Host: Melissa Wheeler Farag, Esq.

Guest: Darby Jackson, somatic practitioner and nervous system expert

Episode Summary: In this continuation of the interview with Darby Jackson, Melissa and Darby delve into practical tools and techniques for nervous system regulation, especially beneficial during stressful experiences like divorce. Darby provides insights into somatic practices, the importance of co-regulation, and ways to create a sense of safety in the body.

Key Points:

1. Starting Nervous System Regulation:

   • Awareness: Recognizing signs of dysregulation in your body (e.g., heart racing, stomach clenching) and anchoring feelings of both activation and relaxation.
   • Practical Techniques: Slow hand movements, deep breathing, orienting by looking around the space, and the VU breath (inhale through the nose, exhale with a VU sound for 6-10 seconds).

2. Discharging Activation:

   • Healthy Release: Creating a space to release built-up emotions through screaming into a pillow, twisting a towel, or shaking hands and arms.
   • Darby's Online Class: "Body Language" class that combines music and somatic movements to access and release stored emotions.

3. Regulation Techniques for Stressful Situations:

   • Before and During Stressful Events: Practice regulation techniques like deep breathing, VU breath, and spatial orienting before entering high-stress environments such as courtrooms or mediation sessions.
   • Minimizing Screen Time: Reduce screen time and social media use before stressful events to avoid additional dysregulation.

4. Parenting and Co-Regulation:

   • Impact on Children: The importance of a parent’s regulation on a child’s nervous system and recognizing signs of dysregulation in children (e.g., extended tantrums, picky eating, frequent illness).
   • Teaching Emotional Awareness: Helping children identify and express their emotions to foster long-term emotional health.

5. Somatic Therapy Trends:

   • Future Focus: Teaching children to manage big feelings and the importance of developing intuition and self-awareness through somatic practices.

Affirmation: "I reflect deeply with gentle curiosity and compassion."

Call to Action:

• Connect with Darby: Visit Darby's website darbyjackson.com and follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darbyjackson_/
  • Free Nervous System Webinar: https://www.darbyjackson.com/free-guide
  • Register for Body Language Somatics Class: https://www.darbyjackson.com/body-language
• Listen to More Episodes: If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.
• Share with Friends: Divorce can be stressful and isolating; sharing this podcast can support others going through similar experiences.

Connect with Melissa:

• Downloadable Resource: Listeners are invited to download the emotional guidance scale PDF from the High Vibe Mediation website for ongoing reference.
• Follow HVD on Instagram: High Vibe Divorce can be found on Instagram @highvibedivorce and Melissa can be found on her professional Instagram page @highvibemediation.

Closing: "Keep the vibes high and the conflict low."