There is a lot of talk about nervous system regulation, and it’s certainly a topic we address since we teach Qigong and Baguazhang which assists in rewiring the nervous system. What isn’t spoken about a lot is what it feels like when you’ve achieved regulation of your nervous system.
Our natural state is peace and harmony, yet we do not always live in that state. Stress often rules our lives and we spend a lot of time managing it, rather than being in a calm state. For those who live with chronic anxiety, or have a high degree of anxiety, having a regulated nervous system will feel very different, even feeling like there is something missing from your life. When something feels missing, our egos can try to fill it with anxiety again just because that feeling is missing.
Our bodies tend to revert to old physical patterns when we change them, and it takes practice to remain in a place of peace and harmony. Sounds weird that we should have to practice being in what is supposed to be our natural state, yet when it hasn’t been the way we’ve operated for some time, we need to create some rituals and carve out time in our day to practice being in that place of peace.
Qigong, Baguazhang, Earth Marrow Washing, Zhan Zhuang (Standing Stake), all help regulate the nervous system by using breath work along with physical postures and movements to increase blood and qi flow. Over time, the nervous system reaches a calm state of observation. These activities are good to practice regularly to maintain that peaceful state.
Meditation to soothing music, or sound baths also help to reinforce that state of peace and calm. Lighting a candle and staring at it with focus, along with slowing the breathing, also helps to reinforce that feeling of peace inside. The more practice you have with your mind and body being in a place of peace, it will become your normal state.
If your nervous system has been in a high state of anxiety, or on alert for a long time, you may feel tired once you become regulated. As with healing from any chronic injury, it takes time and patience. You may need to sleep more often intermixed with creative surges or times of higher energy. You may have other physical symptoms as nausea, headaches, body aches, etc as your body opens up and relaxes. You could go through a grieving process as well, feeling sad on occasion as stuck emotions release from your tissues. Sadness arises as you feel and release the former state your body was stuck in for so long.
No matter what you feel, have kindness and compassion for yourself. Honor what and how you feel in each moment. Talk to a therapist or have energy healing facilitation, or a combination to deal with anything that arises as you go through the physical process. We have many skills to help you with your physical or emotional processes, so reach out to us on our contact form to book a consultation with us.
In health & wellness,
Kellie and Kelly
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