Here is a basic introduction to the ISOMA framework created by Steve Hoskinson, founder of the field Organic Intelligence
ISOMA is a powerful acronym that can be used to explore the intricacies of human experience and somatic transformation. At its core, ISOMA encapsulates five essential elements: Image, Sensation, Orientation, Meaning, and Affect. Each of these component play a pivotal role in the shaping of your perception, behavior, and ultimately, our capacities to changes
Image:
Embarking on this somatic journey let’s begin with an exploration of the realm of mental imagery. Images can wield profound influence on our lives by molding our beliefs, desires, and aspirations. Through somatic learning, it becomes possible to unravel the rich tapestry of inner imagery by engaging our inner awareness. This can then lead to the unveiling of hidden truths and unlocking of untapped potentials. Engaging with both vivid and abstract images, provides the means to gain insights into the deepest perceptions and aspirations, laying the groundwork for transformative change.
Sensation:
Incorporated into the framework is the realm of sensation—bridging mind and body. Sensations offer profound openings into our physical and emotional states. Through engaging in soma scanning, breathwork, and mindful movement, it is possible to cultivate heightened awareness of bodily sensations, deepening connection to the present moment. Attuning to sensations with curiosity and compassion, can be incredibly empowering. It can even lead to the releasing and reorganising of active patterns of awareness and behaviours. These releases and reorganisations, in turn, can fosters even greater transformations and growth.
Orientation:
Orientation encompasses inherent tendencies for navigating in and through the world by focusing awareness in particular directions. In somatic work, orientation encompasses both the physical and psychological dimension. By cultivating awareness of the direction being applied to focusing, it becomes possible to change experienced by changing the orientation chosen.
Meaning:
Meaning permeates every facet of human experience, shaping beliefs, values, and purpose. In somatic work, meaning emerges through personal narratives and embodied experience. Through exploration of the meaning attributed to bodily sensations and emotions, it becomes possible to uncover the underlying narratives shaping perceptions of self and world. Somatic inquiry and dialogues have the power to enable the evolution and transformation of meanings, thereby providing new understanding, perspectives and responses to help reshape ‘what it means to be alive’.
Affect:
Affect encompasses the realm of emotions and embodied states. Through cultivating compassionate presence towards emotions and sensations, it becomes possible to navigate the inner world with greater ease and confidence. Somatic explorations integrating breath, movement, and mindfulness harness the transformative power of affect can transmute fear into love and even pain into pleasure.
I hope this post has given you interesting food for thought. Providing you with insights into some of the possible benefits and rewards engaging with the ISOMA framework offers. Through the synergy of image, sensation, orientation, meaning, and affect, somatic learning experiences can become catalysts for transformative change, awakening greater possibilities, empowering a creative evolution in how life is experienced.
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