The vagus nerve “wanders”* through the body relaying signals to each of the organs about what’s happening inside and outside our bodies.
In this introductory workshop we will gently wander through the garden at St Ninians, connecting with nature and sharing stories from both neuroscience and folklore about the autonomic nervous system. Practical learning through a polyvagal lens, somatic exercises, mindful walking, reflection, discussion and wee cuppa tea.
Dr Stephen Porges first presented his Polyvagal Map of the nervous system in 1994 outling there were two branches (poly=many) of the vagus nerve. Since then it has been used widely by psychologists and trauma practitioners to understand our physical and emotional reactions to what we perceive as safety and danger from moment to moment.
This workshop will offer an introduction to Polyvagal Theory and how to safely move between the different states, soothing your nervous system.
This workshop is run by Cat Berry and Mags Smith. Cat is a somatic trauma therapist and assistant to Babette Rothschild. Mags is an accredited TRE practitioner, community musician and storyteller.
*The word “vagus” originally meant “wandering”
