The Neurobiology of Noticing Ease

Imogen Ragone and I implement the powerful neurophysiological effects of noticing ease during mind-body practices in our Foundations of Regulation online course and study groups. Noticing ease can affect our nervous system state and promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve emotional regulation, leading to a more resilient nervous system.

Noticing ease can shift the nervous system from fight-or-flight (sympathetic) to a more relaxed parasympathetic state.

This reduces stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, leading to a calmer physiological state when ease is noticed.

Noticing ease activates the prefrontal cortex, aiding in emotional regulation, self-reflection, and mindfulness.

It can reduce the activity of the amygdala, decreasing anxiety and hypervigilance, supporting relaxation and safety.

Noticing ease can enhance vagal tone to improve resilience and emotional regulation.

Repeatedly noticing ease can strengthen neural pathways associated with relaxation, contributing to neuroplasticity and a more balanced nervous system.

Noticing ease can increase awareness of internal bodily states, which supports emotional and physiological regulation, enhancing overall well-being.

About Shay Seaborne, CPTSD

Shay Seaborne CPTSD teaches Relational Neuroscience for stress reduction, trauma recovery, and community building. Shay has studied the neurobiology of fear / trauma /PTSD since 2014 and Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) since 2019. They write, speak, teach, and make art to convey their experiences as well as their understanding of the neurobiology of fear, trauma theory, Interpersonal Neurobiology concepts, and principles of trauma recovery. A native of Northern Virginia, Shay settled in Delaware to sail KALMAR NYCKEL, the state’s tall ship. But once they finally had mental health insurance, their life rapidly changed. The standard treatment for PTSD nearly killed them. The psychiatric abuse began a cascade of negative medical encounters that repeatedly caused additional harm and the development of severe Medical PTSD. Shay wishes everyone could recognize that "mental health problems" are symptoms of dysregulation, our mainstream culture is neuro-negative, and we can heal ourselves and each other through awareness, understanding, and safe connection.

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