Based on the provided sources and our conversation history, the term “somatic” is not explicitly defined in the text, but its meaning can be inferred from Lana Aref Harel’s title as a “somatic coach and practitioner” and the specific nature of the event activities.

In this context, “somatic” refers to grounding abstract spiritual and intellectual concepts into physical actions and the body.

Here is how this concept applies to the gathering:

• Physical Engagement over Abstract Theory: Unlike the abstract, digital work of the “tech heavy” audience (from META, NVidia, etc.), this event focuses on tangible, physical experiences. Participants engage in “simple yet meaningful rituals” involving the senses, such as “music… incense lighting” and physically bringing “a small offering — a flower, poem, candle, or symbolic object”.
• Grounding Aspirations in the Material World: The core somatic activity is the “shared tree planting”. This ritual is designed to take the group’s mental “dreams and hopes” and “affirm the relationship between home, land, and community, grounding [their] shared aspirations in something living and enduring”.
• Healing and Human Development: Lana’s background notes a shift from engineering toward “healing and human development”. In a somatic context, this suggests approaching personal growth through the body’s relationship with the environment, rather than solely through the intellect.
• Bridging the Gap: As discussed in our conversation history, Lana acts as a “tour guide” for technology professionals. The “somatic” aspect serves as the bridge: it provides a “validity and authenticity” to the spiritual journey by making it a concrete, lived experience (planting, smelling, offering) rather than a purely “unpalatable” metaphysical concept.