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj and she says, “There are always moments when one feels empty and estranged. Such moments are most desirable, for it means the soul has cast its moorings and is sailing for distant places. This is detachment - when the old is over and the new has not yet come. If you are afraid, the state may be distressing, but there is really nothing to be afraid of. Remember the instruction: Whatever you come across - go beyond.”
Thank you for flow writing with me today. For having the courage to connect to the “one living at the edge” and to begin to build the muscle of leading from the wise one within. I do hope you continue to practice and discover what and who is living inside of you. Be well.
Conway, Jessica. 2023. Somatic Flow Writing Practice - The “One Living at the Edge”. https://jessicaconway.co/
Instagram: @_jessica _conway
About Jessica Conway
Jessica Conway, RN, MSN, RYTT is a Somatic Practitioner, Registered Nurse, Safe and Sound Protocol Provider, Yoga Instructor, Meditation Guide, ocean dip lover, who unceasingly seeks to find truth and wisdom on every path of this wild and full human life.
She is on a mission to help you slow down, sense inward, and connect to a deep knowing held within your own body. An internal compass that houses your inner wisdom, truth, strength, and love to help guide you through times of uncertainty and the unknown.
Her offerings have one main intention in mind…to help you BE in your body - alive, awake, aware.
If you’re interested in understanding more about how somatic practices can help you, consider working with a Somatic Therapist or Practitioner. The Embody Lab’s Somatic Therapist and Practitioner Directory can help you find the right practitioner to support your journey towards more self-compassion, connection, and authenticity. Explore our directory and find the support you need.
