Book: Embodying Hope Archives - Page 5 of 6

The Perils of Nice

When we do not constrain ourselves to be nice, we can step into the power of showing up as our authentic selves kindly and creatively.

When we can sit with disappointment, we find our own balance between acceptance and efforts toward change.

As we look at the world with more relaxation and clarity, we see more of the beauty and safety available to us.

We thrive on positive feedback, with the occasional bit of corrective negative feedback thrown in.

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.