Abstract
Ancient rituals and contemplative practices are conceptualized as methods that function as neural exercises enhancing vagal regulation of the autonomic nervous system. The model proposes that specific voluntary behaviours (e.g., breath, vocalisations, and posture), which characterise these rituals and practices, have the potential to trigger a physiological state mediated by vagal pathways that fosters health and optimises subjective experiences. In order for these positive benefits to be experienced, the rituals associated with contemplative practices (e.g., chants, prayers, meditation, and dance) must be performed in a context defined by physical features that are calming and soothing and promote feelings of safety.
A version of this paper was published as Porges, S. W. (2017). Vagal pathways: Portals to Compassion. In E. M. Seppala, E. Simon-Thomas, S. L. Brown, M. C. Worline, C. D. Cameron, & J. R. Doty (Eds.), Oxford Handbook of Compassion Science (pp. 189–202). Oxford University Press.
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Porges, S.W. (2022). Ancient Rituals, Contemplative Practices, and Vagal Pathways. In: Gordon-Lennox, J. (eds) Coping Rituals in Fearful Times. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-81534-9_3
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