7 Different Ways Our Bodies Experience the World
Have you ever walked into a room and something just felt off?
Or in a conversation, have you ever had an “ick” feeling, even though you couldn’t quite name what “ick” thing was said? Have you ever found yourself nervously tapping or fidgeting before you realized you were even nervous?
Our bodies have many ways of experiencing the world – and of processing those experiences.
In our Western culture, we tend to prioritize the rational or more “concrete” ways of working with our experiences.
What did I see happen?
Did that thing really happen?
Where is the hard proof or evidence?
How does that evidence point to a root cause?
What ideas do I have that connect to this experience?
All of this is good – but it’s only one way we know things.
Building on a large body of research regarding trauma and somatics, trauma specialist Resmaa Menakem offers us a practical framework, which he refers to as VIMBASI, for checking in with the various other ways our body experiences the world.
Here’s how it works:
VIMBASI
As you read each component of VIMBASI below, pause and use its corresponding question to check in with yourself in this current moment.
Note: it can be difficult to identify some of these within ourselves, especially without practice. It might feel like a whole new language, or bring up experiences of “drawing a blank,” hesitation, defensiveness, or pushback. If this does occur, gently check in with yourself and approach that response with curiosity.
Vibes: What is the vibe you are experiencing?
Images: What images are coming to mind right now?
Meaning: What is the meaning you are making from this experience?
Behavior: What behaviors or urges are you experiencing?
Affect: What is your current affect or emotional response?
Sensations: What bodily sensations are you experiencing?
Imagination: What are you imagining right now and is it set in the future or the past?
This framework can be used at any time and is especially helpful during moments of heightened levels of stress, anxiety, or when you just “need a second” to relax and take a breath.
I recommend writing these down and keeping them close to you. At some point this week, try checking in with yourself using these questions and see what emerges.
📝 Questions:
Which of these seven VIMBASI components seem most unfamiliar to you? Why do you think that is? What can you do this week to become more acquainted with it?
What messages did you receive growing up about trusting your body? How have those messages impacted your relationship with your "gut instinct" and/or decision-masking?
🧰 Learn More:
VIMBASI Practice Guide (activity)
My Grandmother's Hands by Resmaa Menakem (book)
Monsters in Love by Resmaa Menakem (book)
