May Sadhana

Hello to our Beautiful Sangha Community!

I find myself in the midst of a deep identity shift. Since giving birth to my son just 14 days ago, it feels as though every identity I’ve ever held is being questioned, unraveled, and gently stripped away. Each day, the mother in me is being born — in quiet, unexpected ways. As I nurture this newborn life, I also feel like a newborn myself. The world feels unfamiliar, tender, and at times uncertain.

In this liminal space, I’m reflecting on the question: What identities have I outgrown? What can I release in order to meet this next chapter — this sacred becoming — with grace, wholeness, and reverence?

I believe it's so important to check in with ourselves and the identities we attach ourselves to often. This process supports us in our evolution as human and spiritual beings. 

I put together a Somatic ritual designed to guide you in understanding what identities within you may need to shift and change. 

🌿 Somatic Ritual: Identity Shift 

Intention:
To somatically and energetically explore the identities you've taken on — consciously or unconsciously — and to release what no longer serves your truth.

1. Create a Sacred Space (5 minutes)

• Light a candle or some incense.

• Sit in a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed.

• Bring in any grounding objects: stones, photos, a mirror, or something symbolic of your past or evolving self.

• Optional: Play soft, meditative music.

2. Ground into the Body (5–7 minutes)

• Sit or lie down and close your eyes.

• Bring awareness to your breath, allowing it to deepen naturally.

• Begin to scan your body from head to toe, noticing any sensations, contractions, or areas that feel “tight” or “held.”

• Gently ask your body:
  "Where am I holding an identity that no longer belongs to me?"
  Allow any images, words, memories, or emotions to rise.

3. Identity Reflection (10–15 minutes)

• With a journal or aloud to yourself, explore:

  • What identity am I most attached to right now?

  • Who did I become in order to be loved, accepted, or safe?

  • Is this identity still serving me — or is it limiting my expression?

  • What am I afraid might happen if I let it go?

  • Who might I become if I allowed more space?

4. Somatic Movement Inquiry (5–10 minutes)

• Stand or sit and let your body move intuitively.

• Ask your body to show you what this identity feels like.

• Let yourself embody it fully — move, gesture, express it.

• Then gently begin to shake it off — literally. Shake your hands, your shoulders, your legs, your head.

• Move into a new shape that feels more aligned with the truth of who you are becoming.

5. Release + Reclaim Ritual (5 minutes)

• Take a deep breath and say aloud:
  "I honor who I needed to be, and I lovingly release what no longer reflects my truth."

• Optional: Write the identity or labels on a piece of paper and burn it safely.

• Place your hand on your heart and say:
  "I now choose to embody who I truly am — free, whole, evolving."

6. Integration (as long as needed)

• Rest in stillness or meditation.

• Journal any sensations, visions, or messages that arose.

• Drink a glass of water or herbal tea to ground yourself.

I see you! 

With Love,

Nichole