As relationships, and our understanding of humans, become more complicated as we grow, we develop beliefs or stories about ourselves, and assumptions about how relationships generally work and feel. And those stories, or beliefs, then influence our expectations and behavior in future relationships.

Your body is so wise! When you pay attention, you can stop overriding important messages about what you need. Meeting your own needs and remembering to nurture yourself will increase your own wellbeing and allow you to better care for those around you as well.

Why are we sometimes baffled by the way we feel - and, by how those feelings make us behave?

It can be helpful to think of your nervous system as your partner and ally, not as your opponent. Its biggest priority is to keep you safe, and the patterns you have developed over the years make sense based on your experiences. Your nervous system is amazing and figured out which stress responses worked best to keep you safe.

Sometimes, people experience some degree of functional shutdown and can continue going through the motions of life. Other times, they may find it hard to engage at all.

“A fawn response can lead you to disconnect from your own emotions, sensations, and needs. It is important to practice listening to your body as a way to come back home to yourself.” -Arielle Schwartz

Internalizing stress may help us avoid some social problems or awkwardness at times, but it takes a toll on our wellbeing.

Moving in and out of activation is part of being human. The goal is to more frequently stay tethered to the safety state even while you are feeling some activating energy.

Thanks to a concept from brain science called neuroplasticity, we understand that patterns that have been wired into your nervous system can change throughout your lifetime. SSP can help your nervous system become more resilient.

"The understanding of life begins with the understanding of patterns." -Fritjof Capra