187. How Somatic Stillness Can Heal the Mind with Will Johnson

In this deeply moving episode of Warriors Unmasked, Chuck Thuss welcomes author, teacher, and embodiment pioneer Will Johnson—founder of the Institute for Embodiment Training and author of Breathing Through the Whole Body. Will shares his groundbreaking approach to meditation, one that breaks from rigid posture and invites the full sensation of the body and breath into the practice of stillness.

Together, Chuck and Will explore how awakening to the body can help quiet the mind, heal anxiety, and bring us into greater alignment with our truest selves. Will explains the importance of "remembering to remember"—returning to the breath as a powerful, ever-available gateway to clarity, peace, and even joy.

Whether you’re feeling burned out, overwhelmed by the pace of life, or searching for a deeper connection to yourself, this episode offers hope. Through small, intentional shifts in breath and awareness, you can start transforming your inner world—one inhale at a time.

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✅ 6 Key Takeaways from This Episode:

1. Breath is the gateway to awakening. Most people breathe shallowly—missing the opportunity to use the breath to reconnect to the body and find peace.

2. Stillness doesn't have to hurt. Will introduces a more body-loving, flexible approach to meditation—one that invites movement and ease.

3. “Remembering to remember” is a practice. When we feel ourselves getting pulled into chaos, coming back to the breath can re-center us quickly.

4. You don’t need an hour to transform. Even 5 minutes of awareness and full-body breathing can dramatically shift your energy and clarity.

5. The body holds wisdom. Feeling the shimmer, the vibration of life in your cells, can unlock a sense of presence and vitality you forgot you had.
   Healing is possible—naturally. Breath-based practices offer a grounded, accessible way to calm the mind, reduce anxiety, and reconnect with joy.

GUEST LINKS:

• https://www.embodiment.net/about

LINKS:

• www.thecompassionateconnection.com
• www.warriorsunmasked.com 
• Join Chuck’s Text Community: 251-418-7966

 

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:00 – Introduction to Will Johnson and the topic of breath
• 02:00 – What is somatic dharma? Introducing Radiant Body, Radiant Mind
• 04:00 – Meditation isn't just mental—it’s deeply physical
• 06:00 – A more gentle and body-friendly approach to awakening
• 08:00 – How modern meditation misses the mark on movement and breath
• 10:00 – The shimmer: awakening sensation in every cell of the body
• 12:00 – Breathing through the whole body (Buddha's lesser-known instruction)
• 15:00 – Creating micro-sanctuaries of stillness in a busy life
• 18:00 – A breath practice anyone can do—even during your commute
• 22:00 – The importance of making self-care a priority
• 25:00 – Changing the world starts by changing ourselves
• 28:00 – The mental health impact of short, shallow breathing
• 31:00 – Why our pace of life is hurting our bodies and minds
• 34:00 – Letting go into breath as an act of healing
• 36:00 – Final encouragement: Just breathe. You’re going to be okay.