Activating Your Superpower: The Polyvagal Connection

A Moment That Changed Everything

I began my brisk walk on the trail like usual, a podcast cued up and ready to play at 1.2x speed, ready to burn some fat and learn something valuable. I only do this form of exercise once a week and look forward to it. As I rounded a corner, the view caught me off guard.

This is a view I see (or don't see) every week. The different shades of green from the different trees, weeds, and grass. Blue sky. I stopped the podcast. I slowed my walk. I took some deep breaths. I noticed the birds singing and saw them flit between trees. The wind made everything move and shimmer. The sunlight amplified the shades of green. I felt like I was in a sacred grove. I felt connected to the beauty around me. I felt grateful. I felt warm and radiant. I felt in awe.

Polyvagal Theory: Your Healing State

My therapist daughter recently introduced me to polyvagal theory, which corresponds with what I've been teaching and practicing concerning our parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems. The above moment would be considered a ventral vagal state, which correlates to the parasympathetic healing state.

Both parasympathetic and sympathetic are part of the autonomic nervous system — meaning they react to stimuli automatically. But there are things we can do to consciously shift ourselves out of the rushed, hectic, frenzied, stressful state and into the healing state.

The Cost of Living in Sympathetic Mode

Being in sympathetic state isn't bad — it's necessary at times, daily in fact. We use it every day to move, work, play sports, and take on challenges. But we aren't designed to sustain that state long-term. Doing so wears away at our physical, mental, and spiritual health. Imagine the world with us all being Hulks most of the time!

Studies show that "insufficient Parasympathetic activity with excessive Sympathetic activity (a typical result of persistent stress, including psychosocial stress) may suppress the immune system, over-stimulate the production of oxidants leading to excessive oxidative stress, raise blood pressure, promote atherosclerosis, cause persistent inflammation, accelerate diabetes, promote atherosclerosis, and accelerate the onset of heart disease, kidney disease, or dementia."

I looked up articles in PubMed — there are too many to list. The evidence is overwhelming: chronic sympathetic dominance is one of the root drivers of modern disease.

Simple Ways to Activate Your Healing State

Sometimes switching states feels subtle and flowing. You spend time working on an urgent project at a high-stress job and then take a break, eat, and go for a walk. Later you go home, relax, connect with loved ones, and meditate. Other times the switch feels dramatic — you're calm one moment and then triggered into defensiveness the next. Just like the Hulk, we need training.

Here are some simple, free things that can shift you into healing mode:

• Stop multitasking and focus on one thing — be truly present
• Take deep, slow breaths
• Watch a sunrise or sunset and smile
• Connect with those you love
• Enjoy a pet or time in nature
• Light exercise — especially walking
• Eat slowly, noticing the flavors and textures
• Hold hands with a loved one
• Gaze at the stars
• Hum a tune
• "Take time to smell the roses" — literally

Advanced Healing Modalities

I also use some therapies to aid my transition into a healing state. Here are some of my favorites:

• BrainTap: Light and sound technology that induces deep relaxation states, improves sleep quality, and activates healing brainwave patterns
• Light Therapy (DNA Vibe): I use my DNA Vibe for light therapy regularly — even while writing
• Infrared Sauna: One of the most powerful tools for activating parasympathetic recovery, detoxification, and cellular repair
• Deep Sleep: I rarely wake to an alarm and let my body wake naturally when ready. Sleep is critical for healing and regeneration
• Adaptogenic Mushrooms & Vitamin D: To support and enhance immune function
• Quarterly 3+ Day Fasting: To boost autophagy and stem cell production — a powerful reset for the body
• Low Inflammatory Diet: Reducing foods that trigger the immune response and create systemic inflammation
• Cortisol-Lowering Supplements: When needed, specific vitamins and adaptogenic herbs to support stress recovery

All my love,
Lisa Gilmore
lifelinewithlisa@gmail.com