Attending the somatic healing sessions with Dr. Luciana was an eye-opening experience that shifted my understanding of stress from a mental struggle to a physical one. Initially skeptical or anxious about the online format, I quickly realized that our bodies physically store responses like hyper-arousal (panic) and hypo-arousal (numbness). Learning that “what we resist persists” helped me see that these states are survival mechanisms rather than personal failings, allowing for much-needed self-compassion when dealing with past pressures or current anxieties.

The session provided practical, “on-the-go” tools for daily life, such as box breathing for exam stress and the orienting exercise identifying colors or shapes to ground the mind during internal panic. I found that simple physical shifts, like ear-pulling, tapping, or using cold water, could immediately signal safety to the nervous system. Even the concept of co-regulation showed that simply sitting in silence with a supportive person can be a powerful way to find balance without the pressure of words.

Ultimately, these sessions taught me that we don’t always need to “fix” an issue; sometimes we just need to comfort the body. By learning to identify whether stress is coming from external factors or internal sensations, I can now choose the right tool to return to calm. I feel far more equipped to handle stressful moments, from traffic jams to high-pressure meetings, by listening to my body’s signals and responding with intentionality rather than just reacting.