Anchored: How to Befriend Your Nervous System Using Polyvagal Theory

Anchored in a regulated system, options appear and possibilities emerge.

Immobilization and disappearing are the survival strategies of the dorsal vagal system.

a regulated and resourced nervous system spontaneously downregulates defensive reactions,

the elements of well-being — context, choice, and connection — which help the nervous system anchor in safety and regulation.

Over the course of evolution, the three pathways of the autonomic nervous system (dorsal, sympathetic, and ventral) emerged and formed the building blocks of the system (hierarchy). Our preferred place, the place where we find experiences of health, growth, and restoration, is anchored in the ventral vagal state of safety and connection. When we ar

With the arrival of the sympathetic nervous system, movement as a survival strategy was added and fight and flight were now possible. To get a flavor of the mobilization of this system imagine a shark attacking or a fish darting to escape.

Finally, around 200 million years ago, the other branch of the para-sympathetic nervous system, the ventral vagal system, came into being. The energy of this uniquely mammalian system allows us to feel safe, connect, and communicate. To feel into this system, remember sitting and talking with a friend, think about walking in nature feeling connecte

formidable. If we put a problem aside and turn our attention toward learning how to shape our systems in the direction of safety and connection,

Immobilization and disappearing are the survival strategies of the dorsal vagal system.