The Real Epidemic 😱

September 22, 2024

I’ve been on a nervous system deep dive for a while now, and just when I think I’ve moved on, boom! I see unregulated nervous systems everywhere, and go back to preaching how crucial yet simple it is to regulate with grounding.

How do you know when your nervous system is out of whack? You’re stressed. You’re reactive. Your body is tense. Your breath is shallow. You’re in a hurry. You’re too cerebral, and you can’t relax.

In the not-so-distance past, most of us could bring ourselves into a grounded, center and present (regulated) state innately. There was nothing that a good nights rest, a lazy Sunday morning, OR a feel good workout couldn’t remedy. Not so much anymore. Today, we have to tend to our nervous systems daily, and movement is (in my humble opinion) the best modality to do just that. 

Here is my five-step, five-pose protocol to regulate the nervous system:

  1. Sukasana – Seated Cross-Legged Pose
    Simply sit on the floor. That’s it…a great way to commence the grounding process, and an easy way to settle into a space. 
  2. Balasana – Child’s Pose
    Next up, “kiss the ground” in any child’s pose variation you like. I’m partial to knees at the width of your mat, big toes touching, and arms extended out in front (like the above photo). Child’s pose is an instant calmer-downer. 
  3. Pada Hastasana – Standing Forward Fold With Hands Under Feet
    Now, let’s get standing, but not fully. I love sliding the palms of the hands under the feet because it makes us really aware of even weight distribution and it also forms this circular shape, of energy recycling itself back into the self. I think forward folds embody us better than just above any other shape. 
  4. Bharmanasana – Table Top Pose
    Now, come up to all fours, with squared off hands and knees. The best pose for enhancing one’s sense of stability. 
  5. Adho Mukha Svanasana- Downward Facing Dog
    Last but not least, press your hips up, bringing the knees off the floor. Feel the stretch in the back back body and notice how, in this pose, you keep your eyes simultaneously on your body AND the earth. That’s “be here now” personified…so so good. 

Other specifics: 1. barefoot (or sock foot) is a must. 2. Feel free to close your eyes. 3. Each shape can be held for as little as 45seconds or as much as 3minutes. 4. It’s optional to play some soft music, or have soft/natural/soothing lighting, or use essential oils as aromatherapy, as these things are legit grounding accessories.I believe in movement. I believe without a doubt it is medicine. So 

Let’s Move!,but let’s take the time to ground before embarking on full workouts or workdays. It’ll make everything you do safer (less accidents or reactive behavior), more intentional (less mindlessness or “spinning your wheels”), and more present. 

The future belongs to those with regulated nervous systems. (A bold statement, but I stand by it!) 🤗