#174 How to feel grounded when we're overwhelmed or dysregulated using ventral vagal spaces and touchstones, with Dr Jan Eppingstall
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In today's episode, Dr Jan Eppingstall and I explore how to create a ventral vagal space or touchstone to help us regulate our emotions, drawing inspiration from the work of Deb Dana and polyvagal theory. We look at how we can find or create areas within our home, and objects we can use on the go, that provide safety and connection, allowing us to feel grounded and manage overwhelming moments. We'll look at the emotional significance of objects, avoiding those that glower at us, and instead creating spaces filled with comfort and warmth.
Creating Your Own Ventral Vagal Space
Permission Slip segment
Discussion about photographic portraits
Emotions associated with the portraits
Objects as Memories
Significant memories vs. happy memories
Harriet Impey's notion of "glowering" objects
Emotional Impact of Objects
Portraits as a reminder of insecurity
Ventral Vagal Space Concept
Use of Deb Dana's work in polyvagal theory
Connection between emotional safety and physical space
Explanation of Polyvagal Theory
Breakdown of the nervous system's stages: ventral vagal, sympathetic, and dorsal vagal
Relevance of Polyvagal Theory to Hoarding
Trauma and its relation to object attachment
Challenges of decision-making in a cluttered environment
Deb Dana's Home Analogy - Comparison of home systems to body's autonomic systems
Integration needed for a "full life" and connection
Practical Application of Ventral Vagal Spaces
Creating nourishing home spaces
Abundance
Importance of Touchstones
Explanation and significance of touchstones
Examples of personal or portable calming items
Creating a Ventral Vagal Space or Touchstone
Starting small by identifying objects that bring safety and contentment
Using childhood memories to influence current safe spaces
Applications and Benefits
Using the space for emotional regulation
Touchstones as portable reminders of safety
Recognising objects that already serve as touchstones
Importance of awareness and observation in identifying touchstones
Utilising Resources for Grounding
Examples of resources: lava lamps, messages, certain sounds
Strategies for implementing these resources in daily life