Drawing on my skills and experience in different areas I create wellbeing workshops with a Polyvagal informed practice.
This video explains beautifully some of the key concepts of Polyvagal Theory. Glimmering workshops integrate awareness of autonomic nervous system states described in the video and share simple practices that can support and influence the nervous system to come back to a “ventral vagal” aka safe and connected state.
Above all glimmering workshops are playful and encourage people to build their resilience by discovering more about their own nervous system responses.
Below are a few examples of polyvagal informed wellbeing workshops I’ve designed and collaborated on. If you are interested in a wellbeing workshop for your group book a chat here
Polyvagal Informed practice
Wellbeing Workshops
Polyvagal Wanders
An introduction to soothing your nervous system using nature, neuroscience and self-compassion.
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 spend time indoors and outdoors (weather permitting), 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.
*The word “vagus” originally meant “wandering”
This workshop was a collaboration with Cat Berry, somatic trauma therapist and TRE Provider in Edinburgh www.mummylove.co.uk .
Dissc Space
This is a flexible workshop that begins with a mindful non verbal space. There are options to rest, play quiet sounds, draw, journal, wander. This can then be taken in a number of different directions and tailored to the group.
The title is an acronym for “Dropping Into Sound Shape Colour“ and I guess also playing with the idea of clearing “disk space” in yourself.
I first designed it for conference as a reflective restful space an antidote from busy words and discussion - a space to process or simply rest. I have since used it as a starting point for creative music making in a group.