Autonomous Nervous System
Guiding Principles
- Feel better
- Think better
- Connect better
With awareness comes understanding and with understanding comes choice
We are wired for connection. Our nervous systems are social structures that find balance and
stability in relationship with others. Think about that for a moment. Our biology shapes the way
we navigate living, loving and working. Most ofen it’s not the stress that causes us damage but our
reaction to it. We can’t control external situations or obstacles, but we can change how our brain
and nervous system respond to them.While genetics play an important role in our health, wellness
and overall lives, so does what we experience day-to-day. Our nervous system is constantly
making decisions on our behalf, and much of our behavior is reactive based on these constant
cues and signals.
Often, especially for those who are struggling, our system misinterprets these cues and presents a
“danger” response when in reality, no real danger is present.
An important insight is that it is difficult for people to change their thoughts, feelings and
behaviours when their nervous system is stuck in a state of chronic defensiveness. By learning to
regulate our nervous system, we can change how we respond to life’s challenges, how we
experience and participate in therapy, and how we connect with the world around us and others
in it. By stimulating the ventral vagus, we activate the social engagement system and can guide
ourselves to become more aware, regulated and resilient – and more receptive to intervention.
