Now you may have made the journey to Trent University in the lush and beautiful Peterborough, Ontario before, but if you have not, let our Summer Symposium (SRSS) be your first adventure to this beautiful part of the world. Every July, Self-Reggers far and wide gather at SRSS to learn, exchange experiences and ideas, rest and restore. This year is no exception with our theme WIRED for Wellbeing. Here’s a sneak peak at this year’s luminary highlights with Drs Stuart Shanker & Susan Hopkins:
- The Decline of Morality with Stuart Shanker
- Nurturing Wellbeing in Children and Youth with Stuart Shanker
- Resilience Uncovered: The Hope, the Hows and the Latest Brain-Body Science with Susan Hopkins
- Radiating Inclusion: A Journey with Self-Reg Across Lifespan with Sonia Mastrangelo and Susan Hopkins
See how the full program is shaping up HERE with talks, panels, and experiential Self-Reg.
What Is W.I.R.E.D. & How Will It Relate To Your SRSS Experience?
Wellness in the realm of Self-Reg involves applying the science to actively managing stressors across the 5 domains–biological, emotion, cognitive, social, prosocial–as well as energy and tension levels to restore and sustain overall well-being. It’s not just about feeling okay but understanding and addressing factors that contribute to dysregulation. Self-Reg emphasizes proactive self-awareness, guiding individuals to adopt personalized lifestyle practices that align with Self-Reg principles for maintaining, enhancing, and restoring wellness dynamically.
Inclusion: Incorporating a Self-Reg lens grounds inclusion and belonging in human dignity and genuine experiences while highlighting their scientific underpinnings. At TMC, we infuse every aspect of our work with Self-Reg principles, intentionally shaping environments informed by science and practice. This ensures every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute meaningfully. Within these dynamic Self-Reg Havens, safety, rootedness, balance, feeling capable, and trust are tangible. Embracing diverse perspectives and identities fosters a culture where every individual feels seen, heard, and supported, actively challenging biases and dismantling barriers. This nurtures a community of mutual respect, collaboration, and equity, creating a platform for wellness, resilience, and healthy human development.
Resilience: In the Self-Reg lens, resilience is seen as a dynamic brain-body state, constantly in flux rather than a fixed trait. Understanding the deep brain processes influencing resilience is crucial, often unbeknownst to us. By prioritizing the factors that truly matter and uncovering the triad of biological, social, and psychological factors shaping well-being, we can actively influence this state. Integrating Self-Reg into the equation serves as a transformative force, bridging the missing link in resilience-building efforts. This perspective reshapes how we perceive resilience and provides practical insights for fostering resilience in ourselves and future generations.
Equity: In our resolute pursuit of equity through a Self-Reg lens, we recognize the profound insight shared by Susan Hopkins: that society often privileges those in homeostatic balance. This insight underscores the significance of Self-Reg as a pathway to support an equity lens. We understand that individuals with lighter stress loads, especially adults who support children and youth in our care and classrooms, bear a significant responsibility. Self-Reg equips us with invaluable tools and strategies to navigate the challenges of daily life and to actively support those with heavier stress loads. By embracing Self-Reg principles and practices, we pave the way for a future where every individual, regardless of their stress load, can thrive and contribute meaningfully to a more just and inclusive society.
Development: In the Self-Reg lens, human development is viewed as a dynamic and holistic process, intricately intertwined with the interactions between the brain and body. Rather than a linear progression, it is recognized as a multifaceted journey influenced by various factors such as biological, social, emotional, cognitive, and prosocial domains. Understanding the deep connections within these domains is paramount, as they shape individuals’ well-being and resilience. By prioritizing the factors that truly matter and integrating Self-Reg principles, we can actively nurture healthy human development, empowering individuals to thrive in a constantly changing world.
