NLMM and the Injured Body

The Somatic Practice NLMM , & Embodiment in an injured body

I see embodiment for women all over social media being sold as soft, flowing, blissful women in white cotton dresses looking ethereal and completely open, without a care in the world, completely free.

And yes, sometimes deepening into a somatic practice can feel like that. Sinking into those moments of complete flow and presence, moving with what you are feeling in that moment, without the need to fix or change anything. Just being present in your body…

But for many of us—especially those navigating injuries, trauma, chronic pain, or simply the tension of everyday living. This idealised version of feminine embodiment can feel out of reach, unattainable and just for the beautiful, young, feminine in the carefree stage of life.

What happens when your body doesn’t flow with grace and ease?

What if embodiment, for you today, feels numb?

Overwhelming?

Or completely shut down?

What if all you want to do is check out because pain lives in your body everyday?

This is my own experience right now.

A recent injury has impacted my ease of movement through the lower part of my body. It just feels hard and painful and right now, my body does not feel like a place of flow or grace—it feels braced for pain and guarded, bringing more tension and fatigue. The idea of moving feels unsafe for fear of doing more damage. I can see how it is creating a distrust in my own body and this is a very uncomfortable place to be in, physically, mentally and emotionally.

This is why I return to my favourite embodiment practice, time and time again. Not to fix or push. But to be with what is, to observe and explore what is present, with an intention of maintaining a connection with a sense of safety within my own body, or least not allowing distrust to completely disconnect me from my body.

The Non-Linear Movement Method® ( NLMM ) meets you where you are. In the frustration, in the resistance, even in the disconnection. It reminds you: this too is part of embodiment because as my teacher says, if you have a body, you are embodied. You don’t need to be soft and move with ease to practice NLMM. You certainly don’t need to wear white or move in a performative way. You just need to be willing to show up on the mat and move with what is.

For me personally, some days look like bliss and vitality, some days slow, some days there are a lot of tears. Right now it looks like me laying in bed, moving from my chest up, allowing my neck and arms, fingers to move with the pain, frustration, fear and anything else that shows up.

This practice isn't about what you look like, how you move. It’s about how you feel at any given moment. And one of the things it is teaching me is how to be with my body, even when my body feels like a place I’d rather not be right now.

So if your NLMM practice doesn’t look like the internet’s version of bliss and beauty—amazing! You’re not getting it wrong, you’re being authentic.

Show up as you are.

Bring your overwhelm, fatigue, your grief, your guarded places.

Let’s simply just meet ourselves there.

With love, 

Lauralee

P.S. If you’re new to my work, your first NLMM Practice Session is completely free when you sign up to my email list. Check time and date for our next ONLINE PRACTICE SESSION HERE