Today’s share is another in my series of short vlogs to address specific questions, like this one:
“Can focusing on sensations also lead to even more dysregulation (i.e., focusing on the breath when in freeze, focussing on butterflies in tummy when hyperaroused) because it kind of emphasizes the signals to the brain and body that a danger is truly there?”
This video is my answer.
Here are some of the key points I touch on:
- The principle and practice of pendulation (popularized by Peter Levine)
- Why somatic experiencing is about much more than just our body sensations
- What can happen when someone develops hypersensitivity to their sensations
- How too much intensity (with not enough capacity) is like a flash flood in a desert
- When we’re just starting to come out of functional freeze, sensations can be too much
TLDR? The short answer is yes, focusing on body sensations can lead to more nervous system dysregulation… IF we don’t know how (aka: we haven’t got the capacity and regulation needed) to be with these sensations.*
Watch my latest educational Q&A vlog to learn more >
*If you’re brand new here or haven’t yet dipped into any of my practical offerings, please know that I have a ton of free resources and low fee drop-in classes (in addition to my paid programs) that teach you how to gain more capacity and build the foundations needed for nervous system regulation, so you can BE WITH these intense sensations…
Because for us to heal, we MUST be able to be with these sensations, but it can take time and, above all, practice to get there.
Remember: “slow and steady wins the race” (even when it’s not actually a race). 🙂
So take your time and stay the course!
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References & resources to complement this video:
➤ Pendulation: How to Shift Focus To Calm Overwhelm
