Uploaded December 2023 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Sarah Baldwin breaks down the intricacies of the nervous system, unveiling the four primary states of regulation and shedding light on the importance of connection. Delve into the science behind it all, exploring the ventral vagal complex, sympathetic mobilization, and the delicate balance of blended states like play and stillness. Discover practical tips for navigating each state, from mobilizing energy in sympathetic to bringing in small amounts of energy in dorsal. This video provides a nuanced understanding of regulating emotions and offers valuable guidance for a more balanced and connected life.
1. Ventral Vagal Complex (Regulation):
Description: The ventral vagal complex is a state of regulation associated with the parasympathetic nervous system. It promotes feelings of safety and connection.
Advice: Engage in activities that promote a sense of safety and connection, such as meditation, gentle yoga, or activities that induce a state of playfulness.
2. Play (Blended State of Regulation):
Description: Play is a blended state where ventral energy is predominant, with a splash of sympathetic energy. It allows for regulated, energetic, and playful experiences.
Advice: Be mindful not to introduce too much sympathetic energy; otherwise, it may shift to a purely sympathetic state. Activities like games, karaoke, and playful interactions with others are beneficial.
3. Stillness (Blended State of Regulation):
Description: Stillness is a state of regulation characterized by being present and slowing down. It primarily involves ventral energy with a hint of dorsal experience to induce a calming effect.
Advice: Engage in activities that encourage slowing down, such as meditation, watching a sunrise, or appreciating quiet moments. Avoid introducing too much dorsal energy to maintain regulation.
4. Sympathetic (Mobilization):
Description: Sympathetic is the mobilization state, akin to a cheetah running. It involves heightened energy and urgency, often associated with stress or anxiety.
Advice: Discharge excess energy through movement, such as walking, swaying, humming, or tapping. Practice shorter inhalations and longer exhalations in breathing exercises. Avoid stillness, meditation, or yoga, as it may intensify anxiety.
5. Dorsal (Shutdown):
Description: Dorsal is the shutdown state, characterized by a feeling of hopelessness or depression. It involves a lack of energy and disconnection.
Advice: Introduce small amounts of mobilizing energy through short bursts of rapid breath or engaging the senses. Avoid practices that deepen the shutdown, such as closed-eye meditation, and focus on reconnecting with the body through gentle movement.
6. Freeze (Blended State of Regulation):
Description: Freeze is a state where sympathetic and dorsal elements are equal. It is comparable to being stuck in a finger trap, and adding more sympathetic energy can exacerbate the feeling of being trapped.
Advice: Introduce small amounts of mobilizing energy, movement, or vibration to avoid increasing the shutdown. Avoid practices that intensify either sympathetic or dorsal aspects.
Sarah emphasizes the nuanced nature of these states, suggesting that there is no one-size-fits-all approach and encouraging an understanding of the individual's needs in each state.
Listen to the full episode here: youtu.be/vHHPXPfMrpU
Sarah Baldwin is a skilled trauma therapist, certified in Somatic Experiencing, trained in Peter Levine's trauma modality, Polyvagal Theory, and Trauma-informed Life Coaching through Martha Beck's program. She specializes in Somatic Attachment Theory and inner child work, offering comprehensive support for individuals dealing with trauma and related issues.
Sarah Baldwin's Site: sarahbaldwincoaching.com/
Sarah Baldwin's Instagram: instagram.com/sarahbcoaching/
Sarah Baldwin's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sarah-baldwin-coaching
For fitness equipment, use code FREESTYLE15 at lycanfitness.com for 15% off at checkout.
Sarah Baldwin breaks down the intricacies of the nervous system, unveiling the four primary states of regulation and shedding light on the importance of connection. Delve into the science behind it all, exploring the ventral vagal complex, sympathetic mobilization, and the delicate balance of blended states like play and stillness. Discover practical tips for navigating each state, from mobilizing energy in sympathetic to bringing in small amounts of energy in dorsal. This video provides a nuanced understanding of regulating emotions and offers valuable guidance for a more balanced and connected life.
1. Ventral Vagal Complex (Regulation):
Description: The ventral vagal complex is a state of regulation associated with the parasympathetic nervous system. It promotes feelings of safety and connection.
Advice: Engage in activities that promote a sense of safety and connection, such as meditation, gentle yoga, or activities that induce a state of playfulness.
2. Play (Blended State of Regulation):
Description: Play is a blended state where ventral energy is predominant, with a splash of sympathetic energy. It allows for regulated, energetic, and playful experiences.
Advice: Be mindful not to introduce too much sympathetic energy; otherwise, it may shift to a purely sympathetic state. Activities like games, karaoke, and playful interactions with others are beneficial.
3. Stillness (Blended State of Regulation):
Description: Stillness is a state of regulation characterized by being present and slowing down. It primarily involves ventral energy with a hint of dorsal experience to induce a calming effect.
Advice: Engage in activities that encourage slowing down, such as meditation, watching a sunrise, or appreciating quiet moments. Avoid introducing too much dorsal energy to maintain regulation.
4. Sympathetic (Mobilization):
Description: Sympathetic is the mobilization state, akin to a cheetah running. It involves heightened energy and urgency, often associated with stress or anxiety.
Advice: Discharge excess energy through movement, such as walking, swaying, humming, or tapping. Practice shorter inhalations and longer exhalations in breathing exercises. Avoid stillness, meditation, or yoga, as it may intensify anxiety.
5. Dorsal (Shutdown):
Description: Dorsal is the shutdown state, characterized by a feeling of hopelessness or depression. It involves a lack of energy and disconnection.
Advice: Introduce small amounts of mobilizing energy through short bursts of rapid breath or engaging the senses. Avoid practices that deepen the shutdown, such as closed-eye meditation, and focus on reconnecting with the body through gentle movement.
6. Freeze (Blended State of Regulation):
Description: Freeze is a state where sympathetic and dorsal elements are equal. It is comparable to being stuck in a finger trap, and adding more sympathetic energy can exacerbate the feeling of being trapped.
Advice: Introduce small amounts of mobilizing energy, movement, or vibration to avoid increasing the shutdown. Avoid practices that intensify either sympathetic or dorsal aspects.
Sarah emphasizes the nuanced nature of these states, suggesting that there is no one-size-fits-all approach and encouraging an understanding of the individual's needs in each state.
Listen to the full episode here: youtu.be/vHHPXPfMrpU
Sarah Baldwin is a skilled trauma therapist, certified in Somatic Experiencing, trained in Peter Levine's trauma modality, Polyvagal Theory, and Trauma-informed Life Coaching through Martha Beck's program. She specializes in Somatic Attachment Theory and inner child work, offering comprehensive support for individuals dealing with trauma and related issues.
Sarah Baldwin's Site: sarahbaldwincoaching.com/
Sarah Baldwin's Instagram: instagram.com/sarahbcoaching/
Sarah Baldwin's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sarah-baldwin-coaching
For fitness equipment, use code FREESTYLE15 at lycanfitness.com for 15% off at checkout.
