In this episode, I sit down with Mari Hodges—pain specialist, Alexander Technique teacher, and founder of the PainSavvy Walk &Talk program—to explore how subtle body awareness, nervous system regulation, and the power of the pause can help us shift chronic pain, reconnect with our bodies, and reclaim agency over our lives.

Here’s what we cover in the episode:

• Why chronic pain is more than a physical issue—and how perception, stress, and emotion shape the experience of pain

• What the Alexander Technique really is (hint: it’s not about “sitting up straight”) and how it cultivates embodied mindfulness

• How the pause can help disrupt compulsive patterns like binge eating and perfectionism

• The science of body schema—and how to clarify your brain’s mental map of your body for lasting relief

• Somatic strategies to increase flexibility, awareness, and choice—especially for those healing from disconnection, trauma, or burnout

Mari brings clinical expertise, somatic depth, and grounded compassion to this conversation, making it essential for anyone navigating chronic pain, supporting others in recovery, or seeking a deeper relationship with their body.

00:00 – Intro

00:58 – Who is Mari Hodges?

02:12 – What is the Alexander Technique?

04:35 – Muscle tone, posture, and the “Goldilocks” balance

06:26 – Subtle movements and whole-body awareness

07:25 – Emotional and postural interconnection

10:02 – Letting go of “posturing” and exploring habitual patterns

12:51 – How Alexander Technique helps those disconnected from their bodies

14:04 – The power of the pause and building agency through awareness

18:24 – Enjoying the pause instead of suffering through it

20:09 – Returning to inner balance through attention and presence

22:05 – Mini guided Alexander Technique session begins

30:55 – Reflections on the practice and tension awareness

33:37 – Why awareness must come before self-regulation

36:03 – How Alexander Technique helps with chronic pain

37:05 – Body maps and the importance of body schema clarity

39:00 – Pain perception, naming sensations, and reducing distress

40:35 – Chronic stress, pain loops, and habitual protective responses

42:16 – Rediscovering safety in the body through movement

44:46 – Examples of body schema improvement through back movement exploration

47:20 – Curiosity and mindful body exploration as alternatives to compulsive behavior

49:09 – Where to find and follow Mari Hodges

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🗣️Follow and connect with Mari Hodges:

https://discoverease.how

https://www.facebook.com/mari.hodges.7

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mari-hodges-9aa4a534/

https://www.instagram.com/mari_hodges/

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Disclaimer: The information on this channel is for educational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice or therapy. The views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Kristina Dobyns or Beyond Binge Eating.

Body Awareness, Pain Relief & Personal Agency with Mari Hodges