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Personal wellness does not happen in isolation. In this Fundamentals of Wellness episode, Tom and Ruth examine how health is shaped by both individual habits and our shared environment.

Using the recent Fort Collins mall incident as a case study, they address:

• Vicarious trauma – why events you only hear about can still activate your stress response.
• Me-We homeostasis – the science of co-regulation and how supportive communities shift us from fight-or-flight to rest-and-recovery.
• Chronos vs. Kairos – understanding linear time versus “the opportune moment” to steer your well-being in a healthier direction.
• The power of “AND” – moving from anxious “yeah, but …” thinking to productive “yes, and …” mindsets that open space for healing.

You’ll learn practical ways to notice sympathetic surges, create collective resilience rituals, and make time work for—rather than against—your health.

Listen in to turn moments of strain into pathways toward shared strength.

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In this eye‑opening installment of the Autonomic Homeostasis Activation Podcast, Tom Pals and Ruth Lorensson peel back the layers of a sense most of us never knew we had—interoception, the brain’s moment‑to‑moment read‑out of everything happening inside the body. Moving beyond Aristotle’s famous “five senses,” Tom explains why modern neuroscience recognizes at least 21 human senses and argues that interoception is the one that lets us feel all the others.

Together they explore:

• Pain as a homeostatic emotion – drawing on A.D. (Bud) Craig’s groundbreaking work to show how pain isn’t just a warning siren but a built‑in motivation to heal, rest, and restore balance.
• The sympathetic vs. parasympathetic nervous systems, and how our mind‑jerk reactions can flip pain from a helpful signal into runaway anxiety, anger, or depression.
• Real‑life stories—from Ruth’s post‑spine‑surgery recovery to lived battles with hypochondria—illustrating how re‑interpreting internal sensations can turn distress into a path toward wellness.
• Practical tips for “letting the brain inform the mind”: noticing bodily cues without judgment, shifting from threat mode to curiosity, and partnering with the body’s natural drive toward equilibrium.

Whether you’re a clinician, a bio‑hacker, or simply tired of being ruled by aches, twitches, and racing thoughts, this conversation will change how you feel about…well, how you feel. Tune in and discover how activating interoception can unlock true mind‑body‑spirit homeostasis.

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In this enlightening episode of the Autonomic Homeostasis Activation Podcast, Tom Pals and Ruth Lorensson dive deep into the fascinating world of bodily healing and homeostasis. Challenging conventional wisdom about wellness, they explore the counterintuitive concept of "not scratching the itch" - both literally and metaphorically.

Discover why those uncomfortable sensations like itching, pain, and fever might actually be your body's intelligent healing mechanisms at work. Learn how our typical responses to discomfort often disrupt natural healing processes and what it truly means to work with - not against - our body's innate wisdom.

Through engaging discussions and practical insights, Tom and Ruth reveal how understanding homeostasis can transform our approach to physical and emotional wellness. Whether you're dealing with physical recovery, emotional healing, or simply seeking a more holistic understanding of your body's capabilities, this episode offers profound perspectives on natural healing.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding homeostatic pruning
• Why discomfort isn't always a bad sign
• How to support your body's natural healing processes
• Insights into working with, not against, your body's intelligence

Join us for an eye-opening conversation that will change how you think about health, healing, and your body's remarkable capabilities.

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Is achieving balance really the key to wellness? Or have we misunderstood homeostasis all along? In this eye-opening episode of the Autonomic Homeostasis Activation Podcast, hosts Tom Pals and Ruth Lorensson dive deep into the science of homeostasis and uncover why true wellness isn’t about achieving perfect equilibrium—it’s about thriving in dynamic disequilibrium.

They break down the history of homeostasis, from Walter Cannon’s groundbreaking research to modern-day misunderstandings that could be holding us back in our pursuit of health and resilience. Learn how your body naturally adapts to constant change, why chasing "balance" can be counterproductive, and how embracing the natural fluctuations of life can lead to greater well-being in mind, body, and spirit.

Join the conversation as we challenge conventional wellness wisdom and explore how to work with change, rather than against it.

🎧 Tune in now to shift your perspective on what it truly means to be well!

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In this episode of the Autonomic Homeostasis Activation Podcast, hosts Tom Pals and Ruth Lorensson explore the true essence of wellness—what it means, where it comes from, and how to cultivate it in daily life. They dive into the origins of the word well, linking it to ancient water sources and the fundamental human need for nourishment, both physically and emotionally.

Through rich conversation and insightful reflections, they outline five key elements of wellness: love, self-awareness, self-acceptance, significance, and intention. These pillars form the foundation for holistic well-being and personal transformation. They also discuss how wellness coaching helps individuals draw from their inner well—unlocking the deep reserves of well-being that already exist within.

Join Tom and Ruth as they challenge listeners to embrace wellness as an essential part of life, not just an afterthought. Whether you’re on a personal journey of healing or seeking deeper meaning, this episode is filled with wisdom, encouragement, and practical insights to guide you forward.

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Join Tom Pals and co-host Ruth Lorensson as they explore the often-overlooked ways our brains naturally work to restore balance—body, mind, and spirit. Learn why discomforts like itching, pain, and even unexpected emotional responses aren’t always signs of illness, but can be signals of a deeper healing process. Discover practical insights into how our brains orchestrate homeostasis, and why redefining “symptoms” can help us live with greater ease and confidence. If you’re ready to trust your body’s inherent wisdom and embrace a more holistic path to wellness, this conversation is for you.

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In this episode of the AHA Podcast, Ruth Lorensson and Thomas Pals introduce the groundbreaking concept of brain-informed wellness as part of their new series, The Fundamentals of Wellness. As the new year begins, many of us look to reset and embrace healthier habits, but what if the key to wellness isn’t about adding more to your plate, but about tapping into the innate wisdom of your brain?

Join Ruth and Tom as they discuss the difference between traditional wellness approaches like mindfulness and the AHA process, which focuses on activating your brain's natural ability to restore homeostasis and guide your body, mind, and spirit toward optimal well-being.

You'll also learn about interoception—your "sixth sense" for understanding your body—and hear real-life examples of how engaging the brain as a coach can uncover profound solutions to challenges in health and daily life.

Whether you're new to the AHA process or looking to deepen your understanding, this episode is the perfect starting point for exploring a revolutionary approach to wellness.

Key Takeaways:

• The difference between mindfulness and brain-informed wellness.
• What interoception is and why it’s critical to your well-being.
• How the brain's innate wisdom can transform your approach to health and problem-solving.

Get ready to rethink wellness and start your journey to a more balanced and intentional 2025!

#WellnessJourney #BrainInformedWellness #AHAProcess #Mindfulness #Interoception #HolisticHealth #Homeostasis #WellnessPodcast #BrainHealth #NewYearNewYou #IntentionalLiving #MindBodySpirit #Neuroscience #SelfCareRevolution

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Ready to dive into wellness? 🌱 Join hosts Tom Pals and Ruth Lorensson as they kick off an exciting new season, The Fundamentals of Wellness, a fresh exploration of what it means to thrive in body, mind, and spirit.

In this debut episode, Tom shares his transformative journey from trauma survivor to psychotherapist, and now certified wellness coach. He reveals how he integrates cutting-edge autonomic homeostasis activation (AHA) with a holistic coaching approach to support well-being. Ruth reflects on her impactful work with Love Bristol and her current focus on leadership coaching, offering insights into how wellness fuels both personal growth and organizational success. Together, they explore the foundational principles of wellness, the critical link between our environment and overall well-being, and the importance of embracing proactive wellness in today’s fast-paced world.

🔥 What to Expect in This Episode:

• The shift from The ABCs of Thriving to The Fundamentals of Wellness.
• How the "triple bottom line of wellness" (body, mind, spirit) creates balance and resilience.
• The transformative power of wellness coaching, backed by Tom’s personal and professional expertise.
• Ruth’s insights into wellness leadership and how environment shapes success.
• A sneak peek at upcoming episodes, packed with actionable tips and inspiration.

💡 Discover how wellness is more than the absence of illness—it’s your pathway to thriving.

👉 Subscribe now to dive into this season's practical strategies and inspiring stories to help you build a vibrant, balanced life.

🎧 Start listening today and take the first step toward your wellness transformation!

#WellnessPodcast #HolisticHealth #WellnessJourney #CoachingForSuccess #LeadershipWellness

Support the show

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You can follow us on
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Check out the Autonomic Healing Website & InnerWorkings Website

Email Tom thomasjpals@innerworkings.org
Email Ruth ruth@bridgeandrhino.com

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