Our Nervous System

There is no doubt we are in challenging times in family and community life and this extends to a global scale. We can all benefit from learning simple ways we can down regulate our own nervous system and restore inner calm.

To develop true resilience we first need to understand our nervous system and how it responds to life. Then develop a tool box of our own to support us to be able to safely down regulate our nervous system and return to calm. Otherwise our natural state of calm resets to one of hyper-vigilance and this has dire consequences on both our happiness, physical and mental health.

What is TRE®?

TRE® (Tension & Trauma Release Exercises) is a simple yet highly effective somatic practice developed by Dr David Berceli PH.D. that supports the body to naturally release tension, reset the nervous system, and return to a state of balance. It has been used in war-torn countries, by top athletes, those suffering from PTSD and everyday people living in a stressful world.

In TRE®, the mind or ego takes a step back. This is a body-based practice — one that works through the innate intelligence of the body. Through gentle, natural neurogenic tremors, the body begins to release deeply held patterns of tension and stress.

The Tremor Response

The tremor response is present in all mammals. Just as your dog shakes and trembles when a storm is coming over to discharge fear, or you may get jelly belly when asked to speak in public.

When mammals experience a threat, their bodies release stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, triggering a fight-or-flight or freeze response. After the danger passes, animals often shake or tremor to discharge this excess energy and return to a state of balance—this is known as neurogenic tremoring. This process helps reset the nervous system restoring homeostasis.

TRE® employs this bodily action to discharge long held as well as recent tension and trauma.

An Empowering Tool

Learning how to safely activate the body through TRE® can be incredibly empowering.

As we begin to trust the intelligence of the body, a deeper sense of connection, gratitude, and self-agency emerges. The body knows how to heal — TRE® simply creates the conditions for that process to unfold.

Tapping Into the Body’s Intelligence

TRE® works with the body’s natural wisdom to tremor, move, and release long-held tension patterns.

There is no need to revisit or retell past trauma. Instead, we allow the body to do what it is designed to do — regulate, release, and restore.

You remain in control throughout the process, which builds a deep and lasting trust in your body’s intelligence.

As Deep as You Want to Go

Let’s face it — living on this planet can be stressful.

We are constantly navigating challenges, often outside of our control. Supporting and regulating the nervous system is not a one-time fix, but an ongoing relationship.

TRE® meets you exactly where you are. It can be gentle and subtle, or deeply transformative — depending on what you’re ready for.

After 15 years of working with TRE myself and with Clients, I am still amazed by its capacity to unravel deeper layers of tension over time.

True Resilience

Developing true resilience involves understanding the nervous system and becoming aware of how we respond to life.

Challenges can reveal hidden strengths and support us in becoming more authentic and capable — when we are able to integrate them.

Understanding this intellectually is one thing. Embodying it is another.

TRE® supports this deeper integration at a somatic level, creating change from the inside out.

Grow Your Toolbox

I always encourage my clients to build a personal toolbox of practices that support nervous system regulation.

TRE® is one of the most effective somatic tools I’ve encountered. Once learned, it can be used for life.

It is simple, accessible, and can be practised anywhere — offering ongoing support through all stages of life.

Life’s Ups and Downs

Life doesn’t stop presenting challenges.

Even in times of ease, change is always unfolding. There will always be waves — both subtle and significant.

What matters is how we meet these moments, and how we support ourselves to down-regulate and return to balance afterwards.

Symptoms TRE® May Support

TRE® may assist in reducing symptoms associated with a dysregulated nervous system, including:

• Anxiety
• Sleep difficulties
• Depression
• ADHD
• Physical tension and pain
• Emotional reactivity

Practising Together

As a certified TRE® provider and trauma-informed yoga therapist, I integrate TRE® with practices such as pranayama (breathwork), yoga nidra, and mindfulness.

This creates a deeply supportive and nourishing space for regulation, release, and reconnection.

You are warmly invited to join a group session, course, or private one-on-one experience.

If your heart feels called, the Awakening Hearts Online Community offers a supportive online space to explore TRE Courses, nervous system regulation, self-inquiry, and the quiet unfolding of your true self.