The ventral vagal state

The ventral vagal state is the nervous system state in which a person feels safe and connected. In this state the body is calm, the mind open, and the person is open to contact with others; rest, repair, and healthy relating become possible on this ground. According to polyvagal theory, this is the most bond-capable and most flexible state of the nervous system. The ventral vagal state is the bodily counterpart of safety. A person is most open, both to themselves and to others, when in this state.