© Amanda Blake 2013 | embright.org
BODY = BRAINPart 2: Embodying Social & Emotional Intelligence
Courage
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© Amanda Blake 2013 | embright.org
Personal QualitiesEI: self-mastery
Somatic competency: Centering Interpersonal Skills
= YOU ARE HERE
Roadmap
Courage Take a StandResilience
Purposeful Action
Change
2
© Amanda Blake 2013 | embright.org
EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE
Self-Awareness
Empathy Social Skills
Self- Motivation
Se
lfO
the
r
Awareness Action
Self-Mastery
adapted from Daniel Goleman, Emotional Intelligence
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COURAGE
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© Amanda Blake 2013 | embright.org
KAITLEN’S STORY
http://digitalcatharsis.wordpress.com/tag/childhood-sweetheart/
http://blisdva.blogspot.com/
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ORGANIZING IN CHAOS
http://aikidoitalia.com/2011/12/15/seminario-la-costruzione-del-randori-e-suoi-principi/
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WHAT’S GOING ON?
Activate stress response
Center : Activate resilience & recovery
Organized around meaning & care
Go beyond perceived limits
Include physical exertion
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ACTIVATE STRESS RESPONSE
CHOICE & SAFETY!!!
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PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGICAL INCOHERENCE
McCraty, et, al. (2001) Science of the Heart
Science of the Heart
© Copyright 2001 Institute of HeartMath 19
as experienced through the Freeze-Frame technique,create positive shifts in ANS function and these shiftsare accompanied by distinct modes of cardiac func-tion. While feelings of frustration create a disorderedor incoherent HRV waveform, characterized by anirregular, jerky pattern, appreciation produces anordered sine wave-like pattern in the HRV waveform,indicating increased balance and efficiency in ANSfunction. It is demonstrated that when the heart isoperating in this more ordered mode, frequency lock-ing occurs between the HRV waveform (heartrhythms) and other biological oscillators; this modeof cardiac function is thus referred to as the “entrain-ment mode.”
Another distinct mode of cardiac function, termed the“internal coherence mode,” is shown to characterize apositive inner feeling state called “amplified peace,”also achieved through using the Freeze-Frame tech-nique. In this state, internal mental and emotionaldialogue is largely reduced and the sympathetic andparasympathetic outflow from the brain to the heartappears to be decreased to such a degree that theoscillations in the HRV waveform become nearly zero.In addition, when the heart is functioning in theinternal coherence mode, the amplitude spectrumderived from the ECG exhibits a harmonic series(Figure 11).
Figure 11. The top graph is a typical spectrum analysis of theelectrocardiogram (ECG) showing the electrical frequenciesgenerated by the heart when a person experiences frustration. Thisis called an incoherent spectrum because the frequencies arescattered and disordered. The bottom graph shows the frequencyanalysis of the ECG during a period when the person is experiencingdeep, sincere appreciation. This is called a coherent spectrumbecause the power is ordered and harmonious.
0 20 400
0.05
0.1
0.15
0.2
0.25
0.3
FREQUENCY IN HERTZ10 30
Appreciation - Coherent
Am
plit
ude
(mV
)A
mpl
itud
e (m
V)
00
0.02
0.04
0.06
0.08
0.1
0.12
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FREQUENCY IN HERTZ
ust at o
10 20 30 40
Frustration - Incoherent
This study was conducted with the same group ofsubjects in two different environments: under con-trolled laboratory conditions and during a normalbusiness day in their workplace. For the workplaceportion of the study, subjects wore portable Holterrecorders to monitor their ECG and were asked to usethe Freeze-Frame technique on at least three occa-sions when they were feeling stress or out of balance.Results showed that the positive shifts in emotionalstate, autonomic balance and more coherent modes ofcardiac function measured in the laboratory could beattained through the practice of the Freeze-Frameintervention during real-life stressful situations in theworkplace, for which the technique is designed.
ECGStress results in a similar state of incoherence, whether the
emotion is fear, frustration or
something else
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BUILDING RESILIENCE
actions. Bromberg (2006) stated that therapy must address such difficult issues in an atmosphere
that is “safe but not too safe” in order to expand the window of tolerance. If their emotional and
physiological arousal consistently remains in the middle of the window of tolerance (for example,
at levels typical of low fear and anxiety states), clients will not be able to expand their capacities
because they are not in contact with disturbing traumatic or affect-laden attachment issues in the
here-and-now of the therapy hour. However, if arousal greatly exceeds the regulatory boundaries of
the window of tolerance, experience cannot be integrated (Figure X.2).
Figure X.2
The therapist and client must continuously evaluate the client’s capacity to process at the
regulatory boundaries of the window of tolerance to assure that arousal is high enough to expand
Ogden (2009),
Practicepolyvagal + ANS
activation & recovery
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© Amanda Blake 2013 | embright.org
VAGUS NERVE INNERVATION
http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/vagus+nerve
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IMMOBILIZATIONUNMYLENATED VAGUS, PSNS
Fear* Safety
FreezeDissociatePlay dead
Passive Avoidance
Growth & RestorationRest & Digest
HuggingNursingSleepSex
* Threat to safety, connection, dignity http://tonks.disted.camosun.bc.ca/courses/psyc110/biopsyc/ANS.gif image source
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Safety
FightFlight
MobilizationActive Avoidance
PlayExercise
Sustained Attention
Fear*
* Threat to safety, connection, dignity http://tonks.disted.camosun.bc.ca/courses/psyc110/biopsyc/ANS.gif image source
MOBILIZATIONAMYGDALA, SNA, HPA AXIS
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SafetyFear*
* Threat to safety, connection, dignity
AppeaseSubmit
Self-SoothingCalmingEmpathy
ConnectionAltruism
http://wiki.bethanycrane.com/somaticautonomicnervoussystems
COMMUNICATIONMYLENATED VAGUS, CRANIAL NERVES
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CENTERING & RECOVERYRELAXATION IS POWER
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© Amanda Blake 2013 | embright.org
PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGICAL COHERENCE
Science of the Heart
© Copyright 2001 Institute of HeartMath 19
as experienced through the Freeze-Frame technique,create positive shifts in ANS function and these shiftsare accompanied by distinct modes of cardiac func-tion. While feelings of frustration create a disorderedor incoherent HRV waveform, characterized by anirregular, jerky pattern, appreciation produces anordered sine wave-like pattern in the HRV waveform,indicating increased balance and efficiency in ANSfunction. It is demonstrated that when the heart isoperating in this more ordered mode, frequency lock-ing occurs between the HRV waveform (heartrhythms) and other biological oscillators; this modeof cardiac function is thus referred to as the “entrain-ment mode.”
Another distinct mode of cardiac function, termed the“internal coherence mode,” is shown to characterize apositive inner feeling state called “amplified peace,”also achieved through using the Freeze-Frame tech-nique. In this state, internal mental and emotionaldialogue is largely reduced and the sympathetic andparasympathetic outflow from the brain to the heartappears to be decreased to such a degree that theoscillations in the HRV waveform become nearly zero.In addition, when the heart is functioning in theinternal coherence mode, the amplitude spectrumderived from the ECG exhibits a harmonic series(Figure 11).
Figure 11. The top graph is a typical spectrum analysis of theelectrocardiogram (ECG) showing the electrical frequenciesgenerated by the heart when a person experiences frustration. Thisis called an incoherent spectrum because the frequencies arescattered and disordered. The bottom graph shows the frequencyanalysis of the ECG during a period when the person is experiencingdeep, sincere appreciation. This is called a coherent spectrumbecause the power is ordered and harmonious.
0 20 400
0.05
0.1
0.15
0.2
0.25
0.3
FREQUENCY IN HERTZ10 30
Appreciation - Coherent
Am
plit
ude
(mV
)A
mpl
itud
e (m
V)
00
0.02
0.04
0.06
0.08
0.1
0.12
0.14
FREQUENCY IN HERTZ
ust at o
10 20 30 40
Frustration - Incoherent
This study was conducted with the same group ofsubjects in two different environments: under con-trolled laboratory conditions and during a normalbusiness day in their workplace. For the workplaceportion of the study, subjects wore portable Holterrecorders to monitor their ECG and were asked to usethe Freeze-Frame technique on at least three occa-sions when they were feeling stress or out of balance.Results showed that the positive shifts in emotionalstate, autonomic balance and more coherent modes ofcardiac function measured in the laboratory could beattained through the practice of the Freeze-Frameintervention during real-life stressful situations in theworkplace, for which the technique is designed.
McCraty, et, al. (2001) Science of the Heart
ECG
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© Amanda Blake 2013 | embright.org
CREATING SAFETY
Behavioral Response to Threat
Social Communication(appease)
Mobilization(fight / flight)
Immobilization(freeze / dissociate)
Behavioral Response to Safety
Social Communication(self-soothing / empathy / altruism)
Mobilization(focus / play / exercise)
Immobilization(rest / digest / growth / restoration)
Anatomy
mylenated vagus
SNS, HPA axis
unmylenated vagus, PSNS
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© Amanda Blake 2013 | embright.org
IMMOBILIZATIONUNMYLENATED VAGUS, PSNS
Fear* Safety
FreezeDissociatePlay dead
Passive Avoidance
Growth & RestorationRest & Digest
HuggingNursingSleepSex
* Threat to safety, connection, dignity http://tonks.disted.camosun.bc.ca/courses/psyc110/biopsyc/ANS.gif image source
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© Amanda Blake 2013 | embright.org
Safety
FightFlight
MobilizationActive Avoidance
PlayExercise
Sustained Attention
Fear*
* Threat to safety, connection, dignity http://tonks.disted.camosun.bc.ca/courses/psyc110/biopsyc/ANS.gif image source
MOBILIZATIONAMYGDALA, SNA, HPA AXIS
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© Amanda Blake 2013 | embright.org
SafetyFear*
* Threat to safety, connection, dignity
AppeaseSubmit
Self-SoothingCalmingEmpathy
ConnectionAltruism
http://wiki.bethanycrane.com/somaticautonomicnervoussystems
COMMUNICATIONMYLENATED VAGUS, CRANIAL NERVES
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© Amanda Blake 2013 | embright.org
MIDDLE PREFRONTAL CORTEX
http://mybrainnotes.com/memory-brain-stress.html
Functions of MPFCinsight into yourselfintuitionability to regulate the body------emotional balanceresponse flexibilityability to extinguish fear-----empathymoralityability to attune to others
DMPFC: cognitive self-awarenessVMPFC: embodied self-awareness
Structure: ties neocortex to limbic system
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GO BEYOND PERCEIVED LIMITS
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PHYSICAL EXERTION
http://www.womenspress-slo.org/?p=4325
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CELLULAR “CLEANSE”
All cells breathe (oxygen) and eat (glucose)
In order to produce energy for growth & movement
By products are also produced: heat, lactic acid, etc.
Chronically contracted cells have a harder time breathing, eating, and eliminating waste
Flushing cells with nutrients, and oxygen cleanses stored lactic acid & other metabolic waste
This is why physical exertion can be opening & de-armoring
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© Amanda Blake 2013 | embright.org
Proprioception
Emotion
Conceptual
Exteroception
Interoception
Resilience + Courage
Limbic & Interoceptive
Building StrengthFlushing Toxins
Movement & Motor Cortex
Meaning / Commitment
Linguistic & Conceptual
...RelationalObservational
CO-ACTIVATE
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© Amanda Blake 2013 | embright.org
PRINCIPLES FOR PRACTICE
Activate stress response
Center : Activate resilience & recovery; meaning & care
Go beyond perceived limits
Include physical exertion
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AUTHENTICITY
© copyright 2012 Amanda Blake. www.stonewaterleader.com
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© Amanda Blake 2013 | embright.org
COURAGE --> AUTHENTICITY
Authenticity is magnetic
biologically, we scan for it automatically (more on this in Interpersonal Skills)
Authenticity requires vulnerability
putting one of the three essential nutrients at risk, or at least the perception of doing so
activates the protective threat-response systems in your body
Vulnerability requires courage
if it was easy, we’d already be doing it... we generally are authentic where it’s easy (with our partner, pet, child, by ourselves, on stage)
Need to build courage to be authentic & the resilience to recover from undesirable reactions
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© Amanda Blake 2013 | embright.org
THE BIG IDEA
Courage is a function of resilience & the ability to go beyond perceived limits
Build courage through activating stress response + practicing recovery
Centered around what you care about
Physical exertion is a good way to go beyond perceived limits and it’s de-armoring
Authenticity requires vulnerability and therefore courage
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© Amanda Blake 2013 | embright.org
REFLECTION / FIELDWORK
Where in your life would it benefit you to build more courage? What could you practice to strengthen your courage?
Name three practices that have the potential to build courage.
Do any of them co-activate all of these: interoception, proprioception, exteroception, emotion, cognition?
If not, what could you do to round out one of the practices to make it a higher leverage practice?
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© Amanda Blake 2013 | embright.org
RESOURCES & REFERENCES
Carter, R, et. al. (2009) The Human Brain Book, DK
McCraty, R; Atkinson, M; Tomasino, D (2001) Science of the Heart. Institute of HeartMath
Ogden, P (2009) Modulation, Mindfulness, & Movement in the Treatment of Trauma-Related Depression in Clinical Pearls of Wisdom, Kerman, M; Norton
Parker, S & Winston, R (2007) The Human Body Book, DK
Porges, S (2012) Safety: The Preamble for Social Engagement. Somatic Psychotherapy Today 2012: (4)
Porges, S (2004) Neuroception: A Subconscious System for Detecting Threats and Safety, Zero to Three, May
Porges, S (2003) Social engagement & attachment: A phylogenetic perspective. Annals New York Academy of Sciences, 1008: 31-47
Porges, S (unkn) The infant’s sixth sense: Awareness and regulation of bodily processes Zero to Three, Oct / Nov
Siegel, D (2010) Mindsight Bantam
Strozzi-Heckler, R, (2007) The Leadership Dojo: Build Your Foundation As An Exemplary Leader, Frog Books
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© Amanda Blake 2013 | embright.org
Personal QualitiesEI: self-mastery
Somatic competency: Centering Interpersonal Skills
= YOU ARE HERE
Roadmap
Courage Take a StandResilience
Purposeful Action
Change
32