I recently spoke at an Avaiya online summit about Somatic Resilience. My presentation was titled The Compulsion to Escape and explored how fear interacts with physical symptoms and the nervous system.
Symptoms can become amplified when the nervous system interprets our fear and resistance as confirmation that something dangerous is happening – like a smoke alarm becoming increasingly sensitive. The alarm itself is real, but it does not necessarily mean the house is on fire.
Much of somatic work involves gently turning toward our experience rather than fighting, suppressing or escaping it, allowing the nervous system to recognise that the alarm is doing its job rather than signalling catastrophe.
I was very touched by some of the reflections people shared afterwards. One person wrote that they felt encouraged to meet what was happening in their body with more curiosity and presence, which felt deeply meaningful to hear.
The summit recordings are still available, along with many other thoughtful presentations. My presentation, and many more from the summit, can still be accessed for a small fee here.
You can also watch a short clip here or follow me on instagram here.
