Somatic stateand why it matters.

Somatic State has two modes.

Somatic State is a continuum between two modes, which map to the human nervous system. See how this applies throughout life below.

• Physical experience

  Reactive

  We feel unsettled. Common physical effects include tight chest, shallow breathing, clenched jaw, blocked digestion and reproductive function, light-headedness, racing heart, high blood pressure, cold hands and feet, pain, and general illness. Sleep suffers, healing decreases, and we feel out of control.

  Nourished

  We feel at peace. Common physical effects include good circulation and blood pressure, deep breathing, relaxed heart rate, strong and flexible muscles, easy digestion and reproductive function, fast immune response, and low levels of pain and inflammation. Sleep is regular, healing is fast, and we feel grounded.

• Relationships

  Reactive

  Relationships suffer. We don’t feel like we’re showing up like we want to. Conversations go sideways, conflict escalates, and we feel lonely. Small disagreements grow big over time, and reset is difficult to impossible.

  Nourished

  Relationships deepen. We feel like we’re both authentic and there for the people we care about. Conversations are natural and collaborative, we avoid unnecessary conflict, and we feel connected. When things go sideways, we can repair them.

• Work

  Reactive

  Urgency dominates. We feel like work is being done to us, not created by us. Survival and prestige drive motivation. Money is scarce, regardless of whether we’re living paycheck to paycheck or in our third home. Success is zero-sum, winning is a high, and purpose is sidelined or subordinated.

  Nourished

  Contribution anchors. Work is an extension of our deeply-rooted passion. We are motivated by compassion and curiosity. Money is a byproduct and a tool, not an identity. Success comes from harmonizing our purpose with the world around us, and service replaces winning as our kick.

• Meaning

  Reactive

  We are cynical. We are right, our enemies are wrong. Anything beyond “I” doesn’t exist, so we must defend “I” at all costs. The world is out to get us and our tribe. Compassion is weakness, domination is strength. Money and status are ends unto themselves. We are a target and always will be, so fortification is a must.

  Nourished

  We have faith. We can hold our beliefs while appreciating those of others, especially our enemies. “I” is a temporary vessel, not an immortal fact. The world is all figuring it out together. Compassion is strength, domination is counterproductive. Money and status are means held at arm’s length. Separateness is a limiting strategy.

• Going through life

  Reactive

  We are in reaction. Small things — seeing the news, checking our bank account, catching a glimpse in the mirror, a tense interaction, noticing someone else’s stuff — can send us into a spiral. We often pursue short-term highs — like unhealthy food, altering substances, unnecessary shopping, status competition, and doomscrolling — in an attempt to find balance. We’re often anxious, angry, or resigned. The world feels like it’s shrinking.

  Nourished

  We are nourished. We start to notice that the things that used to trigger us are beginning to lose their grip. We know what it feels like to be settled, and can start to create that feeling. We begin to outgrow our escapism and develop new habits — like healthy eating, meaningful connections, material discipline, meditation, learning, and exercise guided by the body, not status. We are joyful, settled, and inspired. The world is full of possibility.