OD on the RRP? Yes, It Can Happen!
I’ve been an SSP provider for a few years now, and I’ve been listening to the Rest and Restore Protocol® (RRP) since the very first pilot study was released in early 2024. I’m a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner™ (SEP) with post-advanced trainings in developmental, attachment, and shock trauma. I’ve had a steady meditation practice for nearly two decades.
In short, I’m someone who considers themselves pretty well-resourced and regulated.
HA! I got bit by the RRP.
A Bit of Background
Since early this year, I’ve been hosting RRP for Somatic Professionals™ experiential listening groups. As part of holding space for others, I’ve returned to listening to the music myself, and I’m now back with the Level Two tracks.
As a refresher, the RRP is a sound-based therapeutic protocol that can deepen sleep, increase focus and concentration, improve digestion, and promote greater physical and emotional flexibility. It consists of ten 30-minute audio tracks, beginning with an unfiltered Introduction and progressing to increasingly filtered music. It’s highly recommended to begin at the start and proceed sequentially, listening in small doses and spacing sessions apart.
Recently, one of our RRP2 group participants had what she described as a spiritual experience while listening to Track 2b. She shared that the music drew her deep into her heart, where she felt held in immense love. She experienced tingling sensations, the warming of frozen areas, and vivid imagery that renewed her hope and trust in life. It was extraordinary to witness and an honor to support.
And I’ll be honest—who wouldn’t want a bit of that?
What Happened?
Inspired by her report, I decided to give Track 2b another shot myself. I popped on my headphones during a mid-afternoon break and listened to the full 30 minutes. Afterward, I felt a little tired. But hey, I’m at the age where a mid-afternoon slump isn’t exactly shocking.
Still feeling intrigued, I followed it up the next morning with another 15 minutes of the same track. By that afternoon, I noticed a subtle darkening of mood—but didn’t think to link it to the RRP.
Then the next day hit. Hard.
I’d slept poorly, dragged myself out for a morning walk, had an outsized weepy reaction to some neutral news, and found myself resenting my beautiful garden, my friends, my family… my life.
Not exactly the transcendent opening I was aiming for.
How Did I Notice?
It wasn’t until midday that something clicked. After sitting down for a quick meditation (thank you, longtime practice), I paused and finally got curious.
What had I done differently this week?
Only one thing: I had ingested 45 minutes of RRP over back-to-back days—a direct contradiction to the protocol’s official guidelines.
Aha. I’d overdosed. 😳
What Did I Do?
This, to me, is the important part—because life happens. The RRP is a powerful and still-new tool. Even those of us with years (or decades!) of somatic training can be caught off guard. We don’t know everything yet. But we do have tools to help ourselves when we’ve gone too far.
In my case, I turned to a body-based meditation (Feeding Your Demons™ (FYD)) to meet and process my feelings of overwhelm and melancholy. I felt relief immediately after.
I also met a friend for coffee and basked in some warm co-regulation. The sun came out. My flowers looked spectacular. And on my evening walk, I had a sweet interaction with a neighbor and his fluffy dog.
All was well again.
What’s Next?
For one, I’ll stop comparing myself to others and let my own nervous system take the lead. (Honestly, good life advice in general.)
I’ll return to following the Unyte RRP guidelines for those with a trauma history—smaller doses, a lower volume, and more rest between listening sessions. I’ll also be encouraging my group participants to do the same.
And I’ll keep showing up for myself with compassion, even when I misstep. Because that’s how I can keep showing up with presence and care for the precious others in my life, too. 🙏
Have you had a surprising RRP experience—good, weird, or humbling? You’re not alone. This work is powerful. Let’s keep learning together. Join us in the low cost, exchange-rate mindful RRP for Somatic Professionals™ experiential listening groups!