Restoration Invitation: Self-Preservation: A Love/Hate Relationship

    Welcome back! I talked about your body’s systems last time, and I’m coming through as promised to explain the other two. For review, you’ve got three primary systems: (1) safe and connected, (2) activated and mobilized, and (3) grounded and immobilized.

    Research shows that when system #1 is your primary mode of operation, you experience health promoting benefits. When systems #2 or #3 are driving your life, you’ll likely experience adverse health factors and some interpersonal complications, too. What’s important is to know that systems 2 or 3 are not “bad,” systems. In fact, you need them to preserve your life! The issues come when you experience chronic activation and/or groundedness. Hence this love/hate relationship with our instinct for self-preservation.

    In system #2, your muscles are tensed and ready, and blood is flowing as your heart rate and breathing support that movement and activation. Being mobilized means being ready to move, which could be as simple going from sitting to standing or as intense as fighting off a bear. When this system seems at play, it could mean you are responding to something threatening, dangerous, uncomfortable, unexpected, that you’d like to make go away or get away from. With activation, you might have difficulty empathizing, as your system raises the drawbridge or protect you or keep things out and away.

    With your third system, you are grounded and immobilized, as your system distances you from what is stressful or overwhelming. This system is a great assert for times when you cannot leave, fight, or change a stressor. When your immobilization system as operating, you might want space from others or an absence of sensory input. Groundedness can look like rest after a long day of socializing or a loud concert, and it can also look like going through the motions.

My hope and invitation is always to restore your untapped healing sources, and I hope as you explore all three systems, you will remember to consider that you experience these systems in ways that make sense, even if you don’t like what you find. Your body’s systems are not trying to sabotage or undermine your wellbeing. They’re glad you’re starting to speak the same language, so you can work together in healing.

We’re all in this together ; )
Mary Ashley

Putting it into practice: Use the nifty chart above to build your healing potential. When/where/with whom do you feel mobilized and/or activated? When/where/with whom do you feel grounded and/or immobilized?

Restoration Invitation: How you can work with your human nature towards deeper more transformative growth and healing. Follow along on the blog to read previous Restoration Invitations or join the newsletter for up-to-date, more recent invites.

Next time: We’ll explore more nuances like how it is possible to be centered in safety/connection, while experiencing activation/mobilization!

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Next time: We’ll explore more nuances like how it is possible to be centered in safety/connection, while experiencing activation/mobilization! 〰️