Note: Somascience is an integrative framework that explores human adaptation and development by examining how we relate to discomfort in lived experience. This Applied Blog supports the application of Somascience in your life. These are posts that align with the Conceptual series - Five Principles of Somascience.
For a deeper dive into the philosophical foundation, go here. These posts and the substack The thing is … by JamPac-Ed do not represent medical advice in any way whatsoever [see disclaimer here]. For further support applying or integrating these principles, contact Pam for 1:1 or group Somatic Literacy sessions.
Let’s face it, FEELINGS can be mighty uncomfortable! So why on earth would you want to orient towards them? And how do you do it?
The WHY
Did you know that when we turn our back on our FEELINGS, there are major consequences for our health and wellbeing? It literally destabilises us.
And the opposite is true too — when we orient towards our FEELINGS, we validate them as legit, real, unique and important. This steadies us, anchors us in what JamPac-Ed calls safe-loved — the sense of “Even though x,y,z is happening, I’m ok.”
Each time we opt to reorient ourselves toward our soma signals, we take responsibility for healing our relationship with our own FEELINGS, our somaintelligence.
See, the thing is … our FEELINGS are the language of our somatic communication system. They are messages, like memos sent to your inbox telling what’s going on inside you. For a more in-depth read, go here for Somascience Principle #1.
FEELINGS are activated throughout your body every day – even if you’re not recognising them yet as soma signals.
What does this look like in a real life situation?
Here’s a story example to illustrate how responding differently to our soma signals changes the outcome of a lived experience:
Kahlid’s story
Kahild has just finished work. It’s late in the day - he’s thinking about his plans for the evening. He notices that his thoughts are random and scattered, and his neck feels tight. It prompts him to check in - what’s going on for me right now?
Instead of ignoring the underlying tension in his body, he pays attention to this information and adjusts his plans. Rather than heading to the gym to override it with the ‘pump’, he goes straight home so he can relax, enjoy a healthy dinner and work out what’s causing the stress in his system.
Having made this decision he notices the pain in his neck is easing and his thoughts becoming clearer. He’s glad he’s giving himself the time he deserves to address his wellbeing.
HOW do you orient to your FEELINGS?
The way we see ourselves really matters here. What do you believe you are — body, mind, spirit, matter? Yes, you’re human. But how do you think it all works inside you?
At JamPac-Ed, we understand the human experience through the lens of being a somatic communication system — and our FEELINGS provide important feedback about internal and external changes the system has detected. When we understand how we perceive ourselves, we can make better sense of what’s going on within us
Now let’s use Kahlid’s story from above to unpack this.
Step 1. Notice
Kahlid notices his thoughts are jumping from one topic to the next and his neck is tight — subtle but important signals that something’s out of whack — something has changed inside, and his system is letting him know. Amongst the “noise” of his busy life, he’s been getting better at noticing what is happening within him.
This is the first and most important step — simply observing. Noticing your internal state without rushing to analyse or fix it.
Step 2. Approach with curiosity
Turning inward can feel strange at first. So it helps to take a stance — less judgement, more curiosity.
When we approach our inner world with curiosity, we’re more likely to validate the messages we receive.
Kahlid does this naturally. He genuinely cares about his FEELINGS — he seeks the information because he knows it’s useful, real, and worth listening to.
Step 3. Ask
His internal dashboard has lights flashing — his FEELINGS prompt him to check in: What’s going on for me right now?
This question opens a doorway to checking in more deeply.
It’s simple but powerful — a way of saying to your somaintelligence, “I’m listening. Tell me.”
Step 4. Listen
There’s FEELINGS of discomfort in his system.
By slowing down and considering his choices he is taking the opportunity to respect and learn more about what’s causing the discomfort. Thanks to his soma signals he can stay connected to what matters.
Listening means allowing the truth of what arises, even if it’s uncomfortable.
Step 5. Act in alignment
Finally, he takes action that respects his FEELINGS.
He changes his plans and his body begins to relax.
This is a powerful springboard for exploring what’s really shaping his choices and responses — and for taking action that truly supports addressing the underlying tension.
That’s what happens when we orient to our FEELINGS.
Your turn
Try it for yourself:
Notice your FEELINGS.
Be curious.
Ask: What’s going on for me right now?
Listen for the answer.
Take action that respects your FEELINGS.
Each time you orient to your FEELINGS, you’re reinforcing the pathways of your somaintelligence — rebuilding trust in your body’s own guidance system.
5FAQs
FAQ #1 What do you mean by FEELINGS?
When we say FEELINGS, we’re talking about more than just emotions. It’s everything happening inside you — thoughts, sensations, metabolic changes, cellular activity, electrical impulses, chemical shifts — the whole conversation of your living system.
We write it in all caps to help distinguish it from the everyday use of “feelings.”
It’s not just how you feel emotionally — it’s the full internal language your bodymind uses to communicate.
FAQ #2 How do I know what’s a somasignal ?
Think of them as messages from your system — little packets of information coming through your somatic network.
Some people notice this as shifts in sensation or mood. Others pick it up through changes in thoughts, habits, or energy levels. Sometimes they’re loud and obvious, and sometimes they whisper so quietly you almost miss them.
Have a look at the story above and in Principle #1— they show what these somasignals can look like in real life.
FAQ #3 Where do FEELINGS come from?
They come from you — your whole living system.
We’re not minds floating around on top of bodies. We’re body-based beings — living, breathing organisms that make sense of life through being embodied.
Inside of you is a powerful communication network that JamPac-Ed calls your somaintelligence. Your FEELINGS are how the system communicates with itself— constant, real-time messages that flow through every layer of your being.
FAQ #4 What do these communications say?
They say whatever your system needs you to know at that moment.
Because our somatic communication system is dynamic — always adapting to what’s happening inside and around us — the messages keep changing too. Sometimes they nudge us to rest, sometimes to speak up, sometimes just to breathe.
If you want to get a feel for what yours might be saying, revisit the example above and start noticing the small shifts in your own system.
FAQ #5 My FEELINGS feel too big and overwhelming —I really don’t want to open that can of worms! Any advice about how to start orienting towards them?
Totally understandable — FEELINGS can be experienced as huge, messy, and sometimes downright scary. You’re right to pause and ask this.
For many, our system has learned to protect us by keeping certain FEELINGS at a distance. Sometimes that distance is what actually kept us safe. So it makes perfect sense that the idea of turning toward them now might stir up signals of “Whoa — danger ahead.”
Start gently. Read through the example and the steps below. Notice small shifts — a thought, a twinge, a breath — and name them as information, not threats. Over time, this helps rebuild trust with your somaintelligence. If you need support, there are tools and practices that make this process easier and safer.
Support:
Pam is available to support you with your learning, and in applying Somascience to your life — see here for contact details.
Further reading:
Thank you for being you & for being here with us.
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