Feeling Safe in an Unsafe World: Understanding Neuroception

In this insightful episode of the Urban Monk Podcast, Dr. Pedram Shojai explores the critical concept of neuroception—our nervous system's automatic detection of safety and threat—and how it fundamentally impacts our health, happiness, and ability to thrive.

Dr. Shojai breaks down the science behind Dr. Stephen Porges' polyvagal theory, explaining how our subconscious continuously scans for environmental cues of safety or danger, triggering different responses in our autonomic nervous system. When we don't feel safe, our body can't properly heal, digest, or function optimally—regardless of how many supplements, green smoothies, or wellness practices we incorporate.

Learn how to recognize safety signals in your environment, relationships, and within yourself, while discovering practical techniques to counteract stress responses: peripheral vision exercises, diaphragmatic breathing, calf stretching, and tongue positioning. Dr. Shojai also offers valuable advice on creating sanctuary spaces, minimizing exposure to negative news cycles, and making intentional choices about your environment to support your nervous system.

Whether you're dealing with chronic stress, healing from trauma, or simply navigating our increasingly chaotic world, this episode provides essential insights for recalibrating your neuroception and creating the conditions for genuine wellbeing. As Dr. Shojai emphasizes, it's time to "stop cutting yourself" with harmful inputs and start actively cultivating the safety signals your body and mind need to flourish.