Reflections: Resilience

https://www.entheos.com/Hardwiring-Happiness/session/Stephen-Porges

The above link is of an interview/discussion between Dr. Rick Hanson and Dr. Stephen Porges.  I'm going to try to practice restraint, and minimize the amount of time I dedicate to writing this blog, but appreciate the opportunity to mentally revisit and articulate my understanding of the above mentioned discussion.

Dr. Stephen Porges is responsible for the polyvagal theory.  With out sounding like I really have a firm grip on this theory, I can say that the basic premise of the theory and practicalities of the message he was sharing is that our social engagements effect and change our physiological states.  For example, engaging our facial expressive muscles, whether in discussions, while playing a wind instrument or singing, also engages our vagal nerve, which in turn affects our nervous system and our physiology.  He delves into describing the evolutionary story behind these connections, as well as the optimistic possibilities of utilizing this knowledge, both relationally and educationally.  Dr. Stephen Porges talked about "neural exercises" that we can do to strengthen our neural tone (think of it as strengthening a muscle to help you be more resilient in relationships and connections with the outside world).  He described intuitively simple exercises such as being in a quiet environment (no low frequency interruptions such as air conditioners or music with lots of base) and then listening to pleasant, melodic music; talking and listening face to face (no, texting does not provide the same positive vagal/neural experiences); hugging each other and feeling safe; paying attention to our breathing: focusing on slowing down our exhalations; talking in a soothing-sing-songy type of voice instead of monotone, and participating in general in positive face to face interactions.  Dr. Stephen Porges has unlocked the science behind how these intuitively calming experiences in fact change our physiology for the better.  Amazing, inspiring and motivating.  Thank you to both Rick Hanson and Stephen Porges for sharing this information with the rest of the world.  This is truly the optimistic power of the internet...thank you thank you thank you!  One-to-two billion brains here we come!