On Day 4 of Dan Robert’s InsightTimer course, we learn about the nervous system. During an explanation of the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system, Roberts says, “…if we have experienced trauma, this whole system goes a bit wrong.”

Essentially, systems that experienced early pain are over-reactive, hyper-aroused. What we need is to activate our parasympathetic system, the ‘rest and digest’ branch.

Roberts recommends all sorts of things that feel soothing: long hot baths, walking in nature, breath work, calming music, petting a dog. He concludes,

“Calming, soothing practices or experiences are foundational to your healing journey because if your nervous system is dysregulated, no amount of therapy of self-help books will be truly effective. Your brain thinks you’re still under threat, and no healing can take place when threat-based systems in your brain and body are activated.”

Throughout the course, practicing what he preaches, Roberts closes each lesson with a meditation. On Day 3 it was to imagine a safe place. Mine was a little cabin at the edge of a flowery meadow. The cabin had a big stone fireplace and wide-planked, worn floors.  An arched window looked out over the meadow and a high-backed upholstered velvet chair angled to the window held a soft throw. The fire crackled, the room smelled like lavender and lemons.

I like this meditation and I like meditating while I walk Roxie. A tiny bird scrambles to the safety of a high branch. The sunlight off the river reflects through the dancing leaves. Roxie’s collar tags clink, her tail lifts, her belly sways from side to side. I can tell she is smiling because people walking toward us are smiling at her.

I know this way of living is better for my brain. It is safe for me to slow down. Life is not an obstacle course. I am and will be a-okay.

Chewing the Cud of Good

Thankful for my life.