Connection & the Nervous System
Emotional awareness, Emotional Health, Emotional self-regulation, Self-compassion, somatic, Somatic Experiencing, Trauma
I attended a training on Somatic Experiencing recently and was profoundly touched by how our nervous system longs for human connection.
Safe human connection is in fact what helps us regulate our nervous system. It helps us know that there is no real threat, we are safe and don’t need to jump into or remain in fight, flight or freeze (that is, activation of the sympathetic nervous system).
With connection and the guidance to self-regulate one can return into rest/digest or the parasympathetic nervous system. From this place we can make better decisions, have better focus/concentration, remain calm and centred, engage socially with others, sleep better, digest better and more.
This is also why attuned attachment between a baby and mother/caregiver is vital. It is essential to the development of a baby’s nervous system and the understanding that the world is a safe place. Without it, a baby goes into childhood and adulthood feeling (within his/her nervous system) that the world is an unsafe place. Which in turn wreaks havoc on the entire body.
A nervous system that is not functioning well will affect the immune system, digestive system, hormonal system and more. Resulting in autoimmune health conditions such as fibromyalgia, digestive issues, adrenal fatigue, pain, migraines, anxiety, depression and so forth.
A nervous system that is stuck in a “freeze” response may result in behaviours such as procrastination, feeling stuck and unmotivated, guilt, perfectionism, not following through on plans/actions, repeating unhealthy patterns, having addictions to food, shopping etc. In this day and age of high stress, many people are living in a functional freeze and have no idea. Yet it is affecting their physiology. It’s no wonder there are so many more health issues nowadays.
Furthermore, past trauma (doesn’t even have to be a big T) affects our nervous system and in turn our present day choices and behaviour. Even if it’s not something we are consciously aware of.
So many of us are so disconnected from our bodies. Living in our heads, our busy minds. This affects our connections with ourselves, our families, colleagues, friends and more.
If you can relate to some of the health issues or behaviours above – reach out to Avdeep! She is taking new one-on-one clients in April 2019 (on-line or in person/Brampton, Canada).
Or are you looking for a group setting to build resilience to stress, connection with others, practical tools for day to day life? Join our retreat or an upcoming on-line coaching program.
Join our One Day Women’s Self-Care and Self-Retreat on Friday May 10th, 2019 from 10 am to 5 pm at Nirvana Retreats in Caledon. A safe place to connect with others, be in nature, meditate, reflect and practice restorative yoga. Retreat is half full now and early bird price ends on March 23, 2019. Learn more or join here!
