Dr. Stephen Porges’ landmark Polyvagal Theory provides us a deep living map of the way that the Autonomic Nervous System dynamically adjusts its parameters depending on whether we feel safe or in danger. Through the evocation of various neural platforms of behavior (social engagement, fight, flight, shutdown, etc.) our autonomic nervous systems tune our bodies, emotions, cognitions, interpretations of our surroundings, and behaviors in real-time. The modern mindfulness movement has greatly broadened the application of mindfulness in lay and clinical contexts, yet mindful awareness works with attention, which is strongly shaped by neural platform.  Many people who utilize mindfulness for themselves, or clinically with others, do not fully understand the degree to which it needs to be attuned to present-moment neural platform in order to optimally support well-being. For example, when a person is in a defensive state of flight, traditional inwardly-oriented mindfulness practices are generally contra-indicated.

In this workshop, we’ll build a practical bridge from Polyvagal Theory to Mindful Awareness to help participants understand the ways that neural platform (state) exerts strong shaping forces on one's awareness. We also will explore the kinds of attentional movements that are useful when different neural platforms are activated.

In the second half of the workshop, we will utilize the Restorative Practices Deep Learning platform, and its library of nearly 300 practices, to identify relevant practices for individual participants based on their neural platform and particular interests. This workshop is capped at 200 participants. Participants will receive, with registration, complimentary access to the Restorative Practices Deep Learning platform for 30 days. 

Kram also is delivering a lecture on Restorative Practices for Wellbeing in the Contemplation by Design Summit on Friday, Oct. 14 at 7pm. Register for that lecture here. 

Natureza Gabriel Kram is a connection phenomenologist.  He is Founder and CEO of Hearth Science, Convener of the Restorative Practices Alliance, and Co-Founder of the Academy of Applied Social Medicine.  His new book, Restorative Practices of Wellbeing, unites cutting-edge neurophysiology and ancestral awareness practices, sharing more than 300 practices for personal, community, and ecological thriving. 

A Polyvagally-Informed Approach to Mindful Awareness is part of the free Contemplation by Design Summit, Oct. 9 - 16 and Oct. 28 - Nov. 2, 2022.

The full Summit schedule is posted at: http://contemplation.stanford.edu/summit. All events are FREE and online.

Registration is now open here: https://stanfordcbdsummit-2022.eventbrite.com/