Ocean Calm

Hi Friends,

Last weekend I was in Maine with my favorite ladies – my three daughters & my future daughter in law. 

The sound of ocean waves licking the shore, breathing salty air, and gazing at a ceaseless horizon has a way of recalibrating the nervous system AHHH.

 

Nervous system dysregulation (being stuck in fight-flight), contributes to anxiety, emotional sensitivity, fatigue, disrupted sleep, chronic pain, and many other symptoms.

I referenced the enteric nervous system (ENS) this week in a class – to which a participant asked, “the what”?

We often hear about the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches, but rarely the ENS.

The ENS, sometimes called the "second brain," is a complex network of neurons within the digestive tract.

In addition to playing a role in: digestion, swallowing, enzyme release, nutrient absorption, and elimination, this connection (via the vagus nerve, and other neural pathways), is an intuition/insight portal.

As a movement leader, it’s imperative to me that clients/participants pay attention to how they feel during sessions.
 

In the case of exercise/physical training, kinesthetic awareness helps determine YOUR rate of perceived exertion (informing progression, AND preventing injuries).

In the case of living a mindful, well intentioned life, discerning how external stimuli influences emotions, decision-making, and even perception of the world, requires skillful awareness (today more than ever). 

Managing the balance of rest/digest (parasympathetic activation), and fight/flight (sympathetic activation) is a good start.

Understanding your personal architecture of sensitivity and resilience, then creating boundaries, non negotiables, and foundational support, well that’s next level LIVING!

If nervous system recalibration resonates with you (without a trip to the ocean), join me for a FREE 3-week online Yin Yoga session in July. 

Yin is known for its meditative and calming qualities, promoting relaxation, improved sleep, and stress reduction.