Embodiment: Supporting Family Wellbeing During Transitions

Guest Blogger | Kay Louise Aldred

Transitions, whether they are daily routines or significant life changes, can be challenging for families.
Understanding and implementing strategies that promote wellbeing during these times can help
everyone in the family manage change more effectively.

This blog has been inspired by the webinar delivered by Kay Louise Aldred for The PDA Space in
June 2024. A free community e-book is available to support this blog in the PDA Space and also on
the website of Autistic Realms. This is an open source community resource and you are welcome to
download and share widely and explore the many other free resources that we have.

What is Embodiment?

Embodiment is about being present in our bodies, managing our emotional reactivity, and
understanding the connection between our mind, body, and sensory system. For children to feel safe,
they need to feel connected and regulated, which requires them to feel 'embodied.'

Why Embodiment Matters

When people are regulated, they can learn, enjoy life, and be their best selves. Embodiment involves
staying present in our bodies, acknowledging sensations and emotions without triggering dysregulation like fight, flight, freeze, or fawn responses. It is essential for maintaining overall
wellbeing.

Understanding Polyvagal Theory

Developed by Stephen Porges, polyvagal theory explains the three-part autonomic nervous system:
ventral vagal, sympathetic vagal, and dorsal vagal systems. Co-regulation, the process of mutual
regulation between individuals, is crucial for managing an over or underactive nervous system.

Nervous System States

• Dorsal Vagal (Freeze)
  Burnout, shutdown, depression.
• Sympathetic Nervous System (Fight, Flight, Fawn)
  Anxiety, anger, panic.
• Ventral Vagal (Safety and Connection)
  Feelings of safety, joy, and readiness to engage.

Wellness Factors for Family Wellbeing

Wellness factors are important considerations for supporting embodiment and overall wellbeing.
These include environmental, nervous system, emotional, creative, and social factors.

Key Wellness Factors

• Environmental
  Ensure a non-toxic, health-giving physical environment.
• Nervous System
  Tend to your nervous system's needs.
• Emotional and Social
  Build emotional resilience and supportive relationships.
• Creativity and Meaning
  Engage in creative activities and find a sense of purpose.

Practical Tips for Managing Transitions

Before the Transition

• Carry out a body-mind check-in to ensure readiness.
• Prepare photos, maps, and videos to familiarize the family with upcoming changes.
• Offer flexibility and choices to ease the transition.

During the Transition

• Keep routines as consistent as possible.
• Bring familiar objects like toys or comforters.
• Allow extra time for processing and decompression.

Embodied Mindfulness

• Practice being in the present moment.
• Give time and space for adjustments.
• Prepare for sensory needs in new environments, such as using ear defenders or bringing safe
  foods.

Strategies for Embodiment

• Breathing Exercises
  Left nostril breathing can create calmness and emotional balance.
• Self-Holding and Containment
  Simple techniques to ground oneself.
• Self-Compassion
  Treating oneself with kindness in the face of challenges.

The Importance of Self-Compassion

Self-compassion involves being kind to oneself during times of perceived inadequacy or suffering. It
plays a vital role in navigating transitions smoothly and maintaining family wellbeing. Every family
member deserves to thrive (including us as parent/carers). By embracing embodiment, understanding
polyvagal theory, and considering wellness factors, we can support our family's wellbeing through
transitions and hopefully have a smoother journey with lots of glimmers of joy along the way!

For further support, explore these resources:

• The PDA Space Workshops, webinars, and peer support.
• Kay Louise Aldred. Specializing in Embodied Education and Spirituality.
• Autism Understood. Resources by autistic young people.  
• Autistic Realms. Articles on autism, education, and mental health.

This blog has been created using Canva AI based on the ebook created by Helen Edgar (Autistic
Realms), inspired by The PDA Space Webinar 2024 with Kay Louise Aldred.