It seems strange that in a time when we’re more connected digitally than ever before, many of us feel so disconnected—from ourselves, from others, and even from the natural world around us. This paradox points to a deeper issue ingrained in modern society, one that embodiment practices seek to address.
This article explores the concept of embodiment, its historical context, and how living within what I call the “cult of modernity” has led to a separation from our intrinsic sense of being. Alongside these insights, we’ll discuss the dangers of prioritising individualism, the loss of community, and how embodiment can bring us back to a place of connection and presence.
If you’re an embodiment coach, this article aims to empower you with a deeper understanding of the very root causes of the disconnection many of us experience and why your work is so vital to fostering change.
The Core Problem in Modern Society
Disembodiment in Everyday Life
What does it mean to be disembodied? At its essence, disembodiment is a state of being where we are not fully present or connected to our own bodies. Instead, we operate out of habit or in reaction to external stimuli, often disconnected from our inner experience.
This condition isn’t merely accidental. Historically and culturally, we’ve seen a shift over centuries that encourages this state of separation. The values and systems of modernity—emphasising individuality, consumption, and materialism—continue to influence how we perceive ourselves and our place in the world.
The Historical Lens
Since the 17th century, the rise of liberalism, individualism, and mechanistic thinking has profoundly shaped Western culture. While these ideas have birthed incredible advancements—such as personal freedoms and human rights—they also placed the individual at the absolute centre of existence. And while that’s not inherently negative, it’s important to recognise the repercussions.
This hyper-focus on the self launched a movement away from community-oriented practices, from tribal ways of relating to one another and to the world. Where once individuals were firmly rooted in collective identity, modernity steadily dissolved these communal bonds.
Charles Eisenstein’s Take
Author and thinker Charles Eisenstein describes this pervasive disconnection as a split—from self, others, our environment, and the spiritual dimensions of life. Many of the mental health crises, identity struggles, and ecological challenges we face today stem from this deeper sense of disconnection.
For embodiment practitioners, comprehension of these historical and cultural threads is essential—because to guide others towards presence, we must first understand what has pulled them away from it.
Living in the Cult of Modernity
What is “Modernity” as a Cult?
It might seem provocative to frame modernity as a “cult,” but consider its defining characteristics. Like a cult, modernity instils deeply ingrained beliefs about how life must be lived. It promotes a worldview where individualism, consumerism, and material success reign supreme.
And yet, these values often come at a cost:
- The Individual as Isolated: People see themselves as lone, self-sufficient entities, which can lead to loneliness and alienation.
- Objectification of the Body: Modern thought frequently reduces the body to a resource or object, stripping it of its inherent wisdom.
- Relationships as Transactional: Viewing others through a lens of utility rather than connection diminishes our ability to form meaningful bonds.
The Mechanistic Worldview
Modernity also fosters a mechanistic perception of the world. It positions humans as “resources,” mere components in a grander capitalist machine. Terms like “human resources” subtly betray how deeply objectification is embedded into our language. And just as people are objectified, so too is the natural world, reduced to commodities for human use.
For embodiment practitioners, it’s vital to confront this paradigm. When clients see themselves merely as functional objects, they remain entrenched in disconnection. Your work can help them rediscover an alternative—a way to experience their bodies as sacred, intelligent subjects.
The Dangers of Extreme Individualism
Individualism isn’t inherently bad. It has provided us with freedoms that previous generations could hardly imagine. However, when taken to extremes, individualism can lead to significant imbalances.
- Disconnection from Others
The emphasis on being self-reliant and self-centred can erode our sense of belonging to a larger community or ecosystem. People who lack connection often feel a deep sense of loneliness, even when surrounded by others.
- Disconnection from the Body
Individualism also reinforces detachment from the body. Many people ignore their physical sensations, feelings, and signals in favour of relentless productivity and external validation.
- Environmental Alienation
When we perceive ourselves as separate from nature, disregard for the planet becomes widespread, exacerbating climate crises and resource depletion.
The antidote lies in reconnection—to self, others, and the Earth. Embodiment isn’t just a personal practice; it’s a pathway to communal and ecological healing.
Reclaiming Connection Through Embodiment
What Does Embodiment Look Like?
At its core, embodiment is about being fully present in your body and listening to its wisdom. It’s feeling the ground beneath your feet, noticing the rise and fall of your breath, and honouring your emotions rather than suppressing them.
For your clients, this may include practices like:
- Somatic Awareness: Guided meditations or body scans to cultivate mindfulness.
- Movement Practices: Yoga, dance, or even simple stretches to reconnect with physical sensations.
- Breathwork: Techniques focusing on intentional breathing to calm the nervous system.
The Value of Community in Embodiment
Individual embodiment is powerful, but community magnifies its impact. Traditional tribal societies thrived because individuals found their identity and purpose within a collective. Modernity, however, has often made people ashamed of group identity, leaving them feeling untethered.
Fostering community through group workshops, retreats, or discussions can create a safe space for people to rediscover belonging alongside their peers.
Challenging Implicit Beliefs
Many beliefs instilled by modernity are so ingrained that they go unnoticed. A critical part of embodiment is questioning these implicit narratives:
- Why do we value independence so highly over interdependence?
- What does it mean to acknowledge our inherent connection to others and the natural world?
- How can we shift from seeing the body as an object to honouring it as a sacred subject?
Through awareness and discussion, you can challenge clients to dismantle harmful notions and replace them with affirming, healing ones.
Moving Towards a More Embodied World
The disconnection perpetuated by modernity isn’t a life sentence—it’s a call to action. By prioritising embodiment in our lives and work, we can challenge the cult of modernity and start addressing its widespread impact.
For embodiment coaches, this means guiding clients not only towards personal connection but also towards a renewed sense of community and ecological care. Together, we can create a world where the body is valued, relationships are cherished, and connection—rather than disconnection—is the norm.
Will you answer the call?
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