Session Four Positive Sensory Stimuli Practice

In our program, we work from the understanding that all people are healthy at their core. Returning to health can be easily achieved through the management of chemical production. Because we operate from the principle of health, we understand anything that is not health, is the byproduct of living from a triggered, survival consciousness.

All dysfunctional behavior is expressed in an attempt to relieve the state of suffering created by that conscious. All addictive behavior is the byproduct of the attempt to relieve suffering. Therefore imbalance of brain chemicals, which can result in addiction is best treated at the level of triggers. The best way to manage chemicals is by using the body’s ability to naturally produce them.

In this week’s practice, we’re going to experiment with different Positive Sensory Triggers, to help balance the brain and reduce the need to engage in self-medicating behaviors.

To begin our practice this week, we will explore the effects of sound on our mood. You can use sound apps with water or nature or soothing music. Try different kinds of sounds, like ASMR or Binaural music. Notice what is relaxing and soothing. If you listen to high energy music, notice how you feel after. This practice is specific to soothing the system, to notice what sounds calm our systems.

After you’ve finished experimenting with sound, write the sounds that work best for you to calm your system? You can also take notes on what doesn’t work.

This response will be awarded full points automatically, but it can be reviewed and adjusted after submission.

For the practice today, we will experiment with scents. Our sense of smell can have a significant effect on our brain chemistry. Think of all the different scents you might smell. Think of smelling something rancid. For some of us, we might have a strong visceral reaction to the smell. On the other hand, if we think of the smell of our favorite meal, we might feel happy.

Knowing the way our mind responds to different smells can be an advantage if we learn of to use the information to calm our systems when they’re stressed or avoid the things that might trigger a negative response. Try playing with different smells today, light a scented candle, or try incense. Play with different scents and find the ones that have the best impact on your mood.

When you find scents that work well for you, write them down to use for days when you feel stressed, to see if they reduce the effects of being triggered.

This response will be awarded full points automatically, but it can be reviewed and adjusted after submission.

Like yesterday, today will be about experimentation. Instead of just eating today, notice how the food tastes. Also, notice how the flavor affects your mood. What effects you the most? Do you feel better after healthy food or drink or is it the flavor of the food that has the most impact. Try different options, like tea or a light snack, vs. a whole meal.

Try different things today to see which have the strongest effect on you. Take notes of both positive and negative sensory triggers you have related to taste.

This response will be awarded full points automatically, but it can be reviewed and adjusted after submission.

Today, I would like you to notice the effects different visual stimuli have on your mood. Does the amount of light in a room affect you? Do you feel better when the sun is shining or are you more of a night owl? Notice colors in the room, gaze at the stars or watch trees blow in the wind. Try to write a description of what you see. Do you notice a difference when you just look at something that makes you feel good versus describing it?

Try describing any of your sensory experiences. What do you notice? How do you feel after describing a positive sensory experience?

This response will be awarded full points automatically, but it can be reviewed and adjusted after submission.

The last item on our list of positive sensory experiences I would like to explore is self-comforting behavior. The sense of touch has the most powerful sensory impact on the brain. The most important thing to consider with touch is just how powerful it can be. It can be our best or our worst triggers. Think of comforting, soothing touch, like a cozy blanket or the feel of water. Think of everyday things that feel good, the warmth of the sun, or a cool breeze. Changing into our favorite casual clothes. Also, explore the feeling of new stimuli tapping, or having a pedicure.

Begin with simple practices and notice what works best for you. Be sure to keep notes for clarity and try using self-soothing tools when you are having a bad day.

This response will be awarded full points automatically, but it can be reviewed and adjusted after submission.

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