what if things could be different?
“In order to stay healthy, our nervous systems and psyches need to face challenges and to succeed in meeting those challenges. When this need is not met, or when we are challenged and cannot triumph, we end up lacking vitality and are unable to fully engage in life.”
–Peter Levine
There was a moment, about 20 years ago, I was on the "L" in Chicago. Standing in a packed car, watching the tunnel walls zoom by, thinking: "I can't keep living like this..."
I felt like I was treading water in ever-changing mental/emotional tides. Sometimes, I'd rise to a challenge. Other times, I'd sink. I was occasionally overcome by tsunamis. And the worst part of all.... I never knew which... I was at the mercy of my moods when confronted by uncertainty, difficulty, or change.
We might say I lacked resilience. My family labeled it as "too sensitive". Doctors classified it as "imbalanced". Friends said I seemed "lost". All of these labels had a grain of truth, but very little actionable information. If I had known a fraction of what I know today, it would have saved me a lot of pain and shame.
It's remarkable how far we've come. How much our perspective has shifted regarding the body-mind connection, neuroplasticity, and the nervous system. 20 years ago, information was much less abundant. Healing through moving and breathing seemed radical. Even kooky. All I had was my experience.
I watched in wonder as yoga worked miracles in my body and being. I voraciously asked WHY and HOW. Why is this working? How is it working? Then I would go digging. Through ancient texts, modern articles, brilliant books, powerful podcasts. Anything for understanding. I want it all.The cutting edge and the tried and true. The east and the west. The archaic and esoteric.The super-specific-scientific Huberman-lab-style protocols. I'm a glutton. Then I sort, sift, synthesize and share.
During the Know Your Nervous System Workshop, you'll get all of it. Science, strategies and structured practice. You'll learn about the branches of your nervous system, what activates them, how they influence your body, mind, and neurochemistry. You'll learn what this means socially. Like:
Why do I shut down around my mother-in-law?
Why can't I keep my cool when uncle-bob talks about (fill in the trigger)?
I feel totally in the holiday vibe, even like a superhero sometimes, until (fill in the date or event) and then I crash. Why? What can I do differently?
After the presentation, we'll have a little Q&A, then a movement and breathing practice infused with new knowledge. Everything we cover will help you take better care of your body, mind, heart and spirit this holiday season and into the new year.
Even if you can't make the live workshop this Thursday, register to receive the resource page.
May your practice answer voracious questions,
Alison
