How I Found Peace at the Dentist & What it Taught Me About Emotional Regulation
Let’s be real: the dentist isn’t exactly a spa day.
Between the sound of the drill, the awkward small talk, and that sinking feeling of not being in control, it’s no wonder many of us mentally check out the minute we hit the chair.
As someone who teaches emotional regulation and nervous system support, I’ve done plenty of work around stress and discomfort. But even with all my tools, the dentist remained one of those places where I felt a strong urge to escape—mentally, emotionally, and physically.
But something shifted for me recently, and it’s something I now share often with my clients.
The Power of the Pause
Instead of bracing myself or disassociating, I tried something different.
I took a slow breath and asked my body a very gentle, very curious question:
“Where do you feel peace right now?”
Not “What’s wrong?”
Not “How do we get out of here?”
But:
“Where is peace already present inside me, even in this?”
At first, the tension in my chest answered loudest. My jaw was tight. My hands were stiff. But underneath it all, I noticed a quiet softness—a place in my belly that felt warm and grounded. I could feel peace in the tops of my thighs in the form of a slight tingle. I could feel my shoulders soften.
That moment of noticing was small—but it changed everything.
Emotional Regulation Starts With Awareness
One of the most effective tools for emotional health is somatic awareness—the ability to check in with your body and name what’s happening, without trying to fix it or run from it.
Why does this matter?
Because when we pause long enough to notice what our body is actually feeling (not just what we think we should be feeling), we create space for regulation. We send a message to our nervous system:
“I’m with you. You’re not alone. You’re safe enough to soften.”
And in that softening, peace becomes accessible—even in the most unlikely places.
Finding Peace in the Body (Even in Stressful Situations)
This practice is not just for dentist chairs. It’s for anxious mornings. Overwhelming family gatherings. Hard conversations. Sleepless nights.
When you learn to tune in to your body and ask where peace is already present, you’re building a foundation of self-trust.
You’re also strengthening your ventral vagal state—the part of your nervous system that helps you stay calm, connected, and grounded.
The result?
A growing sense of safety inside yourself.
A gentle ability to stay present.
And often, the surprising realization that you don’t have to escape your life to feel okay.
This Is What We Practice in Group Consulting
If this story resonated with you—if you’re ready to find more peace in your body, less overwhelm in your days, and deeper connection with yourself—I’d love to invite you into Group Consulting.
We meet twice a month
Small groups (10 max) for safety + depth
$100/month
You’ll learn tools for emotional regulation, somatic awareness, and nervous system support
All in a supportive, kind-hearted community
