Host: Melissa Wheeler Farag, Esq.

Guest: Darby Jackson, somatic experience practitioner-in-training, nervous system specialist, Safe and Sound Protocol provider, coach, and Reiki master.

Episode Summary: In this episode, Melissa interviews Darby Jackson, discussing the importance of nervous system regulation and somatic experiencing, especially during challenging times like divorce. Darby shares her journey from entrepreneur to somatic practitioner and provides valuable insights into managing nervous system dysregulation, trauma, and chronic stress.

Key Points:

1. Introduction to Darby Jackson:

   • Background: Darby’s transition from building a multimillion-dollar business to experiencing burnout and discovering somatic experiencing.
   • Expertise: Darby supports adults with nervous system dysregulation, burnout, postpartum issues, chronic stress, trauma, anxiety, chronic illness, and low self-worth.

2. Understanding the Nervous System:

   • States of the Nervous System: Rest and digest, fight or flight, freeze, and fawn.
   • Neuroception: The subconscious process of assessing safety, danger, or life-threatening situations based on previous experiences and trauma.
   • Importance of Regulation: Moving up and down the nervous system states smoothly is crucial for overall health and well-being.

3. Somatic Experiencing:

   • Definition: A body-based approach to healing trauma and regulating the nervous system.
   • Practices: Creating safety in the body, feeling and releasing stored trauma, and using somatic tools for self-regulation.

4. Common Signs of Nervous System Dysregulation:

   • Physical Symptoms: Digestive issues, brain fog, immune system problems, and sleep disruptions.
   • Emotional Symptoms: Anxiety, depression, and difficulty processing emotions.

5. Practical Tips for Regulation:

   • Daily Practices: Grounding exercises like walking barefoot, managing caffeine intake, eating whole foods, and getting sunlight.
   • Somatic Movements: Self-touch techniques such as rubbing earlobes and crossing arms over the chest to mimic a hug and promote self-regulation.

6. Challenges in Somatic Work:

   • Facing Trauma: The difficulty of acknowledging and feeling stored trauma.
   • Self-Resource Building: Developing internal resources to manage intense emotions and situations independently.

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

Call to Action:

• Listen to Part Two: More practical tips and exercises from Darby Jackson will be shared in the next episode.
• Connect with Darby:
  • Website at https://www.darbyjackson.com/

  • 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

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.

Subscribe and Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Share with friends and keep the conversation going to support those going through divorce.

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