Learning to Move With the Body, Not Against It
In herbal medicine, we often speak about supporting the body’s innate ability to regulate, adapt, and return to balance. Whether we’re working with gentle nervines like oat straw and lemon balm to soothe the nervous system, or adaptogens such as ashwagandha to build resilience, the aim is the same: to restore flow.
Leslie Herbert
August 2026
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Recently, I found myself reflecting on this from a different perspective—observing how the cells in the body function.
Cells are in constant communication. They respond to their environment, carry out their role, and move on. They don’t hold onto what has passed; they adapt to what is needed in the present moment.
This led me to consider how we, as humans, relate to our internal experiences.
When something challenging arises, it’s common to either suppress the feeling or become caught in cycles of overthinking. From an energetic perspective, both can create stagnation—much like impaired circulation or an unsettled nervous system.
What began to emerge for me was a more integrated approach—one that honours both the efficiency of the body and the depth of human experience.
These simple practices have been particularly supportive:
Journaling offers a way to gently process experience without overwhelm. By identifying the feeling, noticing where it is held in the body, and clarifying what is needed, we begin to shift from reactivity into awareness—supporting movement rather than stagnation.
A brief somatic reset allows the nervous system to complete its natural response. By pausing, bringing attention to sensation, and allowing it to shift without force, we support regulation—much like the quiet, steady action of a well-chosen nervine.
A simple in-the-moment anchor. At times, it can be helpful to have something concise to return to. These phrases can act as a gentle guide:
Notice. Allow. Choose. Move on
This is familiar. I don’t need to solve it right now.
Feel it, let it inform me, then move.
Rather than holding onto experiences or pushing them away, we can allow them to move through us.
In doing so, we support not only emotional wellbeing, but the overall balance and vitality of the whole system.
To complement this approach, I’ve included a journaling template and a short guided somatic reset below—simple, supportive practices to help restore flow within the nervous system.
Journal Template
What happened?
What did I feel?
Where did I feel it in my body?
What is the theme or underlying pattern?
Is this about now, or something familiar?
What did I notice when I stayed with the feeling?
What is actually needed here?
One small step (if any)
Closing say ‘I’ve taken what I need from this’. A conscious ending.
Guided Somatic Reset Script
Pause for a moment.
Look around you. Notice where you are.
Feel your body. Your feet on the ground or your weight in the chair.
Take a slow breath in… and a longer breath out.
Ask yourself: Where do I feel this in my body?
Notice the sensation. No need to analyse.
Let your attention rest there.
If it feels intense, gently shift to your breath or feet, then back again.
Notice any softening or change.
Take another slow breath in … and a longer breath out.
Say to yourself: “That’s enough for now.”
Return to your day.
