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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.

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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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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!

Send us a text

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.

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!