“What was I thinking?” Truth? That was not thinking… you were having a feeling or a sensation!

In a recent consultation with Phyllis Solon, PsyD., our group discussed the challenges some clients face in maintaining their functional and most resourced adult brain when confronted with situations or reminders of past pain. We were reminded of a nifty way to ground ourselves back into what might be happening for our clients (and let’s be honest…with ourselves) that can be found at the end of our arm.  We were reintroduced to the concept of the brain model that can be shown by our hands and fingers.  In these drawings, you can see the representation of the Amygdala, the place in the limbic system where emotions (specifically fear and aggression) reside and can be used to protect and regain a sense of safety when a person/nervous system is perceiving a threat.  The fingers that can cover the Amygdala are known in the brain as the Prefrontal Cortex (PFC), the portion of our brain that is known for executive functioning, decision making, and higher socialization skills.  When these fingers are working well with the thumb (Amygdala) we are able to feel and regulate…going between perceived threat and danger and mindful regulation.  But what happens when our concern about our environment “hijacks” our system and we are unable to access this higher level thinking and discernment of our situation?  This is when we tend to find ourselves outside our “window of tolerance” and find ourselves in the potential patterns and actions of Fight, Flight, Freeze, or Fall Down (collapse).

What is a person to do?  Actually…it can be as simple as doing something that can snap you back into the moment.  So, if you find yourself in a situation where you are feeling physically, mentally, or spiritually overwhelmed and you do not feel “like yourself”, you can do something to bring you to the present moment and reconnect with awe, humor, love, or connection.  Look at a picture of loved one, watch a cat video (or dog video if you must), play your current summer jam that slaps (as the kids might say), or move your body.  While this is not a universal fix all, it can get you back in the drivers seat able to access all portions of your consciousness so you can make a more considered and informed decision about your next steps.

 

Check out Phyllis and Patti at their amazing practice and all their valuable pieces of neurobiology and people skills at  https://www.anchoredrelationaltraininginstitute.com/air-network-model-gials