This episode examines something that happened to me (Shannon Eastman) earlier today.  I bombed my podcast and inside that experience I got to see something that feels helpful to share with you. I mention my daily practice in this episode. You'll find that here > 

When someone taps into an old, unresolved emotional wound — especially one rooted in childhood dysregulation — the nervous system doesn’t recognize it as the past. It often responds as though the threat is happening now.

Here’s what typically happens in the body and nervous system:

1. Neurobiological Time Travel

The nervous system is non-verbal and non-linear. When triggered, it reactivates the physiological and emotional patterns from the original moment, not the current reality. This is often referred to as "implicit memory" — felt, but not consciously recalled.

2. Survival State Re-Activation

Depending on how the nervous system coped back then, a person may automatically enter:

• Fight – agitation, blame, control
• Flight – panic, overthinking, urge to escape
• Freeze – numbness, disconnection, inability to act
• Fawn – people-pleasing, appeasement, self-erasure

This is not a choice — it’s the nervous system’s best attempt to protect the system with what it learned during developmental years

3. Prefrontal Shutdown

The part of the brain responsible for logic, executive function, and perspective (prefrontal cortex) goes offline. The limbic system and brainstem take over, prioritizing survival.

This is why:

• Rationalizing doesn't help
• Coaching feels frustrating
• “Calm down” is ineffective

4. Physiological Distress

Common physical symptoms include:

• Tight chest
• Shallow breath
• Tunnel vision
• Racing thoughts
• Muscle tension
• Digestive disruption
• Feeling "out of body" or dissociated

The body is preparing for a threat that no longer exists — but it doesn’t know that.

5. Emotional Amplification

• Small events feel massive
• Feedback feels like rejection
• Silence feels like abandonment
• Boundaries feel like danger

All of this is the result of a nervous system remembering pain, not processing reality.

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Shannon Eastman

Shannon Eastman  is a business growth strategist fluent in both boardroom dynamics and nervous system regulation.

With 25 years of experience scaling businesses across tech, finance, and regulated industries worldwide, she brings a systems-thinking approach to performance, leadership, and wellbeing.

After five years studying the neurobiology of trauma, Jungian psychology, and polyvagal theory, Shannon now integrates nervous system intelligence into the way business gets done—through corporate pilots, strategic partnerships, and a global network of innovators driving this shift.

Her work bridges performance and wellbeing, laying the groundwork for a more human, sustainable way to lead.

www.shannoneastman.com

Follow Shannon on LinkedIn > 

 

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NEW: Nervous System Economy™

You’ll hear us refer to the Nervous System Economy™ — a industry level educaiton initiative committed to integrating Nervous System Intelligence into business and leadership. You'll find more about this over here: www.nervoussystemeconomy.com 

 

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A Note on Safety

Your mental health, wellbeing, and sense of safety matter deeply. Working with a trauma-informed practitioner can make a significant difference.

While this podcast shares insights, reflections, and tools, it is not a substitute for professional support. If you’re seeking a qualified practitioner, visit the Directory on our website.

Our community includes psychologists, psychotherapists, and psychiatrists who work through a trauma-informed lens — often with a special interest in supporting professionals aged 40+ or working within organisations.

 

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