Thank-you for being patient with my slower pace this summer as I navigate chronic illness that flares with this summer heat. If you're new here - WELCOME! I'm excited to give everyone some updates on what I have been working on!

This summer, a lot of my mental energy has been spent on making sure my self-care routines (movement, sleep, meds, snuggling kitties, community, etc.) are on point and keeping up with world events. What I continue to learn and believe is that mutual aid and community connection is what is going to help up make it through the now and what's to come. Though I am struggling with pain and fatigue, I have still used the energy I have for friends birthdays, protests, making new connections, supporting family who experienced loss, etc. We need each other.

I'll still be moving slow and intentional through August as here in Texas, we still have the hottest parts of the summer to come. Starting in September, I'll be slowly ramping things up some events and new groups!. Read more to get those updates!

JULY UPDATE

NEUROTIP: CLIMBING THE POLYVAGAL LADDER

Check out my previous Neurotips or read my blog on Polyvagal Theory if you'd like more of a foundation to help understand this month's neurotip: Climbing the Polyvagal Ladder.

The Polyvagal Ladder is a visual tool based on Polyvagal Theory that shows how we move in-and-out of different parts of our nervous systems. I teach each of my clients about these three states and how we move through them. Primary States Ventral Vagal - "Safe & Social" Rest, Connected, Present, Calm Sympathetic - "Fight/Flight Increased HR, anger, threatened Dorsal Vagal - "Shutdown" Disconnected, numb, helpless

This ladder is speaking directly the structure of our nervous system and how different parts of our systems work together when we are in danger or high levels of stress. Based on our biology, we move in predictable ways up and down the ladder: starting at the top, moving down the ladder when we are stressed, and back up when stressed is resolved.

How Reviewing The Polyvagal Ladder Helps

• Reduces Shame - "You are not broken, just stuck down the ladder"
• Builds Awareness - Being aware of our somatic responses empowers us
• Helps Understand Triggers & When to Regulate
• Builds Resilience - Once we map our nervous system, we can help guide our nervous system back up the ladder.

Map Your Nervous System After I review this with my clients, we map their nervous system! Want to map yours? You'll need colored pens or markers. You can use my forms (below) and follow these general instructions:

• Start with Your Sympathetic Nervous System
• Think of a time that you know you were in fight/flight - let a little of this energy in your body.
• Choose a color that matches this energy.
• Write down the thoughts, feelings, body experiences, social issues etc. associated with this state.
• How would you complete these statements in this state: The world is ______. I am _________.
• The go to Dorsal Vagal - repeat above. Make sure to just let a little energy in - it's easy to get stuck here.
• Finish off with your Ventral Vagal!

​Polyvagal Ladder front.pdf​

​Polyvagal Ladder .pdf​

NEW SUPPORT GROUPS!

Last month I collected feedback from about 25 other healers regarding what types of support groups, therapy groups, and trainings they would want for themselves and what days and times work best. Based on this feedback, I'll be hosting 5 peer support groups on Tuesday evenings or Friday lunchtime starting in September!

Things to Know About These Support Groups:

• In-Person Only - For Now!
• These peer groups are for those who work in healing mental health and socials systems (LPC, LMSW, LCSW, PMHNP, etc).
• These are open groups - meaning you can come one month and not the next and different people may be there each time.
• Space for 10 people each group in September - so sign up to save your spot!
• Coffee, tea, water and snacks will be provided
• Pricing is tiered based on what you are able to contribute: $0 - $10 - $20
• ADA Support Available - just indicate in your signup form and I'll make sure your needs are available.

How to Sign Up

• Find a group you'd like to attend below - click the image
• Complete the signup form
• Look for confirmation email from Brandi within 48 hours. If all 10 spots are filled she will add you to a waiting list.
• Keep an eye out for group reminders in your email
• If you signed up and cannot attend, please email me (brandi@brandisolanki.com) so your spot can be given to someone else!

AUGUST WACO HEALER SOCIAL CONNECTION!

​ MEET UP FOR LUNCH WITH OTHER HEALERS! ​Taz Indian Cuisine is a new Indian Restaurant in Waco! Let's keep our $$$ local and build community at the same time! If you're a mental health healer/professional RSVP for a chill lunch at 12:00pm on August 15th! RSVP for Lunch!

AUGUST WACO COMMUNITY EVENTS

SOUTHERN & QUEER - STILL HERE​ "A love letter to our queer community in the South" ​ ​The Waco Pride Network (WPN) & PSL Waco are hosting a social hour that includes an art show and a panel that centers queer artists and local queer organizers. ASL interpretation will be available. August 9th | 3pm-6pm | PACC - 924 Austin Ave, Ste 150, Waco

​ Join Yoga8 for a supportive, science-informed series designed to calm the nervous system, regulate emotions, and help you reconnect with a sense of peace in your body and mind. ​What to Expect: Gentle movement & somatic practices Breathwork to soothe Guided relaxation & mindfulness Tools you can take with you Register Here

OTHER RESOURCES

Check out some potential resources you may enjoy that are online. I'm always on the lookout for more. If you know of something you'd like me to highlight, just respond to this email!

Connect with Me!

I hope you enjoyed The Polyvagal Ladder! If you're a healer in Waco, I'd love to see you at lunch at Taz and then at a peer support group in September!

There are so many ways to build connection and support your community. If you know of anything I can add to my newsletter for September (resources or events) just respond to this email and let me know!

I do have current openings for Brainspotting and the Safe & Sound Protocol! Reach out if you'd are interested or would like to refer someone!