😀 What is this "Polyvagal Theory" thing anyway?Understanding Your Nervous System(Polyvagal Theory Made Simple) You'll want to read this...

Dear Supporters,

What is this "Polyvagal Theory" thing I'm doing anyway? 😀

First of all. thank you for your support of me learning this valuable body of information!

I intend to combine the concepts you're about to read with therapeutic fine art photography in order to coach women (and men if they're open to it!) ready to reclaim their personal visibility in the world, come into their personal power and to heal from the traumas keeping them stuck. I'll be launching my coaching program in January 2026. I plan on keeping you up to date for these coming months as I complete the Polyvagal Informed Certification Program I'm in. THIS is what you'r making possible for me.

This is an individualized journey I'm currently going on myself. I am learning ways to bring my nervous system into the "green zone", which is where we thrive. As humans, we are moving in and out of these states all the time. Unhealed trauma keeps us stuck in the yellow and red zones (more on that later).

Here is a simple synopsis most anyone can identify with:

The "vagal" parts refer to the vagus nerve, which is a super long nerve that connects your brain to lots of different parts of your body. "Poly" means "many," so Polyvagal Theory is basically about the many branches of this vagus nerve and how they help keep you safe.

Imagine your body has an automatic safety system that's always working in the background, kind of like how your phone adjusts its brightness without you telling it to. This system helps you figure out if you're safe or in danger, and it controls how you feel and act.

The Three States Your Nervous System Can Be In:

Think of your nervous system like having 3 different gears:

1. VENTRAL-Safe and Social (Green Zone) This is when you feel calm, happy, and connected to other people. You can play with friends, focus on homework, laugh at jokes, and feel relaxed. Your face is friendly, your voice sounds normal, and you can think clearly. This is where you want to be most of the time! When you're here, you feel like the world is a safe place.

2. Fight or Flight (Yellow Zone) This kicks in when your body thinks there's danger. Your heart beats faster, you might feel nervous or angry, and you have lots of energy. It's like when you're about to take a test you didn't study for, or when someone is bothering you and you want to either argue back or run away. Your body is getting ready to either fight the danger or run from it. Sometimes this happens even when there's no real danger - like if you get anxious before a presentation.

3. Shutdown (Red Zone) This happens when your body thinks the danger is so big that fighting or running won't help. You might feel numb, tired, foggy, or like you just want to disappear. It's like your body is playing dead to stay safe. You might zone out, feel disconnected from everything, or just want to hide under your blankets. Some people feel this way when they're overwhelmed or really sad.

The Cool Part:

Once you understand these three states, you can start noticing which one you're in. You can learn little tricks to help yourself climb back up to the "Safe and Social Zone" when you've slipped into the other zones. Things like taking deep breaths, talking to someone you trust, moving your body, or even just noticing "Oh, I'm in fight-or-flight right now" can help.

Your nervous system is just trying to protect you - it's not good or bad, it's just doing its job of keeping you safe.

Now that I'm aware of these states, I've been able to notice them throughout my days. My understanding of them came first, which brought awareness and then allows me to be intentional about using ways I know bring me back up the ladder to the green zone.

Let me know if you begin noticing your current states...

Stay tuned for more!

Thank you and I love you,

Marsha