The Pocket Guide to the Polyvagal Theory

Stephen Porges extensively details the physiological reality of safety. In other words, what happens in our nervous system for our bodies to feel safe. I think most of us would acknowledge there is interplay between body and soul, but it seems that most of us (at least the people I run with and including myself) have not given thought to what our bodies are communicating to us.

My largest take-away for the book was explanation on how nervous system can respond beyond the fight or flight reaction. The Polyvagel theory deals with the secondary way our nervous system can deal with a threat - immobilization. This gave me a category that I didn't have before, and I could easily trace the concept to reality.

The next biggest take-away was the correlation of trauma and immobilization. Although, this theory mostly can only deal with the identification of this correlation. Developing treatment for this, according to Porges, is still in its early stages.

Finally, the book lays out the various ways we can experience safety most notably (in my opinion) including the social interaction factor. This has profound implications for our constant use of media today as it relates to the experiencing physical safety.

I found the book to be very repetitive, and this is in part because of the layout of the book being a series of lectures/conversations. Because the subject matter is rather technical, the repetitiveness would be welcome for some. Also, for those who enjoy story to help them connect to the subject matter will be happy with what they find in this book. The book starts with a glossary of terms. I think this should be moved to the end because this can discourage some readers from making it to the important premise this book presents.

I am grateful I read this book, and it will provide me with plenty to think about for a long time.