What is Interoception?


 I’ve been returning  to my thoughts around interoception, or the internal felt sense. Interoception has a lot of definitions, but one way to think of it is the sensations deeper than our skin - internal rather than external stimuli and experiences.


It includes sensations such as your heartbeat, breath, hunger, thirst, digestion, and urge to eliminate.


It also encompasses experiences like the release in a good stretch, a hip with a dull ache, lightheadedness, or a feeling of smooth movement in a joint.


Interoceptive sensations can be things we enjoy, don't enjoy, or that we feel neutral about. They also can be information about areas of our bodies that could return to homeostasis, or balance. They may be an invitation to various actions or activities, such as intentional rest, eating a meal, helpful movement, or, my favorite, a massage.


For years I've been working on a list of interoceptive words, and much like I've used a feelings wheel to explore my emotions, I've used my interoceptive list to more deeply explore my body awareness.


I can't fit my whole list here, but here's a sampling.


Ache

Aligned

Awake

Balanced

Bendy

Charged

Clammy

Clear

Closed

Compressed

Cramp

Dizzy

Elastic

Expansive

Fatigue

Foggy

Grinding

Heavy

Irritated

Loose

Nauseated

Numb

Pinching

Relaxed

Sensitive

Smooth

Stiff

Tight

Warm


Do any of these sensations resonate with you right now? What else would you add to the list?

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