The Nourished Nervous System – Details, episodes & analysis

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In this week's episode of 'The Nourished Nervous System', I get into some of the basics of polyvagal theory, its origins, and the significance of anchoring the nervous system in the ventral vagal state for optimal health and resilience. 

The episode covers the evolution of the nervous system, the roles of dorsal vagal, sympathetic, and ventral vagal systems, and illustrates how these states correspond to traditional Ayurvedic concepts of Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas. 

Listeners are introduced to the 'vagal brake' and the importance of recognizing and collecting 'glimmers'—moments of joy and safety. 

I also share  personal experiences and practical tips, including a guided self-massage practice (Abhyanga), to help listeners ground their nervous systems, particularly during times of heightened Vata in autumn.

In This Episode:

• Understanding Polyvagal Theory
• The Evolution of the Nervous System
• The Vagus Nerve and Its Functions
• The Vagal Brake and Its Importance
• Anchoring the Nervous System
• Practicing Safety and Regulation
• Noticing Glimmers
• The Power of Abhyanga Massage

Related Episodes:

Episode 53 - The Window of Resilience

My resources:

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Deep Rest Meditation

Nourished For Resilience Workbook

Book a free Exploratory Call

Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

Send us a text

What do immunity, libido, and the nervous system have in common?  An Ayurvedic substance called Ojas.

Cultivating Ojas is key to health and vitality in any stage of life but especially in mid life.

In this episode,  Larissa Carlson, an Ayurvedic practitioner and seasoned yoga expert, discusses the importance of Ojas—a substance vital for immunity and libido—in promoting overall well-being. 

The conversation covers Larissa's personal journey and professional insights into maintaining a balanced lifestyle through self-care practices, mindfulness, and tailored Ayurvedic routines. 

Larissa emphasize the need to slow down, especially during transitions in life stages and seasons, and offers practical advice on how to boost and safeguard Ojas for improved mental and physical health.

In This Episode:

•  Meet Larissa Carlson: A Journey in Ayurveda and Yoga
• Larissa's Path and Self-Care Practices
• Understanding Ojas: The Essence of Vitality
• Larissa's Personal Journey with Ojas
• Navigating Perimenopause and Menopause with Ayurveda
• Slowing Down in a Busy Society
• Practical Tips for Reducing Overwhelm and Burnout
• Boosting Ojas Through Diet and Lifestyle
• Ayurvedic Practices for Libido and Immunity
  
  

Connect with Larissa:

Website:  www.larissacarlson.com

IG: 
@LarissaHallCarlson
@sattvicsensuality

My resources:

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Deep Rest Meditation

Nourished For Resilience Workbook

Book a free Exploratory Call

Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

Send us a text

In this special anniversary episode of 'The Nourished Nervous System,'  I celebrate a year of growth and change, both personally and through the podcast. 

I delve into the concept of the window of resilience—how much stress we can handle before becoming overwhelmed—and connect it with Ayurvedic principles. 

Ayurveda is a lens to look at life through, so this episode talks about balancing life's stressors and how different Ayurvedic constitutions (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) affect our stress responses. 

The episode is rich with personal stories and practical tips like deep breathing, getting outside, and even dancing to Prince, making it both informative and relatable. 

Resources for deeper exploration, including a workbook and an Ayurvedic Nervous System type quiz, are also offered. 

Whether you’re dealing with daily stress, chronic illness, or just curious about resilience, this episode provides actionable insights and a sense of community.

In this Episode:

•  Exploring the Window of Tolerance
•  Understanding Stress and Resilience
•  Ayurvedic Perspectives on Resilience
• Personal Experiences and Practical Tips
•  Final Thoughts and Resources

Resources:

Ayurvedic Nervous System Type Quiz


Related Episodes:

Episode 26 - Nourished for Resilience
Episode 51 - Nourish Your Mind:  Ayurveda, Breath Work and Seasonal Self Care
Episode 3 - What the Vata?!
Episode 8 - Oh Pitta, You're Hot!
Episode 10 - Kapha, the Sweet One


References:

Travis FT, Wallace RK. Dosha brain-types: A neural model of individual differences. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2015 Oct-Dec;6(4):280-5. doi: 10.4103/0975-9476.172385. PMID: 26834428; PMCID: PMC4719489.

My resources:

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Deep Rest Meditation

Nourished For Resilience Workbook

Book a free Exploratory Call

Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

Send us a text

In this candid and tender  conversation, Donna Brooks shares her life story and her transformative journey through somatic embodiment work. 

She recounts her unconventional path, starting from her childhood in suburban New York, to becoming a dedicated yoga and Feldenkrais instructor. 

Brooks explores the profound impact of somatic practices on handling grief, including her personal experiences of loss, and emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to self-care. 

The discussion delves into the emotions tied with grief, the importance of recognizing the body's reactions, and how finding safety can enable emotional regulation. 

Brooks also provides insights into somatic embodiment, highlighting its role in dealing with complex emotions, and outlines her approach to helping others through grief using somatic techniques.

In this episode:

•  Donna's Early Life and Yoga Journey
•  Discovering Somatic Movement
•  Self-Care and Managing Anxiety
•  Understanding Somatic Embodiment
•  Grief and Somatic Embodiment
•  Personal Experiences with Grief
•  Navigating Complex Grief
•  Balancing Emotions and Resilience

Connect with Donna:

https://originalbodywisdom.com/

On Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/originalbodywisdom/

My resources:

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Deep Rest Meditation

Nourished For Resilience Workbook

Book a free Exploratory Call

Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

Send us a text

I don't know about you, but I can sometimes feel overwhelmed in busy buzz of summer season.  My mind can feel really full trying to process in this busy time of year.

That is why, in this episode of 'The Nourished Nervous System,' I  delve into Ayurvedic principles to guide you on balancing your mental health through seasonal changes. 

Discussing the transition into Pitta season, the importance of self-care practices such as incorporating bitter cooling foods, meditation, and pranayama are emphasized. 

The episode explores the Ayurvedic concept of the mind, known as Manas, and its distinction from the brain, highlighting the need to digest sensory impressions to maintain mental clarity. I also introduce the Gunas (Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas) and their influences on the mind, and elaborate on how the modern world can disrupt this balance. 

Practical steps, including the Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) technique, are offered to help you create more space and steadiness in your mind. Additional resources, such as a deep breath meditation and a resilience workbook, are recommended for further support.

•  Preparing for Pitta Season: Self-Care Practices
•  Clearing the Mind: Meditation and Breath Work
•  Ayurvedic View of the Mind
• Mind and Sensory Impressions
•  The Gunas: Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas
• Understanding Cortisol and Raja
• How the Five Elements Relate to the Mind   
•  Balancing the Gunas in Modern Life
• Cultivating Sattva: Practical Tips
• The Role of Constitution in Mental Balance
•  Harnessing the Mind Through Practices
•  Nadi Shodhana: A Breathwork Practice

Nadi Shodhana Instructions:  https://youtu.be/Biry04x7rFM

Related Episodes: 

Episode 2:  The Lens of Ayurveda
Episode 3 - What the Vata?!
Episode 8 - Oh Pitta, You're Hot!
Episode 10 - Kapha, the Sweet One

References:

All of my Ayurveda teachers,
especially the work of Dr.  Claudia Welch and Dr.  Anusha Sehgal

My resources:

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Deep Rest Meditation

Nourished For Resilience Workbook

Book a free Exploratory Call

Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

Send us a text

In this intimate and enlightening conversation, Irene Morning, a somatic pleasure coach and author of 'The Polyamory Paradox: Finding Your Confidence in Consensual Non-Monogamy,' shares her personal and professional journey. 

She discusses moving from yoga therapy to coaching individuals exploring non-monogamous relationships, the deep need for somatic support and embodiment work, and the impact of trauma on romantic and sexual exploration. 

Irene offers valuable insights on self-care, navigating conflict, and the role of pleasure in healing. Practical advice for those curious about non-monogamy and a simple daily action step to enhance pleasure are also featured.

In this Episode:

• Exploring Self-Care Practices
• The Complexity of Relationships
•  Journey into Non-Monogamy
• Navigating Complex PTSD and Non-Monogamy
•  The Role of Pleasure in Healing
•  Somatics and Relationship Dynamics
•  Tips for Exploring Non-Monogamy

Connect with Irene:

https://www.irenemorning.com

IG:  @irene_morning

Irene's book,  The Polyamory Paradox, is a trauma-aware, body-based approach to navigating modern relationships, especially if you have a history of trauma.

It's written with examples primarily from non-monogamous contexts, but the tools and information in it are relevant to everyone.

It's available as a free download on her website: https://www.irenemorning.com/book-launch 

My resources:

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Deep Rest Meditation

Nourished For Resilience Workbook

Book a free Exploratory Call

Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

Send us a text

In this short and sweet episode of 'The Nourished Nervous System,' I reflect on the complex emotions of being human, especially in times of personal and global grief.

Balancing moments of joy amidst sorrow, the discussion delves into the concept of yin and yang and the importance of finding resources to support resilience.

The episode is a candid sharing of my experience with springtime in Maine, personal loss, parental challenges, and the ongoing grief for global tragedies, offering listeners a chance to explore the coexistence of multiple truths in life.

Related Episodes:

Episode 15 - Vibrancy is a Long Game

Episode 36- Weaving a Net of Resource

My resources:

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Deep Rest Meditation

Nourished For Resilience Workbook

Book a free Exploratory Call

Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

Send us a text

In this  episode, I welcome Pavini, a queer, trans human who utilizes their diverse background as a park ranger, Montessori teacher, sex therapist, and startup CEO to thrive in their current roles as a somatic coach, author, and advocate for embodying leadership to smash the patriarchal norms in the workplace. 

Pavini shares their journey through various professions, highlighting the impact of their Montessori education background on their teaching and writing. 

They discuss the importance of embodiment and somatic practices in leadership, self-care, navigating the workplace's power dynamics, and the ethical handling of power in leadership roles. 

The conversation also explores the radical act of embodying one's full humanity as a form of activism, especially for those in non-normative bodies, and the potential for embodied practice to contribute to dismantling systemic oppression. 

Pavini offers insight into managing one's nervous system at work, fostering generative conflict, and the dangers of flattening power in activist spaces. They suggest a simple yet profound self-love practice and share ways for listeners to engage with their work further.

In this Episode:

•  Embodying Power: What Power Feels Like
•  Leadership Through the Lens of the Body
•  Embodiment as Activism: Smashing the Patriarchy
• The Power of Leadership and Responsibility
•  Navigating Power Dynamics in Activist Spaces
•  The Role of the Nervous System in Work and Conflict
• Connecting with Pavini: Resources and Final Thoughts

Connect with Pavini:

www.pavinimoray.com

Glitter Joyride is Pavini's new weekly substack and podcast celebrating being alive in late-stage capitalism. 

On Instagram

My resources:

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Deep Rest Meditation

Nourished For Resilience Workbook

Book a free Exploratory Call

Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

Send us a text

Do you ever feel like you are doing all the right things but still don't feel good?

This was the question at the center of this week's episode.  Spoiler alert:  I don't have the answer to this, but I do have thoughts on it.  

In this episode I share about my adventure of moving into a new home in Maine and the excitement and challenges that come with starting a garden from scratch. 

I speak  about the interplay between the physical act of gardening and the philosophical lessons it teaches about life, resilience, and the importance of slowing down. 

Listeners will discover how gardening acts as a metaphor for personal growth, dealing with the trials of chronic illness, and the pursuit of a balanced, mindful existence. 

I illustrate the continual cycle of laying foundations and maintaining progress, both in the garden and within ourselves, highlighting the parallels between nurturing plants and personal well-being. 

Amidst these reflections, I invite you  to embrace moments that stretch time, deepen connections, and transform routine self-care into a profound, fulfilling practice.

In this Episode:

•  Embracing Gardening: A Journey of Resilience and Self-Discovery
• The Power of Slowing Down: Lessons from Gardening and Life
•  Laying Foundations: The Heavy Work of Starting New
•  Navigating the Healing Process: Acceptance and Adaptation
•  Exploring the Concept of Slowing Down Time for Well-being
•  Invitation to Stretch Time and Embrace Moments of Connection

Related Episodes:

Being With What Is with Chandra Cantor

Somatics and Ecology with Abigail Rose Clarke

My resources:

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Deep Rest Meditation

Nourished For Resilience Workbook

Book a free Exploratory Call

Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

Send us a text

This conversation is about so much more than just thyroid health,  but that is at it's core.

In this episode,  Carrie Levine, nurse midwife turned functional medicine practitioner, shares her transformative journey towards founding Whole Woman Health in Midcoast, Maine.  Carrie is also the author of whole woman health: a guide to creating wellness for any age and stage.

She opens up about the challenges of motherhood, personal burnout, and the drive that led her to write a book aimed at demystifying functional medicine for the wider public, especially those unable to afford or access this holistic approach. 

Carrie shares about the interconnection of the adrenals, ovaries and thyroid and some pearls of wisdom on how to keep these systems in balance.

Offering a glimpse into her personal self-care rituals, from nature walks with her dog to the solace found in yoga and tea, Levine underscores the interconnectedness of our well-being with the world around us. 

Her story is a potent reminder of the power of resilience, the importance of listening to our bodies, and the need to foster accessible healthcare pathways that honor our intrinsic link to nature.

In this Episode: 

•  Carrie Levine's Journey to Whole Woman Health
•  The Birth of a Book: Increasing Access to Functional Medicine
•  Personal Self-Care Routines
• Exploring Functional Medicine
•  The Power of Embracing Imperfection
•  Navigating Thyroid, Adrenals, and Stress
•  Empowering Personal Health Choices

Connect with Carrie:

https://carrielevine.com/

Check out the book: 

Whole  Woman Health

My resources:

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Deep Rest Meditation

Nourished For Resilience Workbook

Book a free Exploratory Call

Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram