Polyvagal Theory, Safety and the Therapeutic Relationship in Yoga Therapy with Marlysa Sullivan & Stephen Porges

Introduction: Today, we are honored to have Dr. David Rosmarin, an esteemed psychologist from Harvard Medical School, Associate Professor, and the Director of Spirituality. As the founder of the Center for Anxiety, he’s on a mission to redefine how we perceive and deal with anxiety. With his upcoming book, Thriving with Anxiety, set to launch this October, Dr. Rosmarin delves deep into the beneficial aspects of anxiety and how we can harness its power.

You are an expert at writing podcast show notes. Please write these notes. Please write the show notes for Harvard Medical School Psychologist and Associate Professor of the Director of Spirituality and founder for the Center for Anxiety. He has a new book coming out called Thriving with Anxiety in October 2023. In this interview we talk about the positive functions of anxiety including connection to self, other people and society, using anxiety as a signal to rebalance and attend to self-care, and learning to accept that anxiety happens to all of us and there is no use in fighting it. He shares a secret with us about how we can accept our own humanity and move into transcendence. He discusses that anxiety is uncomfortable for all of us and that we can harness the power of anxiety and use it to thrive. He gives us practical tools to use in combatting our anxiety. He discusses the difference between Stress, Fear and Anxiety.

Key Takeaways:

• The Positive Functions of Anxiety: Contrary to popular belief, anxiety can connect us to ourselves, others, and society. Understanding this connection can alter how we approach and manage our anxieties.
• Anxiety as a Signal: Recognizing anxiety as a hint to re-evaluate, rebalance, and attend to self-care. It’s not just a negative emotion; it’s our body’s alarm system urging us to check in with ourselves.
• Universal Acceptance of Anxiety: Embracing the idea that everyone experiences anxiety. Fighting or suppressing it is not the answer. Acceptance and understanding can lead to mastery.
• Moving into Transcendence: Dr. Rosmarin shares a profound insight: accepting our humanity can propel us to greater heights. Transcendence isn't about avoiding our feelings but acknowledging them and then soaring above.
• Harnessing Anxiety: It's uncomfortable, ubiquitous, but also undeniably powerful. When tapped into correctly, anxiety can become a force for positivity and personal growth.
• Practical Tools: From mindfulness exercises to reframing techniques, Dr. Rosmarin offers actionable strategies to combat and harness anxiety.
• Differentiating Stress, Fear, and Anxiety: These terms are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct differences. Dr. Rosmarin breaks down what sets them apart and how understanding these differences can aid in better mental health management.

Book Mention:

Thriving with Anxiety, releasing October 2023. In this essential read, Dr. Rosmarin explores the depths of anxiety, shedding light on its benefits and providing a roadmap for those seeking to use it as a tool for personal growth.

Buy the book: https://dhrosmarin.com/the-book/

Center for Anxiety: https://www.centerforanxiety.org

Harvard Medical School: https://projects.iq.harvard.edu/rshm/people/david-h-rosmarin-phd

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