by Billy Snead
We just finished an exciting class with Rob on Embodiment in Risk yesterday. I am so grateful to be engaged in the SPoR learning process. As we finished the course with a short session Mind Mapping the learnings of us all, someone added that their key takeaway was that there is power in beginnings. It was an impressive learning to share with us all. I reflected on that statement the rest of the day.
Why study Embodiment? What does embodiment have to do with risk and safety and how can it help me?
My encouragement to you would be to JUST BEGIN. Take the next right step. Review embodiment blogs and readings from this site. Jump in and hang on.
Below is one of the slides we reviewed as homework for the recent course. As I was completing the homework, I asked myself why is this important to safety? I realized during this course, that we are looking at risk and safety through a limited lens if we are not considering embodiment. The body and mind are connected.
In safety, we do not consider the body. We do not view people as whole persons. This view is so limiting. I am glad I broke away from the rigid thinking that I had used for years and learned about the power of embodiment in risk and safety practice.
Understanding the various forms of embodiment is crucial because it provides a comprehensive view of how our bodies and minds interact and influence each other. Each form of embodiment highlights various aspects of human experience, from emotional responses and memory to physical sensations and cultural influences.
Reasons to Understand Forms of Embodiment in Risk and Safety
- Holistic Awareness
Embodied practices encourage a comprehensive approach to understanding oneself and others. By recognizing the interconnectedness of body, mind, and emotions, individuals can develop a more complete sense of self-awareness and empathy.
- Emotional Regulation
Different forms of embodiment, such as body e-motion and body sensation, help individuals understand and manage their emotions more effectively. This can lead to better emotional regulation, reducing stress and improving overall mental health.
- Enhanced Communication
By being aware of how the body conveys messages and emotions (body expression), individuals can improve their non-verbal communication skills. This can lead to more effective interactions and stronger relationships both personally and professionally.
- Cultural Understanding
Recognizing the role of body culture helps individuals appreciate the diverse ways in which cultures shape our bodily experiences and expressions. This awareness can foster greater cultural sensitivity and inclusivity.
- Safety and Well-Being
Forms of embodiment like body memory and body absence highlight the importance of being attuned to our bodily signals and sensations. This awareness can enhance personal safety and well-being by helping us respond appropriately to physical and emotional cues.
Practical Applications
In the workplace, understanding these forms of embodiment can lead to practical benefits:
- Improved Safety Practices: Being more attuned to bodily sensations and environmental cues can help prevent accidents and injuries.
- Better Team Dynamics: Enhanced emotional regulation and non-verbal communication can foster better teamwork and collaboration. Resonance will be increased.
- Increased Resilience: Understanding and managing bodily responses to stress can build resilience and improve overall employee well-being.
By incorporating these insights into your work, you can offer a more comprehensive and human-centered approach to safety and well-being.
We will be discussing many of these concepts and ideas in Houston in May 2025.
Come join us for a new beginning in how you practice risk and safety.
SPoR Houston Link May 2025
https://linktr.ee/SPoR.USA.may2025
Every transformational journey begins with a single step, and the SPoR Houston event could be yours. If you are looking for a deeper embodied understanding of risk, click the link below.
The Social Psychology of Risk event May 19-23rd at the Jung Center is not just a beginning for your SPoR studies – its also an opportunity to connect with a like-minded community dedicated to transforming safety to be persons focused.
This event will be so much more than concepts; it will be about feeling and living the principles of safety in relationships, interactions, and decision – making.
We will not just learn theories but also practice and embody what we learn through discussion and activities.
I hope you can join us.
Rob Long says
Billy, what a wonderful series on learning with those 60 people from all over the world. Of course, embodiment is universal, we are all confined in fallibility to our bodies. and, this is how we learn. When your body tells you you’re stressed, listen to it. When your body tells you something is wrong, listen to it. 99% of all out ‘thinking’ is not with the brain, its with the body. It’s only later the body informs the brain of what it has done. The brain doesn’t issue commands, it hosts conversations given to it by the body.
No-one in traditional safety like HOP, SD, S2 etc even discusses such things, its all still about brain-centrism. and, there is no evidence for such a belief.
Best wishes for a great SPoR Conference in May in Houston, Texas. What a great opportunity for learning and developing a new way to help people tackle risk.