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In this episode of the Autonomic Homeostasis Activation Podcast, Ruth Lorensson and Tom Pals explore why safety is a non-negotiable foundation for true wellness. Building on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, they unpack how feeling safe—both physically and psychologically—is essential before we can access higher states like love, connection, and self-actualization.

Tom offers a deep dive into the neurobiology of safety, explaining how our autonomic nervous system processes both real and perceived threats, and how chronic stress can keep us stuck in survival mode. Ruth shares relatable stories and personal reflections on how subtle cues—like a shadow mistaken for a mouse—can reveal deeper patterns of unsafety in the body. Together, they illuminate why so many people, even with their basic needs met, still don’t feel safe—and how that affects everything from parenting to productivity.

Tune in for a compassionate, science-informed conversation on how to recognize when your nervous system is stuck in overdrive, and how to begin creating the conditions for calm, connection, and healing.

Key Topics:

• Why safety is foundational in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
• The role of the sympathetic nervous system in chronic stress and trauma
• How perceived threats shape our experience of reality
• Practical tools for restoring a sense of safety
• Why safety is the gateway to love, connection, and true wellness

Join Ruth and Tom as they uncover the hidden dynamics of safety and offer a hopeful path forward—one rooted in awareness, regulation, and the power of your brain to heal.

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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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In this episode of the Autonomic Homeostasis Activation Podcast, Ruth Lorensson and Tom Pals dive deep into the fascinating relationship between the brain and the mind, unpacking how they work together to achieve wellness in body, mind, and spirit. They explore how the brain functions as a powerful sensory tool—capable of guiding us toward homeostasis and healing—while the mind shapes our experiences and perceptions.

Tom explains the crucial distinction between the brain's wisdom and the mind's interpretive processes, discussing concepts like interoception, subconscious influence, and the importance of allowing the brain to inform the mind. Ruth shares personal insights on how understanding this dynamic has empowered her own wellness journey, including a powerful example from her daughter’s study experience. Together, they highlight why truly understanding the brain’s role is vital for wellness and stress management.

Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on how these two systems, when in harmony, help us thrive. Don’t miss out on practical takeaways to shift from a reactive, mind-driven approach to a more holistic, brain-informed path to well-being.

Key Topics:

• The difference between the brain and the mind
• Interoception and its role in homeostasis
• How subconscious influences shape our thoughts and behaviors
• Practical insights for activating brain wellness

Join Ruth and Tom as they unravel these fascinating concepts and guide you toward a deeper understanding of your body’s wisdom.

Support the show

Thanks for listening!

You can follow us on
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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

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We appreciate you!

Send us a text

Are the people, habits, and perspectives in your life fueling your flourishing—or quietly draining it? In this candid conversation, Ruth and Tom unpack a deceptively simple filter that can transform every choice: beneficial vs. detrimental. From there, they reveal the Five P’s that either propel us toward thriving or pull us back into mere survival:

1. People – Why the company you keep (including you) shapes every other dimension of health.
2. Purpose – How clarifying “why I’m here” guards you from living everyone else’s agenda.
3. Perspective – Expanding (or shrinking) your worldview and its ripple effects on resilience.
4. Perception – The sensory lens—SOS, anyone?—that colors your emotions and decisions.
5. Passion – Turning reclaimed energy into a laser-focused, life-giving drive.

You’ll hear practical exercises—like the “People List” audit—to diagnose hidden drains, plus stories of extrovert overwhelm, introvert isolation, and the surprising boost of cross-cultural friendships. Whether you’re recalibrating mid-year goals or just feeling “funky,” this episode hands you a roadmap to evaluate every input through a wellness lens.

Listen in and learn how to trade survival mode for sustainable, whole-person thriving—one beneficial choice at a time.

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!