I have done extensive research on sensory integration with PTSD and other anxiety disorders. I was just thinking about how that could apply to many of us, especially the dissociative parts we cut off when experiencing trauma. One of the things that I learned is that we are all different in terms of what causes our nervous system fight or flight vs what is a comfort. Some people do not want to feel anything, while others are always on sensory overload. For some this means every noise, every texture, every angle in a room is anxiety provoking. There has been a substantial body of research on sensory integration.

I never realized until reading this info that I was a closed in kinda gal. I feel more safe in closed soft places. I like low ceilings and I love the way a tent feels when I am inside. It is comforting to my autonomic nervous system. This system is developed during our developing years. It always changes but many patterns remanin the same. I never had toys as a child. As an adult I like my toys, I like some blankets, love the soft feel of my dogs, and am learning about creating a safe environment for myself.

Some of the research speaks of tightly fiting lycra bags offering comfort to the nervous system in a way that lets the brain get safe information. Movement is another. Some need repetitive movement to self calm. Also, chewing gum can be very helpful in a lot of people as it helps to communicate sensory information to the brain.

Our brains go on hyperdrive and they can't sort out safety vs. danger. This is why the concept of caves and safe places is so important.

I am fully grown, and then some, and use my closet for calming, wrap tight for calming, use my stuffed animals and read certain children's stories.

There is scientific evidence behind this. What comforts each of us is different. Some people want the thump thump of high bass music and that calms them. Some like the repetitive sound of a metronome. There is so much more I would like to learn about this. I do know that for me the feeling of having little people inside of me is when these parts have been aroused and need calming, soothing, comforting.

Some of us are tactile defensive. O.T practioners have long known about these theories and they are now being generalized to adults and other people

One more thing, weight can be very comforting. I made rice bags for weight on my lap when my legs are very jumpy. It helps tremendously. They are all very primitive parts of us and each part deserves our love and respect.