Title: Empty Mind—Full Belly: A Conceptual Exploration and Depth Inquiry into a Reflection Process of Somatic Instinctual Responses in the Area of the Hara and Solar Plexus

Author: Silver (Martha) Love

Date: 2005
Purpose: The purpose of this Master's thesis is to explore the Somatic Reflection Process (SRP), a self-awareness process of reflection on somatic gut feelings. This study explores its theory, technique, use as a depth psychology method, and the psychological

Reference for thesis or dissertation:

Length: 172 pages

The research methods include a conceptual exploration of the process; development of a facilitation protocol; personal exploration of the process in conjunction with other methods of depth inquiry; facilitation of the Somatic Reflection Process (SRP) with five research participants; and follow-up interviews with the five participants to explore the psychological results of the process. Some of the topics included in the conceptual exploration are: the definition and exploration of instinctual somatic feelings located in the area of the hara and solar plexus; the need for reflection with somatic instinctual feelings on one’s past experiences; and the impact of sharing somatic instinctual feelings. The depth inquiry methods used in conjunction with the SRP are dreamwork, active imagination, body and movement awareness process, memoir, and mandala-making as a graphic arts process. The researcher examined how the integrated use of these processes catalyzed psychological growth and awareness.

Six phases were identified as describing the stages of psychological experience elicited by the SRP as well as other depth inquiry methods. Research participants found three areas of personal growth in their participation in the SRP process: an increase of somatic awareness; an increase of insights and new perspectives concerning one’s own inner needs and unresolved life issues; and an increase of self-acceptance. All participants expressed that the SRP complemented other depth inquiry methods.

Author's institution: Sonoma State University, Psychology Department
Contact:
Language: English
Country origin: USA

Entry number:
English version:

Entry source: referred by Courtenay Young on Linked In
Entered by: (Silver) Martha Char Love
Entry date: 21 February 2012

Key Phrases: Somatic Reflection Process, instinctual somatic feelings, hara and solar plexus, gut feelings, Depth Psychology, increase of self-acceptance, somatic awareness, depth inquiry
References: Laurel McCabe, Ph.D., chair on my thesis committee and head of Depth Psychology Program at Sonoma State University
Other information: