Working with our Nervous System · Somatic Coaching Community

Nov 4 (edited) in 💎 Gems

Working with our Nervous System

Understanding the nervous system is a powerful way to support ourselves (and our clients).

Polyvagal theory is why we respond the way we do throughout the day. Our ebbs and flows...and how we can guide ourselves and others toward more resilience, calm, and true connection.

Polyvagal theory was developed by Dr. Stephen Porges and explains how our nervous system navigates different levels of safety and connection.

Polyvagal theory describes the spectrum of responses that we have with three key landmark states (Rather than simply being in “fight-or-flight"):

Ventral Vagal State (Safe and Social): In this state, we feel grounded, connected, and open—ideal for building trust and connecting deeply with our clients. It’s the state where creativity, empathy, and presence thrive, and it’s where we want to be when supporting others.

Sympathetic State (Mobilization): This is our mobilization energy. We mobilize to take action. When we experience this need to mobilize because of a "threat", we move into this state as a protective response. While it's useful in moments of perceived danger, when we hang out here for too long, it leads to anxiety or burnout, and lots of other potential symptoms...

Dorsal Vagal State (Shut Down and Collapse): When stress or overwhelm becomes too great, we may move into a state of shutting down, feeling numb or “checked out.” This can be a barrier to engagement and creativity.

In somatic coaching, understanding Polyvagal theory equips us to recognize where we (and our clients) are on this spectrum. By identifying these states, we can use body-based practices to gently guide ourselves back to a place of calm, connection, and resilience. This knowledge supports us in leading clients effectively while modeling the emotional resilience and groundedness we aim to foster in them.

Where do you spend most of your time on this spectrum?

Do you feel more grounded and present, or do you recognize moments of stress or even shut down?

This week, try practicing one body-based tool that helps you shift toward a sense of calm and connection, whether it’s breathwork, grounding exercises, or mindful movement (or coming to a B3 session with us).

I’d love to hear how this awareness of Polyvagal states shows up for you in your work and life!

Drop a comment below with your reflections or questions...

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