A Beginner’s Guide to Polyvagal Theory

This guide by Deb Dana is a beginner's guide to Polyvagal Theory, which explains how our autonomic nervous system works and how it affects our daily lives. The autonomic nervous system has three parts: the dorsal vagal system, the sympathetic branch, and the ventral vagal system. Each part is associated with different states of being, ranging from shutdown and dissociation to fight or flight to safety and connection. The guide explains how we can move up and down the autonomic ladder and how our daily experiences can affect our autonomic nervous system's response. The document also provides practical ways to promote feelings of safety and connection in our daily lives.