Polyvagal Theory – Map of How to Live – Dr Steven Porges
Last week we looked at the autonomic nerves system and the effect it has on our blood chemistry.
After travelling to Indian, Professor Dr Steven Porges, a distinguished University Researcher now at the Kinsley Institute, has studied neural feedback and the effect it has on our emotions and behaviour for over 25years.
He says our lives are not failing, we are not getting sick on because we lack the discipline or character to change ourselves. From a Polyvagal perspective when we are in a state of constant unconscious/subconscious defence, fight/ flight and freeze we cannot use the higher functions of the mind in the prefrontal cortex, to act not react.
What does this mean?
It means that on a subconscious level we are constantly reacting to life, facial cues from other people, the sound of their voice, threats perceived real or unreal.
Our behaviour is not intentional. I am not intentionally rude, angry or cruel. I am just reacting to my blood chemistry.
Whether that is bad eating habits, self sabotage, feelings of resentment, anger which leads to arguments. So we try and calm down through learned behaviour of trying to change our blood chemistry. Eating, moving our mouth, chewing, sucking sweets, inhaling smoke, cigarettes, glass of wine or carbohydrates all change the chemistry in our body making us feel more relaxed. Wired and then tired.
In the state of Defence you may see someone’s neutral expression as someone scowling at you. Someone telling you something negative or complaining may invoke uncomfortable feelings, you become defensive and do not have the space to listen to them. That person then feels no one listens to me or takes me seriously. I am isolated. Even a critical email, Facebook comment, demand on line can be seen as marginalisation or disapproval. All this bio feedback happens at the most subtle and unconscious level. But effects your emotions, behaviour and health.
Solutions – We can Help Ourselves
We need to find a way to access the higher function in our mind, i.e. frontal lobe, executive function. When we are in this area of consciousness we can understand that a negative can be a change to grow. An obstacle in life can become a challenge we can face. It is only out of hardship, sometimes pain and fear that the noblest qualities arise in us.
Instead of self soothing ourselves through unhealthy eating habits we can suck our tongue for a few minutes which stimulates our vagus nerve and calms it.
Instead of smoking we can do deep breathing, which uses our conscious ability to control a usually involuntary system in our body. Extending the exhalation and pushing on the diaphragm relaxes the vagus nerve.
Instead of shouting we can sing, chant, play an instrument, listen to Gong or come to a Gong Bath. This is called acoustic vagal nerve stimulation.
Instead of doing risky behaviour or adrenaline activities, we can dance with our friends, play a team sport or join a group yoga class.
When you notice you are in state of anxiety, defence, take a pause. Sit still close your eyes and visual a beautiful natural scene, stroking your pet, looking into the eyes of someone you love and feel safe with.
This week’s classes:
Mon 15 June 5.30-6.45pm Kundalini Yoga Fiona @zoom NEW
Tues 16 June 9.30-10.45am Kundalini Yoga Fiona @zoom NEW
Tues 16 June 5.30-6.45pm Kundalini Yoga Shaunagh @zoom
Wed 17 June 5.00- 7.30am Sadhana (FREE) @ zoom
Wed 17 June 5.30-6.45pm Kundalini Yoga Fiona @zoom
Thurs 18 June 5.30-6.45pm Kundalini Yoga Fiona @zoom
Fri 19 June 5.30-6.45pm Kundalini Yoga Shaunagh @zoom
Summer Soltice 3ho online from New Mexico https://www.esolsticeregistration.com/register/
Sun 21 June 5.30-6.45pm Kundalini Yoga Shaunagh @zoom
Sun 21 June 5.30-7pm Live Gong Bath with Fiona@ Prana Lounge(please pre book as places are limited
UK Times are 1pm for afternoon classes. There is a new Password for zoom classes please email for details
First online class FREE, thereafter 600Rs per class or 4000Rs 4 weeks Sri Lankan residents.
UK £5 per class or £20 for 4 weeks.