For many of us, our vagal pathways have been paved into paths of condemnation by a scarcity of co-regulating love. In times we’ve been mired by stress, instead of being shepherded, we’ve been scolded and shamed. Instead of support, we’re given a sermon. In many Christian churches, families, and friendships, it’s as though we believe the resurrection of Jesus Christ means we should just be able to look at the cross and instantaneously rise out of any stress, discouragement, or depression. We’ve cut both our physiology and relationality out of participating in Christ’s love.
