Chapter 2 explores the important role that our bodies, and in particular our nervous systems, play in our hap-
piness and well-being. In modern life, our bodies sometimes react to danger when there is no real threat to our survival, or hold on to a sense of danger for far too long after a threat has passed. This can lead to a dysregulation of the nervous system, which in turn can damage a students’ ability to concentrate and learn. Ongoing and pervasive dysregulation can even compromise a student’s short-term and long-term physical health. Fortunately, students can learn to calm their bodies and minds and regulate their nervous systems. This chapter helps students develop resilience skills that can foster strategies for self-care.
Many of these resilience skills are based on a significant body of clinical and scientific research. It is possible that while exploring sensations of the body with your students, some of them will have difficult experiences that you may not be able to deal with sufficiently on your own, especially if they have suffered or are suffering from trauma. The Help Now! Strategies can be suggested to the student in the immediate aftermath of an unexpected reaction. If you have counselors or school psychologists, we encourage you to seek assistance and further counsel as necessary. However, the approach taken in SEE Learning® is a resilience-based approach that focuses on the strengths of individual students, not on treating trauma. These are general wellness skills that can be beneficial to anyone, regardless of their level of experience of trauma. Students will be well positioned to explore the next elements of SEE Learning, cultivating attention and developing emotional awareness, when they have more ability to regulate their nervous systems.