ABSTRACT
This article provides an innovative perspective of emotional-regulation and human flourishing which acknowledges the fundamental role of early parent-child experiences in shaping brain structure and functioning involved in emotional regulation and the central role of mindful parenting in facilitating emotional regulation in both parent and child (co-regulation). In this perspective paper the author underlines not only the central role of emotions and emotional regulation in human development and flourishing, but also the importance of maternal mental health, mindfulness, and a connected supportive community during pregnancy and postnatally in facilitating emotional regulation in both the caregiver and the infant and thus promoting secure attachment. The role of alloparenting and how we evolved to share childrearing is introduced, and emotional regulation is described not as an individual phenomenon but a relational embodied process. The associations between right brain functioning, mindfulness and secure attachment, all leading to emotional regulation, wellbeing, and resilience are described. Sharing findings and perspectives offer an opportunity for insights and reflection upon what strategies could be created to promote relational emotional regulation and wellbeing in early life, thus human flourishing leading to a peaceful society.
ABSTRACT
Drawing on a single case of a mother-infant difficult relationship, I shall consider the inseparability of psyche and soma and the embodiment of psychosomatic health and illness. A dualistic perspective prevents acknowledging that the mother's concerns, conflicts and mental state can obstruct the milk flow and affect the infant's feeding pattern, the mother-infant relationship and the infant's health. The aim of psychotherapists and all those with a professional concern for parents and infants should be that of understanding the positive value of a symptom and facilitating the mind integration with the soma.
