Why mindset work doesn’t always work and why we need to work bottom-up in stead of top-down

Many people turn to affirmations, reframing, or positive thinking to change their emotions. These are examples of top-down approaches: trying to influence the body and emotions through the mind.

But emotions aren’t created in the mind alone. They come from a feedback loop between body and brain.

🎐 Your body sends more signals to your brain than the other way around.

About 80% of vagus nerve fibers are afferent, carrying information like heartbeat, breath, posture, and gut sensations to the brain.

If your body signals stress: a racing heart, tight muscles, shallow breath, your brain will interpret danger, no matter how positive your thoughts are.

🎐 This is why mindset work often feels limited.

By working bottom-up, calming your breath, softening your body, grounding through touch or movement, you send new signals of safety.

🎐 When the body feels safe, the mind follows.

Calm body → calm mind.

P.s. Mindset work is AMAZING once your nervous system is in a calm state ✨