Keynote given at the Annual Transformation and Healing Conference: Wellness in a Culture of Addiction at the Southwestern College of Santa Fe in 2017.

 

The enteric nervous system is the intrinsic neurological network of the gastrointestinal tract – extending all the way from the esophagus down to the rectum. The enteric nervous system is often called the “second brain” because it can actually override instructions from the “brain in your skull.” Even though the enteric nervous system contains more neurons than the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems combined, trauma models often scarcely mention it. This is extremely unfortunate because an optimally functioning second brain is actually pivotal to breaking vicious cycles of trauma reenactment. It is often a gut feeling or gut level awareness that provides the inspiration to take appropriate risks, to break away from the status quo, to change one’s life for the better. This workshop introduces the fundamental nature of the enteric nervous system, its role in trauma reenactment as well as practical exercises to make the gut brain an invaluable resource in breaking trauma cycles – in truly providing the guts to stand up for yourself.

 

Lee Cartwright, MA, a Southwestern College of Santa Fe alum, helped clients resolve physical, emotional and spiritual traumas in his Santa Fe practice. His therapeutic strategies are dedicated to reconnecting/reigniting the inherent healing resources of the body/psyche. With over 30 years of teaching experience, Lee’s workshops were informative, entertaining and focused on attendees gaining real-life skills.