The Autonomic Homeostasis Activation Podcast - Neuroscience • Emotional Resilience • Trauma Recovery

Send us Fan Mail 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 sensat...

Send us Fan Mail 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 dow...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 homeostas...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 c...

Send us Fan Mail 🎄 AHA Podcast Christmas Special: Light, Love, and Life 🎄 As the Christmas season unfolds, Ruth and Tom delve into the heart and soul of what makes this time of year truly special. From cherished traditions and the joy of Christmas lights to the deeper meaning of connection, they explore what truly lights up this time of year. Hear heartwarming stories—from Tom's magical vis...

Send us Fan Mail In this momentous finale of the "ABCs of Thriving" series, Tom Pals and Ruth Lorensson explore the vibrant power of zest—both as a metaphor and a mindset. Unpacking its roots in citrus and its neurobiological impact, they discuss how zest can refresh, balance, and enhance life, even in challenging seasons. From small choices like savoring a quiet moment to big adventures...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Autonomic Healing Podcast, hosts Tom Pals and Ruth Lorensson explore the profound concept of yielding as an essential element of thriving. They delve into the multiple facets of yielding—from the idea of giving way to receive something of value, to the interconnectedness of human relationships and community. Through insightful stories about navigating traffi...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Autonomic Healing Podcast , hosts Tom Pals and Ruth Lorensson explore the transformative concept of xenophilia—"the love of strangers"—and how embracing this mindset fosters resilience and connection in a world where change and movement are constant.  Together, they unpack the contrasts between xenophobia and xenophilia, illuminating how a hospital...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Autonomic Healing Podcast, hosts Tom Pals and Ruth Lorensson explore the concept of Verity —a transcendent form of truth that goes beyond mere facts. As part of their ongoing series on the ABCs of Thriving, they unpack how embracing Verity can help individuals align their minds, bodies, and spirits to truly thrive. Tom and Ruth discuss the distinction betwee...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Autonomic Healing Podcast, hosts Tom Pals and Ruth Lorensson continue their journey through the ABCs of Thriving, focusing on the letter "W" for Wisdom . They delve into how wisdom is essential for thriving in life, influencing everything from our health to our decision-making. Tom and Ruth explore the neurobiology behind wisdom, discussing the rol...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Autonomic Healing Podcast , hosts Ruth Lorensson and Tom Pals explore the profound power of "understanding"—both intrapersonal and interpersonal—in fostering a thriving life. As part of their ongoing ABCs of Thriving series, they break down the letter "U," focusing on how understanding impacts personal growth, relationships, and empathy....

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Autonomic Healing Podcast, Tom and Ruth discuss the common habit of letting past traumas and experiences dictate our present and future, often keeping us stuck in survival mode. They offer practical insights on how to shift from this mindset to one that embraces the present moment and uses it as a foundation for thriving. Join them as they unpack the signifi...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of "The ABCs of Thriving," Tom and Ruth dive deep into the letter S, exploring the ancient Greek concept of "Psyche". Psyche goes beyond just the mind—it's the essence of being, encompassing body, mind, and spirit. Tom and Ruth discuss the importance of sustaining Psyche for true thriving, emphasizing the balance between support and relief....

Send us Fan Mail Support the show Thanks for listening! You can follow us on Facebook Instagram Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts Check out the Autonomic Healing Website & InnerWorkings Website Email Tom thomasjpals@innerworkings.org Email Ruth ruth@bridgeandrhino.com Support us We appreciate you!

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Autonomic Healing Podcast, hosts Tom Pals and Ruth Lorensson explore the profound connection between calm and questing as they dive into the letter "Q" in their ABCs of Thriving series. They examine the concept of quiescence—a state of calm and rest—and how it can be a foundation for embarking on life's quests. Discover the importance of a cen...

Send us Fan Mail 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 th...

Send us Fan Mail 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 quest...

Send us Fan Mail 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 h...

Send us Fan Mail 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 h...

Send us Fan Mail  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....

Send us Fan Mail 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 s...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 sign...