Cryptids and Somatic Therapy

Now, you are probably asking, “What do cryptids have to do with somatic therapy?” And, the answer is technically nothing. It all has to do with the weird place that is my brain. I started with a check-in question utilizing cryptids and funny playoffs of their names to describe mental states. As I thought about how to relate this back to resources for others, I realized that in each of those mental states, somatic therapy exercises would be helpful. Thus, Cryptids and somatic therapy it is. Somatic Therapy can be explained as, “… a way to increase our capacity for regulating the nervous system, forming an excellent bridge to becoming more present and connected, and allowing us to start discharging the shock states that we’ve been unconsciously held in.” (Soph & Davis, n.d.) Hope you enjoy.

Mothman-ic [Mothman]

You are flying high as a kite. Energy is coursing through your veins. Suddenly, you feel like you could run a marathon without getting tired. Ideas are forming in your head, and you have increased drive toward accomplishing them [even if you had never thought of this idea before now]. You feel good, but honestly maybe a little too good. Your heart rate might feel like it could race right out of your chest. It feels like energy is radiating off of you.

Mindfulness In This Moment:

“Diaphragmatic Breathing”: A great way to decrease your heart rate is with deep breaths. Try placing your left hand over your chest and your right hand over your belly. Then, breathe in as much as you can while focusing on your belly rising. And, now breathe out, slowly, as much as you can while focusing on your belly falling. (Supporting Awareness, Embodiment and Resilience Nervous System Regulating Activities, n.d.)

Sassy-squatch [Sasquatch]

You are feeling feisty. If someone says something rude, you will immediately have a perfect comeback. You are full of little quips to add in conversation, many of which will get you some side eye looks. No snide remarks will get past you. You are in the mood to point out other people’s bs.

Mindfulness In This Moment:

Humming: “Stimulate the vagus nerve to help calm your nervous system with this simple exercise.” (Supporting Awareness, Embodiment and Resilience Nervous System Regulating Activities, n.d.) You can put on a favorite song and hum along while focusing on the humming sensation, or I have found this “Vocal Toning Meditation” to be helpful: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dd8pZb6thzs

Loche Mess [The Loche Ness Monster / “Nessie”]

It feels like everything is falling apart. One moment you had it all together, and now the pieces are all over the floor. You might be self conscious about other people seeing the state of your life or afraid to let others in. 

Mindfulness In This Moment:

“Containment Hug.” This is my personal favorite. “Take your right hand and place it around the ribs at your left side, nestled underneath your left underarm and beside your heart. Place your other hand on your right shoulder, so that you are giving yourself a hug.” (Somatic Hug for Containment – Stabilise, 2026) Take a few minutes to breathe and settle into this position. You are signaling to your body that you are safe in this moment.

The Abominable No-man [The Abominable Snowman / Yeti]

You do not feel like doing anything right now. Any plans you had you have cancelled. You might be in the mood to just flop onto your bed. You have had enough. Nothing sounds like fun anymore. You are finding no joy in anything.

Mindfulness In This Moment:

Ear Massage: “Stimulate the vagus nerve and feel more relaxed with just your fingers.” (Supporting Awareness, Embodiment and Resilience Nervous System Regulating Activities, n.d.) I like to follow this “Vagus Nerve Massage” video: https://youtu.be/LnV3Q2xIb1U?si=L4MeLHrUr9ePfuql 

Krak-en Me Up [Kraken]

Literally everything is funny right now. You are full of anxious energy and have no outlet for it. Your legs might be bouncing uncontrollably. If you had a person sized hamster wheel, you could run on that for hours. You are not feeling bad per se, but it is definitely not the kind of good you wanted to be feeling. 

Mindfulness In This Moment:

Somatic Shaking: This allows your body to let out excess anxiety by shaking it out. “Use your knees to create a gentle bouncing in your legs. Let your knees slightly bend, and then push backwards again into being straight, creating a soft shaking in your legs. Imagine this shaking can gently rock through your whole body, through your hips, up to your shoulders, and even your neck. Try to relax around your jaw, and your lower back and tail bone, as if the base of your spine is really heavy. Do this for one minute.” This is a great one to do as part of your morning routine as well. It helps loosen up your body and prepare you for the day. (Soph & Davis, n.d.)

The Loveland Fog [The Loveland Frog]

It feels like someone stuffed a cloud into your brain. Thoughts are hard to access and form. It is taking all your strength to try and be present in the moment if you are even able to do that right now. You might feel like you are zoning out. You may be disassociating in one way or another. You want to be present, but you can’t seem to find your way back to the now. 

Mindfulness In This Moment:

Somatic Hold of Your Brain: “Rest one hand on your forehead and the other at the base of your skull. This can feel supportive when thoughts are racing or you feel mentally overloaded.” (Somatic Self Holds for an Overwhelmed Nervous System, 2026) When I practice this one, it helps me know that my thoughts are not exploding all over the room. My thoughts are contained between my two hands.

Wendi-go With The Flow [Wendigo]

If not quite to the level of chipper, you are at least in a sort of flow state. You are calm and willing to go wherever life takes you. You feel a sense of peacefulness and maybe **cough, cough** joy *cough,cough**.  

Mindfulness In This Moment:

Hand On Heart: You place one hand over the top of your chest [right below your neck]. Take a moment to feel the weight of your hand on you. I personally like to place my hand directly against my upper chest and focus on the sensation of pressure. You can also focus on feeling your heart beat. This is a form of centering. I do this frequently when I want to come back to myself and remind myself I am here in this moment.

Tarr-asque me one more time [Tarrasque]

You are fed up. Your bs meter is at its max and you are taking no more. If someone says something rude, you will be pointing it out and probably making a big deal about it. Maybe a boundary of yours has been crossed one too many times, and you are finally in the mood to do something about it [probably a little too in the mood]. You are experiencing the emotion of anger.  

Mindfulness In This Moment:

Wall Push: Stand arms width away from a wall and push with all your might against it. This is a great release for anger or stress. It allows our body to complete the response of anger or anxiety. (State of New Jersey, n.d.)