Resources

LIVING WITH INTENTION

Peace of Mind Community

Peace of Mind Community was created with the intention of connected like-minded individuals who are open and curious to expand the collective consciousness through stimulating conversations based upon teachings of Eckhart Tolle, Dr. Waye Dyer, Abraham Hicks and others.

You are welcome to attend ANYTIME as this group continues every Sunday at 8am PST/ 10am CST/ 11am EST. Gatherings last 90min, and you can come and go as you please.

Launch Zoom Meeting

FINDING BALANCE

Understanding the Polyvagal Theory & Vagal Toning

Through April's experience working with groups and individuals, she has noticed a majority of people who seek assistance in finding balance for themselves are unaware of how trauma impacts the nervous system, which is influenced by the amygdala (a primal part of the brain- part of the FFF response) and automatically triggers the body's nervous system and when not "treated" this can create a domino effect of stressors within the body. Being unaware, people tend to work from the "outside in" through self-help books, mantras/positive thinking, and/or other ways to mentally reprogram the mind, and can still experience heightened awareness and anxiety, or possibly depression because of the disconnect between the mind and body.

The Polyvagal Theory is a relatively new approach to understanding the mind & body connection and what happens when we experience trauma and how the body's nervous system reacts, which keeps the body activated in a hypo or hyper state(s).

The link below is a video of the founder of the Polyvagal Theory, Stephen W. Porges. Watch/listen as he explains into detail why our minds "think" we should be one way when our bodies or expressing others wise and learning how to accept our body's response by understanding it was protecting us during a traumatic event.

After watching the video above about the Polyvagal Theory, the following information is about how to build resiliency to the adverse effects, by "toning" the Vagas nerve. Take note how applying the techniques involves the ear/jaw/throat/neck area, which is at the base of the skull, where the Vagas nerve (also known as the wandering nerve) starts from the base of the head and winds down through the body to the pelvis region.

Not mentioned in the video are other practices such as gargling, singing, applying cold compress to upper chest/collarbone area, use of the voice by toning with different sounds. What is important is to do whatever feels good to you, be gentle and allow for time to build your vagal toning.

Be mindful when doing any vagal toning, notice how you feel before, during and after. Journal about your experiences and KEEP PRACTICING, this is how you build resiliency and bring the nervous system back to balance. Apply the vagal toing anytime throughout the day, not just when you are feeling "charged" or activated.