The Somatic Start: A Transformative Daily Practice for Heart-Centered Entrepreneurs

As heart-centered coaches, healers, and service providers, balancing the pull of your soul-driven mission with the logistical demands of running a business can feel like a dance between two worlds. You may wake up with a swirling mind, an aching to-do list, and an inner critic whispering doubts. But what if there was a daily practice that could ground you, honor your emotions, and set you up to move through your day with intention and grace?

That’s exactly what The Somatic Start is designed to do. This simple yet transformative practice bridges somatic awareness with strategic planning, allowing you to show up in your life and business from a place of alignment, creativity, and clarity.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the eight core elements of The Somatic Start, a practice that has not only changed my life but has also been a game-changer for my clients. Whether you’re running a coaching business, juggling personal and professional responsibilities, or simply seeking more balance, this practice offers a path forward

Why The Somatic Start Works

Too often, we approach our days stuck in either our heads or our hearts.

• Stuck in your head: You’re bogged down by to-do lists, endless decisions, and the pressure to hustle.
• Stuck in your heart: You’re overwhelmed by emotions and disconnected from the actions that will move you forward.

The Somatic Start integrates these two realms, giving you space to untangle your inner world while identifying actionable priorities. It takes just 10–15 minutes, but the impact lasts all day.

Let’s dive into the eight elements.

1. Honoring Your Mind: The Brain Dump

Start by emptying your mind onto the page. Set a timer for 2–5 minutes and write down every thought swirling in your head.

• Don’t filter. Don’t judge. Just pour it all out.
• This is especially powerful if you experience ADHD or find your thoughts racing in the morning.

Why it matters: A brain dump clears mental clutter, helping you approach the day with clarity and focus.

2. Emotional Check-In

Ask yourself:

• What emotions am I feeling today?
• How do these emotions show up in my body?

You’re not here to fix or analyze—just notice. Maybe you feel tension in your shoulders or warmth in your chest. This simple act of awareness helps you stay connected to your body throughout the day.

Why it matters: By naming and noticing your emotions, you create space for them without letting them control you.

3. The Heart Dump

Once you’ve quieted your mind and acknowledged your emotions, go deeper:

• What truth is on your heart today?
• Is there an intuitive message trying to come through?

For example:

• "I don’t need to worry about six months from now. I trust that everything will work out."
• "It’s okay to rest today. I’m still worthy even when I’m not ‘doing.’"

Why it matters: The heart dump taps into your intuition and gives voice to the deeper truths that guide your decisions.

4. I Am Safe Affirmations

Affirmations are a powerful tool, but they become even more impactful when grounded in safety. Write affirmations that address your current challenges and help your nervous system feel supported.

Examples:

• "It is safe to make abundant income in my business."
• "It is safe to share my story and be seen."
• "It is safe to not know the outcome."

Why it matters: Safety affirmations help rewire your brain and body to feel secure in taking courageous action.

5. Gratitude with a Twist

Gratitude is a staple in many morning routines, but here’s the twist: pair your gratitude with self-credit.

For each item, write:

• What you’re grateful for.
• What you did to contribute to that gratitude.

Example:

• "I’m grateful for the surprise hair appointment my husband scheduled for me. I give myself credit for being open to receiving his acts of service."

Why it matters: This approach reinforces your role in creating your life, helping you celebrate your agency and efforts.

6. Moving the Needle

Now that you’re grounded, identify the three most important actions for the day.

• These aren’t just tasks to check off—they’re actions that align with your bigger goals.
• Example: "Pitch myself to three podcasts," or, "Schedule a walk to recharge my creativity."

Bonus: Block time in your calendar for each action.

Why it matters: Prioritizing what truly matters helps you work smarter, not harder.

7. Surrender and Trust

Some things are within your control—and some aren’t. Use this section to let go of attachment to outcomes and surrender your desires to the universe (or your higher power).

Example:

• "I trust that the right clients will find me."
• "I release the need to control every detail of my launch."

Why it matters: Surrendering cultivates faith and frees you from perfectionism.

8. Celebrations

End your practice with a celebration of what’s going well.

• What are you proud of?
• What small wins can you acknowledge?

Example:

• "I showed up on Instagram Stories even though I felt nervous. I’m proud of my courage."

Why it matters: Celebrating yourself builds confidence and quiets the self-critical voice.

How to Make The Somatic Start Work for You

1. Keep it flexible: Use these eight elements as a guide, but feel free to adapt them to your needs.
2. Stay consistent: Even if you only have five minutes, commit to showing up for this practice.
3. Reflect and reuse: Review past entries for insights, content ideas, and moments of growth.  

A Practice for Life and Business

Whether you’re navigating a busy workday or seeking balance in your personal life, The Somatic Start is a grounding tool that helps you show up as your best self. It’s more than a productivity hack—it’s a practice of self-compassion, alignment, and intentionality.

Try The Somatic Start

Want to implement this practice in your life? Download my free Somatic Start Template here and join my free Facebook group, Visibility & Tech Support for Coaches, to share your experience and connect with others on the same journey.

Let me know how this resonates with you! Email me at [email protected] or tag me on Instagram @nursecoachshawne with your reflections. I can’t wait to hear how The Somatic Start transforms your days.

Click Here to Download The Somatic Start Template

XO,

Shawne