Spring Renewal: How Neuroception Enhances Somatic Healing

By: Sarah VanNatta, LPCC

As the world awakens from its winter rest, nature undergoes a transformation, and so do we. Springtime, the symbolism of renewal, new beginnings, growth, and the cycle of life. The blooming flowers, longer days, and warmer temperatures invite us to embrace change, release the old, and welcome the new.

This season's energy aligns perfectly with the principles of somatic healing and neuroception, encouraging us to let go of what no longer serves us and step into a space of restoration and transformation. In this short blog, I will be discussing the intersection of somatic healing, neuroception, and the influence of the vibrant energy of springtime.

Somatic healing: (or somatic therapy) focuses on the mind-body connection, acknowledging that our physical experiences are deeply intertwined with our emotional and psychological well-being. Through somatic practices such as mindful movement, breathwork, and body awareness techniques, we can access and release stored emotions, trauma, and stress from our bodies. We can learn to pay attention to your posture, gestures, muscular patterns, and physical sensations.

Neuroception: a word created by Dr. Stephen Porges, refers to the way our autonomic nervous system takes in information without involving the thinking parts of the brain. It is essentially detection without awareness. It responds to cues of safety and danger: inside the body, outside in the environment, and between people. Unlike perception, which involves the brain and delivers cognitive insights in the form of thoughts and sensory data, neuroception occurs outside of conscious thought.

Sometimes our neuroception can become disrupted and/or does not function as needed. Dysregulation in neuroception, such as chronic activation of the stress response or difficulties in perceiving safety, can contribute to mental health issues like anxiety disorders, PTSD, and depression. Understanding and addressing neuroception is therefore crucial in promoting mental well-being.

This leads us to the question of: How do we work with this?

As mentioned before, neuroception is a biological experience that is happening in the body. The nervous system is constantly doing this, and we can’t work with it neuroception directly. Instead, we need to work with perception. Meaning, we need to turn toward our nervous system and bring our active awareness to it. Thus, creating a bridge to it with somatic therapy.

Neuroception is a fundamental aspect of our nervous system that influences how we perceive and respond to the world around us. In somatic therapy, understanding neuroception is essential for creating safe therapeutic environments, regulating the nervous system, and facilitating healing from trauma and emotional challenges. By integrating practices that promote embodied awareness and regulation, somatic therapy offers a holistic approach to mental and emotional well-being.

Some practical somatic applications to try:

1. Mindful Movement: Engage in gentle exercises like yoga, tai chi, or walking in nature to reconnect with your body and the present moment.

(Yoga sun salutations are one of my favorite ways to feel connected to my body, breath, and support a feeling of grounded-ness)

2. Breathwork: Practice deep breathing techniques to calm your nervous system and encourage a sense of safety.

(Two of my personal breathwork favorites: 4-7-8 breathing and anilom vilom pranayama)

3. Grounding Techniques: Use grounding exercises such as visualization, body scans, or mindful awareness of your surroundings to anchor yourself in the present.

(I love to walk barefoot in the grass, feel cold water on my hands, and listen to calming music)

4. Nature Connection: Spend time outdoors, observe the changes in nature, and immerse yourself in the rejuvenating energy of spring.

(And if you cannot make it outdoors, maybe bring nature into your living space - I love to get flowers for my kitchen island and open my windows on the warm spring days)

As we embrace the spring season, let us harness the power of somatic healing and neuroception to cultivate inner peace, resilience, and well-being. By tuning into our bodies, connecting with nature, and honoring the cycle of renewal, we can experience profound transformations and embrace life's infinite possibilities.

I encourage all of you to explore somatic practices that feel good to you, to become curious about your own neuroception awareness, and to embrace the transformative energy of spring in your own healing journeys.

“Safety is not a cognitive experience, it is embodied. And we create this story of safety by connection to our autonomic nervous system.” -Deb Dana

As a somatic therapist, I welcome a chance to see if I could be a good fit for you in your healing journey. I have current availability and you can schedule a free phone consultation with me here.

Cheers,

Sarah