Somatic Respiratory Integration: Step by Step for Stage 1: Suffering

Published on August 8, 2024

Entering Stage 1: Suffering of Somatic Respiratory Integration (SRI) is a profound commitment to self-discovery and transformation. This stage, while challenging, is the foundation upon which the journey of SRI is built. Below are the detailed steps to guide you as you begin this transformative journey.

Preparing for Stage 1: Suffering

  • Create a Safe Space: Begin by finding a quiet, serene space where you can sit or lie down without interruption. The environment should feel safe and supportive, allowing you to turn inward without external disturbances.
  • Breathe and Observe: Breathe naturally, focusing on the rhythm of your breath and the sensations within your body. Observe any thoughts, emotions, or areas of discomfort that arise, maintaining an open and non-judgmental awareness.
  • Acknowledge Your Suffering: In this stage, it’s crucial to acknowledge any form of suffering, be it physical, emotional, or mental, without resistance or avoidance. Accept its presence as a part of your current experience.
  • Maintain Presence: Stay present with your breath and any sensations or emotions for several minutes. If your mind wanders, gently bring your focus back to your breath and your experience of suffering.

Steps for Stage 1

  1. Position your hands one on top of another with your elbows pointed outward.
  2. Place your hands on top of the most immediately comfortable place on your body, either your Upper Chest, Gastric Region, or Navel Region. 
  3. Focus on lifting your hands by breathing directly into that area of the body.
  4. Go back and forth between each area, breathing in the nose and out the mouth, noticing the sensations and resistances. 
  5. Spend 2-3 breaths in the less resistant areas, before immediately moving to 1-2 breaths in the most resistant ones.
  6. Allow yourself to verbally express any feelings that rise. Some examples may be – “Sometimes I feel so disconnected” or “Nothing is working.”
  7. Move back and forth between areas and declarations until you feel a change. 
Hands positioned on the upper chest
Hands positioned on the gastric region
Hands positions on the navel region
Embarking on Stage 1: Suffering is a journey into deeper self-awareness and acceptance. While the acknowledgment of suffering can be challenging, it is a necessary step toward transformation and healing. This foundational stage of SRI sets the stage for the ensuing journey, offering a pathway to explore and integrate the various dimensions of our being. By engaging mindfully with our suffering, we open the door to greater understanding, harmony, and holistic well-being.
[siteorigin_widget class=”QT_CTA_Button”][/siteorigin_widget]
« Back to Blog