Using Breath for Nervous System Regulation - Deb Dana

Summary

The video script explores the concept of movement as a vital aspect of being alive and its impact on our nervous system. It encourages viewers to practice movement both mentally and physically, starting with imagining before enacting, to understand their role as movers. The script guides through various movement states, from regulated actions to survival actions, emphasizing the importance of navigating between these states for a balanced nervous system. It concludes by inviting viewers to experience the diverse expressions of ventral movement within a safe and regulated space, either alone or with others, to foster a deeper connection with their own movement capabilities.

Takeaways

• 💡 Movement is an inherent part of being alive, as our bodies are always in motion even when we are still.
• 👀 Movement captures our attention, whether it's a tree swaying outside the window or something moving in our peripheral vision.
• 🧠 Imagining movement engages the motor cortex, allowing us to mentally rehearse actions before physically performing them.
• 🤔 Reflecting on oneself as a 'mover' can help understand how our nervous system responds to different types of movement.
• 👐 The guided movement practice begins with imagining before enacting, to ensure the action feels safe and manageable.
• 🔄 Movement can regulate or dysregulate our nervous system, and practicing it can help us navigate these states intentionally.
• 🌱 Exploring regulated movement actions helps us anchor in the safety of our nervous system and feel grounded.
• ⚡ Sympathetic and dorsal movements can be both regulated and survival actions, representing different states of energy and nourishment.
• 🔄 The practice of moving between states, from ventral to sympathetic to dorsal and back, helps in building the capacity to find safety in our nervous system.
• 🎨 There are many 'flavors' of ventral movement, including playful, passionate, quiet, alert, and curious, which can be explored through imagination and enactment.
• 👭 Observing others move can also provide a sense of connection and benefit, even for those who find it challenging to enact movements themselves.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the video script?

The main theme of the video script is the exploration of movement as a way of being alive, its relationship with our nervous system, and how it can be used for self-regulation and understanding our interaction with the world.

Why is movement considered a way of being alive according to the script?

Movement is considered a way of being alive because it is an inherent part of our existence, from the beating of our heart to the flow of blood, and it is a way we navigate and have a relationship with the world.

How does the script suggest we engage with movement?

The script suggests engaging with movement by first imagining it before enacting it, allowing the motor cortex to join in the action and making the imagined movement come alive.

What role does the motor cortex play in the movement practice described in the script?

The motor cortex plays a role in the movement practice by participating in the imagined movement, which helps to make the movement feel more real and prepares the body for the actual enactment of the movement.

How can movement be both activating and dysregulating according to the script?

Movement can be both activating and dysregulating as it can either energize and resource us, or it can overwhelm our nervous system, depending on the type and intensity of the movement.

What are the three prompts provided in the script to reflect on one's self as a mover?

The three prompts are: 'When I think about myself as a mover', 'When I think of moving by myself', and 'When I think of moving with others', which are meant to help understand how our nervous systems respond to different movement contexts.

What is the purpose of the guided movement practice in the script?

The purpose of the guided movement practice is to explore regulated and survival actions, and to move through different states of the nervous system, helping to build the capacity to find safety and regulate oneself.

What are the three states of the nervous system mentioned in the script?

The three states of the nervous system mentioned are ventral (safety), sympathetic (mobilizing energy), and dorsal (collapse/disappear).

How does the script differentiate between regulated and survival actions?

Regulated actions are movements that help anchor and maintain a sense of safety within the nervous system, while survival actions are movements that represent the body's response to threats, such as fight or flight.

What is the significance of moving between the three states of the nervous system as described in the script?

Moving between the three states is significant as it helps the nervous system to remember and build the capacity to return to a state of safety and regulation, which is essential for overall well-being.

How does the script suggest using observation of others' movements to benefit one's own experience?

The script suggests that observing others' movements can allow one's own system to join in the movement mentally, even without physically participating, which can provide benefits and a sense of connection.

What is the final exploration suggested in the script regarding movement within the safety and regulation of ventral?

The final exploration is to play with imagining and enacting various 'flavors' of ventral movements, which can include being playful, passionate, quiet, alert, interested, and curious, to experience the full range of safety and regulation within the nervous system.