Been reading a lot about the nervous system: the basics that all parts of the autonomic nervous system have to be online. Think of it as a home. The dorsal vagal system runs "basic utilities" of the home. Keeps in continually working in the background. When there is a glitch we pay attention. Without the influence of the ventral vagal system the basic utilities run the empty house, and no one is home, or if we are home, the environment is one that brings no comfort. Everything is turned down to the lowest setting possible. The sympathetic branch is like the alarm system of the home and reacts to emergencies. Without it we are in an alarming state all the time. We need the vagal system to be in a rest and calm state. This is taken from the book "The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy by Deb Dana.

For me finally understanding my nervous system has given me the perspective of being less critical of myself that I react the way I do. Now its a matter of reminding myself in moments that I have reacted to remember I am not in the past but 2020 as an adult. Having this info is helping me realize that I am NOT in control of how I respond, even if it seems like it.

Very interesting to learn all this.....Thought of sharing...Have a wonderful holiday season!!