How the Brain Handles Change (And Why Transformation Feels Hard)

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Autonomic Homeostasis Activation Podcast, hosts Tom Pals and Ruth Lorensson explore the profound connection between change, homeostasis, and wellness. They unpack why change isn’t something to resist but to embrace—because homeostasis itself is change, the constant dynamic adjustment that keeps us alive and well.Drawing on neuroscience, Tom explains how the brain perceives change through the amygdala, either as a threat (activating the sympathetic fight-or-flight response) or as an opportunity (activating the parasympathetic rest-recover-digest state). Together, Tom and Ruth explore how our perception of change determines our experience of it—whether we spiral into anxiety and frustration or move toward growth, restoration, and resilience.Listeners will learn the difference between wanting change and wanting to change, and how cultivating a mindset of beneficial anticipation—seeing change as life-giving—creates space for healing, adaptability, and sustainable wellness.💡 Key Themes:Homeostasis as a living, dynamic processThe neurobiology of change and emotional regulationHow perception shapes our stress or peace responseThe power of beneficial anticipation over negative anticipationWhy embracing change is central to true wellness✨ “Change is not the enemy of wellness—it’s the evidence of life.”🔗 Learn more at autonomichealing.org or connect with Tom at innerworkings.org.Support the showThanks for listening!You can follow us onFacebook Instagram Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts Check out the Autonomic Healing Website & InnerWorkings WebsiteEmail Tom [email protected] Ruth [email protected] usWe appreciate you!