20/07/2025
“The three ponies of Polyvagal Theory:
🖤 Fight-or-Flight Pony – jumpy, twitchy, ready to bolt because someone looked at them funny. Will probably scream if you drop a spoon.
(Yes, this is why you couldn't reply to that text. Or got irrationally angry at the slow WiFi.)
🤍 Safe and Social Pony – this pony is vibing. Makes eye contact. Can handle a chat. Will help you carry your emotional bags AND make you a cuppa.
(This is the version of you that’s brushing your horse, laughing with a mate, and actually responding to emails.)
🤎 Shutdown Pony – she’s DONE. Over it. Can’t even. Has entered energy-saving mode like an old laptop.
(Not lazy. Not rude. Just nervous system: unplugged.)
💡Polyvagal Theory says:
You’re not broken.
You’re not overreacting.
Your body is just trying to protect you — sometimes in ways that feel ridiculous (but make total sense underneath).”
Post credit: Equimotional - Trauma-Informed Training & Resource Hub
