Send us a Text Message.In this episode of the Native Yoga Toddcast, host Todd welcomes back Dr. Michael Shea for a discussion on polyvagal theory in yoga and meditation. They explore the importance of the vagus nerve, an information highway that connects the brain to every organ system in the body. Dr. Shea explains how the vagus nerve plays a crucial role in our sense of safety and how trauma can impact its functioning. They delve into the concepts of top-down and bottom-up approaches in therapy and the role of yoga and meditation in regulating the nervous system. The episode highlights the significance of turning inward and finding love in the present moment as a means of healing and self-discovery.Visit Michael on his website: https://www.sheaheart.com/Key Takeaways:The vagus nerve is a vital information highway that connects the brain to every organ system in the body, providing sensory impressions and information about our state of safety.Trauma can disrupt the functioning of the vagus nerve, leading to heightened stress responses or withdrawal and numbing behaviors.Yoga and meditation can help regulate the vagus nerve and promote a greater sense of safety and well-being.The yamas and niyamas, ethical principles in yoga, provide a moral code that can guide our relationships with others and ourselves, supporting the turn inward and self-discovery.Thanks for listening to this episode. Check out: ?Free Grow Your Yoga Live Webinar – Every Thursday at 12pm EST➡️ Click here to receive linkNew Student FREE Livestream Yoga Special ~ Try 2 Weeks of Free Unlimited Livestream Yoga Classes  at Native Yoga Center. info.nativeyogacenter.com/livestream Sign into the classes you would like to take and you will receive an email 30 minutes prior to join on Zoom. The class is recorded and uploaded to nativeyogaonline.com  ➡️  Click Here to Join. Practice to a New Yoga Class every day with our nativeyogaonline.com course called Today’s Community Class with code FIRSTMONTHFREE.Subscribe to Native Yoga Center and view this podcast on Youtube.Thank you Bryce Allyn for the show tunes. Check out Bryce’s website: bryceallynband.comand sign up on his newsletter to stay in touch. Listen here to his original music from his bands Boxelder, B-Liminal and Bryce Allyn Band on Spotify.Please email special requests and feedback to info@nativeyogacenter.comSupport the Show.Native Yoga website: hereYouTube: hereInstagram: @nativeyoga Twitter: @nativeyoga Facebook: @nativeyogacenter LinkedIn: Todd McLaughlin