From hanging on to hanging out

A friend recently spoke of the shift from “hanging on” to “hanging out.” This really struck me. Hanging on feels a bit scary, desperate, tense. The phrase “hanging on for dear life” comes to mind.

“Hanging out” has such a different feel. Looking at the definition of the phrase, hanging out is spending relaxed, idle, social time in a place or with people. Sheila Liming proposes, in her book of the same name, that hanging out is a balm that forges connection and meaning. 

What great metaphors for a somatic practice! Connecting inwards, finding meaning through the simple acts of slowing down, turning towards our experience and befriending our bodily selves. Gently replacing those constricted pathways with ones of ease and flow. It can take patience, intentionality and care to grow somatic awareness, shifting from hanging on to hanging out.

A “hangout” is a favourite place for spending time. Make your body yours.