Micropractices for Neuroplasticity
Nervous system regulation is a buzz worthy term these days receiving a lot of press! But what does it mean? To begin, full disclosure… I am not a fan of the term “nervous system regulation”. The word regulation means that you have a dominion over something, it is a patriarchal term. I prefer to say, “nervous system integration”. That is a more empowering and embodying term. Whichever phrase you prefer, the idea is to rewire the nervous system so you spend less time in the stress response. This can only happen through conscious awareness or present moment awareness.
In order for our bodies to heal themselves they need to be in the parasympathetic arm of the nervous system (not in the stress response). That is the mode of safety and trust (no-stress). This concept is the driving force behind all Aloha Falls healing retreats.
On retreat, we explore and experience practices that can be effortlessly woven into small moments throughout your day. Breathing exercises, grounding techniques, vagal (vagus) nerve stimulation, stretching, mindfulness and meditation are all examples of practices that can help your body to feel safe and at ease, which results in greater healing capacity. In addition to greater healing capacity, re-wiring the nervous system also enhances brain function. It allows us to access the most evolved parts of the brain that control executive functioning.
Each practice learned on retreat can be used daily to help re-wire the nervous system so it has greater stress resilience. Each practice can also be used immediately in the stressful situation to help you maintain composure and respond to the stressor with clarity and executive function intact.
It is also important to know that the nervous system wires itself in response to external stimuli and then becomes comfortable with it’s own default, even when the default is constant stress and anxiety, fear, etc. A state of peace and contentment can actually feel threatening and uncomfortable. Enter the retreat … a moment in time that becomes a reference point for you to return to again and again in order to become more comfortable with ease.
