Why Your Nervous System Responds Better to Curiosity Than Criticism

This week's Healing Her Story episode explores something that doesn't get talked about enough in healing spaces.Curiosity.Not as a personality trait. As a biological necessity.In this solo episode, Riva shares one of the most fundamental shifts she made in her own healing journey -- from relentless self-judgment to genuine curiosity. And why that shift changed everything. Not just emotionally. Biologically.She opens up about the years she spent trying to force change. Meditating more, scrolling less, thinking more positively, losing weight -- all at the same time. And how every time she fell short, the inner critic got louder. The loop got tighter. And the change she so desperately wanted never came.It wasn't until she discovered trauma-informed care that she understood why.Judgment creates unsafety in the nervous system. And an unsafe nervous system cannot change.In this episode she explores:Why everything your system does is a protective strategy and not a personal failingHow curiosity literally primes the brain to form new neural pathways and learnThe dopamine connection and why curious people tolerate uncertainty and discomfort betterWhy safety has to come before curiosity and the somatic practices that create that foundationHow to begin shifting from "what is wrong with me" to "I wonder why this is happening" -- and what that tiny shift does inside your bodyIf you have ever felt stuck in the loop of trying hard, falling short, and judging yourself for it -- this episode will finally help you understand why. And what to do instead.Resources to Support You This Week:Free Trauma Recovery Mini Course -- Three foundational pillars of trauma recovery with short somatic practices to help your nervous system move toward regulation and safety.Send us Fan Mail Our intro and outro song, Reclamation (Reborn), is an anthem of remembering.This song was created as a companion for the healing journey, especially for women reclaiming their voices, their rhythms, and their belonging in a world shaped by patriarchy.You’re invited to listen, feel, and let the music meet you wherever you are.Looking for support? Here's how to go deeper:Book a Somatic Assessment: Your 75-min 1:1 virtual session to explore what your body is holding and shape a personalized care plan. Book HereFree Trauma Recovery Mini-Course: A self-guided intro to trauma recovery and nervous system care. Download Here1:1 and Group Support: Virtual and in-person offerings. Learn MoreMeditations on Insight Timer: Guided practices for nervous system regulation. Listen HereWatch Reclamation: A music video and expressive arts project. Watch HereFollow on Instagram: @healingherstorypodcastSubscribe so you never miss an episode. Email [email protected] or DM @healingherstorypodcast on Instagram.