Last post we talked about the one of the three organizing principles of Polyvagal Theory, Hierarchy. Today we are going to talk about the second organizing principle: Neuroception.
Neuroception is a term developed by Dr. Porges that describes the way our bodies are scanning the environment for cues of safety and cues of danger. This is happening below our conscious awareness. Based on what signals our bodies pick up on, mechanisms are triggered that either produce a calming (parasympathetic) or stimulating (sympathetic). Think of neuroception as the way our nervous systems listen.
There are three places we receive these signals from:
Within- signals that come from within us. For example, pain like a headache or a fever can shift our nervous system.
Outside- signals we get from the external environment. For example, hearing soothing music or seeing nature is likely to make our bodies feel calmer, whereas hearing a loud argument or seeing a wildfire is likely to make us feel unsafe.
In Between- signals that occur between ourselves and someone else. Have you ever been around someone and you feel relaxed? Or conversely, been around someone and you feel tense and uncomfortable? These are the signals being received and broadcasted between nervous systems.
Thanks for reading. Next post we will discuss the third organizing principle of Polyvagal Theory, co-regulation. Stay tuned!
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