Safety & the Nervous System

Our nervous systems are incredible. An intricate network of tiny little branches that reach into every part of our body holding energy, memories, feelings and of course, trauma.

To heal this trauma we want to create safety, not just in our world and circumstances but within our very own bodies. How do we do that? How can we convince a NS that’s been in a state of fight or flight for years to ‘stand down’ and relax?

And how can we move out of survival mode into presence, regulation and peace?

The answer is a very similar process to the one which got us into this state! Repetitive, ongoing influences, habits and feelings. Only this time we are swapping negative, traumatic, unsafe ones for calm, safe, positive ones.

The word ‘safe’ really is key here. It goes so much deeper than freedom from immediate physical danger or threat, right back to the basics of regular meals, a healthy sleep pattern, gentle exercise and the company of people who we trust. It’s about breathing properly, listening to our body and taking care of ourselves in a way that might feel very alien at first. Slowly reassuring our NS that all is well - not because we say so but because we are showing it, every day.