Episode 121 - Befriending Your Nervous System with Kim Rees
Are you feeling stuck in a personal prison of your own making? Do you find yourself constantly stressed, anxious, or burned out? In this enlightening interview, certified coach Kim Reese shares her insights on how understanding and befriending your nervous system can be the key to unlocking a more joyful, purposeful life.
The Journey from Personal Prison to Freedom
Kim Reese, like many of us, found herself trapped in what she calls a "personal prison" in midlife. The walls of her prison were:
People-pleasing
Perfectionism
Procrastination
Privacy
Through coaching, Kim discovered the power of self-awareness and the importance of understanding her nervous system. This knowledge became the key to her liberation and has since become her passion in helping others.
Understanding Your Nervous System: The Missing Link
Kim explains that our nervous system is always scanning for safety and danger. However, it's extremely sensitive and often inaccurate in its assessment of danger. This can lead to feelings of anxiety, stress, or depression, even when there's no actual threat present.
Key Points About the Nervous System:
It's always scanning for safety and danger
It's extremely sensitive but often inaccurate
It can keep us in a state of fight, flight, or freeze
Understanding it can be like "discovering electricity in your life"
Practical Ways to Befriend Your Nervous System
Kim shares several practical techniques to help regulate your nervous system:
Breathing exercises: Focus on extending your exhale to calm anxiety, or quicken your inhale to boost energy when feeling depressed.
The "Rag Doll" technique: Stand and bend forward at the waist, letting your arms and head hang loose to release tension.
Practice when you're not activated: Like learning any new skill, it's essential to practice these techniques when you're calm.
The Four A's: Keys to Liberation
Kim introduces the "Four A's" as antidotes to the personal prison:
Awareness
Acceptance
Agency
Accountability
These four elements work together to help you understand yourself better and take control of your life.
The Power of a Regulated Nervous System
When your nervous system is regulated, you can access your "higher brain" - the prefrontal cortex. This allows you to:
Make intentional decisions
Live with purpose
Respond rather than react to situations
You're Not Broken: A Message of Hope
Kim emphasizes that feeling anxious, stressed, or depressed doesn't mean you're broken. Your brain and nervous system are likely functioning perfectly - you just haven't learned how to harness their power yet.
"Nobody is broken. We just don't understand ourselves. And when we can understand ourselves and befriend our nervous system and regulate our nervous system, that is how we create resilience in our lives." - Kim Reese
Conclusion: The Path to Resilience and Healing
By understanding and regulating your nervous system, you can create a body that's inhospitable to stress. This is where true healing and resilience begin. Remember, you have the power within you - it's just a matter of learning how to tap into it.
You can learn more about Kim here:
https://www.instagram.com/kimreescoaching/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-rees-bbba39267/
Want More Clarity?
Are you ready to take it to a deeper level? Jill would love to be your coach!
Click HERE to learn about all the ways you can work together!
Click HERE to schedule a FREE Clarity Conversation with Jill.
Click HERE to check out her FREEBIES!
Click on the following links to learn more about Seasons Coaching and the Seasons of Joy Community Facebook Group.
To contact Jill about speaking to your group or business, email her at jill@seasons-coaching.com.
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