Chapter One explored the concepts of kindness and happiness what they mean for us when we are together in the form of class agreements. Chapter Two explores the important role that our bodies, and in particular our nervous systems, play in our happiness and well-being. It does so by introducing the following:
The Resilient Zone
A way of describing when the nervous system is regulated (in homeostasis) and neither hyper-aroused (stuck in the high zone) nor hypo-aroused (stuck in the low zone). You can also refer to this as the “OK zone” or “zone of well-being.”
Sensations
A physical feeling or perception within the body or using the five senses, as distinct from emotions and non-physical feelings (like feeling happy or sad).
Tracking
Noticing and attending to sensations in the body in order to build up body awareness or “body literacy.”
Personal Resources
Things one likes and associates with greater safety and well-being that can be brought to mind to return to or stay in one’s resilient zone.
Grounding
Attending to the contact of one’s body with objects or the ground in order to return to or stay in the resilient zone.
Help Now! Strategies
Simple and immediate techniques for helping students return to their resilient zone when they get “bumped out” of that zone.