Optional: Listen to an overview of this lesson.

Locating body sensations

Introduction to Sensations: When a person encounters an event or a thought that triggers feelings of anger, sadness, or fear, their body responds with a sensation. When we’re in the moment of that emotion, we rarely notice those sensations. Often, the same emotion will happen alongside the same body sensations. 

Noticing butterflies in our tummy often warns us of danger. The emotion that goes along with that is nervousness, anxiety, or fear. When we start to notice that, we can check in with ourselves and begin to use tools to help keep us calm.   

Sometimes, young children don’t know they’re making a face or what they look like when they are having some emotions. Using a mirror to help them see what happy, mad, or sad looks like can be powerful. 

Encouraging kids to notice when certain body sensations start to happen gives them another tool for awareness, helping them recognize that something is going on and that Amy may be coming online. Once they learn to notice and recognize their sensations, they can start using their regulation practices to keep Neo online and avoid flipping their lid. They can avoid going to the red zone with reactions and meltdowns.