What is capitalism?

Capitalism is a term that’s often thrown around in political and economic discussions, but what does it actually mean? At its core, capitalism is an economic system that’s based on competition, profit-making, and the pursuit of self-interest. 

And late stage capitalism describes the current stage of capitalism, characterized by increasing economic inequality, concentration of wealth and power, and the dominance of large corporations.

Consequences abound when our world is organized around profit over everything

One of these consequences is the way that capitalism encourages us to isolate ourselves in our work. In a capitalist system, people are often rewarded for their personal achievements, such as making a profit, rather than for their contributions to a collective goal. We become obsessed with profit as personality- just look at the world of coaching influencers.

In the pursuit of profit, we can become disconnected from the people around us, both in our personal lives and in our workplaces. This can be especially true for millennials, who are often encouraged to focus on their individual careers and achievements. We’re told to work hard, climb the ladder, and make a name for ourselves, but in the process, we may forget about the importance of building strong relationships with our colleagues, friends, family, and self.

Furthermore, capitalism often requires long working hours and a focus on productivity, which can leave little time for socializing or building community outside of work. In order to succeed within the system, workers may feel pressured to put in extra hours or prioritize work over other aspects of their lives, such as family and friends.

What can we do?

So what can we do to combat the isolation and disconnection that can result from capitalism? One solution is to make a conscious effort to prioritize our social connections, both in and out of the workplace. This may mean taking the time to have meaningful conversations with others.

But it’s not as easy as deciding to unhook from capitalism. The truth is that we need to earn money to survive and feel safe. 

So while we may not be able to completely opt out of the economic system, there are ways that we can shift our relationship to it and find more ease and balance in our lives. This is where somatic work can come in.

Somatic work can change how you relate to capitalism

Somatic work is a type of therapy that focuses on the connection between the body and the mind. It recognizes that our bodies hold onto our past experiences and traumas, and that these experiences can shape our thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. By working with the body, we can learn to release old patterns and beliefs, and create new ones that better serve us.

One way that somatic work can help with our relationship to capitalism is by helping us to release our ingrained beliefs and attitudes about money and work. For example, many of us may have internalized beliefs that we need to work constantly, push ourselves to the limit, and prioritize productivity and efficiency above all else. These beliefs can lead to burnout, stress, and a lack of balance in our lives.

Through somatic work, we can learn to recognize these beliefs and patterns in our bodies, and release them in a safe and supportive environment. We can also learn to listen to our bodies and develop a greater sense of what we truly need to feel safe and secure, rather than simply following societal norms and expectations.

In addition, somatic work can help us to develop a greater sense of resilience and self-care. By learning to listen to our bodies and respond to our own needs, we can create a sense of safety and security within ourselves, rather than relying on external sources of validation or security. This can help us to feel more grounded and centered, even in the face of financial uncertainty or stress.

Conclusion

It’s worth noting that somatic work is not a quick fix or a magic solution. It requires time, effort, and commitment to the process. However, by working with our bodies and developing a deeper sense of self-awareness and self-care, we can begin to shift our relationship to capitalism and create more ease, balance, and resilience in our lives.

Are you tired of feeling isolated and burned out under the pressure of capitalism? If so, somatic work may be just what you need to create a more balanced and fulfilling life. To learn more about how somatic work can help you, get in touch today. Together, we can start your journey toward greater self-awareness, resilience, and well-being.