The Three C’s That Help You Trust Your Body Again
The Three C’s That Help You Trust Your Body Again
April Hankins shares a personal story about noticing a body-based nudge on a walk, then uses that experience to explain the Polyvagal Theory framework of the three C’s of well-being: choice, connection, and context. She also connects the discussion to Psalm 19 and a Mary Magdalene reflection on union, inner guidance, and living more fully from the inside out.
Key topics
April describes how an ordinary walk became a moment of clarity when she realized something internal needed her attention.
She shares how tension and unease around a commitment prompted her to ask whether she truly wanted to stay committed.
April explores the fear of disappointing people and how it can cause us to shut down choices before we fully examine them.
She explains why making space, rather than rushing to solve a problem, can help us understand what feels difficult and what we may be drawn toward.
April introduces the three C’s of well-being from Polyvagal Theory: choice, connection, and context, citing Deb Dana’s work.
She discusses how a lack of context can contribute to confusion, dysregulation, and worst-case thinking.
April connects the framework to parenting, encouraging listeners to consider where children may need more choice, context, or connection during stressful moments and transitions.
She revisits her own story through the three C’s, showing how body awareness and self-connection helped her recognize she had more choice than she first thought.
April reflects on Psalm 19 and how wisdom can come through silence, nature, intuition, and inner listening.
She closes with a Mary Magdalene passage on union and a guided reflection inviting listeners to connect with their inner self or sacred presence.
Key frameworks
The three C’s of well-being: choice, connection, and context
Body-based discernment: noticing physical cues such as tension, a tight jaw, or unease as information
Inner relationship practice: nurturing a relationship with intuition, the inner self, or the sacred