The August session was the fourth of six in the International Assistance Community Support Series, hosted by OneAID and Somatic Experiencing International. SEI practitioners Beth and Kashi shared tools participants can use on their own, and we’re glad to share the recording above for anyone who missed it or wants to practice again.

What you can take away

The session opened with a body scan that tracks “autonomic markers” such as heart rate, muscle tension, gaze, abdomen, and breath. It’s a quick, judgment-free way to check what state your nervous system is in before choosing a practice.

Participants then learned SCOPE, a tool first developed for medical workers during COVID-19 and since used with humanitarian workers and others in crisis. It guides you through slowing down, connecting to your body, orienting to your surroundings, shifting attention between tension and ease, and reaching out to others. Each step is discreet, so you can do it at your desk, in the field, or anywhere else, often in under five minutes.

After a live demonstration, participants practiced in small breakout groups with SEI facilitators.

Questions, or need support? Reach the OneAID and SEI team at sehumanitarian@gmail.com.