Self Care Science

The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system is crucial in the science of self care. Together these two systems control internal body processes. This regulatory system determines whether we will survive or thrive. Survival mode is often referred to as fight or flight and our SNS prepares us for potential threat. Once the threat is gone our PNS assists the nervous system in calming down which can be called the rest and digest mode. 

As horses munch hay or grass they are in rest and digest. When a threat arises they jolt into action preparing for fight, flight or freeze similar to us. Once the threat is gone they literally go back to grazing (dropping their heads to munch). Its no wonder just witnessing horses at rest or grazing is so calming to our own nervous system. Our bodies energetically communicate to one another and it is likely when we are in tune we can "feel" the rise and fall of alert states with the herd. Horses can hear sound 2 miles away, and their sense of smell is 50 times stronger than ours!

Practicing self care is literally an act of calming and regulating the nervous system and can be practiced by bringing awareness to our breath in just 5 minutes a day. Take in the sounds and sight of the herd munching their hay in the above video! I always find it so calming and connecting.

with Love and Gratitude,

Jennifer and the Herd