The Vagus Diaries

The Science of Connection and Softening

Exploring the intersection of somatic exploration, nervous system regulation, polyvagal theory, and trauma healing, this blog offers neuroscience-backed insights into vagal nerve function, neuromodulation, co-regulation, self-regulation, and somatic practices that support emotional regulation, stress resilience, and deep healing.

Learn how your autonomic nervous system influences attachment, connection, and your sense of inner safety. Discover evidence-based approaches to nervous system healing and flexibility, vagal tone optimization, building capacity for presence, and expanding your window of tolerance by understanding the biology of trauma and recovery.

Whether you're interested in polyvagal theory applications, somatic experiencing, or the neuroscience of human connection, these posts bridge scientific research with practical wisdom for those seeking to heal their relationship with inner safety, self, and others.

The Beautiful Human Reflections in this blog explore the science of connection and nervous system healing through trauma-informed insights, somatic practices, and compassionate psychology, helping you soften stress, restore safety, and live with deeper emotional resilience and presence. 

Healing Banner

Hover over the banner to pause • Copy the code to use on your blog

Frustration Cycle Explained: How to Release Judgment of Frustration and Get Unstuck Using Dr. Gordon Neufeld's Model and Eight Somatic Practices

Frustration Cycle Explained: How to Release Judgment of Frustration and Get Unstuck Using Dr. Gordon Neufeld's Model and Eight Somatic Practices

Alessandrina Dorer
Published on: 06/10/2026

Dr. Gordon Neufeld's attachment-informed model of the frustration cycle with eight somatic practices to discharge hyperarousal, release judgment of frustration, and move irritability, anger, and body tension through change, adaptation, and play.

frustration cycleGordon Neufeld frustrationhow to release frustrationsomatic practices for frustrationjudgment of frustrationnervous system regulationhow to get unstuckirritability and anger releaseattachment theory
Six Somatic Nervous System Regulation Tools for Anxiety, Chronic Stress, and Greater Emotional Resilience

Six Somatic Nervous System Regulation Tools for Anxiety, Chronic Stress, and Greater Emotional Resilience

Alessandrina Dorer
Published on: 28/08/2026

Six somatic practices for chronic stress and anxiety: eye orientation, breath, touch, neck release, bilateral stimulation, and vibration, each accessing your nervous system through bottom-up sensory input, not top-down, mind-controlled regulation.

somatic nervous system regulationanxiety relief techniqueschronic stress managementbottom-up regulationpolyvagal theoryvagus nerve regulationStanley Rosenberg basic exercisephysiological sighneurogenic tremoringwhole body vibration therapybutterfly hug techniquebilateral stimulationwindow of toleranceautonomic nervous systemsympathetic activationnervous system dysregulationsomatic first aid kittrauma release exercisesinteroceptionemotional resiliencenervous system shutdownsomatic practices for anxietyself-regulation techniquestonic vibration reflex
The Somatic and Structural Power of Whole-Body Vibration: A Guide to Systemic Regulation, Bone Density, and Trauma Release

The Somatic and Structural Power of Whole-Body Vibration: A Guide to Systemic Regulation, Bone Density, and Trauma Release

Alessandrina Dorer
Published on: 14/07/2026

Explore how whole body vibration transforms physical resilience and nervous system balance. Learn somatic grounding from author Becky Chambers and watch her exclusive video interview to deepen your integration.

Whole Body VibrationBecky ChambersSomatic GroundingNervous System RegulationVibration TherapyPhysical ResilienceCellular HealthNervous System BalanceSomatic PracticesGentle OfferingsBeautiful Human HealingDexter and Alessandrina
Staying Grounded Through Life’s Biggest Changes: A Somatic Guide to Navigating Transition and Building Internal Steadiness

Staying Grounded Through Life’s Biggest Changes: A Somatic Guide to Navigating Transition and Building Internal Steadiness

Alessandrina Dorer
Published on: 18/06/2026

Navigate life transitions with internal steadiness. Discover the neurobiology of change and 5 somatic practices to calm anxiety, process grief, and expand your window of tolerance using a compassionate, bottom-up approach that also builds resilience.

life transitionsnervous system regulationpolyvagal theorysomatic groundingsomatic experiencingpendulationwindow of toleranceliminalitystress reductionbody-based healingneuroplasticity