#188: The Nervous System Explained with Sarah Baldwin
Jan 18, 2022
auto_awesome
Sarah Baldwin, a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, discusses the Autonomic Nervous System, trauma, and attachment styles in relationships. She explains how past traumas influence present behaviors and offers tips for self-regulation and co-regulation. The podcast explores the importance of understanding the nervous system for emotional healing and forming deeper connections in relationships.
Understanding the autonomic nervous system's protective functions and its impact on our daily responses to threat and safety.
Exploring the importance of mirror neurons in regulating our own nervous system states and enhancing relational interactions.
Highlighting the value of somatic practices in reshaping the nervous system, addressing past traumas, and fostering emotional well-being.
Deep dives
Understanding the Autonomic Nervous System
The autonomic nervous system consists of the sympathetic and parasympathetic components. The parasympathetic system includes the ventral vagal complex, where we feel safe, seen, and open. On the other hand, the dorsal vagal complex is the oldest protective state where we often shut down and disengage from emotions or presence. The sympathetic nervous system represents mobilization when we sense danger but believe we can do something about it, leading to increased heart rate, tunnel vision, and a focus on survival.
Navigating Different Nervous System States
Within the autonomic nervous system, there are six states: ventral vagal complex for safety and vulnerability, dorsal vagal complex for shutdown and disengagement, sympathetic for mobilization in response to perceived danger, freeze as a blend of sympathetic and dorsal creating a stuck state, stillness as a regulated state where we are present but calm, and play where ventral is dominant but with a splash of sympathetic energy for engagement and fun.
The Role of Mirror Neurons and Regulation
Mirror neurons contribute to our ability to regulate by connecting with others' nervous systems. Co-regulation involves interacting with others to support regulation. By understanding our own nervous system states and becoming the active operator of our systems, we can navigate relational patterns better. Mirror neurons enable us to read each other's nervous systems, impacting how we react and respond in relationships and interactions.
Challenges in Changing Nervous System States
Changing from one nervous system state to another requires awareness and control. Our internal 'lawyers' or cognitive component attempt to maintain our current state through justifications and narratives. Cognitive behavioral therapy aims to shift these narratives, but the internal resistance from our lawyers can create challenges. Recognizing our nervous system states and working towards regulation through self-awareness and co-regulation are key steps in navigating these challenges.
Recognizing and Regulating Nervous System States
Understanding the impact of different nervous system states such as sympathetic and dorsal, and the importance of recognizing and regulating these states. The podcast highlights how being aware of the specific state one is in can lead to better regulation and management of emotions. By differentiating between states and understanding the associated behaviors and thought patterns, individuals can effectively navigate their responses to different situations and improve their overall well-being.
Importance of Somatic Work and Emotional Regulation
Exploring the significance of somatic work in emotional regulation and self-awareness. The episode emphasizes the value of connecting with one's emotions and bodily responses to enhance self-regulation and resilience. By engaging in somatic practices and understanding the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations, individuals can cultivate a deeper sense of presence and address past traumas or dysregulation. The guest highlights the transformative power of somatic practices in reshaping the nervous system and fostering emotional well-being.
Themes: Polyvagal Theory, Attachment Theory, Trauma, Nervous System Regulation, Relationships
Summary:
Sarah Baldwin is a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and Trauma Coach trained in Polyvagal interventions and on the training team at the Polyvagal Institute. She specializes in somatic trauma healing; attachment work, inner child work and nervous system regulation and I'm so excited to share her insight with you. In this episode, Sarah breaks down the brilliance of the nervous system so we can move out of dysregulated states and become the active operators of our lives.
Discover:
The incredible protective force within each of us – the Autonomic Nervous System – and how this brilliant system functions to protect us from threat and danger
What is happening in the body when stored traumas and/or an insecure attachment style informs the way we show up in the present moment
Why a dysregulated nervous system is a primary marker for unhappiness in our lives
Tips to self-regulate and move from being in fight/flight/freeze/immobility or shut down
Co-regulation and why it's so important!
Links:
sarahbaldwincoaching.com
Instagram: @sarahbcoaching
Sign up for Sarah's email list to get exclusive support, offers and her free workbook "How to Gain Control Over How You Feel"
Sponsors:
Organifi | Use code CREATETHELOVE for 20% off all products at organifi.com/createthelove
Create the Love Cards | Use code CTLCARDS15 for 15% off at createthelove.com/cards
