cocoon

In the world of wellness there’s currently much emphasis on nervous system regulation. There are numerous gadgets that apparently help us identify PNS (parasympathetic nervous system) or SNS (sympathetic nervous system) states, so we can in turn learn to rebalance our nervous system. The idea being that we seek calm when in SNS (fright, flight or freeze). For instance, as our hearts beat more rapidly, or our sleep is impacted we can seek ways to slow and soothe them.

Yet, truthfully, technology creates only more disconnect. Devices and screens are causing the signals of self to become quietened, dulled and ignored. Just as we’re learning to ignore nature, we’re creating a world of people dependent on pieces of manmade technologies to tell us information we intuitively inherited over the past hundreds of thousands of years plus.

People with smartwatches, depending upon apps and AI to understand how numbers translate to the rhythms of downregulation and stimulation of their bodies will never be okay with me.

Our NS is impacted by many factors including noises, stresses, thoughts, feelings, surroundings, people and beings. It’s designed to help us survive - to react to threats, to process information, and to pause instead of burning out.

If we’re highly wired for long durations, our bodies find it increasingly more difficult to rebalance. The more stressed we become, the longer it takes for our system to regulate. For some, the process becomes almost impossible; burnout caused by overwork, overwhelm, stress, grief, trauma etc. can cause significant damage to our overall health.

Cocoon is a safe space of isolation, quiet and stillness. It’s a place of protection, where our bodies feel held, so we can allow time be-ing and processing every sensory input, allowing our nervous system to react, adjust and balance: rewiring patterns of behaviour.

Cocoon feels like a warm embrace, or a quiet space; a person or place that offers comfort. What especially delights me is the spinning action of weaving a cocoon. To twist and turn allows our nervous system to navigate the motion and commotion of the less familiar.

Modernity insists that our nervous systems endure much noise, constant stimulation from screens, multitasking and an incessant stream of information which all cause overwhelm and exhaustion. When our NS are constantly in SNS, we become overreactive to everything. Such a constant state causes nervousness, tension, anxiety, fright, addictions and dis-ease. When we reach this state, calm and rest may feel unsettling, even impossible, yet a sense of cocoon is the remedy.

Ways to calm and soothe our systems include solitude, quiet, self-care rituals, meditation, nourishing food, practices of breath work and bodywork, long walks, being in nature. People, pets, places we adore: in small doses, grounding, less travel, more home. Candles, natural light,  blankets. Books: it was my sister’s birthday last month and I bought her a book voucher; reading is so important as it allows us to pause, wonder, learn; it increases our emotional intelligence and calms our system. Reading is an act of rebellion against screens and devices which are constant sources of SNS. And of course, the yoga classes with me at beautiful Fishers distillery with the most divine view imaginable (!). Accepting the changing seasons as much as possible; by sleeping and rising earlier, watching dawn and dusk, observing the trees and birds and the cycles of season.

Our NS took centuries to develop and evolve. We don’t yet understand the repercussions of the distractions of devices and modern life. What our bodies really delight in, is being in sync with seasons, and remembering to slow down as nature slumbers. While the run-up to the festive season is a joyful one for most, we also need to honour our inner wisdom. Otherwise it’s easy to become swept up in all the lights and noise, forgetting the desire to cocoon.

Like everything, it’s about balance. In balancing the loud and busy with quiet calm, we rebalance our internal rhythms, and life becomes meaningful and magical in every moment.

Little Gigi who always knew how to cocoon. The brightest little being there ever was.