A simple method that helps you use complex Resilience tools.
Over the past few weeks, we have been writing about the various aspects of the Base - Progress - Thrive model, as it relates to Resilience.
As we’ve mentioned plenty of times, these are the essential elements that we help clients get ‘squared away’ before they even begin training with us.
The next, logical question that pops up is something like, “So, what will my training actually look like? What’s involved, exactly…?”.
The simple answer to this question is detailed in the framework we use for all training at The Resilience Lab: The S.E.A Method.
Those that know of our background in Watermanship Training will appreciate the synergy with this naming, however there is no flippancy applied to The S.E.A Method as it drives everything we teach!
So, with a view to understanding how this is applied to our programs, let’s unpack it a bit.
S is for Science
Everyone involved with The Resilience Lab has a deep-seated love of science and learning. We are continually on the lookout for new principles, techniques or discoveries that we can roll into our training packages.
All of our programs use the proven fundamentals of Functional Breathing and Movement, Nervous System Regulation and Polyvagal Theory as a starting point from which we can help students challenge themselves and grow.
We truly believe that with knowledge, comes the power to be Resilient, which is why we investigate each of these areas deeply- both in terms of theoretical understanding and practical application.
Once our students have begun to get their BASE Elements squared-away, we always start with helping them understand the effectiveness of Functional Breathing and Movement. We use a combination of scientifically-backed sources to do this, including The Oxygen Advantage and The Bradcliff Breathing Method.
We know (from a purely scientific standpoint) that individuals with Breathing Pattern Disorders find it extremely difficult to to regulate their Nervous Systems due to the (often unnoticeable!) internal signals they are sending themselves.
Once we have Functional Breathing and Movement patterns in place, we are then able to turn our attention to the serious business of Nervous System Regulation. This includes an array of tools that allow individuals to fluidly regulate themselves (both up-and-down regulation) in the face of ever-changing challenges.
E is for Environment
After solidifying the scientific elements of our teaching structure, we are then able to give students the choice of a variety of environmental elements in which they can be tested. This is an important aspect of The S.E.A Method as it provides inspiration and introduces stressors in a safe environment.
Here, the focus is definitely on allowing students to use their ‘Toolkit’ within the therapeutically beneficial ‘Growth Zone’ of activity.
Whether it is a forest, high mountains, the ocean, a simple local park, or even an office setting, we are able to use environmental stimuli to challenge students and create a dynamic learning environment.
The power of surrounding environments to help regulate nervous states is scientifically proven and anecdotally evident with every student we see!
A is for Activity
Structured and specifically designed activities form an integral cornerstone of the S.E.A Method.
Often, the goal of using specific activities is to mildly (and safely) increase perceived stress for a student, which in turn forces "top-down" cerebral processing and nervous system control.
Depending on the student (age, interests, desired outcomes,etc), we will choose from a huge bank of activities we have built over the years.
These activities have each been selected and modified to challenge students, facilitate growth and - of course - keep the learning environment as fun as possible.
Progression to this step of The S.E.A Method necessitates a delicate balancing act that is individual to each student.
After many years of teaching, testing and using these techniques we know that a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach never works. Therefore, this part of The S.E.A Method is constantly fine-tuned to meet the individual needs of each student.