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

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

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

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

ocular neuromodulationnervous system regulationvagus nerve activationsomatic eye movementspolyvagal theorytrauma healingemotional processingsomatic therapymemory reconsolidationstress reliefparasympathetic activationvagal toninghypervigilance recoverychronic stress reliefsomatic emdrbilateral stimulationscreen fatigue reliefneuroception of safetybody based healingbrainspotting techniqueswindow of toleranceautonomic flexibilityanxiety relief toolseye movements for nervous system regulationvagus nerve eye exercisessomatic emdr trauma processinghow to reset your nervous system using eye movementsbreaking screen induced hypervigilance somaticallybilateral eye movements for memory reconsolidationpolyvagal exercises for chronic stress relief

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.

new year resolutionpersonal growthpersonal developmenttransformationself-lovenervous system regulationconditioning