Owls, Watchdogs, & Possum 3:1

Lesson 1: Owls, Watchdogs, & Possum Brain

1. Setting Up the Framework

Callback to Module 1: thinking brain vs. lower feeling/sensing brain

  • Introduces the owl, watchdog, and possum brains as the lens for this module

  • Key question: how does the brain decide who's in charge, which pathway to activate?


2. Neuroception Decides

Callback to Module 2: neuroception determines whether owl, watchdog, or possum is in charge


3. The Two States

  • More safety cues than danger cues (inside, outside, between) → rest into connection mode → owl in charge

    • Owl brain is not necessarily calm, but is safe, wise, and available for connection

    • Everyone has an owl brain- "Goldilocks"

  • More danger cues than safety cues → flip into protection mode

    • Two pathways within protection mode: watchdog and possum

4. The Watchdog

  • Activates when the nervous system detects danger (not life threat)

  • Barks, growls, runs — behaviours intended to restore safety

  • Watchdogs are acting scary, but they are scared — brain has a safe/not-safe setting, not happy/mad

5. The Possum

  • Activates when the nervous system detects life threat, not just danger

  • Energy leaves limbs and voice; body goes floppy and collapses

  • Behavioural examples: avoiding school, "checking out" via books/video games

✨ Reflection Questions

❤️ What are some situations where you WANT your watchdog & possum brain to do their job?
🧡 What would it be like to offer compassion, understanding, and even GRATITUDE to the parts of your brain that work hard to keep you safe?

💛 How is it to consider that watchdog and possum behaviours may look scary but are actually about BEING scared?

💚 Identify your own watchdog behaviours. How has watchdog show up in your kids?

🐕 Deeper and more specific teaching on watchdog behaviours comes in Lesson 4 of this module