Nervous System RegulationModule II

By Gail Parker, Ph.D., CIAYT, E-RYT 500, YACEP

Reflections

“Never make the issue or the topic more important than your practice.” ~ Gail Parker

ContemplationWelcome all

Nervous System Regulation: Module II Learning Objectives

• Nervous system hierarchy

• Neuroception

• Nervous system co-regulation

• How yoga can help

Survey SummaryHow do you regulate your nervous system?

Hardwired for Connection

Yoga means union, the connection of body, mind and heart, the connection of one human being to another.

It is an invitation to intimacy with oneself and of connection to others - even to those who are different from us.

When you are the only one of your race or ethnicity in a situation how do you feel?

• Never been in that position

• Awkward

• Uncomfortable

• It’s my preference

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

• Reactive

• Resistent

• Reflexive

Has anyone ever been afraid of you because of your race or ethnicity?

• Never

• Occasionally

• Frequently

• Unaware

Have you ever been afraid of someone because of their race or ethnicity?

• Never

• Occasionally

• Frequently

• Unaware

Patanjali’s Yoga SutrasSutra: 1.2

Yogas citta vrtti nirodha

“Yoga is the stilling of the modifications of the mind,”

Autonomic nervous system

• Sympathetic

• Parasympathetic

Neuroception

• Built in surveillance system

• Automatic

• Story follows reaction

Adapted from Stephen Porges Polyvagal Theory

Nervous System Hierarchy

• Social engagement

• Mobilization

• Immobilization

Adapted from Stephen Porges Polyvagal Theory

Polyvagal Theory and the Gunas

• Sattva

• Rajas

• Tamas

©�Yoga Service Council, Yoga From the Inside Out, 2019, All Rights Reserved Adapted from Marlysa Sullivan , Stephen Porges et. al. 2018

COMFORT ZONESattva

• Safety

• Social engagement

• Supports creativity

Hyper-ArousedRajas

• Angry/Anxious

• Fight/Flight

Hyperarousal Dysregulation

• On the muscle

• Agitated - Inflamed

• Anxious

Hypo-ArousedTamas

• Numb

• Frozen

• Zoned out

Immobilization

An adaptive response to life threat trauma that we share with our reptilian brothers and sisters.

Hypoarousal Dysregulation

• Shut down, spaced out, sluggish

• Lose track of time

• Uncomfortable

Nervous System Co- Regulation

• Our nature is to form relationships.

• Individuals co-create the experience of connection.

• Reciprocity regulates the nervous system.

Adapted from Stephen Porges Polyvagal Theory

Window of Tolerance

• The zone where everything feels just right and where you can function most effectively

• Stress and trauma can shrink your window

• The window can be expanded to increase psychological flexibility

Marie S. Dezelic, ©�2013

Homeostasis: Nervous System Regulation

Sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the nervous systems are in balance and working together

Restorative Practice

• Strengthens vagal tone making it easier for the body to relax after stress

• Buffers the nervous system which supports people in feeling safe in their vulnerability

• Aids in recovery and leads to remembered wellness

Choose a word that expresses how you feel.

Discussion

Homework

• Complete Survey

• Write journal reflections

• Read a chapter of your book & Blog Post

• Practice showing up safe

NamasteAnd now the practice of yoga begins

Dr. Gail ParkerGail Parker, Ph.D., C-IAYT, E-RYT 500, YACEP is a psychologist and a certified yoga therapist. Dr. Parker is s life long practitioner of your and swell known for her pioneering efforts to blend psychology, yoga and meditation as effective self-care strategies that can enhance emotional balance, and contribute to the overall health and well being of practitioners. Dr. Parker has a special interest in utilizing and teaching Restorative Yoga and meditation as self-care practices for managing ethnic and race based stress and trauma.

She teaches mind/body strategies for reducing stress and healing emotional trauma at the Beaumont Hospital School of Yoga Therapy in the department of Integrative Medicine in Royal Oak Michigan.

Dr. Parker authors a blog call Taking Yoga Off Your Mat, has authored The Art and Skill of Restorative Yoga, and Restorative Yoga for Resilience, accessible on her website www.http://drgailparker.com. She is a featured author in Yoga Rising: 30 Empowering Stories From Yoga Renegades for Everybody. She is currently authoring a book on Restorative Yoga for ethnic and race based stress and trauma.

With gratitude to our partners in service,

The Omega Institute for Holistic Studies, Here to Be, a

community-based social impact program of lululemon,

and the Give Back Yoga Foundation

for support of the Yoga Service Council.