What is Embodiment & Neurological Fitness Coaching?

We've all heard the age-old advice of "mind over matter", and there is certainly scientific evidence that mindset is incredibly powerful. Our brains decide what to do, and our bodies just do it, right?

Well, that's only part of the process!

The vast majority (80%) of our nerves are afferent, meaning they run from the Body to the Brain. That means that mindset-only techniques use a mere 20% of our nervous system.

Using the power of Bottom-Up Processing, we can do specific exercises and motions with our bodies in order to influence our mental state.

The NeuroFit Ring models the Polyvagal Theory set out by Dr. Stephen Porges in 1997 and is

backed by applied neuroscience.

Our nervous system comprises three main pathways; the Sympathetic NS, and the two branches of the Parasympathetic NS; Ventral Vagal and Dorsal Vagal (shown on the ring in pink, yellow, and blue).

Most of us are familiar with the term “flight or fight”. This high energy response to an adverse situation is a part of our Sympathetic nervous system. On the other side of the bottom of the ring is “shutdown”/“collapse”, which is the low energy response of our Dorsal Vagal branch.

The state of “Overwhelm” happens when both of these systems are active. The basic premise of neurological fitness is that we can tap into the power of our Ventral Vagal branch to move out of the bottom of the ring into the top. The Ventral Vagal branch of our nervous system is active when we feel the most safe and relaxed; it’s our “rest and digest” mode. When it’s engaged, we can find safety in motion (“Play”), or safety in calm (“Stillness”).  The types of exercises for this include grounding into your body, moving energy out of your system, and bringing energy into your system. 

Regulation or Resilience?

The ultimate goal of neurological fitness is resilience, that is, the ability to adapt to changes in the environment/situation.

On the surface, it looks like doing exercises to get yourself out of the “negative” states on the bottom of the ring, i.e., regulation. That’s partially true: I myself have used these techniques in order to avoid having a panic attack many times, for example, while waiting for a banking appointment. 

However, that's not the whole picture. During the entire process, you will learn how to better attune to your body as well as your mental state. It is here that the true transformation can take place.

The anger, anxiety, grief, shutdown, etc, that we feel are not pleasant states to be in, but these emotions are valuable teachers. In my example, the near-panic attack at the bank was my sign to really spend time examining my anxiety around money and finances. 

The real magic happens when you can let yourself actually *feel* what you are feeling without judgment (termed somatic release), and then make changes in your life based on these insights (integration).

Over time, with daily practices, somatic release sessions, and integration, your

“Window of Tolerance” expands.

That is, you are more resilient.

What once would have thrown you off your stride is now something within your ability to handle.