Breaking the People-Pleasing Pattern
People-Pleasing and Your Nervous System
First, let’s understand people-pleasing from a nervous-system perspective. People-pleasing stems from The Fawn Response, a combination of the dorsal-vagal (shut down) and sympathetic (fight mode) nervous-system responses. In this hybrid state, we avoid conflict due to fear of rejection/retaliation. From this place of fear, we are actually shutting down our fight response.
Why does this not serve us?
We need a healthy dose of the fight response for setting boundaries, speaking our truth, and preserving/defending ourselves. To overcome the fawn response, we need to turn off the avoidance of our fight response while maintaining a healthy level of sympathetic involvement.
Yoga and People-Pleasing
Yoga can be a powerful tool in addressing chronic people-pleasing tendencies by promoting self-awareness, self-compassion, and healthy boundaries.
Here's how yoga can contribute to breaking the cycle of chronic people-pleasing:
Self-Awareness: Through yoga, we develop a heightened sense of self-awareness. Regular practice encourages us to tune into thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. This awareness is the first step in recognizing patterns of people-pleasing behavior.
Mindfulness and Present Moment Awareness: Yoga emphasizes mindfulness and being present in the moment. This practice helps us become aware of our actions and choices, supporting our ability to make decisions based on personal values rather than external expectations.
Establishing Healthy Boundaries: Yoga philosophy encourages the practice of ahimsa, or non-harming, which includes setting healthy boundaries. As we become more attuned to our needs, we can establish clear boundaries in relationships, reducing the compulsion to please others at the expense of our own well-being.
*It's important to note that while yoga can be a supportive tool, addressing chronic people-pleasing often involves a holistic approach, including tools such as therapy, self-reflection, and community care. Integrating these practices into daily life can contribute to building healthier, more authentic relationships.
If finding techniques that support your nervous system health is important to you, be sure to grab your free download on the resources page of www.jessnoreiga.com. Visit me on social media and share what somatic practices support your nervous system!
For even greater support, reach out to me at www.jessnoreiga.com to learn how we can take an integrative approach together for finding you calm, balance, and ease.
Wishing you well,
Jess
