Capacities – What am I capable of?
Our rapidly changing VUCA/BANI world has led to the emergence of many chronic stress conditions, often manifesting as complex PTSD (C-PTSD). At Neuroceptive Learning, instead of treating these solely as “disorders,” we provide services focusing on regulation alongside traditional treatment options.
One of our key regulatory methods is Sophrology, “the study of harmonious consciousness.” Developed by neuropsychiatrist Professor Alfonso Caycedo (1932–2017), it was initially created to provide his traumatised war patients with an ongoing practice for regulating their health and well-being. Influenced by phenomenological psychiatry and drawing upon the works of renowned psychiatrists like Viktor Frankl and Ludwig Binswanger, Caycedo combined Western medical and psychiatric knowledge with meditation techniques, hypnosis, yoga, bioenergetics, and other body-oriented psychotherapies to create a neuro-somatic awareness practice.
Sophrology cultivates awareness using visualisation, attention to breathing, gentle postures, and physical movement to calm the mind, deeply regulate the body, and bring a sense of safety, vitality, ease, calm, and conscious objectivity to the present moment.
A fundamental component of Sophrology is the heightened awareness of our capacities. The term “capacities” is often used interchangeably with “capabilities,” referring to the quality of being capable – physically or intellectually – encompassing ability, skill, and talent.
Through Sophrology, individuals become more conscious of what they are capable of, shifting focus from limitations to potential. Life events often make us concentrate on what we cannot do, but recognising our capabilities is a powerful and transformative element of Sophrology.
Professor Caycedo identified several innate universal capacities that are shared through our existence and experiences. Everyone has the ability to develop these capacities. In cases where physical impairments prevent the development of a particular capacity, other capacities can be relied upon to shape a whole, balanced being. Awareness of our innate capacities not only aids in their development but also helps in nurturing other capacities.
Caycedo considered confidence, harmony, and hope as core capacities that many of us are unconscious of or have forgotten. These capacities are akin to seeds that can be planted, watered, and nurtured to grow and flourish. Sophrology encourages individuals to explore and identify their unique capacities, nurturing them to blossom into their true selves.
Embracing Sophrology can lead to a deeper understanding of our inherent abilities, fostering a holistic and balanced approach to health and performance. By becoming aware of and nurturing our innate capacities, we can achieve a greater sense of well-being and align more closely with our true essence.
This awakens us to our true potential by stimulating our central nervous system’s cognitive and executive functions, such as memory, imagination, creativity, and concentration. It also normalises our autonomic nervous system’s (ANS) regulatory functions for connection and social engagement.
It enables us to become the best version of ourselves.
Besides its original therapeutic use by health professionals, Sophrology is widely used in Europe to optimise performance in education, pedagogy, sports, social work, and business. It helps a wide range of people – from Olympic athletes, executives, artists, performers, students, and busy parents to those dealing with chronic conditions, stress, burnout, and C-PTSD.
Sophrology can calm the mind, promote relaxation and sleep, alleviate anxiety, prevent burnout, prepare individuals for important events, improve focus and confidence, help achieve goals, and optimise health, well-being, and success. It is also ideal for families and individuals who are dealing with the day-to-day realities of living in a society geared towards a neurotypical mindset.
What are the unique capacities within you that need nurturing to flourish into your true self?
Explore Sophrology with us and discover the vast potential within.
