SPIRITUALITY & SCIENCE

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Many people have overactive sympathetic nervous systems (SNS - fight, flight, freeze) with underactive parasympathetic nervous systems (PNS - rest, digest, restore) - living in survival mode with chronic high stress

• Lots of stress chemistry in body and mind 
• Can be due to unprocessed past emotions/traumas triggering the amygdala (threat cen

Many people have overactive sympathetic nervous systems (SNS - fight, flight, freeze) with underactive parasympathetic nervous systems (PNS - rest, digest, restore) - living in survival mode with chronic high stress

• Lots of stress chemistry in body and mind 
• Can be due to unprocessed past emotions/traumas triggering the amygdala (threat center) in the brain, consciously or unconsciously - always preparing the body & mind to fight, flight, freeze

Stress chemistry (cortisol, adrenaline, etc) constantly releases in body & mind in response to the SNS activating

• increases heart rate, muscle tension, and quickens breathing 
  • can be from physical, mental, emotional stress
• Stress inflames the body and if not processed + released can lead to physical problems from minor ailments to serious illness ​
  • Unseen (stress) affects the seen (body) ​
• Mental afflictions such as anxiety and depression 
• Inability to make clear decisions​
• Hard to socially engage and connect in love
• Grows the amygdala (threat center in brain) and shrinks the pre-frontal cortex (higher thinking/social engagement part of brain) 

We need both in this life - active & rest, stress & ease - it is a balance. 

Stretching increases blood flow, boosts oxygen levels, and helps deliver nutrients to muscles while also removing waste

• releases tension and creates space in the body
• releases endorphins - natural painkillers and mood boosters 
• can give boost of good neurochemistry - spinal extension & serotonin (happy)

Conscious breathing turns on the parasy

Stretching increases blood flow, boosts oxygen levels, and helps deliver nutrients to muscles while also removing waste

• releases tension and creates space in the body
• releases endorphins - natural painkillers and mood boosters 
• can give boost of good neurochemistry - spinal extension & serotonin (happy)

Conscious breathing turns on the parasympathetic nervous system (rest, digest, restore)  

• reverse engineer a state of calm in the body & mind through the nervous system using breath & awareness
• regulates the nervous system over time 
• activates the vagus nerve - nerve that runs along the spine connecting brain stem and all the major internal organs
  • meditator of the PNS response, responsible for releasing anti-inflammatory chemicals 
  • The PolyVagal Theory by Dr. Stephen Porges 

Brain is a muscle and has neuroplasticity – ability to change and strengthen neural pathways ​

• Can train the mind to be & live in the present moment

Meditation has many neuro-chemistry benefits

• grows the prefrontal cortex (higher thinking/social engagement) and shrinks amygdala (threat center)
• improves integration of + communication between right/left hemispheres of the brain
• increases GABA production - GABA neurotransmitters are calming and moderate the stress response system
• can boost good neurochemistry - breath holding & dopamine (reward), humming & oxytocin (love) 
• lowers heart rate and blood pressure 
• increases heart rate variability = balanced nervous system and a strong abilty for body & mind to adapt well to physical + psychological stressors 
• promotes relaxation where the body & mind naturally rest & restore (like in sleep) 

We can consciously cultivate calm in the body & mind to release tension and relieve stress. 

Breathing and meditation cultivate present moment awareness

• if chronically stressed, often the mind is living in the past and/or future, not present
• use breath as anchor into the present - can't breathe in the past, can't breathe in the future, can only breathe in the here & now
• being present with whatever is, not judging 

Being in presence, 

Breathing and meditation cultivate present moment awareness

• if chronically stressed, often the mind is living in the past and/or future, not present
• use breath as anchor into the present - can't breathe in the past, can't breathe in the future, can only breathe in the here & now
• being present with whatever is, not judging 

Being in presence, come into connection with all self - body, mind, soul, spirit - opening to light & love 

• when connected, make changes to live an embodied, consious lifestyle serving wellbeing 
• feel connected with self and others, able to receive & give love
  • sense of belonging and loving relationships are a human need and vital components for well-being

Being present in love, we turn our hearts to God's presence, where we may rest & be restored, experience healing & transformation, and receive truth & understanding by His grace.