The Polyvagal Theory provides a new structure from which to understand more deeply how our autonomic nervous system (ANS) works. The research of Dr. Stephen Porges teaches us that the nervous system is foundational in how we live in and understand the world around us.
The bottom-line drive for humans is survival, not only physically, but also emotionally which is our focus. This drive is what directs all our behaviors, although we are, for the most part, not aware of this. To make sure we survive, we need to determine:
- if the environment is safe
- if others are a friend or foe
- and we need to know how to communicate with friends (and foes).
We are, continuously and unconsciously, assessing for safety or danger – and all levels between those two extremes, both emotionally and physically.
