Articles - Page 7 of 17 - Sundown Healing Arts

Find Calm: Practice Rest and Regulation

Even if we missed out on learning how to be calm as babies, it is not too late for our nervous systems to learn about rest and regulation as adults.

Stephen Porges' Polyvagal Theory explains our nervous system and helps us make sense of our behavior.

"Should" makes us look over our shoulder to see if we are good enough yet. "Could" invites us to look inside instead.

Paying attention to our limits helps us compassionately care for ourselves.

We are entitled to complete autonomy over the insides and surfaces of our bodies.

Emotions are meant to move. Giving them more space allows them to flow and change, peak and ebb.

As you move through difficult, triggering events in the present, bring along all the healing tools you have learned over time.

Becoming present is an ongoing exploration of willingness to accept what is, and willingness to allow it to change.

When the nervous system is chronically irritated, it transmits sensations more strongly and is more likely to interpret strong sensations as pain.

Try a new narrative: "My perceptions and responses make sense. I am intrinsically good. I am doing my best with the resources and knowledge I have."