How does the self emerge from neural function? As a culture, we tend to not think about the brain stem beyond “the reptilian” or survival brain, but fundamental principles of nervous system development bind the emergent function of higher order cognitive capacities, to the pre-existing structures of survival, sensation and feeling circuits, the most foundational of which are found in the brainstem. While answers to questions of self might never be fully answered, this session will consider how early obligatory processes of nervous system development inform brainstem, sensation and feeling function. We will use this platform to explore how our earliest experiences become encoded in cellular communication of survival and feeling, and how that “lower order” cellular communication ultimately allows for the emergence of one’s awareness of particular sensations or feelings, and even cognitive capacities and behaviors. Through this lens, we can reconsider ideas of trauma, healing, grieving and hope.