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. 

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How Presence Teaches Presence: The Neuroscience of Co-Regulation

How Presence Teaches Presence: The Neuroscience of Co-Regulation

Alessandrina Dorer
Published on: 05/01/2026

Your nervous system learns safety through presence, not words. Discover how co-regulation rewires dysregulation and why your calm is more effective and supportive more than advice.

Nervous System Healing
Living in Survival Mode: Why We Get Dysregulated and Can't Find Our Way Back Home

Living in Survival Mode: Why We Get Dysregulated and Can't Find Our Way Back Home

Alessandrina Dorer
Published on: 24/11/2025

If you've ever snapped at someone over something small, felt paralyzed by simple decisions, or experienced exhaustion that rest doesn't fix, you might be experiencing dysregulation. That's your nervous system getting stuck in survival mode, operating on old patterns that once kept you safe. Understanding what dysregulation is, why it happens, and how it shows up in your body, emotions, and relationships is an essential first step toward regulation.

Nervous System Healing
Why Self-Regulation Isn't Always Possible

Why Self-Regulation Isn't Always Possible

Alessandrina Dorer
Published on: 24/10/2025

Why self-regulation feels impossible when your nervous system learned isolation was safer than connection. The neuroscience of survival patterns and how healing happens through co-regulation.

Nervous System Healing