Was the language used in your childhood delivered with love or fear. If the style is fear the organism senses the fear the organism goes into protection mode. Muscles contract, blood supply is routed to the muscles preparing for fight or flight, the organs of the body are deprived of vital blood and nutritive fluids, which also suppresses the immune system. 

To the contrary, messages sent with loving support enables the organism to flourish, be strong, and healthy. This process becomes what can be viewed as a homeostatic calibration of the infant/toddler’s Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) or what I like to refer to as “presets”.  Presets are kind of like the settings in a computer.  These settings tell the computer how to process pieces of information as the information is input to the operating system. Whenever an individual perceives a sense of disconnection (this could be facial expression, body language, verbal miscues, communication confusions, or even subtle “energetic” cues nonverbally) the ANS can fall back on the pre-verbal response patterns (preset) and could have the system wide hyper-excitation the infant/toddler experienced. 

This may appear somewhat complex, but we all know how this feels.  For many there is a “sinking” sensation that could be accompanied by an increase in heart rate and maybe nausea (anxiety or panic) associated with feeling like we did something wrong in the relationship.  This is not limited to a relationship outside of us.  It can happen internally in our self-perceptions also and becomes associated with self-concept.  At any rate, on a homeostatic level, our bodies are in neuro-hormonal excitation (stress response) which an aspect of is suppression of the immune system. 

The fact that this response (shame) is a preverbal phenomenon makes it an insidious event.  As an aspect of the “autonomous” nervous system it lies in wait, vigilant to attach itself to any experience that may be deemed a bit uncertain.  I consider it the “free radical” of emotion in that it attaches to experiences like the free radical attaches to the open bond of any molecule.  The resolution of this response is the expressed Love and nurturing of the care giver which, in the long run, becomes Self Love; Love is the “antioxidant”. 

From the work of Bruce Lipton (The Biology of Belief, and The Biology of Perception [DVD series}) we learn that the cell membrane is prepared to respond to the “environment” in the most effective way to insure survival of the cell.  In an environment bombarded with uncertainty and inadequate nurturing the cell membrane is proliferated with “excitation” receptors.  This limits responses and behaviors to that range of expression. 

The neuro-hormonal recipe that goes with this experience creates a scenario of anxiety, uncertainty, self-doubt, self-judgment, and powerlessness.   

The language of the body is non-judgmental. A sensation appears it merely implies pay attention. It doesn’t mean something is wrong, right, up or down, it just is. If we have a belief about ourselves like “there’s something wrong with me” or “I’m not good enough” then we interpret our sensation through those screens and the sensation will intensify. To really “know” what a sensation implies we need to allow its presence and be with it. It may only be asking us to breathe and let go, no naming necessary. 

The issue becomes, then, when the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) is set for alarm. This happens for numerous reasons: diminutive self-beliefs (mentioned above) or traumas (current or historic-closed head injuries, physical or sexual abuse). All these events interface with perception and this determines what actions need to be taken. The current rise in Trauma Therapies comes as a result of a deeper understanding of the ANS and has afforded many with tools to short-cut the ANS. In order to make the appropriate response to any situation we need to see it clearly and Trauma Therapies are equipped with tools to enable this process. 

An effective tool used in many Spiritual Processes and by self-growth systems like Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, The Course in Miracles and such is belief inventories. Beliefs are the foundation of perception. As a system of survival beliefs form the environment we occupy. In essence, perception creates the information the cellular community needs to negotiate survival. Information enters the organism though the senses then into brain centers that process the information. In perception theory literature we understand that once processed the “best guess” is elicited followed by behavior.  

This is where it gets tricky; is the “best guess” accurate? This all depends on what the aggregate beliefs provide information for the “best guess”. If the environment has taught us uncertainty and fear the ANS is going to go into hyperdrive, and we will respond as such. This shows up as reactivity to a situation. It could show as anxiety, aggressiveness, or “spacing out” but what is needed is a moment to slow down, connect with the breath and assess what is actually presenting itself other than what we think is presenting. 

The Somatic experience is a wordless space. It is the space aimed at in the practice of Meditation. It is a place where we can make contact with the body without trying to name every sensation or figure out what is going on. A challenge with today’s world is there is so much information available to us and it is a natural impulse to pursue it thinking we are building a knowledge base. Mind you, information has its perks, but fueled by fear it becomes an untamable brush fire. The cell, our cellular community, wants to be set free from our personal perception so it can do the job it is designed to do for the betterment of life. 

When you catch the sensation of a perception, you are at a choice point. Can you expand in your heart to trust you know what is needed or do you shrink away and distrust?

About the Author: Chardin has been an Adjunct Practitioner at People House since 1998. He is the creator of Advanced Body Therapeutics (ABT). It is a new orientation of creating synergy in the body systems.  ABT uses assessment tools from Osteopathic Theory, Chinese Five Element Theory, Applied Kinesiology, Yoga Therapy, Polyvagal Theory, and Structural Therapies to determine the relationship of the metabolic systems of the body as well as address common structural issues related to stress or trauma.

The goal in his body work is to create balance in the body and neutralize the polyvagal responses. In doing so, it reduces pain, calms emotion upset, and strengthens the immune system.

Chardin’s web address is www.abtherapeutics.net

The Vagus Nerve wanders down through the center of our body touching every organ and hormonal gland from the throat to the pelvis. The Pituitary Gland is in the center of the head and is considered the Master Gland of the hormonal system. It has neural relations with the Vagal center in the Hind Brain. They are termed the anterior and posterior center of the Vagus system and rule different functions of the body.

The anterior center influences the Heart and Lungs, the posterior influences the organs below the diaphragm and considered the survival responses, fight or flight. To help regulate the stress response it is important to stay close to your breathing patterns. Stress breathing is shallow and irregular. Because breath is ruled by the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) it is not readily available to our awareness.

If you notice you are overthinking anything it’s a good sign that your stress response is dominant. An exercise used by substance abuse protocols and a spiritual practice known as the Course in Miracles is the “Belief Inventory”. The instruction is to list 100 beliefs. Even this simple instruction will trigger a response because it seems so daunting.

Try this before the next blog. Make a list and notice what happens as you make the list, sensations, breath patterns, and thought patterns. Also, there is tendency to make a list predominantly of “negative” beliefs. Make sure the positive ones get listed. Negative beliefs will affect your mood. They are important to note, and they are the foundation of your stress response, but not to be dwelled upon.

Every cell in your body has receptor sites for all our emotional responses. If you have a patterned response to any particular trauma in your life, your cell membranes are proliferated with that particular receptor. There is a way to re-populate the cell membrane.

Have fun making your list.

Chardin is available to do phone consultation or Zoom to teach techniques to re-calibrate the Polyvagal System

720-849-6996

Chardin@abtherapeutics.net

About the Author: Chardin has been an Adjunct Practitioner at People House since 1998. He is the creator of Advanced Body Therapeutics (ABT). It is a new orientation of creating synergy in the body systems.  ABT uses assessment tools from Osteopathic Theory, Chinese Five Element Theory, Applied Kinesiology, Yoga Therapy, Polyvagal Theory, and Structural Therapies to determine the relationship of the metabolic systems of the body as well as address common structural issues related to stress or trauma.

The goal in his body work is to create balance in the body and neutralize the polyvagal responses. In doing so, it reduces pain, calms emotion upset, and strengthens the immune system.

Chardin’s web address is www.abtherapeutics.net

The best way to describe it would be for you to recall a stressful moment. Maybe it was in a relationship with a friend, or a co-worker, or your child. Take a moment, as you recall a situation and feel the sensation that arises in your body. Notice where this sensation arises and be present with it and breathe. Breathe into it and notice what happens when you just allow it to be there.

Recall is a beautiful tool. It’s like the built in code that allows us memories. For survival purposes, some memories save our lives, allowing us to make choices that keep us safe. On the other hand, some don’t function so well, stopping us in our tracks and freezing us from moving forward.

Now what

How do we tell the difference between functional memory and dysfunctional. It lies in the breath. If it causes a state of breathlessness then it’s the body telling us to stop and take notice. This is an important step because when stress ensues, blood supply is taken away from the vital organs, the heart, the lungs, digestive organs, and the brain. Blood is shunted off to the muscles, preparing us for “fight/flight”. You may have noticed, a person under stress doesn’t make clear and effective choices.

You have probably noticed these kinds of experiences in your life. After all the organism is geared toward survival. Whenever a “threat” is perceived, the organism responds with an “alarm”. That “alarm” is rooted in sensation. It’s like looking in your mirror and seeing a police car. This response is set off by beliefs we have related to good, bad, danger, or self-perception. When these show up, the most important message from our body is to take notice.

Let’s practice. Recall a situation that asked you to take notice. Now, this doesn’t have to be a situation of risk. We so easily take this path. It could be one of reverie, or excitement. Whatever it is, be present with it. Notice any subtle nuances, where does the sensation show up in the body, is it in one place or numerous places, like the constellations in the night sky. Don’t try to understand it, or deny it, just be with it. It’s a good idea to take notes when doing this exercise because once you leave the sensation, it is easily forgotten, like a dream.

The science

What is going on in the body, and why does it show up like this? As we experience the world, in those vulnerable moments as a newborn child, we are raw to our sensation, all our senses are open to discovery. With no words it is merely sensation. The nervous system is setting the stage for perception.

Perception theory states it like this, we experience through all the senses, sight, sound, smell, and touch. This information is delivered to various areas of the brain, sorted out, then we make our “best guess”. So, in essence, everybody on the planet is doing this.

So, we collect all the sensations and as the environment feeds back to us, through our “primary” care givers, words to associate with sensations we are expressing. Now, this is where it gets tricky. What if the face of the baby is contorted with what is assumed to be discomfort. What might be gas in the belly is named anger and the care giver says “oh, don’t be angry”. The baby, through association, registers anger. Two things happen here, one, the sensation is categorized as anger, and the suppression is introduced by the word “don’t”. The belly begins to cramp.

This is a simplistic example and as we move through the blog you will learn the essence of how the experiences and our responses get set into motion and how it is set up as patterns on response. Every time we get into stressful situations there is a patterned way we respond. This shows up in our language, in our tone of voice, and expression on our face. It is said it takes 1,000 frowns to create a wrinkle.

About the Author: Chardin has been an Adjunct Practitioner at People house since 1998. He is the creator of Advanced Body Therapeutics (ABT). It is a new orientation of creating synergy in the body systems.  ABT uses assessment tools from Osteopathic Theory, Chinese Five Element Theory, Applied Kinesiology, Yoga Therapy, Polyvagal Theory, and Structural Therapies to determine the relationship of the metabolic systems of the body as well as address common structural issues related to stress or trauma.

The goal in his body work is to create balance in the body and neutralize the polyvagal responses. In doing so, it reduces pain, calms emotion upset, and strengthens the immune system.

Chardin’s web address is www.abtherapeutics.net