Our primary stress comes from living in shame and fear, often resulting from misidentification with the image/objective world, and often with the past traumas and experiences where we were forced to react to ordinary situations in survival mode.
The latest research showed that changes in gut microbiota could affect the brain’s physiological, behavioral, and cognitive functions.
The brain is the central organ for adaptation to experiences, including those we call “stressors,” that are capable of changing brain architecture as well as altering systemic function via the neuroendocrine, autonomic, immune and metabolic systems.
As I read the ‘Handbook’ I was reminded that trauma and abuse need to be understood from a biological perspective and not solely from behavioral, sociological, and psychosocial perspectives.
Trauma impacts much more than just our thoughts and actions. Trauma is far-reaching and systemic—it cuts us to our bones.
Dr. Stephen W. Porges originated the Polyvagal Theory, which emphasizes the importance of physiological state in the expression of behavioral, mental, and health problems related to traumatic experiences.
Energy medicine is in some ways very basic to all experience and yet it is something that is quite difficult to speak about.
The very idea of “contemplative” psychotherapy may invoke some cognitive dissonance.