Self-soothing.
It's a popular concept within the Mums and Bubs network. Though opinions vary about whether infants are truly capable of it.
Whether it's for babes or not, it most certainly is for adults.
We must all cultivate the ability to soothe our wearied soul. We must all learn how to preen our feathers which have been ruffled by the Winds of Life (see my previous post). We must all learn how to truly care for our Self.
The release of oxytocin is the key factor in the importance of self-soothing. Oxytocin, released within the brain from oxytocinergic nerves emanating from the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) in response to sensory stimuli, is often called 'the love hormone'. It is the hormone that underlies trust. It is also an antidote to depressive feelings.
This Oxytocin stuff sounds pretty good!
How can we get it?
We can engineer the release of oxytocin through acts of Self-Soothing. Deliberate pleasurable actions that centre around our five senses - taste, touch, sight, hearing and smell - will all release oxytocin.
Here's a little start.
Have a look through this vid (I'm a sea-lover so it works a treat for me!). Or find one that truly soothes you. Looking at and listening to something pleasurable will bring pleasure, and will begin to release a little oxytocin.
Begin the journey towards discovering our own versions of self-soothing.
Arohanui
Contact me: Lorraine Dodd: Counsellor in Howick, Auckland 0221 874 057, through the contact section http://lorrainedodd.wix.com/lorraine-dodd by email nurturinghope@gmail.com or Private Message me through Facebook
