The Power of Sending Ventral Energy to Others

Have you ever been around someone whose presence just made you feel safe? Maybe they didn’t say much, but their energy was calm, open, and warm… almost like a quiet invitation for you to just… be?

That’s the power of ventral energy.

In Polyvagal Theory, ventral vagal energy is the foundation of connection and safety. It’s the state where we feel engaged, present, and attuned to ourselves and others. And the best part? It’s contagious.

Our Nervous Systems Are in Constant Conversation

Even without words, our nervous systems are always speaking to one another. This process, called neuroception, happens beneath our conscious awareness. Our bodies are constantly scanning for cues of safety or danger.

When someone in ventral vagal energy walks into a room, others feel it as a cue of safety. Their calm, steady presence sends signals to our nervous systems that it’s okay to relax. We naturally co-regulate, meaning that our bodies adjust to the energy around us.

Think of a time when you were feeling anxious or overwhelmed, and someone met you with steadiness and warmth. Maybe they weren’t trying to fix anything; they were just with you. That alone can be deeply healing.

How to Send Ventral Energy to Others

The beauty of ventral energy is that you don’t have to be perfect to share it. You don’t have to have everything figured out. You just need to be anchored enough in your own safety to offer a little bit of that to someone else.

Here’s how:

1. Regulate yourself first

Before you can send ventral energy, it helps to find it within yourself. This doesn’t mean you need to feel 100% calm, it just means grounding enough to access a sense of steadiness.

Try:

• Taking a deep, slow breath.

• Noticing what feels okay in your body.

• Remembering a time you felt safe and connected.

2. Offer a soft, open-hearted presence

Ventral energy isn’t about doing, it’s about being.

• Make eye contact that feels natural, not forced.

• Keep your tone of voice warm and steady.

• Let your body language be open and inviting.

• Focus on elongating your exhale.

3. Hold space without rushing to fix

When someone is struggling, it’s natural to want to make it better, or to ease the tension. But ventral energy isn’t about solving, it’s about witnessing with care.

• Try simply being with the other person.

• Offer affirmations like “I’m here.” or “I see you.”

• Let them lead the pace of the conversation.

• Breathe through your own discomfort.

• Simply hold space.

4. Use Small Gestures of Connection

The smallest things carry the most weight.

• A gentle nod.

• A slow, mindful sip of coffee together.

• A touch on the arm (if welcome).

• A text that says, "Thinking of you."

Why This Matters for Healing

Many of us didn’t grow up with models of safe, ventral connection. If our nervous systems are used to hypervigilance (sympathetic: fight, flight) or disconnection (dorsal: shut down, collapse), experiencing ventral energy from another person can feel foreign at first, but over time, it rewires us- helping us unlearn and de-condition from our go-to survival reactions.

Each moment of ventral connection creates a new imprint, showing us that safety exists. That we are not alone. That being in the presence of another can feel good.

The more we practice offering this energy to others, the more we anchor it within ourselves.

Ventral vagal connection is a gift. The more we give it, the more it grows ❤️

Bringing This Into Your Life

Think about a moment today where you can offer ventral energy to someone. It doesn’t have to be big. Maybe it’s a warm greeting, a moment of eye contact, or simply breathing a little deeper before a conversation.

These small moments change lives. One nervous system at a time.

This Matters Now More Than Ever

We are living in unprecedented times, where so many nervous systems are activated, and fear-based reactions are driving deeper divides. In this climate, regulation isn’t just personal, it’s collective.

• When we are regulated, we invite co-regulation.

• When we release the sympathetic (fight, flight) urge to be right, we create space for connection.

• When we stay in ventral energy, we soften the fear that keeps us separate and disconnected.

• When we are anchored, we can hold space for differences without losing ourselves.

• When we feel safe, we can remain curious instead of defensive.

In our current world that feels so chaotic and polarized, I believe that ventral energy is a radical act of collective healing. The more we practice it, the more we help ourselves and those around us return home to safety and connection.

About the Author

Samantha Grimaldi, MS, LPC, is a licensed therapist and the owner of CoCreate Healing Center in Tinton Falls, NJ. With a focus on trauma recovery, Samantha specializes in working with complex trauma and interpersonal trauma using Polyvagal Theory, Mindful Self-Compassion, and trauma-informed care. Through her practice, she helps clients reconnect with their bodies, regulate their nervous systems, and build emotional resilience. Samantha is passionate about supporting others on their healing journey and providing a safe, collaborative space for growth and transformation.