Nervous System Regulation Articles

In a world that moves too fast, where overstimulation is the norm and our nervous systems are constantly “on,” truly relaxing has become a skill—and, in many cases, a struggle. I see this in the people I guide through forest therapy walks. I feel it in myself.

As I learn to navigate the intricacies of my life, I recognize that overwhelm has been a consistent theme since childhood. Growing up as a highly sensitive child, I internalized the feelings of overwhelm not only as part of my own experience but also through observing my mother's struggles. I watched her grapple with the weight of life's demands as a single mother, often feeling helpless as she failed to seek the support she needed. Her inability to thrive in these moments of stress became ingrained in my perception of what overwhelm looked and felt like.

Halbert L. Dunn, often called the father of the wellness movement, distinguished between health (the absence of disease), wellness (the active pursuit of a healthy lifestyle), and well-being (a deeper state of fulfillment that integrates mind, body, and spirit). True well-being includes spirituality—a connection to something greater than yourself, which is different for everyone yet fundamentally the same. It also requires interdependence, the recognition that we thrive in connection with others and the world around us.

In recent years, prolonged sitting has been likened to smoking in terms of its negative impact on health. While smoking directly affects the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, excessive sitting—especially when combined with poor posture—can silently degrade the body’s structural integrity, mobility, and overall well-being. A key player in this process is fascia, the often-overlooked connective tissue that plays a vital role in movement, hydration, and cellular communication.

When we experience pressure, stress, or emotional tension, our bodies often develop holding patterns that are unconscious physical responses to these feelings. These patterns can show up in various areas of the body, and over time, they can lead to discomfort, pain, or limited range of motion. Below are some common areas where we tend to clench or hold tension under pressure:

The word trauma has been thrown around a lot lately in many contexts. While I’m not a psychotherapist, I am deeply trained and certified as a somatic practitioner (Myofascial Release Therapist). Over the years, through many mind-body awareness practices and a year-long compassion study program at Stanford, I’ve become intimately familiar with my own trauma responses, often showing up as triggers. I deeply value the understanding that we are all wired differently, and I prioritize providing safe and inclusive experiences for my clients.

A short reflection on how meditation may support brain health, slow cognitive decline, and help us build more empathy in daily life.

I just was talking to a friend about sleep and he was sharing how since he is so busy with work and has a young family that he experiences the phenomenon of sleep procrastination. I had never heard that term before, but when my kids were little I can recall staying up til 3 am just to have some adult private time (in addition to couple time). Do we just go through cycles in life or can we actually infuse these cycles with a gentle awareness of other skillful actions? How would young parent solve this problem? We used to live in community where we literally co-raised our children, ie. the "villiage?. We now have similar needs for communal support but are cut off from that. I see parents overworking to try and support their families. What if people who live near eachother could have trusted and well known friends that could trade with so free time could work in our waking hours? Love to hear your thoughts...