EP 635: Compassion, Self Regulation, and Social Engagement

Can I first just tell you how much I appreciate you? Really, I do. Knowing you and the hundreds of other people following my content and engaging in mindfulness and compassion is nothing short of inspiring. Thank you! I guess it’s no mistake that today’s single-segment episode is all about connection. I’ve covered this in various ways in the past, but it’s important to understand that connection to others isn’t just some kind of feel-good concept. It’s not woo-woo or hippie-dippie, either. I mean, maybe it’s these things. But it’s also an understanding of Human neurobiology gained through decades of hard-nosed neuroscience research. (I once heard Richie Davidson use that phrase and I repeat it every chance I get!) It turns out, connection to other humans is part of our biological drive as mammals. Connection to others is, in no uncertain terms, a biological imperative. (S. Porges, Handbook to the Polyvagal Theory) In today’s episode, I talk about how this vital connection to others is only possible when we are regulated. That is, we can only connect to others when we are in the Social Engagement mode of our autonomic nervous system. One way to return to this self-regulation is through the practice of compassion and self-compassion. I hope you enjoy today’s episode! There’s a link below to join my free workshop on Compassion and Self Compassion. The Winter Workshop Series! This Saturday’s topic is Compassion and Self Compassion. And I am so excited!!! Don’t worry if you’ve missed some or all of the previous sessions. Each one of these stands on its own and you’ll be right up to speed. No worries! Here’s the link to register for this free event: artburnscoaching.ac-page.com/art-burns-coaching-winter-workshop-series Also, if you feel like you could use some more clarity about these topics or anything else I cover here; if you would like to explore the idea of getting coached in this work, please click this link to schedule your free session: https://calendly.com/artburns/45-min-coaching-session