Skillful Teaching

Asheville, NC, is on my mind this morning. ❤😥. Consider donating👇

Well, this TOTALLY SUCKS...
But sh*t happens and we hope it’s not too late…

It turns out that somehow (digital gremlins, maybe) the link to register for our NSIF What to Expect call has not been working! Ugh.

Well…we’ve gotten ourselves sorted so you can officially REGISTER!

(https://calendly.com/theembodiedbusinessinstitute/nsif_with_chantill)

And now that that’s out of the way, here’s what we really wanted to tell you:
It’s TOMORROW! :)

At 9 AM PST/12 Noon EST, I’ll be leading a Free What to Expect in NSIF Call holding space for all of the curious minds out there, who are ready to stop dabbling in nervous system work.

I didn’t want you to miss this chance to dig into all of the juicy details of our one-of-a-kind Nervous System certification and training program.

It’s ZERO risk or obligation and if you’re even a little bit curious I know you’ll gain a lot from coming over and learning a bit more about this program and what’s possible when you can apply nervous system work with confidence.

Here’s what we’re going to chat about…

>> Exactly what you’ll learn in our time together, and how our graduates are applying their certifications and nervous system facilitation skills in their fields as coaches, educators, entrepreneurs, and embodiment professionals
>> How the program works, the progression between the three levels, and the certification process
>> The top questions people have before they join the NSIF

Plus you’ll have time to ask YOUR questions.

If you’ve been following along as we get ready to begin the NSIF and have felt curious, this is your opportunity to get a taste of what the container is like in a casual, low-pressure environment.

Click the link in my bio to reserve your spot - if you can’t make it live we’ll send you the replay!

Xo — c

Register here: https://calendly.com/theembodiedbusinessinstitute/nsif_with_chantill

Struggling to find a SYSTEM to apply Nervous System Work WELL?

Not anymore — we’ve got you!

The reason so many people only dabble in Nervous System work or the Polyvagal Theory (PVT) is because we haven't A SYSTEM to apply it effectively.

NO SYSTEM exists that was created to support ALL OF US in knowing what, how, and when to apply the elements of this incredibly complex science to what we do.

Here are some of the reasons why:

🚩 PVT was born out of research, as all good science is. But not out of application.

🚩 PVT in particular, and our emergent understanding of how the central nervous system impacts behavior, is not domain specific. Meaning it’s up to US to take the science and figure out how to make something useful out of it.

🚩 There are INFINITE applications from healing trauma, to improving physical health and resilience, to creating psychological safety, to improving communication and conflict resolution and staff retention, amplifying physical and intellectual performance, working with neurodivergence, to improving family and educational systems. An incredibly short list, but you get the drift.

🚩 It’s hard to keep up with the science and most people aren’t willing to do the heavy lifting.

But none of that intimidated us.

In fact, it is the very reason that three years ago we were inspired to create a codified, strategic, and succinct framework for professionals to be able to apply this incredible science in a way that can be tracked, assessed, and PRODUCE RESULTS.

🗣99% of what you see out on the social media and internet space are folks essentially throwing spaghetti at the wall. Some of them are REALLY good at it, but few of them have a system to help you take this specific body of work and make it work for you, in YOUR professional space, over and over again.

And that’s just what we’ve done for two parallel groups of professionals:

If you’re a:
👉 movement educator
👉 body-based practitioner
👉 fitness instructor of any kind

OR you’re an:
👉 executive coach
👉 leader
👉 entrepreneur
👉 work in change management or
👉 organizational Personal Trainer Development Center

(Who understands that it takes more than your intellect to maneuver and create positive change).

The NSIF program will give you a simple and effective framework to guide your every application, track your clients’ progress, and keep them deepening the growth and change they most desire — the reason they’re working with you. And never leave you and them flat because you’re not sure what to do next.

If you want to learn more about what we do in NSIF and how we support these groups of professionals by attending this Saturday’s 🤓 What to Expect Call 🤓 with me.

We’ll be meeting from >> 9 - 10 am PST

Know, Soothe + Improve {Your Nervous System} - an educational series

Here we go!

Locked Behind the Baby Gate:


I read a fabulous book when my daughter was little called “The Whole-Brain Child” by Dr. Dan Siegel. In one section, he and co-author, Tina Payne Bryson, PhD, talk about when a child becomes so upset that they’re inconsolable. We try to placate, reason with, soothe, nourish, teach, coerce, discipline, etc. — all the things — and to no avail. The reason nothing works is because:

…”when a child becomes angry, their ‘downstairs brain’ has ‘latched the baby gate’.. This is because the brain stem and amygdala, which are part of the "downstairs brain", have received a surge of energy. This leaves little energy for the ‘upstairs brain’.”

This is essentially what happens when we, as adults, become seriously dysregulated.

When your nervous system is detecting threat, under stress, feeling unsafe and vulnerable, your “downstairs brain” — as they put it — your brain stem takes over, sending your body and your brain messages to protect itself.


>> KNOW> SOOTHE > IMPROVE

They did it!
Celebrating our graduating NSIF cohort + the cohort that starts Oct. 4th!

Fad or Fundamental?

How do you know if “nervous system work” is a fad or if you should REALLY pay attention and start integrating it in earnest?

Often times, when I start talking to folks about “nervous system work”, I hear things like:

🧐 I hear “nervous system” everywhere. It seems like a fad, which I try to avoid. (That is typically ME!)
🧐 Isn’t it for therapists?
🧐 My therapist has mentioned it, I think.
🧐 I do breath work with my clients. What else is there to calming the nervous system?
🧐 I’ve been doing “nervous system work” for ages.
🧐 I meditate. That’s nervous system work, isn't’ it?
🧐 I already do vagal toning with my students/clients, but don’t really talk about their nervous system.
🧐 It’s all over Instagram. I’m not really sure what to trust or how much I should invest in understanding more.
🧐 I hear they’ve totally debunked the Polyvagal Theory.
🧐 I took a workshop on the vagus nerve (Obviously awesome! I teach those, haha 🙂)
🧐 I’ve dabbled with the nervous system, but don’t really see how it supports what I do.

I’ve been hearing these responses for a long time from a lot of people. And it makes sense. It’s appropriate. A lot of these things I’ve either said or thought about other emerging theories, frameworks, and new ways of teaching, coaching, or entrepreneuring (that should be a word ;)

It’s good to be dubious and to question and to feel unsure of things that “everyone” is talking about.

But the truth is, our modern understanding of the nervous system, particularly via what the Polyvagal Theory has unearthed (35 years of science and research), are informing the way we:

🌿 Create cultures and environments of psychological safety
🌿 Support people, of all ages, on the spectrum connect with others and the world in a less threatening way
🌿 Help clients navigate trauma and alleviate chronic pain
🌿 Support clients (individuals and organizations) navigate deep and fundamental behavior change and change of all kinds
🌿 Enhance embodiment and develop a greater capacity for complexity and challenge
🌿 Enliven play, elevate joy, and improve performance
🌿 And so much more

The Nervous System Integration Facilitator Training + Certification Program (NSIF) Anne Bishop and I have created through The Embodied Business Institute is based on more than 40+ years of research and application from experts like ⭐️ Dr. Gabor Mate, ⭐️ Dr. Stephen Porges, ⭐️ Deb Dana LCSW, ⭐️ Bessel van der Kolk M.D, and others.

Together Anne and I have more than a combined 20+ years experience in brain-based education + nervous system-based behavior change...
​
We bring to the program knowledge and certifications from:

🧠 Deb Dana, Creator of Rhythm of Regulation and Author of many books on the nervous system including "Anchored"
🧠 Dr. Stephen Porges, creator of the Polyvagal Theory
🧠 Michael Allison, Creator of the PlayZone - A Polyvagal-driven coaching certificate program
🧠 The Polyvagal Institute - The Polyvagal Certificate Program
🧠 The Neuroleadership Institute
🧠 Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) as a Universal 🧠 Design for Learning Educator
🧠 The Neuroleadership Institute as a Brain Based Coach

As well as certifications from dozens of somatic, healing, educational, and business institutions, compiling tens of thousands of hours in study and practice in these fields.

If you have a desire to explore what it means to REALLY learn the powerful and life-changing nervous system work that will help you and your clients do all of these things (up there) and likely more, I invite you to explore the NSIF program:

https://www.theembodiedbusinessinstitute.com/nervous-system-integration-facilitator-training

Super fun to end up in Shoutout Colorado this month...guess CO is kinda my home away from home these days. I'm so grateful to not just be a part of an AMAZING community of humans I call friends, but also to be connecting professionally with so many rockstars.

Check out the article (on being a risk-taker) below:

https://shoutoutcolorado.com/meet-chantill-lopez-co-founder-of-the-embodied-business-institute-author-podcast-host-nervous-system-organizational-development-consultant/

It’s HERE! Our next cohort of ⚡The Nervous System Integration Facilitator Training ⚡ starts Oct. 5th and it’s almost SOLD OUT ❤️

The Nervous System Integration Facilitator (NSIF) is my heart and soul. It’s the culmination of 25+ years of movement, somatic, brain-based education, coaching + mentoring AND one of the most impactful programs we’ve ever created.

It’s also my FAVORITE program to lead.

And this fall’s cohort, starting October 5th, is already 🔥.

In this program and I get to gather a passionate, invested cohort of coaches, therapists, movement teachers, medical professionals, and folks who support their clients in claiming better health and building the life they truly want to live.

Our cohorts spend a very powerful and spacious year together learning, examining, testing, practicing, and exploring the emergent science of nervous system and brain-based behavior change.

And every year, our cohorts inevitably transform into tight-knit networks where long-lasting friendships and collaborative partnerships are born.

NSIF students learn the deep and complex science of the nervous system, deeply rooted in part in the Polyvagal Theory, how to facilitate nervous system work for lasting and profound behavior change, and learn a clear, succinct, and replicable framework from which to teach their clients to build awareness, tone, and resilience in their own nervous systems.

But the truth is, my favorite part of facilitating NSIF is witnessing the PERSONAL transformation our participants go through as they explore the science and practice of nervous system work for themselves

This training is almost SOLD OUT.

We already have several INCREDIBLE coaches and movement educators who are IN for this round, which means we only have a few spots left.

Learn more here: https://www.theembodiedbusinessinstitute.com/nervous-system-integration-facilitator-training

(Get on a chat with me if you have questions. You can do that HERE: https://calendly.com/theembodiedbusinessinstitute/nervous_system_works_clarity_call

(Give a shout out graduates and current cohort! Tami Lysher Jenny Jennings Alexis Pittmon Patti Halyburton Abel Brittany LaBotz Robbins Angelica Palomo April Underwood Burmester Andrea Turnbull Beth Redfern Pilates + Movement Therapy Sarah de Guia Synergy Studio)

Thank you to everyone who came to this morning's Rewire from Within Nervous System Salon!

What a wonderful opportunity to connect around change, healing, health, and expanding our potential as humans from the NS perspective.

Here's a little sneak peek of what we got into (below): understanding how change is impossible if the NS is overrun by the physiological information coming from the brain stem and what we can do about it.

..And much more, including optimizing the brain for new thinking and habits and how to promote homeostasis for healing.

Whoa! Lots of great stuff.

If you're interested in attending a future "salon", I'd love to know.

📲 Put the word "YES" in the comments below and I'll make sure you get on the Rewire from Within notifications list.

Wishing everyone a Saturday with lots of glimmers. 🫶

WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOUR REALLY TOUGH CLIENTS…

Do you ever feel like there is a gap in how truly effective you can be with your clients or students? Or wonder what’s REALLY going on with your most challenging ones?

Sometimes we’re doing all we can, we know our skills are strong, our intuition on point, and yet, some clients are so resistant or get so stuck that we can’t help but feel like there’s something we’re not quite seeing.

It can be so frustrating when we know they WANT change and growth, they’re maybe even desperate for it (or they’re feeling the pressure of achieving something BIG within their work) and yet they can’t seem to get there. They’re getting in their own way as it were.

We know these clients because they:

👉 Show up for a session making excuses for why they didn’t implement the plan they had from your last time together

👉 Often show up late and unfocused ready for you to “fix” them or their challenges

👉 They casually cancel or reschedule, putting other things ahead of their time with you EVEN though they say they love and need it

👉 Seem to be taking all the right steps, but experience recurring pain, challenges, or overwhelm

Chances are, what’s REALLY happening is rooted in their nervous system.

🚩 If their nervous system is chronically dysregulated, you’re trying to help them build new habits of thinking, feeling, and behaving from a BRAIN THAT LITERALLY CANNOT FUNCTION beyond managing the fight/flight/feigning response it’s in

🚩 They are likely stuck in habituated (and potentially trauma-related) thinking and stories that they are trying to think their way through, which WILL NEVER WORK if the brain and body are in a state of dysregulation

🚩 Maybe, although they REALLY DO want to change, their nervous system is unconsciously SAFER in the old patterns of suffering. This is very common, and it makes it INCREDIBLY challenging to leverage ANY behavior change framework.

And those times when change feels difficult for YOU…whether you want to change your behaviors to improve your health, your career, or your relationships…that’s YOUR nervous system at work, too.

This Saturday, I’ll be holding space for learning and conversation for ANYONE who is feeling curious about going deeper into nervous system work.

I’d love for you to join us for…

🎙 Rewiring from Within: A Nervous System Salon
Saturday, 9/14, 9AM PST/12 Noon EST 🎙

It’s free, but you’ll need to sign up so we can share the meeting link and get you the replay afterwards. Use the link below to save your spot:

https://calendly.com/theembodiedbusinessinstitute/rewiring-from-within-a-nervous-system-salon

What do all humans want right now? We want to FEEL good again.

Like REALLY, really good. (And right now, would be great!)

Like when life was simpler. (When was that?)

To go back to feeling more of that carefree feeling of pre-Covid and pre-political madness and pre-40% food cost increase.

We each have our own list of “pre’s”, but the bottom line is we have to figure out how to feel good right now, in the craziness and complexity of what’s happening right now.

We’re looking for moments of relief in a world that seems to be on a never-ending hustle toward…something or nothing or everything. Just thinking about it can send us into a bit of a panic.

And even though we may have forgotten a little about what the isolation and difficulty of Covid was like, the repercussions are lingering in our systems.

Whether you’re helping other people navigate difficulty, change, and manage transitions or you’re on the receiving end, it’s tough to figure out HOW to feel good, HOW to make the small and big habit changes that we hope will give us more space, joy, ease, security, contentment, return our flow and our mojo.

Sure, we all have tools, but you might have noticed that they’re not working all that well these days. Not for yourself and not for your clients.

Communication is harder. Making decisions seems harder.

Totally relaxing (without needing to be sucked into the next episode of “The Bear” or “Ted Lasso” (both great by the way, not knocking em’) is nearly impossible.

The good news is that we have NEW and emerging tools that we can lean into and learn about that help on a deep, psychophysiological level.

Tapping into the intelligence and power of your nervous system is exactly that.

Because your nervous system is literally the primary system that drives your body and your brain, it’s the ONLY place to start if we want to feel better and we want to change for the better (or support others in that change).

“The impact of the autonomic nervous system on the lived human experience is profound. The regulation or dysregulation of this system creates the platform upon which the most compelling aspects of our humanity, our thoughts and stories, emotions, and attention, are blended into the self.” — National Library of Medicine article (Onward: Creating Conditions for Transformation in a Parapandemic World)

If you want to learn how to amplify the tools you already use in your work by applying the nervous system work AND you’re ready to FEEL BETTER right now, I invite you to join me this Saturday, Sept. 14th, at 9 am PST/12 Noon EST for...

⚡️💥 Rewiring from Within: A Nervous System Salon ⚡️💥

It’s free, but you’ll have to register so we can get you the private link and you get the replay. Do that using the link below.

And if you want to know more, please DM me. I’d love to answer your questions and support you in taking the next step in your NS journey. 💙

Rewiring from Within: A Nervous System Salon with me...

NEW free, fun, invigorating, question-answering, event happening THIS SATURDAY, Sept. 14th 👇

If you’re feeling intrigued about how leaning into the nervous system can help you AND your clients embody deep and lasting behavior change, I’d love to invite you to join me this Saturday for…

Rewiring from Within: A Nervous System Salon
Saturday, 9/14, 9AM PST/12 Noon EST

We’ll meet in an intimate Zoom room where you’ll get to chat with me directly, ask your questions, and get some juicy individual coaching.

It’s free to attend!

This gathering is designed specifically for business owners and leaders, movement teachers, coaches, educators, and health and wellness practitioners.

Here's what we'll get into...

- Exploring WHEN and WHY change can feel so hard (what are some of the signals?)

- Getting a better understanding of the inevitable resistance and stuck-ness that comes up for our clients even though they really want something to change, what's happening and how can we support them

- Taking a peek into how to help our people get out of cycles of habituated thinking and feel "safer" doing the thing that's even more uncomfortable (change)

I'd love to support you in gaining a clearer understanding of how the nervous system impacts every aspect of our work and our lives and how you can begin to see YOUR work through a new and powerful lens.

And I'd just love to chat and get to know you a bit better ❤

It’s free to join AND you’ll need to sign up using the link below to reserve your spot and get access to the call (and the replay).

https://calendly.com/theembodiedbusinessinstitute/rewiring-from-within-a-nervous-system-salon