Send us a Text Message.

In this episode of the Autonomic Healing Podcast, hosts Ruth Lorensson and Tom Pals delve into the concept of being "poised for possibilities" during stressful situations. They discuss holistic approaches to managing stress and trauma that foster empowerment and growth. Ruth opens up about a personal experience of feeling overwhelmed, yet discovering new opportunities through self-reflection and maintaining poise. Tom offers a neuroscientific perspective on stress responses and highlights the benefits of rational thinking. Together, they emphasize the importance of shifting one's perspective from seeing obstacles to engaging in creative problem-solving and embracing possibilities for positive change, even amidst unexpected challenges or setbacks.

Join Ruth and Tom as they unpack practical strategies for maintaining composure and balance, making the most of life's unforeseen events.

Thanks for listening!

You can follow us on
Facebook
Instagram
Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts
Check out the Autonomic Healing Website

We appreciate you!

Send us a Text Message.

What if embracing change could transform your life from mere survival to thriving? Join us in this episode as we uncover the transformative power of being open to change.

We begin by exploring the profound implications of the word "open" and how it contrasts with the rigidity of being "closed." Openness invites curiosity, receptivity, and a willingness to question the status quo. Using real-life examples like seasonal shifts and parenting during long summer vacations, we illustrate how adaptability is not just a survival skill but a catalyst for personal growth.

Next, we dive into the concept of homeostasis, often misunderstood as a static state of equilibrium. Instead, we reveal homeostasis as a dynamic process of constant adjustment, much like the precarious balance of a Jenga game. This metaphor helps us understand how small changes can disturb our perceived equilibrium, triggering survival instincts. By redefining homeostasis as a state of persistent, dynamic disequilibrium, we emphasize that embracing change isn't just about coping—it's about thriving.

We also dissect the nature of first-order and second-order changes, highlighting the difference between incremental adjustments and transformational shifts. Through engaging discussions, we advocate for diagnosing underlying issues rather than just addressing symptoms, particularly in areas like health and well-being. We conclude by exploring how second-order change can lead to profound transformations, empowering us to tackle personal, organizational, and global challenges with bold, systemic solutions.

Tune in to this enlightening episode to discover how being open to change can be the key to unlocking your full potential.

Thanks for listening!

You can follow us on
Facebook
Instagram
Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts
Check out the Autonomic Healing Website

We appreciate you!

Send us a Text Message.

Welcome to the Autonomic Healing Podcast with Tom Pals and Ruth Lorensson! In this captivating episode from our series "The ABCs of Thriving," we dive into the concept of "nominal functioning." What does it mean to keep things nominal, and how can this lead to thriving rather than just surviving?

Tom shares his childhood fascination with space exploration and how the term "nominal" from NASA's space missions inspired him. We explore how maintaining a nominal trajectory, much like spacecraft, ensures optimal functioning and thriving in our lives.

Join us as we discuss practical strategies to recognize and stay within your own nominal space. Discover how paying attention to emotions, assessing their health, and incorporating mindful breathing can guide you back to a balanced and thriving state.

Listen in to learn how to navigate life's challenges and keep your journey on the right trajectory. Whether you're dealing with stress, trauma, or simply seeking to live more authentically, this episode offers valuable insights and tools for holistic healing.

Thanks for listening!

You can follow us on
Facebook
Instagram
Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts
Check out the Autonomic Healing Website

We appreciate you!

Send us a Text Message.

In this episode, Tom and Ruth delve into the concept of "Many Little Lives" and its profound implications for individual and collective thriving. They explore the origins of this idea, dating back to Theodore de Bordeaux in the mid-1700s, who used the metaphor of many little lives to describe homeostasis in organisms.

Drawing parallels from nature, Tom and Ruth discuss how every organism, whether it's insect colonies or the cells in the human body, is composed of many little lives working together for mutual accommodation and negotiation. They emphasize the importance of recognizing the interconnectedness and significance of each individual within the collective whole.

The conversation extends beyond the biological realm to encompass human societies, nations, and the global community. Tom and Ruth highlight the urgent need for negotiation and mutual accommodation on both individual and societal levels to achieve collective well-being and thriving. They reflect on the challenges posed by tribalism, lack of empathy, and the prevailing narratives of power and hierarchy.

Throughout the episode, Tom and Ruth encourage listeners to shift their perspectives and embrace the paradigm of many little lives. They emphasize the empowering potential of recognizing the value of every individual and working together towards collective flourishing. As they conclude, they challenge listeners to embody this paradigm in their daily lives and contribute to creating a world where every little life matters.

Thanks for listening!

You can follow us on
Facebook
Instagram
Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts
Check out the Autonomic Healing Website

We appreciate you!

Send us a Text Message.

In this episode, Tom and Ruth delve into the profound topic of love, exploring its role in both surviving and thriving. They dissect the concept of love as a strong attraction and attachment, examining how it can either contribute to thriving or become co-opted into survival mode.

Throughout the discussion, Tom and Ruth emphasize the importance of aligning love with giving life. They challenge listeners to reflect on what they truly love and how they prioritize their time and resources. The conversation highlights the distinction between love that gives life and love that merely serves survival instincts, such as the love of money or possessions.

As the discussion unfolds, Tom and Ruth offer practical insights and exercises for listeners to evaluate their own relationships and choices. They encourage listeners to embrace a present-focused, legacy-building approach to love—one that transcends immediate gratification and leaves a positive impact for generations to come.

Join Tom and Ruth as they navigate the complexities of love, guiding listeners toward a deeper understanding of how to cultivate thriving relationships and live authentically.

Thanks for listening!

You can follow us on
Facebook
Instagram
Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts
Check out the Autonomic Healing Website

We appreciate you!

Send us a Text Message.

Join hosts Tom Pals and Ruth Lorensson on the Autonomic Healing Podcast as they explore the profound impact of kindness in managing stress and trauma. In this episode, Tom and Ruth delve into how acts of kindness alleviate burdens, foster connections, and trigger shifts from stress to well-being. Through personal anecdotes and psychological insights, they highlight kindness as a simple yet potent tool for self-care and healing. Tune in to discover how embracing kindness can lead to transformative changes in both individuals and communities.

Thanks for listening!

You can follow us on
Facebook
Instagram
Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts
Check out the Autonomic Healing Website

We appreciate you!

Send us a Text Message.

In this episode of the Autonomic Healing Podcast, hosts Tom Pals and Ruth Lorensson explore the concept of joy beyond mere happiness, delving into its connection to well-being, gifting, and grace. Drawing from personal and professional experiences, they discuss how joy can be found amidst suffering and challenge listeners to seek joy in the gifts they give and receive. Emphasizing the importance of understanding joy within the journey of life, Tom and Ruth offer practical advice for cultivating joy and invite listeners to embrace the ABCs of thriving.

Thanks for listening!

You can follow us on
Facebook
Instagram
Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts
Check out the Autonomic Healing Website

We appreciate you!

Send us a Text Message.

In this episode, Tom and Ruth delve into the importance of inviting intimacy as they explore the ABCs of thriving. They discuss how trust, autonomy, initiative, industry, identity, and empowerment form the foundational layers leading to healthy intimacy. Drawing insights from developmental psychologist Erik Erikson's stages of psychosocial development, they highlight the significance of each stage in shaping one's ability to form intimate connections.

Tom and Ruth emphasize the role of empowerment in fostering intimacy, enabling individuals to commit to relationships and make personal sacrifices for their well-being. They reflect on their personal experiences and share practical strategies for overcoming barriers to intimacy, such as mistrust, doubt, guilt, and inferiority.

Throughout the conversation, they underscore the transformative power of rational intimacy, where individuals feel empowered to be themselves, share openly, and mutually support others. They invite listeners to explore their own journey towards intimacy and offer guidance on navigating challenges and embracing joy in the process.

Join Tom and Ruth as they invite you to embark on a journey of self-discovery and relational fulfillment, where inviting intimacy becomes a pathway to holistic healing and thriving in mind, body, and spirit.

Thanks for listening!

You can follow us on
Facebook
Instagram
Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts
Check out the Autonomic Healing Website

We appreciate you!