As we journey through life, the power of connection and co-regulation becomes more and more apparent. Whether we realize it or not, our physiological and emotional systems are deeply influenced by the presence of others. It’s a natural phenomenon rooted deep in our biology. In the animal kingdom, various species demonstrate this innate capability in fascinating ways. But what does co-regulation really mean for us humans? In this blog post, we’ll explore the concept through the lens of Biodanza, a transformative practice that combines movement and music to facilitate deep emotional connections.
Co-Regulation Across Species
Cold-blooded reptiles bask in the sun to regulate their temperature. Mammals have the ability to self-regulate, adjusting their body heat as needed. But when it comes to primates, emotional regulation takes on a communal role. Imagine a primate shaking from fear; another primate comes over, holds it, and suddenly, the shaking stops. We’re primates too, so co-regulating is pretty much hardwired into us. In other words, it’s uhm…pretty darn primal.
Academic Insights
Research in co-regulation in mammals and primates indicates that co-regulation is not just a human phenomenon but is prevalent in the animal kingdom, particularly among mammals and primates The paper emotion regulation and primate sociality explores the social sophistication of the primates, making it obvious why emotion regulation is useful. Primates live in a hierarchical world, which requires them, to suppress certain impulses in order to avoid dire consequences. To resolve conflicts effectively and preserve beneficial relationships, they need to overcome distress or hostility. Consoling distressed individuals, a behavior activated by empathy, is one way of overcoming or preventing personal distress. The social lives of apes and monkeys are sufficiently complex that we recognize many of the subtle emotions of our own species, and thus can assume that they require equally effective emotional controls.
The Human Factor: There are well-researched papers suggesting that humans not only can benefit emotionally from the presence of other humans but that movement and music can have a therapeutic effect on individuals dealing with distress or depression. This is very clearly recognised today as it’s applied to children education
Love: The Ultimate Form of Co-Regulation
Love, in all its shades, remains the most potent form of co-regulation we experience. Sure, movies and songs mostly highlight passionate love—the intense, fireworks-inducing kind that consumes you. But what about the quieter, more mundane expressions of love? Think of the compassion shared between friends or even the fleeting kindness from a stranger. These are just as, if not more, vital for our well-being. They don’t just fuel us momentarily; they sustain us over the long haul without draining our biological systems.
Biodanza: A Journey in Co-Regulation
Now, let’s bring this all back to Biodanza. The practice is designed to harness the power of co-regulation through dance and music. Here you find a community—a tribe if you will—that supports you in connecting more deeply with yourself and others. If you’re in your first year of practicing Biodanza, you’re in for an enriching experience that touches upon all these different facets of love and co-regulation.
Conclusion
Our need for co-regulation is deeply primal, and Biodanza offers a unique space to explore and satisfy this innate longing for connection. Whether you’re just starting your journey or are a seasoned practitioner, this is an opportunity to engage more holistically with the world around you, finding comfort, healing, and a whole lot of love in the process.
So go ahead, join a Biodanza class, and let the music, movement, and the community lead you to a healthier, more balanced emotional life.