Living in and through our bodies: somatic principles that support the experience of pain and discomfort

Maisie James

This thesis is an autoethnographic, practice research investigation, offering further knowledge to the field of somatic practice, pain, and discomfort. As this thesis is a practice research inquiry, I offer practice to the field that is further supported by my autoethnographic positions. Embodied research and the lived experience are therefore central, exploring how somatic practice can support the sensations of pain and discomfort. Whilst practice is at the forefront of this investigation, theoretical frameworks from the somatic field, practical offerings from other practitioners, therapists, and researchers, and already established somatic ideologies have informed the research process and have offered an integrated approach to supporting the understanding of how practice can support pain and discomfort. Both the practical and theoretical elements of this research emphasise the importance of improvisatory movement and relationships with the self to engage with a sense of freedom and self-expression. By adopting different somatic principles within practice, together with a theoretical understanding of the applications of somatic practice to the body, this research explores movement and wellbeing from a practical perspective, whilst drawing upon key ideas from the somatic field of research. The refined set of principles that this thesis contributes to the field are: The Breath, Movement Economy, The Skeleton, Rotation and Flow, Embodied Rhythm, Stretch, Extension and Elongation, Dynamic and Light Self-touch, Noticing and Addressing Habits, and Rest and Active Stillness. Each somatic principle was explored practically throughout this investigation, resulting in an in depth, subjective approach to analysing data through the lived experience and the narratives of others involved in the research process. A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of Birmingham City University for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Supervisors: Dr Polly Hudson, Dr Carrie Churnside

Reflections, Images and Notes from the Practical Process

By engaging with reflective writing and practice, it was possible to make sense of the individual, unique experience, whilst maintaining an understanding of the proceeding investigation. As a researcher, reflection involved dwelling on personal ideologies, perceptions, and epistemological viewpoints from the somatic field, and influenced the experiential nature of the process. Not only did reflective practice contribute to a better understanding of the lived experience within the moment. Even though the outcomes of the lived experience were not of as much importance as the process of experience, the research focuses on the meaning of practice that resonated with reflective practice.

In some instances, it can be easier to self-reflect on your own through artistic drawing, poetic writing, or simply jotting down a few words, but it is worth noting that there are no right or wrong answers when it comes to reflective practice. This approach simply provides an opportunity to engage with the self in a different, autonomous, creative way to support my well-being and pain. Some refelctive note taking and images of the practice research process are below: