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What are the 7 types of boundaries?
Updated: Sep 14
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Boundaries are an essential aspect of our lives, yet we aren't taught about them. We discover a basic understanding after pain and ill-treatment. But by that time, the damage is done. Read on to to discover the 7 different types of boundaries and Somatic exercises that you can apply to today to start practising and building up your boundary muscles!
Boundaries define the limits of what is acceptable and unacceptable, the lines that we draw around ourselves to protect our well-being, and our personal space. Many people struggle with boundaries, often confusing them with control, and as a result, they suffer the consequences of having poorly defined boundaries.
Type 1: Physical Boundaries
Physical boundaries refer to the limits we set around our bodies, personal space, and physical touch. It is important to define these boundaries to protect ourselves from physical harm, invasion of personal space, and other violations. Physical boundaries also include sexual boundaries, which define what is comfortable and acceptable in a sexual relationship. Practicing physical boundaries requires awareness of our body and its signals and respecting our comfort levels.
Somatic Healing Exercise: Take a few minutes to sit with your eyes closed and focus on your breathing. Visualize a protective bubble around your body, and imagine it expanding and contracting with your breath. As you do this, become aware of any sensations in your body and notice how they change as you breathe. This exercise will help you become more aware of your physical boundaries and learn to respect them.
Type 2: Emotional Boundaries
Emotional boundaries refer to our ability to protect ourselves from emotional harm, such as manipulation, guilt-tripping, and emotional blackmail. Emotional boundaries help us define what we are responsible for and what is not our responsibility. It is essential to be aware of our emotional needs and communicate them effectively to others. Practicing emotional boundaries requires self-awareness and the ability to communicate assertively.
Somatic Healing Exercise: Take a few minutes to sit with your eyes closed and focus on your breath. Visualize a boundary around your heart that protects it from emotional harm. As you breathe, imagine this boundary becoming stronger and more resilient. As you do this exercise, focus on the feeling of protection and safety that it brings. Say affirmations to yourself aloud that you are safe. Example, 'I am safe. I know my own feelings, thoughts and behaviours. I am safe. I have got you (your name).'
Type 3: Intellectual Boundaries
Intellectual boundaries refer to our ability to think for ourselves and make our own decisions. They include our ability to respect the opinions and beliefs of others while maintaining our own sense of self. Intellectual boundaries also involve being able to say "no" when we disagree with something or when we need more information before making a decision. Practicing intellectual boundaries requires critical thinking and the ability to communicate effectively.
Somatic Healing Exercise: Sit cross-legged with your hands on your knees (or other comfortable position). Close your eyes and focus on your breath. As you inhale, imagine drawing in mental clarity and confidence. As you exhale, release any mental confusion or doubt. Bring your hands together in front of your chest and rub them briskly to generate heat and energy. Place your hands on your forehead, and feel the warmth and energy penetrate your mind.
Type 4: Material Boundaries
Material boundaries refer to our ability to protect our possessions, finances, and personal property. It is essential to define these boundaries to prevent theft, invasion of privacy, and financial exploitation. Material boundaries also include setting limits on the use of our time, energy, and resources. Practicing material boundaries requires organization, planning, and the ability to say "no" when necessary.
Somatic Healing Exercise: Take a few minutes to sit with your eyes closed and focus on your breath. Visualize a protective shield around your possessions, finances, and personal property. As you breathe, imagine this shield becoming stronger and more resilient. Focus on the feeling of security and peace of mind that this exercise brings.
Type 5: Time Boundaries
Time boundaries refer to our ability to manage our time effectively and protect it from being wasted or misused. It is essential to define these boundaries to prevent burnout, overwhelm, and stress. Time boundaries also include setting limits on how much time we spend on certain activities, such as work, social media, or other obligations. Practicing time boundaries requires discipline, prioritization, and the ability to say "no" when necessary.
Somatic Healing Exercise: Take a few minutes to sit with your eyes closed and focus on your breath. Visualize a clock in your mind that represents your time. As you breathe, imagine the hands of the clock moving at a comfortable pace, and visualize yourself using your time wisely and effectively. Focus on the feeling of control and productivity that this exercise brings.
Type 6: Relationship Boundaries
Relationship boundaries refer to our ability to set limits on our interactions with others, such as friends, family, and romantic partners. It is essential to define these boundaries to prevent emotional harm, co-dependency, and manipulation. Relationship boundaries also include setting expectations for how we want to be treated and communicating them effectively. Practicing relationship boundaries requires self-awareness, communication, and the ability to assertively stand up for ourselves.
Somatic Healing Exercise: Take a few minutes to sit with your eyes closed and focus on your breath. Visualize a boundary around your relationships that protects you from harm and ensures that your needs are met. As you breathe, imagine this boundary becoming stronger and more resilient. Focus on the feeling of safety and satisfaction that this exercise brings.
Type 7: Spiritual Boundaries
Spiritual boundaries refer to our ability to define our beliefs, values, and personal spirituality. It is essential to define these boundaries to prevent spiritual manipulation, dogma, and intolerance. Spiritual boundaries also include setting expectations for how we want to connect with the divine, and communicating them effectively. Practicing spiritual boundaries requires introspection, exploration, and the ability to respect others' beliefs while maintaining our own sense of self.
Somatic Healing Exercise: Take a few minutes to sit with your eyes closed and focus on your breath. Visualize a protective shield in the colour white or pink around your entire body's spiritual outline. Inhaling divine energy as you imagine expanding that glow of colour around you. Exhaling any negativity. With every breath becoming stronger and more resilient. Focus on the feeling of connection and purpose that this exercise brings.
Why are boundaries important?
Boundaries are essential because they protect our well-being, allow us to have healthy relationships, and ensure that we are living in alignment with our values and beliefs. Without boundaries, we are at risk of being manipulated, exploited, and taken advantage of. Boundaries also help us to conserve our time, energy, and resources, allowing us to prioritize the things that are most important to us. By practicing boundaries, we are empowering ourselves to live authentically and to honour our needs and desires.
If you're struggling with expressing any needs, desires and boundaries in your life to others around you, bringing conscious awareness to these 7 areas through Somatic practise will change your life! It certainly did mine. For more support with boundaries, Somatic Coaching or Integrative Hypnotherapy can be very powerful to you. Just reach out to me if now is the time for you to address your core foundation so can start living the life you deserve on your terms.
At the core of maintaining strong boundaries is the notion of boundary energetics, something we deep dive on in coaching together. It's a critical aspect that we must not overlook. As individuals, we have a responsibility to ourselves and to those around us to set healthy boundaries. When we are unbalanced, unprotected, and without strong boundaries in place, we run the risk of inadvertently overwhelming others. By prioritizing our own well-being and establishing clear boundaries, we not only protect ourselves, but we also create a safe and empowering space for those around us. Let's take ownership of our lives and create a ripple effect of positive energy and healthy relationships.
To Summarise:
Boundaries are essential for protecting our well-being and living in alignment with our values and beliefs.
There are seven types of boundaries: physical, emotional, intellectual, material, sexual, time, and spiritual.
Each type of boundary requires self-awareness, communication, and the ability to assertively stand up for ourselves.
Somatic healing exercises can help us practice and strengthen our boundary muscles.
Practicing boundaries empowers us to live authentically and honour our needs and desires, directly impacting the relationships around us for real change.
Maintaining strong boundaries through boundary energetics is crucial for protecting ourselves and others from energetic overwhelm and creating a safe and empowering space.
Contact me for Somatic Coaching/Integrative Hypnotherapy if you want more support with this area of your life so you can start living the life you deserve on your terms.