The Schizoid Wound: An in-depth look at the disconnection from the body and our Essence

The disconnection from our body and reality is at the core of the human condition. It is a wound so deeply ingrained in the human psyche and body, that its nature is existential. It is existential because it occurs so early, at birth, in the womb and even at conception. It occurs during our entrance into the world and shapes our sense of belonging, our connection to the ground and our connection to our self and others. Alexander Lowen called it the schizoid phenomenon, indicating the split from reality that is inherent in this condition.

According to Lowen, we all carry typical patterns of trauma and defense in our bodies. We are born into this world utterly open and defenseless, as pure Essence. As we grow, in order to protect ourselves against pain and other threats to our safety, we create barriers in our psychological structure and in our body. These barriers form certain patterns of defense that Lowen identified as body types. There are five main types, according to the time of the wounding and the particular defensive strategy that each type employs. On a physical level, these defenses manifest as a powerful armoring which encases our body and keeps us imprisoned in a cage of tension. As we are enclosed in our ego shell, our life energy shrinks, our senses and emotions are deadened and we are cut off from our Essence.

In this weekend we will look at the schizoid wound in all its aspects, from the areas of the body which it affects to the split in the Self which is at the root of all schizoid phenomena. Through strong grounding and other methods of body-oriented psychotherapy, we will build a felt sense of the Self from the ground up and tune into our body and our feelings in a direct way. As we experience the body beyond its defenses, we can see each trauma as “frozen honey,” frozen Essence waiting to be awakened and released, so we can begin on the path of healing the split in the Self. We can restore our sense of belonging and learn the nature of relationship and bonding

For further information and bookings, please contact Devi Legaki at devi_legaki@outlook.com