In this conversation with Gayle Colman, we explored the multi-layered relationship between money, self-awareness, and somatic practices. As the creator of Somatic Finance®, Gayle shared insights that guide us to look beyond the numbers and into our physical and emotional experiences with money. The aim? To create an integrated approach to financial well-being, one that considers not only budgets and investments but also of body, mind, and spirit. By using money as a portal for personal growth, she invites us to engage our full selves in financial decisions. Below, you’ll find some key takeaways that offer practical guidance and unique perspectives on creating financial clarity from the inside out.
Bridging Finance and Body Awareness
One of the conversation’s most transformative insights was the need to integrate financial decision-making with body awareness. Instead of solely relying on rational analysis, tuning into physical responses can reveal underlying emotions about financial choices. The body, comprising physical, emotional, and mental layers, offers unique perspectives on money. For example, tightness in the chest when reviewing a budget might signal anxiety, while warmth might indicate satisfaction. Somatic practices—techniques designed to connect bodily sensations with mindful awareness—help to align these feelings with financial decisions, transforming finance from a purely logical process into a practice of self-discovery. This integration enables individuals to make financial choices rooted in personal truth, rather than solely on external expectations, fostering deeper self-trust.
Understanding the Emotional Impact of Money Through Safe Spaces
Creating safe spaces for financial exploration is another key theme. Emphasizing how emotionally sensitive money can be, the episode discusses why a compassionate, non-judgmental environment is vital. Traditional financial planning often prioritizes wealth accumulation or savings maximization, but for many, the first step is addressing the underlying emotions and beliefs around money. A safe space allows individuals to explore these emotional responses, especially for those carrying financial trauma or self-doubt. This approach not only nurtures self-compassion but also helps identify and release limiting beliefs—often rooted in childhood—that hinder financial progress. By examining emotions openly, clients can view their financial situation clearly, act with greater confidence, and make meaningful progress.
Integrating Somatic Practices for Financial Healing
Somatic practices, foundational to this approach, involve grounding techniques such as deep breathing, centering, and gentle movement. These exercises encourage individuals to stay connected to their physical sensations during financial stressors, creating a pathway to manage financial overwhelm. For instance, “titration”—gradually exposing oneself to financial details like bank statements while remaining grounded—reduces the typical fight-or-flight response associated with financial anxiety.
These practices encourage people to gently explore their financial landscape, helping them build resilience without becoming overwhelmed. Over time, somatic practices foster a calm sense of control, empowering individuals to approach financial tasks mindfully and without triggering past fears. For those who tend to avoid or feel anxious about money, this approach offers a sustainable path toward financial healing.
Tuning into the Inner “Money Archetypes”
Exploring different centers of self—specifically the head, heart, and belly—each with its own “money archetype” creates a structured yet intuitive framework for understanding financial behavior. These centers represent the academic (head), the philanthropist (heart), and the capitalist (belly), with each influencing how we interact with money. For example, the academic seeks knowledge, the philanthropist values compassion, and the capitalist prioritizes financial stability. Engaging with each archetype helps identify potential areas of conflict or alignment. For instance, a person focused on philanthropy might benefit from balancing this with the capitalist archetype’s emphasis on personal financial security. This archetype framework allows individuals to align their financial decisions with their values, resulting in a more balanced and fulfilling relationship with money.
Redefining Financial Success Beyond Numbers
A profound insight from the episode is that financial success isn’t only defined by wealth accumulation or maximizing returns. For example, clients may achieve “optimal financial outcomes” but feel unfulfilled. Financial success can also encompass personal satisfaction, emotional well-being, and alignment with core values. For instance, choosing a cause-related investment over a more profitable one may bring greater joy and purpose than simply chasing returns.
Shifting from traditional metrics to a more holistic understanding of success enables individuals to make financial decisions that are both strategically sound and personally meaningful, fostering a sense of self-compassion and fulfillment.
Integrating Money and Self
Exploring these insights highlights that financial wellness is not merely about increasing wealth but also about cultivating inner clarity, resilience, and alignment. This approach shows that financial clarity starts from within, transforming our relationship with money from stress to mindful engagement. By using tools like grounding techniques, safe spaces, somatic practices, archetypes, and redefined success, individuals can build financial lives that reflect their authentic values. May these insights inspire you to bring more intention, compassion, and courage to your financial story, guiding you toward a life of true financial well-being.
Resources
Colman Knight
Gayle’s Link Tree
The Body of Money: A Self Help Guide to Creating Sustainable Wealth through Innate Intelligence by Gayle Colman
Curiosity Creates Safe Space