Window of tolerance - a bridge between psychology and spirituality
Last week I was listening to a podcast, and a word came up that I had never heard before: “window of tolerance.” The idea behind it may sound familiar to some or even all of you, but perhaps not in connection with this specific term. With everything that was being said about how people think and react, I wanted to learn more. I’d love to share it with you, because it might even be a concept you can use, or at least a helpful way of describing what you already notice, in your own Reiki sessions. The term comes from psychology, but it connects beautifully with what we often observe in spiritual practice. 🧠Psychological perspective🧠 The “window of tolerance” can be seen as the framework of balance. It’s the zone where our nervous system can process emotions, stimuli, and stress in a healthy way. Inside this window simply means you’re in a state where you feel regulated: calm, clear, and connected with yourself and your surroundings. But sometimes we end up outside this window. Usually, one of two things happens: 1. Above the window (hyperarousal): you become overwhelmed. Anxiety, panic, anger, or chaos take over. Your nervous system is “too highly tuned.” 2. Below the window (hypoarousal): you shut down. You feel numb, empty, or disconnected from yourself. Your nervous system is “tuned too low.” ❗Important to note: being above the window doesn’t mean you’re at a higher state of consciousness. It refers to stress and overstimulation: like an engine running too fast in the red zone. And below the window is more like the engine stalling. In both cases, you’re out of balance. 💡Therapy, breathwork, yoga, or mindfulness can help expand this window, giving the nervous system more capacity and resilience. 🧘Spiritual perspective🧘 From a spiritual perspective, this window can be seen as an energetic field where your soul, body, and spirit are working together in harmony. - Inside the window your energy flows freely. You feel love, peace, and connection. - Above the window your energy flows too fast. This is not a “higher vibration,” but more like chaos or overstimulation. - Below the window the energy gets blocked. You feel cut off from your power and inner light.