Greetings, Reader!

As a chronic pain specialist, I spend a lot of time thinking about nervous system safety, because PAIN = SENSATION + FEAR.

We spend the first half of my pain course learning practices that help the nervous system feel safe, and part of that process is making sure that we get enough rest and nourishment.

The nervous system thrives on rhythm and predictability, which builds trust and promotes safety.

If you want your nervous system to feel safe, it is so important to get a good night's sleep, to take breaks throughout the day, and to eat nourishing, mindful meals.

The parasympathetic nervous system helps us unwind so we can rest and digest.

When you go to bed and wake up at the same times every day and you take breaks when you are tired, the nervous system trusts that it is safe enough to rest.

When you eat nourishing meals at regular intervals and you don't suppress your hunger cues, the nervous system trusts that it is safe enough to digest.

Chronic stress, trauma, and adversity impair our ability to rest and digest.

If you were being chased by a lion, that would not be the appropriate time to take a nap or to eat a nice, mindful meal. In fact, your nervous system wouldn't be able to slow down enough to sleep because you'd be so hypervigilant that you wouldn't be able to relax. Even if you made yourself eat something, you would have a hard time digesting it because activation of the sympathetic nervous system inhibits the digestive system.

It's no wonder that folks who are dealing with high stress (including the stress of chronic pain) have trouble sleeping and digesting.

But here is the real kicker:

Whether you are experiencing a lack of rest or nourishment due to habit or scarcity, your nervous system will feel like it is being chased by a lion.

Nervous system practices can help us feel safe only when we are actually safe, and not having enough resources to provide shelter and nourishment for your family is not safe.

This is the question that has been swirling in my mind all week:

How do we help the nervous system feel safe in an unsafe world?

Far too many people are dealing with the very real lions of scarcity, food insecurity, and lack of safe shelter, and the safety nets that were already insufficient have failed.

As a nervous system therapist, it is my responsibility to be part of the solution.

Feeding people is my love language, and that's why I'm raising money for the Vermont Foodbank; a statewide organization that partners with over 200 food shelves, meal sites, and organizations to provide food assistance and nourishment.

My goal is to raise at least $5,000 in November.

Thank you to everyone who has already donated. In the first week, we raised over $1,000 towards this goal.

If everyone on this list donated $10 - $25, we would easily more than double my goal, and that is the kind of supersizing I'm here for.

Please consider donating and helping me spread the word.
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​Step 1: Donate at https://fundraise.vtfoodbank.org/fundraiser/6801701​

Step 2: Add your email to this form https://lotusvt.kit.com/vtfoodbank to receive your free yoga and qigong class coupon and to be entered into the giveaway for a CranioSacral Healing Session.

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Thank you for your support!

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In love and solidarity,

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Rachel Doctor of Physical Therapy & Integrative Pain Specialist Build a resilient nervous system to help you flow through the seasons of your life with courage, wisdom, and compassion.