Listen now (47 min) | In episode 77, Chris and Emma were joined by Autum Romano, an educator, bodyworker, and author from Colorado Springs, CO. This is the first in a two-part conversation exploring polyvagal theory and its relevance to personality development, healing, and human connection.
I just finished listening this evening. Thanks again for working so hard to bring shape and form to the theory. Wait... which theory? 😸 Well... both Polyvagal and Positive Disintegration. Both can work well together because they are nuanced and open-ended... this kind of perspective (that must be supported by a like-minded community) is essential if these theories are to grow and evolve (vs. become calcified, rules-focused ideologies run by hierarchical, bureaucratic, orthodox archons).
These theories are complex ways at looking at elements of what it means to be human and they interplay nicely. Because to be human is a complex endeavour. Complex theories take time, experience, and reflection to grasp. And are dynamic in that eventually, someone is going to point out a new aspect or connection that hadn't been openly considered before. They can feel so overwhelming to approach. Yet, if we truly want to understand so we can finding meaning both for ourselves and also to share with others, we must take those messy first steps and starting grappling with what's in front of us.
Personally, Polyvagal Theory and the Theory of Positive Disintegration are to realms I've strived to study closely over the last half decade. And even now, as I've noted before, I am still working to understand aspects of each. I doubt that I ever will fully. And that's ok. There is joy in knowing that learning doesn't end... the journey of discovery is too much fun!
And lastly, thanks again for connecting the personal with the theoretical through your own personal examples and reflections. This is super helpful as a learning device.
Eric, thank you so much for this rich reflection. I love what you said about both Polyvagal Theory and the Theory of Positive Disintegration being nuanced, open-ended frameworks, not rigid ideologies. That distinction feels so important. When we hold theories as living systems, supported by community and dialogue, they can evolve alongside us rather than becoming tools of orthodoxy or gatekeeping.
You articulated beautifully why these perspectives interplay so well: to be human is complex. And both theories, in their own ways, give us language for understanding that complexity with compassion and depth. I agree, it can feel overwhelming at first, but those messy first steps are where the real growth begins. Your description of the joy of lifelong learning resonated so much.
I'm really glad the personal-theoretical weaving was helpful for you—it's become the only way I can approach this work now. Looking forward to sharing part 2 tomorrow!
I just finished listening this evening. Thanks again for working so hard to bring shape and form to the theory. Wait... which theory? 😸 Well... both Polyvagal and Positive Disintegration. Both can work well together because they are nuanced and open-ended... this kind of perspective (that must be supported by a like-minded community) is essential if these theories are to grow and evolve (vs. become calcified, rules-focused ideologies run by hierarchical, bureaucratic, orthodox archons).
These theories are complex ways at looking at elements of what it means to be human and they interplay nicely. Because to be human is a complex endeavour. Complex theories take time, experience, and reflection to grasp. And are dynamic in that eventually, someone is going to point out a new aspect or connection that hadn't been openly considered before. They can feel so overwhelming to approach. Yet, if we truly want to understand so we can finding meaning both for ourselves and also to share with others, we must take those messy first steps and starting grappling with what's in front of us.
Personally, Polyvagal Theory and the Theory of Positive Disintegration are to realms I've strived to study closely over the last half decade. And even now, as I've noted before, I am still working to understand aspects of each. I doubt that I ever will fully. And that's ok. There is joy in knowing that learning doesn't end... the journey of discovery is too much fun!
And lastly, thanks again for connecting the personal with the theoretical through your own personal examples and reflections. This is super helpful as a learning device.
Looking forward to part 2!
Eric, thank you so much for this rich reflection. I love what you said about both Polyvagal Theory and the Theory of Positive Disintegration being nuanced, open-ended frameworks, not rigid ideologies. That distinction feels so important. When we hold theories as living systems, supported by community and dialogue, they can evolve alongside us rather than becoming tools of orthodoxy or gatekeeping.
You articulated beautifully why these perspectives interplay so well: to be human is complex. And both theories, in their own ways, give us language for understanding that complexity with compassion and depth. I agree, it can feel overwhelming at first, but those messy first steps are where the real growth begins. Your description of the joy of lifelong learning resonated so much.
I'm really glad the personal-theoretical weaving was helpful for you—it's become the only way I can approach this work now. Looking forward to sharing part 2 tomorrow!
Very much interested in this episode… looking forward to listening!
I can’t wait to hear your thoughts, Eric.
I freeze. I feel like my core becomes hollow and cold. Then I will get digestive upset later.