What if embodiment has nothing to do with being calm, athletic, or "good" at self-care? The word embodiment is everywhere right now. We see it in wellness culture, therapy circles, social media, and personal growth spaces. But somewhere along the way, many of us absorbed the idea that embodied people look a certain way, behave a certain way, or have perfected a particular lifestyle. In this episode, I unpack three of the most common myths about embodiment and share my own journey of disentangling from them. Drawing from Somatic Experiencing, nervous system education, and years of personal inquiry, I offer a radically simpler definition and a doable path that doesn’t involve “achieving” embodiment. This conversation is an invitation to reclaim embodiment from perfectionism, comparison, and cultural expectations—and return it to something that belongs to every human being. You'll Learn: How wellness culture can subtly distort our understanding of embodimentWhy being thin, “attractive," athletic or fit does not make someone more embodiedThe surprising difference between movement and actually feeling your bodyWhy a healthy nervous system is not calm, regulated, or peaceful all the timeWhat "regulation" really means How emotional intensity and embodiment can coexistThe hidden myths that may be shaping your relationship with your bodyA simple working definition of embodiment you can use immediatelyWhy embodiment is available to every human, regardless of age, body type, fitness level, income, or life circumstancesIf you're interested in creating a more authentic relationship with yourself, this episode offers a practical and compassionate place to begin. STAY CONNECTED Website Your Mammal Body Retreat: in-person Vermont, Sept 16-20 Modern Mammaling (free weekly newsletter, or $5/month paid with extra prompts to match theme of the week) Mammaling Monthly (2-hour online workshops around mammal archetypes: Wolf, Beaver and Deer in July) Bring me to your community Welcome to The Modern Mammal! Molly Caro May draws from neuroscience, story-weaving, and the relational field to support people to inhabit their full body mammal intelligence despite (and because of) the Modern Digital Era. Known for her warmth, straight-talk and emphatic expression, she is here to shine a light on what is possible for humans as we stand at this shared crossroads. She is a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, author of two acclaimed literary memoirs, devotee of attention, creator of The Modern Mammal Framework and had led thousands of people through her transformational workshops and retreats for two decades. No, she isn't anti-tech, but she is pro-responsibility and believes in the importance of developing sacred discernment. The Modern Mammal Podcast is a combination of WEEKLY raw Solo episodes that offer real-time practicing and clear ways to reclaim yourself in this era plus unscripted, lively interviews with thinkers, makers, and practitioners who are asking the same question: how do we stay human in a world moving too fast?
