Known as the withdrawal reflex, Fear Paralysis is responsible for the body’s ability to immobilize, or freeze, when one’s nervous system is threatened. Fear paralysis emerges around 5 weeks after conception, even before most women realize they are expecting. Its initial job is for survival of the growing embryo. When something stimulates the mouth area, the embryo’s whole body moves in unison to pull inward toward the core, similar to the curl of a roly poly or pill bug. It’s reacting for self-protection. Notably, the action of being immobile is just as critical to development as the early stages of mobilization in the body.

Winter Lights
In the midst of the holiday hustle, we’ve arrived at the Winter Solstice. Saturday marked the shortest day of the year, where daylight hours are fleeting and we become even more aware of light’s important role in regulating our circadian rhythms.