The 'Window of Tolerance'
Please watch the short animation film we have created to raise awareness of The ‘Window of Tolerance’ which was a term originally coined by Dr Dan Siegel and is commonly used to understand and describe normal brain/body reactions, especially following adversity. There is also a link to our podcast.
Think of the Window of Tolerance like a sandwich (3 zones) with our Optimal/Safe Zone being the middle slice representing our ability to manage and monitor our actions and reactions.
Essentially, the size of our Optimal Zone depends upon how much we are able to tolerate mild fluctuations in mood, energy levels and the challenges and demands of life. It aids in our resilience to adversity.
There are an increasing number of diagrams and articles online which explain the approach. Currently two produced by Laura K Kerr PH D provide a really good description of the Window of Tolerance and also ways in which we can enhance the ‘width’ of our Optimal/Safe Zone.
Living Within the Window of Tolerance: The Different Zones of Arousal by Laura K Kerr, PhD
“Every time you are tempted to react in the same old way, ask if you want to be a prisoner of the past or a pioneer of the future.” – Deepak Chopra