Here’s what we know: The Polyvagal Theory was introduced in 1994 by Dr. Stephen Porges. The Polyvagal Theory is based in neuroscience and gives us a better idea on how and why the brain, specifically the vagus nerve, reacts through emotion, fear response, and a sense of safety.
I learned about the Polyvagal Theory while I was working on my certification in trauma and resilience for education. It was fascinating at the time to learn so much about the brain, the autonomic nervous system, the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) and the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and relax).
As I’ve begun digging into research around our brain, emotions, trauma, and the importance of naming our emotions, there is something that has caught my attention. We can never have too many tools in our toolbox to help us recognize the emotion we’re feeling in the moment.
I’ve recently started to catch myself when big feelings overwhelm me and just quiet my mind for a minute to really tune into the sound I’m hearing. Sometimes when sadness creeps in, just like my book Arnold’s Silent Heart, I hear nothing but silence, and emptiness.
But other times when love, happiness, and confidence are all around me I hear the subconscious sounds of singing, giggles, and cheering. Just as our brains automatically associate certain feelings with colors, I’m excited to start sharing how our brains also have the ability to connect our feelings to sounds.
Hang on, it’s going to be a fun ride filled with the sound of laughter, whomping, giggles, silence, cheering, roaring, and more!
