Welcome to week 2 of Nervous System November! This week we are learning all about Polyvagal Theory. I know I am bias, but this episode is FULL of gems. A lot of what I share is an equivalent to a two hour masterclass! So grab a meditation cushion, a pen and paper and let's dive in!
If you have not listened the first episode for Nervous System November regarding inetroception, start there so you have a better understanding of how the nervous system works. That is episode 13.
Polyvagal theory was developed by Steven Porges. This is a theory about the nervous system development, relationships and relational development, habitual patterns happening in our nervous system, and how all of this likely started as newborns.
There are three branches of the nervous system as discovered by Porges. These include:
♥️ Ventral Vagal which is our "safe and social" system
♥️ Sympathetic which is our "mobilized fight or flight" system
♥️ Dorsal Vagal which is our "immobilized or freeze" system
Key to this topic is healthy attachment is related to sense of safety. When we have this as our foundation we have the capacity for healthy autonomic nervous system development. I go into how theses systems are developed (or potentially not developed) as an infant.
When you have healthy attachment as an infant you know you are safe, when you feel safe you can move through the world socially in a healthy, connected way. When your early attachment is disrupted so are your early nuero developmental platforms, meaning we develop a foundation that is not stable and safe, we might be able socially engage, or regulate our own nervous systems.
When we understand our nervous system and polyvagal theory at this level we can start to understand, "oh this isn't me, this is the way I am wired." When we recognize we are not our wiring, we are able to re-wire our nervous system and reactions to ones that feel more safe, stable, and regulated.
Just like last week, I close with a practice to learn how to differentiate between these three branches in your own body. This practice can be done visually or with journaling. I highly recommend you try this out and start to better understand how your own nervous system is in the different branches. I also provide simple practices to quickly move you out of your freeze or fight/flight modes once you start to recognize those states within yourself.
More information on Steven Porges and Polyvagal Theory: https://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/
Where I had my trainings mentioned in today's episode:
https://www.jessicamaguire.com/
https://dianepooleheller.com/
If you are interested in working with me deeper one one one to better understand your own nervous system and somatic trauma resolution, you can find me through:
Website: www.leshanelson.com where you can sign up for a free 30 minute consultation call.
IG: https://www.instagram.com/lesha__nelson/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lesha.nelson11
Music supplied by Bensound.com track "Tenderness"
Enjoy!
