Connections, nervous system regulation and heart coherence

Today, many of us disconnect with others as we spend more time on the phone or computer, working or other demands of life. Our life style has become unbalanced

We need to take the time to discover supporting networks and to interact with others who contribute to our emotional and physical well-being. This support of our nervous system is also called co- regulation. It is when you feel like

“I wish I could spend more time with this person who truly calms me down and helps me to feel safe and supported.”

If you are able to attune with someone else’s emotional state, you can bring yourself into a state of nervous system regulation through the connection. 

Connection is the base for co- regulation. It is the focus on how well you can, unaccompanied, take care of your own emotional response. 

When you engage with others in a calm and regulated state, their nervous system sends signals that help you to regulate your own. These signs might be the sound of their voice, the gesture and posture, body language and facial expression. Especially when you experience stress, someone who is calm and regulated can help shift your nervousness to a calm state, enabling you to experience a more regulated state where healing and emotional support can help to balance the bodies’ nervous system. 

The explanation of nervous system shifts is well understood by health practitioners. Some of the embodied and somatic movement practice involves terms for the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, the two parts of the autonomic nervous system. Put simply, the activation whichever way affects our state of well-being.

The benefits of co- regulation play an important role. If you do have healthy relationships, they help you to reduce stress and assist you in nervous system regulation. This can improve your heart health and immune function. 

This has a ripple effect, belonging and having relationships where you feel supported and can be yourself, can be an amazing influence on the quality of your life. 

Perhaps you engage the co- regulation system already, subconsciously by connecting to someone with whom you feel calm and relaxed. You will be aware of the shift of your nervous system, into a regulated state. The anxiety disappears and you feel safe. 

I love sharing my story about the heart coherence mediation I used to do with one of my beloved bunnies. 

My dear  old senior bunny Lupino suffered from terrible ear infections, and as his health declined, I was home with him, able to spend more time with the little furry friend. I was grateful for being able to give him all the care he needed. Lockdown made that part easier.

I often took him with me onto my bed. He loved to lie next to me. I gave him head rubs. One day I realised that we had this beautiful heart coherence mediation.

I started to have him close to me and I imagined how our hearts connect via invisible cords and that we will never be apart from each other. I thought this will be so beneficial for him, but I do know that it was a profound healing experience for me. It was helping me to shift from my anxious state and worry about his well -being into a more regulated state.

Somehow I found  by continuing to practice the heart coherence, my heart felt a little lighter each time and I wonder if this was also a nice experience for him.

I was wondering back then how much it helped me to regulate my nervous system,  just doing this wonderful practice everyday. I hope this was a co- regulation for both of us. The happiness I carried in me was helping me to reduce the stress that came with caring for him, and worrying about his health. I believe this was a wonderful and special experience for both of us. We can have  positive impact that can bring a big relief for someone struggling if we can be their support buddy and by being part of co- regulation.

I hope this blog post inspires you. If you want to know more about my take on nervous system regulation and connection and heart health, hit me up next time we chat. I’d love to exchange thoughts. 

Also, there are two more SOMA VITA events in Mornington, both wonderful somatic practices and spiritual crafting perfect for establishing a well -balanced nervous system.