You Make Sense

• The Antidote to Shame and Feelings of Unworthiness

  Shame often keeps us from living the full, expansive life we’re desiring. In this episode of You Make Sense, Sarah explains the difference between “healthy” and “unhealthy” shame, and why unresolved trauma can often leave us feeling unworthy or like there is something inherently wrong with us.While shame can affect every area of our lives, from our relationships to our purpose, the good news is that it’s absolutely possible to heal. Sarah will walk you through tangible somatic steps to bring your nervous system back into internal safety and access your healthy aggression or “life force energy,” both of which are imperative to releasing shame and finding freedom in your everyday life.Episode Highlights00:00 Intro00:26 What is Healthy Shame?04:29 What is Unhealthy Shame?11:55 How the Internalization of Shame Occurs13:59 How to Resolve Unhealthy Shame18:43 Accessing Healthy Aggression21:25 Parts Work & Embodying Your Creativity27:10 Processing the Underlying Activation of Panic Attacks33:17 Being Ferociously Protective of Your Own Story37:52 Shame Around Experiencing SetbacksWork with Sarah inside the You Make Sense course:Looking for tools to heal every area of your life? You Make Sense is a 10-week live somatic healing course that will help you to address your relationships, purpose, younger parts, boundaries, thoughts, and more!Join the waitlist by March 4th for limited-time reduced pricing:https://bit.ly/sp-yms-waitlistConnect with Sarah on:Website - https://www.sarahbaldwincoaching.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sarahbcoaching/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Sarahbaldwincoaching/Submit a Question:https://sarahbaldwin1.typeform.com/podcastImportant Keywords:Healthy Shame - Healthy shame teaches individuals about boundaries, consequences, and experiencing health in relationships and life. It begins to occur during early developmental stages and builds resilience to navigate stress and be with affect in our bodies. In the process, we are not made to feel like we are inherently bad or unlovable.Unhealthy Shame - Unhealthy shame is the internalization of what happened to us (or what was said to us) making one feel inherently bad and unworthy. This type of shame is often rooted in traumatic experiences and can result in long-lasting psychological distress.Nervous System Regulation - Nervous system regulation involves managing the body's response to stress and stimuli through various techniques that help maintain or restore a state of balance. It is crucial for emotional resilience and overall mental health.Somatic Experiencing - Somatic Experiencing is a modality developed by Peter Levine that uses the body to release stored trauma and activation. This approach is grounded in science that confirms the body holds past trauma, and that through somatic healing and completing the incomplete experience, we can release the stored traumatic energy and consequently, the past becomes the past rather than the perpetual present.Trauma - Trauma is the overwhelm of activation (energy) experienced in our bodies, in the face of helplessness. If we do not have the conditions necessary for trauma to process through our bodies, it becomes stuck and stored, leaving lasting emotional, physical or psychological imprints. It disrupts the nervous system causing chronic dysregulation, disconnection and/or hypervigilance.Internalization - Internalization is a psychological process where individuals unconsciously integrate the beliefs, values, and norms of others into their own self-view. In the context of shame, it often refers to the absorption of negative beliefs about oneself that are derived from critical or dismissive messaging and treatment by others.

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  43:33
• How Trauma Can Keep Us From Our Embodied Spirituality

  Diving into the often overlooked but deeply interconnected realms of science and spirituality, Sarah guides listeners through a transformative exploration. She underscores how both domains intertwine, particularly in the context of trauma and healing. Many of us desire to embody the core elements of spirituality—connectivity, presence, love, and surrender—but struggle to actually do so.This episode will address the common misconceptions and challenges associated with spirituality, including the impact of trauma on our capacity to experience deep levels of connectivity. She critiques the prevalent shaming in spiritual contexts, advocating for a more empathetic and inclusive approach.Episode Highlights00:00 Intro01:36 What is Spirituality?07:56 Most Trauma is Relational15:58 Processing Your Anger Toward the Universe22:53 Unlocking Connectivity to Your Spirituality31:51 Spiritual Journey and Nervous System Work33:19 Healing is Spiritual Work41:54 “How Does Plant Medicine Relate to the Nervous System?”49:35 “Why Do I Feel Like I Have No Spiritual Connection?”Join Sarah’s Email CommunityLooking for more tools and deeper support? Sarah offers additional teachings through her FREE weekly newsletter. Click below to join the email community.https://bit.ly/yms-sp-newsletterConnect with Sarah on:Website - https://www.sarahbaldwincoaching.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sarahbcoaching/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Sarahbaldwincoaching/Submit a Question:https://sarahbaldwin1.typeform.com/podcastImportant Keywords:Trauma Resolution - A process aimed at addressing and healing from traumatic experiences. Trauma resolution involves somatic therapeutic techniques that help individuals process and discharge stored traumatic energy from their bodies, reducing the ongoing impact on their mental and physical health.Nervous System Regulation - Refers to the practices and techniques used to maintain or return the nervous system to a state of balance. Effective regulation helps individuals manage their responses to stress and recover from experiences of chronic dysregulation, such as anxiety, depression, overwhelm, panic, or other trauma-related symptoms.Interconnectivity - A key concept in spirituality that denotes the interconnected nature of all things in the universe, including the self, others, and the environment. It suggests that everything is linked, and leaning into these connections can lead to deeper levels of regulation and support overall wellbeing. Spirituality - Often defined broadly as a sense of connection to something bigger than oneself, which can involve a search for meaning in life. Spirituality is personal and can encompass religious beliefs, personal values, and practices aimed at cultivating inner peace, deeper connectivity, love, and surrender.Somatic Experiencing - A therapeutic modality developed by Dr. Peter Levine aimed at resolving the mental, emotional, and physical symptoms of stored trauma by focusing on the body.

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  55:47
• The State of Your Nervous System Creates Your Thoughts

  The secret to changing your thoughts isn’t in your mind—it’s in your body. In this episode of You Make Sense, Sarah uses Polyvagal Theory to unravel the fascinating science behind how our nervous system shapes our story and why just telling ourselves to “think” differently doesn’t actually work.In order to change our thinking, we must first address the underlying dysregulation in our system. Sarah will walk you through tangible somatic practices to shift toward regulation, create new neural pathways for more “positive” thoughts, and find clarity on your truth. By harnessing the power of your nervous system, it’s possible to transform your inner world.Episode Highlights00:00 Intro00:49 Our Autonomic State Creates Our Story07:29 Thoughts in Dorsal (Immobilization)09:19 Thoughts in Sympathetic (Mobilization) 11:15 Thoughts in Freeze (Tonic Immobility)12:38 Thoughts in Ventral (Regulation)15:09 Projecting Your Past Onto the Present17:03 We Cannot Change Our Thinking in Dysregulation20:20 Limitations of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy28:09 “Why Do Thoughts I Know To Be Wrong Feel So True?”36:58 How to Overcome Negative Thoughts44:29 Mindset Work & Manifestation From A Somatic LensTake Sarah’s FREE Quiz:Feeling stuck in any area of your life? Take Sarah’s quiz to learn more about the self-protective system inside you that’s often responsible for your stuckness—and how to harness its power to step toward the life you desire.https://bit.ly/yms-sp-quizConnect with Sarah on:Website - https://www.sarahbaldwincoaching.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sarahbcoaching/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Sarahbaldwincoaching/Submit a Question:https://sarahbaldwin1.typeform.com/podcastContact Us:Have questions? Want to let us know how you’re liking the podcast? Reach out to Sarah’s support team at [email protected]. Important Keywords:Nervous System - The nervous system regulates bodily functions and responses to stress, consisting of the sympathetic (fight/flight) and parasympathetic (rest/digest) systems, comprised of our ventral vagal complex (rest and digest) and our dorsal vagal complex (shutdown/energy conservation). A well-regulated nervous system supports emotional balance, overall well-being, and supportive thoughts.Polyvagal Theory - A theory developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, explaining how the autonomic nervous system responds to safety or threat through three primary states: Ventral Vagal Complex (regulation and connection), Sympathetic Nervous System (mobilization), and Dorsal Vagal Complex (immobilization). This framework helps understand how our physiological state influences thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and perception.Dysregulation - Active self-protection in response to real or perceived threats, leading to physiological and emotional imbalance. It can manifest as anxiety, depression, apathy, or other distressing emotions and can hinder clear thinking or positive actions.Sympathetic Nervous System - The branch of the autonomic nervous system associated with mobilization or the fight-or-flight response. When activated, it increases energy, heart rate, and alertness to prepare for action.Dorsal Vagal Complex - A part of the parasympathetic nervous system responsible for immobilization or the shutdown response. It activates in extreme situations of perceived danger, leading to feelings of numbness, dissociation, or hopelessness.Ventral Vagal Complex - The branch of the parasympathetic nervous system associated with regulation, safety, connection, and presence. It supports social engagement, calmness, and the ability to rest and recover.Freeze Response - A blended state made of equal parts mobilizing Sympathetic energy and immobilizing Dorsal energy, creating a sense of urgency to act but an inability to do so. It often feels like being "stuck" or overwhelmed.Perceived Threat - A situation or stimulus that the nervous system interprets as dangerous, even if it is not an immediate danger in reality. It often stems from past trauma being projected onto the present.

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  51:23
• Slowing Down to Receive More

  If slowing down feels impossible or like a luxury you can’t afford, this episode is for you. Sarah unpacks why so many of us stay trapped in a cycle of constant “doing,” where rest feels risky and burnout becomes inevitable. Drawing on her expertise in Somatic Experiencing, Polyvagal Theory, and Parts Work, she explains how your past, trauma, and societal expectations can all keep you stuck on the hamster wheel.You’ll get simple, actionable steps to show your nervous system that slowing down isn’t just safe—it’s powerful. Whether it’s finding joy in a quiet walk, saying no to one more email, or unburdening your protective parts, this episode will help you reconnect with your body and bring regulation to your nervous system. Slowing down isn’t giving up—it’s the key to embodying the life and abundance you’re desiring.Episode Highlights00:00 Intro00:40 Your Environment Influences Your Nervous System03:13 The Sympathetic Nervous System06:44 The Origin of Our Protective Parts11:55 Building Your Capacity to Slow Down17:01 Somatic Tool: Disconfirming Experiences19:31 Somatic Tool: Taking Tolerable Steps21:25 Get to Know Your Protective Parts24:04 “I Feel Like I’m Constantly in a Dysregulated State”30:04 The Expand/Contract Experience of Healing 34:34 Somatic Support for Difficult Life, Political, or World EventsLooking for Deeper Support on Your Healing Journey?The next opportunity to work with Sarah is her 10-week program, You Make Sense! This comprehensive video-based course with weekly live Q&As will give you tangible somatic tools to address every area of your life.Join the waitlist for limited-time reduced pricing coming in March 2025:https://bit.ly/sp-yms-waitlistConnect with Sarah on:Website - https://www.sarahbaldwincoaching.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sarahbcoaching/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Sarahbaldwincoaching/Submit a Question:https://sarahbaldwin1.typeform.com/podcastImportant Keywords:Sympathetic Nervous System - The sympathetic nervous system is part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for mobilizing energy in response to perceived threats. By activating the HPA axis, cortisol and adrenaline levels are increased in the body, preparing our system to respond to danger and stress. Chronic activation of this system can lead to anxiety, burnout, and health issues.Regulation - Regulation refers to the ability to maintain or return to a state of safety, presence, and connection within the nervous system. A regulated nervous system promotes calmness, focus, and the capacity to handle life's challenges effectively. Building regulation involves consistent neural exercises and creating disconfirming experiences that show your body it’s safe to come into a state of rest.Trauma - Trauma is the overwhelm of activation (energy) experienced in our bodies, in the face of helplessness. If we do not have the conditions necessary for trauma to process through our bodies, it becomes stuck and stored, leaving lasting emotional, physical or psychological imprints. It disrupts the nervous system causing chronic dysregulation, disconnection and/or hypervigilance.Protective Parts - Protective parts are internal mechanisms (or versions of ourselves) developed to shield us from pain or harm, often formed during childhood. These parts use behaviors like perfectionism, overachievement, or avoidance to keep us safe from perceived threats. While they are well-intentioned, they can also keep us stuck in unhelpful patterns until their needs are addressed.Somatic Healing - Somatic healing focuses on addressing trauma and stress stored in the body, rather than just the mind. It involves practices that help release trapped activation/energy, regulate the nervous system and complete the incomplete response to trauma of the past, and reconnect with the physical self. Techniques like movement, touch, and breathwork are commonly used to support this healing process.

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  41:14
• Body Image, Aging, and Self-Acceptance from a Somatic Lens

  How often do we hear, “Just love your body,” only to feel more disconnected than ever? In this thoughtful episode of You Make Sense, Sarah tackles the complexities of body image, aging, appearance, and the journey to genuine self-acceptance. With her signature mix of science, storytelling, and somatic wisdom, she unpacks why conventional approaches to self-love often miss the mark—and what truly works.Sarah shares relatable personal stories and actionable tools to help you heal your relationship with your body, process past trauma, and embrace your unique self. From reframing societal pressures to building a compassionate connection with your body, this episode offers practical steps for feeling more at home in your own skin.Episode Highlights00:00 Intro02:45 Society’s Messaging About Body Image11:15 Befriending Your Body13:54 Why Do We Hide in Our Body?19:57 Trauma & Changing Our Appearance22:18 The Origin of Our Negative Orientation to Aging26:18 Somatic Tools to Build Self-Love and Acceptance31:09 Replace Coping Strategies with Regulating Resources38:01 “Why Am I Suddenly Negatively Fixated on My Height?”43:16 Somatically Healing Your Relationship with Your Body51:56 Binge-Eating and Sugar01:02:14 Weight Gain Can Be a Response to Trauma    Download Sarah’s FREE Workbook: Want free trauma-informed tools? Download Sarah’s free workbook, “How to Gain Control Over How You Feel,” for actionable prompts and exercises to help you start feeling better on a daily basis.https://bit.ly/yms-sp-workbookConnect with Sarah on:Website - https://www.sarahbaldwincoaching.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sarahbcoaching/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Sarahbaldwincoaching/Submit a Question:https://sarahbaldwin1.typeform.com/podcastImportant Keywords:Somatic Healing - Somatic healing is an approach to healing that focuses on addressing the nervous system and stored trauma within the body. It uses practices like body awareness, movement, and nervous system regulation to support emotional and physical well-being.Trauma - Trauma is the overwhelm of activation (energy) experienced in our bodies, in the face of helplessness. If we do not have the conditions necessary for trauma to process through our bodies, it becomes stuck and stored, leaving lasting emotional, physical or psychological imprints. It disrupts the nervous system causing chronic dysregulation, disconnection and/or hypervigilance.Self-Compassion - Self-compassion involves treating oneself with kindness, understanding, and care, especially during difficult times. It replaces self-criticism with empathy, fostering emotional resilience and self-acceptance.Dissociation - Dissociation is a coping mechanism where a person disconnects from their physical or emotional experiences, often in response to trauma or stress. It can manifest as a sense of detachment from reality, feeling "numb," or being "out of body."Parts Work - Parts work is a therapeutic approach that identifies and works with different "parts" of the self, often associated with distinct emotions, behaviors, or events from childhood. It helps individuals address internal conflicts and foster self-integration.Nervous System - The nervous system regulates bodily functions and responses to stress, consisting of the sympathetic (fight/flight) and parasympathetic (rest/digest) systems, comprised of our ventral vagal complex (rest and digest) and our dorsal vagal complex (shutdown/energy conservation). A well-regulated nervous system supports emotional balance, energy levels, and overall health.

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