Your natural rhythm
It was like trying to drink from a fire hose.
This was not what I expected, nor my idea of fun.
I'd signed up to do my PADI Open Water dive certificate, to explore the surprising, Aquarium-like underwater world on the fringe of the desert in Dahab, Egypt.
I thought I'd learn some theory, be taught about the equipment and then be free to cruise around and explore the kaleidoscope of colour in the Red Sea.
Instead I found myself in multiple stressful, life-threatening simulations underwater.
This particular exercise was teaching us what to do if our Scuba regulator, the piece of equipment that allows you to breathe underwater, stops supplying air on demand and, instead of converting high pressure air from the tank to the correct underwater pressure, delivers it to you all at once in a powerful surge.
When the regulator malfunctions It's impossible to put in your mouth. You are forced to suck the air you need from a hose that is continuously blasting icy cold air into the water, while you're underwater.
It's frenzied and all your survival warning systems go off.
You can't help but think you'll breathe in water instead of air. Or you wont be able to get enough air when you do.
This made the importance of the regulator VERY clear to me.
It wasn't until recently, when I listened to Dr Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey's book, ‘What happened to you?’, that I thought about it again.
Their work explores trauma, resilience and healing through a neuroscience and personal story lens and emphasised the importance of regulation and rhythm for a healthy body and healthy mind.
And that's when I had an a-ha moment.
Just as the Scuba regulator is the centre piece in a diver's equipment, regulating our body is key to our survival.
Our body has systems that are constantly checking whether we are safe, operating within our optimal range and in balance.
When we get out of balance we feel dis-regulated, discomfort or distressed. When we return to balance we feel better, and our brain rewards us with a feeling of pleasure.
That's why we love to go from cold to warm, hungry to full, thirsty to quenched.
It feels good to return to our optimal operation range.
That's why I get a buzz when I step out of a cold shower and my system wakes up to return me to warmth.
From the time we develop in our Mother's womb, we learn that the natural rhythm of her heartbeat is safe, comforting and desirable. When we are a baby, our parents and carer's use rhythm such as rocking, singing and patting to regulate us and this reinforces the message that these rhythms are safe and optimal.
When we are regulated, we are comfortable.
When we're not, we work hard to get back into rhythm.
Many of the activities we naturally enjoy help us to regulate.
Listening to music.
Dancing.
Walking.
Exercise.
Drawing.
Being in nature.
Experiencing community.
The frequency of the rhythms we feel in these activities match those we have learned will provide us with safety, security, and comfort.
We each have our own set of regulating rhythms and activities. Our favourite, go-to's that soothe us and help us to regain our balance and rhythm when we find ourselves out of sync, anxious or frustrated.
Are you aware of what activities help you self regulate?
Do you consciously use them?
If not, could you consider what you can do to get back into balance?
How could you incorporate them into your life to help you regulate and keep in rhythm?
Perhaps you'd like to join Jennifer Annette and I for series of 3-day Feel Good challenges over the next 3 months?
They'll be a unique opportunity to get in balance as you start your day connecting with sisters, discover simple ways to honour yourself, and have fun. In April we'll invite you into feeling good in your body, in May we'll get curious with our minds, and we'll finish in June with an exploration of Spirit.
If you're curious, you can find more details below. If you have any questions, send them to me. I love to hear from you and I always learn from them!
Wishing you a wonderFULL weekend. May it be filled with frequencies that bring you joy and pleasure.
