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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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.

Nervous System HealingSomatic HealingPersonal Transformation
Ocular Neuromodulation: Using Eye Movements for Autonomic Regulation, Memory Consolidation, and Emotional Processing

Ocular Neuromodulation: Using Eye Movements for Autonomic Regulation, Memory Consolidation, and Emotional Processing

Alessandrina Dorer
Published on: 11/06/2026

This bottom-up somatic blog post explores ocular neuromodulation, detailing 6 practical eye movement techniques to release survival physiology and support nervous system regulation, shifting the body from cognitive control to anatomical collaboration

Nervous System HealingSomatic Healing
What If This Year Was Simply About Coming Home to Yourself And Loving Yourself More?

What If This Year Was Simply About Coming Home to Yourself And Loving Yourself More?

Alessandrina Dorer
Published on: 30/12/2025

A gentle reflection on nervous system–based self-love, self-regulation through self-care, and what becomes possible when you come home to yourself.

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