24:11 Nia: As we start to wrap up, Jackson, I'm thinking about our listeners who might be feeling a bit overwhelmed by all this information. Where should someone start if they want to begin working with their nervous system?
24:22 Jackson: You know, I always tell people to start small and be patient with themselves. This isn't about perfection—it's about building awareness and gradually expanding your capacity for regulation. Pick one or two techniques that resonate with you and practice them consistently rather than trying to do everything at once.
24:40 Nia: That's such good advice. And I imagine this work isn't linear—there are going to be ups and downs?
2:59 Jackson: Absolutely. Healing and nervous system work happen in spirals, not straight lines. You might have a week where you feel really regulated and connected, followed by a period where old patterns resurface. That's completely normal and actually part of the process.
25:02 Nia: It's like learning any new skill, really. You wouldn't expect to be perfect at playing piano after a few lessons.
7:20 Jackson: Exactly! And just like with piano, the key is consistent, gentle practice. Your nervous system responds to repetition and safety, not force or pressure. The more you practice these regulation techniques, the more natural they become.
25:22 Nia: I love how this framework takes the shame out of our stress responses. Instead of thinking "I shouldn't be anxious" or "I'm weak for shutting down," we can understand these as adaptive responses that just need some updating.
25:35 Jackson: That's one of the most beautiful gifts of polyvagal theory—it helps us develop compassion for our own nervous systems. These responses developed to keep us safe, even if they're not serving us well in current circumstances.
25:47 Nia: And the ripple effects of this work extend beyond just ourselves, right?
11:32 Jackson: Completely. When we become more regulated, we become better co-regulators for others. We can offer genuine calm and presence instead of adding to the collective dysregulation. It's like becoming a tuning fork for nervous system health.
26:05 Nia: Speaking of ripple effects, what about parents? How can understanding polyvagal theory help with parenting?
26:11 Jackson: This is huge. When parents understand nervous system states, they can recognize when their child is activated or shut down and respond appropriately. Instead of punishing behavior, they can help their child's nervous system return to safety.
26:25 Nia: And kids are naturally so good at co-regulation, aren't they?
26:29 Jackson: They are! Children's nervous systems are incredibly sensitive to their caregivers' states. A calm, regulated parent can help a distressed child settle much more effectively than all the reasoning or consequences in the world.
26:41 Nia: What about workplace applications? This seems relevant for anyone dealing with stress at work.
2:59 Jackson: Absolutely. Understanding your nervous system can help you recognize when you're getting activated during a difficult meeting or deadline pressure. Instead of just pushing through, you can take a moment to regulate—maybe with a few conscious breaths or a brief walk.
27:00 Nia: And it probably helps with interpersonal dynamics at work too.
27:03 Jackson: Definitely. When you understand that someone's "difficult" behavior might be coming from a dysregulated nervous system, you can respond with more compassion and effectiveness. You might even be able to help co-regulate the situation.
27:16 Nia: This is making me think about larger social issues too. Could understanding polyvagal theory help us address things like conflict, inequality, and social division?
27:26 Jackson: I think it absolutely could. So many of our social problems stem from collective dysregulation—groups of people stuck in defensive states, unable to connect or collaborate effectively. If we could help more people develop nervous system awareness and regulation skills, imagine how that might shift our communities.
27:44 Nia: It's like we need nervous system education as part of basic life skills.
27:48 Jackson: I couldn't agree more. Imagine if children learned about their nervous systems alongside reading and math. If they understood that their bodies have wisdom and that their stress responses are normal and manageable. How different might their lives be?
28:01 Nia: And for those listening who want to dive deeper into this work, what resources would you recommend?
28:07 Jackson: Start with Stephen Porges' original work, of course. But there are also many practitioners now who specialize in polyvagal-informed therapy and somatic approaches. Look for terms like "somatic experiencing," "polyvagal therapy," or "nervous system regulation."
28:21 Nia: Any final thoughts for our listeners as they begin or continue this journey?
28:25 Jackson: Remember that your nervous system is always doing its best to keep you safe with the information it has. Be patient and gentle with yourself as you learn new ways of being. And trust that small, consistent steps can lead to profound changes over time.
28:40 Nia: And remember that you're not alone in this. We all have nervous systems that sometimes get activated or shut down. It's part of being human, and there's no shame in needing support or taking time to regulate.
4:52 Jackson: Exactly. This work is ultimately about coming home to yourself—learning to trust your body's wisdom while also helping it update its safety algorithms for your current life. It's some of the most important work we can do.
29:04 Nia: Well, this has been such a rich conversation, Jackson. I feel like we've only scratched the surface of this fascinating field.
29:10 Jackson: We really have, Nia. There's so much more to explore—from the latest research on vagal tone to innovative therapeutic approaches. But I hope we've given our listeners a solid foundation to start understanding and working with their own nervous systems.
29:24 Nia: Before we close, I want to remind everyone listening that this work takes time, and it's okay to start small. Pick one technique that resonated with you today—maybe it's paying attention to your breathing, or humming while you do dishes, or simply noticing what nervous system state you're in throughout the day.
29:40 Jackson: And remember, seeking support is a sign of wisdom, not weakness. Whether that's through therapy, support groups, or trusted friends, we're wired for connection and co-regulation. Don't try to do this work in isolation.
29:52 Nia: Thank you so much for joining us today, and thank you to all our listeners for being part of this conversation. We'd love to hear about your experiences with nervous system work—what techniques resonate with you, what challenges you're facing, or what insights you've gained.
30:05 Jackson: Yes, please reach out and let us know how this information lands for you. Your feedback helps us create content that truly serves your journey toward greater regulation and wellbeing.
30:15 Nia: Until next time, be gentle with your nervous system, trust your body's wisdom, and remember that every small step toward regulation is a victory worth celebrating.
30:24 Jackson: Take care, everyone, and here's to feeling safer and more connected in your own skin.