In this workshop, you will explore the role of the vagal nerve, how to track where you are in the nervous system, and cultivate trusting your gut. The vagus nerve is an integral part of the autonomic nervous system. It supports not only your breathing and digestion, but your emotional regulation, immune system, and social connection. It determines whether you are sensing safety in your tissues, which circumvents the brain’s rationale.
According to the Polyvagal Theory, feeling safe does not come from an absence of threat. Rather, safety is experienced when there’s a solid relationship to self and to others. Yoga offers tools to maintain connection both inside and out. Whether through your thoughts, feelings, or bodily senses, the best choices are made when you are in the parasympathetic state.
Cat will guide you through asana, pranayama, sound work, and body-mindfulness practices to regulate vagal tone and set up a safe relational haven within. What happens in Vagus, stays in Vagus!
Cost: $60 before 3/9, $70 after
In-Studio and livestream/recorded, recordings available for 14 days
About Cat McCarthy
ERYT-500/YACEP, NVC Facilitator, Compassionate Inquiry Practitioner
Cat McCarthy meets people where they are and supports them to where they want to go. She respects the container in which others can safely explore the heart-mind-body terrain, integrating the practice of Yoga, empathy skills of Compassionate/Nonviolent Communication (NVC), and trauma-Informed somatic movement therapy. A dedicated student and international trainer, Cat holds certifications in Anusara Yoga, Kripalu Yoga, NYCNVC Facilitation, and Compassionate Inquiry Therapy. She has studied extensively within the traditions of Rajanaka Philosophy, Neelakantha meditation, BMC’s Embodied Anatomy, Dr. Gabor Maté’s Compassionate Inquiry, and is the ASHY Resiliency Team Leader.
Cat offers entertaining education with vulnerable humor and dynamic clarity with her compassionate presence. When not traversing the globe to teach yoga, this Emmy-nominated filmmaker directs/produces non-fiction projects.