The Goldilocks Principle: Too Hot, Too Cold, and Just Right

We can use The Goldilocks Principle to help us find balance in our nervous systems. It reminds us that our bodies thrive in the “just right” zone—where stimulation, stress, and effort are balanced enough to support growth without overwhelm.

High sympathetic tone can feel "too hot," like irritability, racing thoughts, or gripping in the jaw, hands, diaphragm, or gut.

A dorsal vagal shutdown can feel "too cold," like heaviness, numbness, fatigue, or a profound urge to hide.

All nervous system states are intelligent responses shaped by experience—protections that once kept us safe. When we begin to notice where we are—too hot, too cold, or just right—we can respond with curiosity instead of judgment.

Vagal toning practice isn’t about hacking or forcing the nervous system into regulation. Instead, it helps us discover what gently supports our bodies back toward safety and connection, helping us condition ourselves to return more easily to the place where healing and creativity can flourish.

For this moment… just notice: where am I right now? Too hot, too cold, or just right?

Click Here to register for Vagal Toning Practice.

Thank you for your practice,

Teri ✨💜🌱