[00:06] Lauren’s illness transformed her from an active teen to wheelchair-bound.

• At 16, Lauren transitioned from a straight-A student and athlete to experiencing debilitating symptoms.

• Despite initial misdiagnoses, she identified deeper causes of her health issues and began her recovery journey.

[02:22] Lauren struggled with undiagnosed symptoms before finding the root cause: Lyme disease.

• Lauren experienced severe light sensitivity and fatigue, complicating her daily life and mobility.

• After numerous misdiagnoses, an obscure connection led to the discovery of Lyme disease as the underlying issue.

[06:36] Lauren found purpose volunteering despite severe health challenges.

• Lauren volunteered at a bowling program for children with special needs, which helped her maintain a sense of purpose during her illness.

• During her illness, she experienced significant limitations, needing assistance for basic activities and often relying on her family for support.

[08:47] Chronic fatigue can lead to depression and social withdrawal.

• Chronic fatigue manifests as an overwhelming heaviness, making even small movements feel strenuous and exhausting.

• Dismissive attitudes from medical professionals contribute to the emotional distress of those suffering, reinforcing harmful narratives that their condition is ‘all in their head.’

[13:04] Community support and research empower recovery from chronic conditions.

• Individuals with chronic conditions often spend years researching treatments and engaging with support groups for knowledge.

• Family and community support play a crucial role in recovery, fostering hope and reversing the perception of lifelong illness.

[14:59] Lauren’s support system and hope were crucial for her healing journey.

• Family support, especially from her mother, helped maintain hope and joy during challenging times.

• Creating a recovery bucket list motivated Lauren to focus on possibilities rather than limitations.

[18:47] Lauren’s recovery improved significantly through nervous system-focused therapies.

• After years of unsuccessful treatments, Lauren found hope in nervous system-oriented therapies, starting with craniosacral therapy.

• Within six months of treatment, she transitioned from using a walker to experiencing greater mobility and energy.

[20:56] Lauren explores neural retraining for nervous system recovery.

• Multiple practitioners suggested the Dynamic Neural Retraining System (DNRS) for her healing process.

• Despite initial skepticism, Lauren’s concussion highlighted the need for effective nervous system management.

[24:45] Understanding the role of the limbic system in emotional processing and safety assessment.

• The limbic system, located between the cortex and brain stem, plays a crucial role in processing emotions and sensory information.

• It helps determine if experiences are safe or dangerous, influencing emotional reactions based on bodily and environmental inputs.

[26:41] Neuroplasticity enables rewiring emotional responses and reactions.

• Emotional reactions, such as fear, engage various bodily systems, including the vagus nerve.

• Through practices like lyic system retraining, individuals can create new neural pathways, enhancing the brain’s adaptability.

[30:24] Positive emotions enhance neural connections and support healing.

• Experiences trigger neurotransmitter release, fostering new synapses and brain connections.

• Imagining positive scenarios helps the brain perceive safety, minimizing stress responses.

[32:17] Visualization helps connect with body sensations and promotes healing.

• Envisioning movements as if they’re happening now fosters a sense of strength and capability in the body.

• Recovery involves understanding nervous system function and addressing issues like light sensitivity through targeted exercises.

[35:48] Lauren shares her journey to morning energy and focused living.

• Using visioning techniques helped Lauren wake up feeling energized and grounded, transforming her mornings.

• Gradual improvements in her health symptoms gave her confidence in the effectiveness of her exercises.

[37:35] Lauren’s journey from wheelchair use to walking independently marks significant healing progress.

• Lauren gradually transitioned from wheelchair dependency to walking around her home without assistance.

• Two years after beginning limbic work, she confidently crossed the street to the park without any supportive devices.

[40:58] Investing time in recovery leads to significant health improvements.

• Time investment yields gradual energy boosts and mental clarity, transforming daily life.

• Consistent efforts in healing the nervous system can restore confidence and the ability to engage in activities.

[42:34] Investing time in morning routines boosts daily energy and focus.

• Setting aside 20 minutes in the morning can prevent fatigue and promote productivity throughout the day.

• Habit stacking allows for effective time management by integrating new practices with existing routines, ensuring they are prioritized.

[45:45] Men often struggle with emotional expression due to societal conditioning.

• Cultural norms discourage men from expressing emotions, leading to repression of feelings.

• Exercises exist to help men reconnect with their emotions and learn to feel them in their bodies.

[47:25] Emotions are embodied experiences that influence physical sensations.

• According to the James Lang theory of emotion, emotions manifest physically in the body rather than solely as cognitive responses.

• Practicing awareness of bodily sensations linked to emotions can help release stuck feelings and reduce anxiety.

[51:01] Integrative approaches significantly enhance healing and lifestyle changes.

• Combining diet, microbiome, lifestyle, and epigenetics leads to improved health outcomes, supported by scientific studies.

• Empowerment through guiding others fosters a sense of purpose and hope for both the healer and those they help.

[52:50] Lauren emphasizes the need for better emotional and bodily awareness education.

• She believes that valuable healing knowledge is often overlooked and should be taught in schools.

• Lauren expresses frustration over the lack of emotional literacy in the current education system.

[56:30] Lauren combines psychology and naturopathy to address health holistically.

• Lauren completed a bachelor’s degree in psychology, focusing on kinesiology to explore the connection between mind and body.

• Now in naturopathic medicine school, she aims to address root health issues and supports health coaching for chronic illness patients.

[58:20] Lauren offers various resources for nervous system healing and understanding trauma.

• She provides personalized meditations and nervous system regulation exercises, and is certified in health coaching.

• Lauren collaborates with Dr. Ruth Lannias to make trauma research accessible and actionable for the public.

[1:02:25] Trusting the journey leads to healing and community support.

• Persistence in personal healing is essential; believing in oneself can yield positive results.

• The collaborative and warm environment among practitioners enhances the healing experience for clients.

[00:00] Lauren shares her inspiring journey from wheelchair use to water skiing.

• After a serious injury, Lauren focused on rehabilitation and mental resilience to regain mobility.

• Her successful transition to water skiing symbolizes empowerment and the importance of perseverance in healing.