Somatic Practices For Nervous System Support

Door David Hayden

Wat je zal leren

In our fast-paced world, the intensity of stress, anxiety, and challenging situations or relationships can often push us to move at a pace that feels misaligned with our nervous system's needs. Over time, this can create patterns that hinder our ability to respond in ways we desire or access the depth of our internal resources. This class series explores the nervous system through the lens of Polyvagal Theory and introduces somatic practices designed to foster greater stability, care, and self-connection. Each session builds on the last, offering practical tools to support your nervous system in real time.

David Hayden

Portland, OR, USA

David Hayden is a licensed therapist, educator, and somatic practitioner with a Master’s degree in Counseling and over seven years of professional experience. He specializes in nervous system regulation, trauma healing, and attachment-focused therapy. David has received advanced training in Somatic Experiencing®, a body-centered approach to...

Les 1

What Is The Polyvagal System, And Why Does It Matter?

In this foundational session, we will delve into the basics of Polyvagal Theory, exploring how the nervous system shapes our experiences of safety, connection, and threat. You'll gain a clear understanding of why this framework is so valuable and how it can transform your relationship with yourself and others.

Les 2

Building On Our Tracking Skills – Looking For Clues

This class deepens our ability to track sensations and signals from the body. We will explore the use of touch, focusing on the heart center and its significance in nervous system regulation. This session also invites you to notice what arises as you practice. If you've spent much of your life in the cognitive channel, shifting to somatic awareness might feel challenging—and that’s okay. This is a practice of gentle exploration and letting go. We also spend a bit more time talking about nervous system states and unpacking the purpose of these states.

Les 3

Working With Safe And Social

In this session, we will focus on the "safe and social" state of the nervous system, the foundation for connection and regulation. Through practices like the “Voo” sound and gentle eye-orienting exercises, we’ll learn how to tune into our bodies, slow down, and create a sense of ease. These practices can be grounding and are particularly helpful for anchoring yourself during moments of stress.

Les 4

Final Practice – Digesting What We’ve Learned

In this session, we’ll turn our attention to digestion, a deeply sensitive and revealing area of the body. Through intentional touch and mindful awareness, we’ll explore how to support this area in a way that feels safe and restorative. For some, direct contact with the skin may feel overwhelming; if so, we’ll practice slowing down and honoring what your body needs at the moment. This session emphasizes self-compassion and attunement as we integrate all we’ve learned.

Recente Beoordelingen

4.72

Arimi

May 12, 2025

I enjoyed this concise and well guided course on being mindful of our somatic sensations and using this mindfulness to calm down our nervous system. Thank you.

David Hayden's Collection

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