Lani Weissbach’s journey into movement and somatic practices began as an innate, instinctive form of self-expression from an early age.
Growing up in Hawaii, she developed a profound connection between her body and nature, sensing movement through water and the environment around her. In her interview with MysticMag, she shares how this deep awareness shaped her teaching approach, blending classical and contemporary movement techniques to create a holistic and exploratory experience.
Through somatic movement, she helps individuals cultivate awareness, self-compassion, and joy, leading to profound personal transformation.
What inspired your journey into the world of movement and somatic practices?
I would say that from the moment I came into the world, I was moving and dancing. It was innate—an instinctive way for me to express myself through movement from a very early age.
Growing up in Hawaii, where the weather is always warm, and I could spend time outdoors in nature, had a profound impact on me. From an early stage in my life, I felt a deep connection between my body and the world around me. Being in the water, for example, floating in the ocean, I could sense movement transmitting through my body. That experience made me immediately aware of the power of that connection—between my body and nature.
I believe this connection is a significant aspect of somatic movement. We are nature, and nature is us.
How do you integrate classical and contemporary elements in your teaching?
That’s an interesting question. The terms classical and traditional can often be used interchangeably, and I draw from many different disciplines in my teaching—dance, yoga, mindfulness, and meditation. Each of these has its own traditions, as well as more contemporary approaches.
I have great respect for tradition because it represents something tried and true, a technique or form that has been refined over time to achieve a certain outcome. However, I lean more toward a contemporary approach because, to me, contemporary is about what’s happening now—it’s about constant evolution. I believe we can incorporate tradition as a foundation while using it as a springboard for new discoveries.
At heart, I’m very experimental, and that manifests in my teaching through creative exploration, guided improvisation, and somatic movement practices. These approaches encourage individuals to discover their own way—their own truth—within the material we’re working with.
When it comes to education and teaching models, I subscribe to a non-traditional approach. Traditional models tend to be hierarchical, where the teacher holds all the knowledge and the students are positioned below. My approach is more holistic and collaborative—I see learning as an exchange, where we are all growing together. In that sense, my teaching style is less traditional and more contemporary.
What are the key benefits of somatic movement for overall well-being?
That’s a great question! There are so many benefits, but I’ll focus on five essential ones.
- Awareness – Somatic movement helps build our capacity for awareness—tuning into what’s happening inside us in the present moment. What sensations are present? Where is our weight? How do we feel in our environment? This awareness is a form of intelligence, helping us connect more deeply with ourselves.
- Self-Compassion and Respect – These practices teach us to honor and respect ourselves, which is crucial in a world where we are often our own harshest critics. Somatic movement encourages us to notice what we notice—with kindness, gentleness, and acceptance. We begin where we are, in the body we have now, and that’s a powerful place to start.
- Slowing Down and Deepening Connection – Many somatic practices emphasize slowing down, which is essential in a fast-paced world where we often rush through life. By moving more slowly, we create new neural connections, rediscover parts of our bodies that may have become numb or disconnected, and cultivate a deeper sense of embodiment.
- Relational Connection – While somatic movement can be practiced individually, the relational aspect is also vital. We learn, grow, and heal not just in isolation but through our interactions with others. Engaging in movement with others can enhance our overall well-being and deepen our sense of connection.
- Joy and Pleasure in Movement – Enjoying movement is fundamental to well-being. Regardless of any limitations, there is always a way to move that feels good. Finding joy in movement—whether through dance, walking, or simple activities—can be incredibly liberating and uplifting.
Ultimately, somatic movement offers a holistic approach to well-being, helping us cultivate awareness, compassion, connection, and joy in our bodies.
Can you share a transformative experience from your work with a student or client?
There have been so many transformative moments over the years—students telling me they feel completely different after a session, or even someone sharing that they quit smoking after taking my class. There are countless inspiring testimonials, but one recent experience stands out.
I was giving a private session to a woman, and I began by asking her how she was feeling. She described feeling completely disembodied, stuck in her head, with her thoughts racing and scattered.
Before introducing any movement, I simply asked her to close her eyes and tune into her body. I encouraged her to notice what sensations were present in that moment and describe them to me. Then, I asked her, Can you be with this? She paused and responded, Yes.
We continued this process—her noticing a new sensation, describing it, and me gently asking, Can you allow this to be what it is? With each response, she became more present.
By the end of this practice, she opened her eyes, and I immediately saw a change. Her face had softened, and she looked visibly more at ease. She took a deep breath and said, I feel so calm and grounded right now.
It was a complete shift—without any movement at all. Simply bringing awareness to her body and allowing it to be as it was had transformed her state entirely.
How do you see the role of embodiment in personal growth and healing?
This is an interesting question. The term “embodiment” has become a bit of a buzzword lately, and it can mean different things to different people. To offer my own simple definition, embodiment is about being present, aware, and conscious in our bodies—without just thinking about the body but truly inhabiting it.
I once heard someone say that, for many of us, our bodies are just a taxi for our brains, which is a funny but telling image. The body is, in fact, a complex landscape of intelligence. When we return to fully inhabiting our bodies, it becomes a fundamental aspect of healing.
Our bodies have so much wisdom to offer. When we connect with our bodies, we can step away from the constant chatter of the mind. While it’s important to incorporate thoughts in a healthy way, many of us get stuck in unhealthy thoughts and attachments, often mistaking them for truth. This can be incredibly damaging.
Embodiment teaches us that we don’t have to be defined by our thoughts. With somatic guidance, I’ve noticed that thoughts naturally begin to fade as people become deeply present—almost like a meditation. This presence is incredibly healing, whether for physical, psychological, or emotional ailments.
Returning to the importance of relating to others, we fully inhabit our bodies and release ourselves from the prison of the mind, we become more sensitive and empathic to the world and the people around us. We sense that we are part of a greater whole, not separate.
The sense of belonging that comes with this connection is one of the most powerful healing experiences. Research shows that loneliness and the feeling of not belonging can be as toxic as smoking a pack of cigarettes a day. So, cultivating a sense of belonging through embodiment is deeply transformative and healing.
What advice do you have for someone new to somatic movement practices?
Great question, and I appreciate these thoughtful inquiries. To start, it’s important to understand that somatics is not just one thing—it encompasses many different approaches. For someone new to it, somatic movement might feel unfamiliar, and even a little strange at first. That’s because we’re working with a different paradigm. In our everyday lives, we often push ourselves to go, go, go, striving for success and constantly moving toward a goal, doing everything at 100%.
Somatic movement, on the other hand, invites us to do less. This can feel odd for some people, especially since slowing down may seem like we’re not doing much at all. But I like to remind people that this is perfectly fine—you’re slowing down so that you can feel more.
For some, this shift can be a revelation, like, “Wow, where has this been my whole life?” So, if you’re new to somatics, expect it to feel different. It might feel strange, but that’s okay.
I would also recommend exploring different somatic approaches. There are many schools and methods to try. One resource you might find useful is ISMETA, the International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association (ISMETA). Their website, ismeta.org, lists certified somatic movement therapists and educators. There are many great practitioners you can explore through this network.
The key advice is to try something and give it a few sessions. See how your body responds and how it affects your overall well-being. Somatic movement is an exploration, so be patient and open to the process.
Find out more at: www.laniweissbach.com
