Feeling overwhelmed? Co-regulating with nature

We are designed as communal beings. We are constantly scanning the environment through our neuroception (a fancy word that describes how our neural circuits distinguish whether situations or people are safe or dangerous ). We can reduce our anxious responses to stress when we attune with others (another fancy term called co-regulation). Neuroception allows us to sense even the most subtle cues in others. Our subtle detection system notices a person’s change in breath to the micro muscle movements in a smile to sense genuineness. We can also co-regulate with nature and with animals.

Feeling anxious? Hug a tree

Have you ever stood under a tree, placed your hands on the trunk, and sensed a feeling of deep grounding running through your vertebrae? A deep vibration can be felt from the tree’s core and your body's center.

Animals are fantastic co-regulators.

My fur baby plops right in my lap during telehealth sessions with clients ...okay he is more of my wild roommate than baby, just in tabby form. Often in session, my clients’ animal friends may act strangely in session. That is because mammals are so sensitive to other nervous systems. From a polyvagal perspective, mammals have a ventral vagal social engagement system. These biological pathways are unique to mammals allowing for social bonding and an increased chance of survival. So I highly encourage my clients to bring their fur babies to the session to deal with more challenging content or help them stay present.

Engaging with nature, animals, and safe humans can bring ease into our bodies and our nervous system.

p.s. here is a sweet short video of Stephen Porges explaining the building blocks of social relationships and bonding from a polyvagal perspective: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwmoUy2iOPA