Why quick fixes don't work for the nervous system

You’re fine…so why do you feel stuck? Where is the fear coming from, even when you know you’re safe? 

The truth is, lasting change requires more than mindset work alone. It means training your nervous system to build new associations with things that once felt uncertain or threatening.

Today, Lacy, Jessica, and somatic expert Janelle unpack the true role of the nervous system in manifestation. They explore how your body's sense of safety determines when to shut down and protect you from potential threats—and when to expand, receive, and take aligned action towards your goals. Plus, the small, doable steps ("small steppies") that lead you back to yourself.

If you've ever felt stuck despite doing all the inner work, this episode is your roadmap back to safety, embodiment, and sustainable growth.

Want to know where you stand with your nervous system? Take our free Nervous System Quiz and check the show notes for more DIs and resources inside the Pathway membership. 

Find the complete show notes here -> https://tobemagnetic.com/expanded-podcast

Resources: 

Join our 7 Day Nervous System Reset (Pathway Membership Exclusive) Take the Nervous System Quiz

Join the Pathway Membership with our Spring Sale! - https://tobemagnetic.com/ Only $23/month now until April 5th at 11:59pm pst 
 

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• Join the Pathway now - Return to Magic Challenge available now!

New to TBM? Free Offerings to Get You Started

• Learn the Process! Expanded Podcast - How to Manifest Anything You Desire 
• Get Expanded! The Motivation - Testimonial Library
• Ready to find out what’s holding you back? Try our Free Clarity Exercise

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In this episode we talk about:

• Why nervous system regulation is essential for manifestation—not optional
• A regulated system isn’t always calm; it’s flexible and adaptive
• Why self-sabotage often comes up – and how it’s related to the nervous system
• The “upper limit problem” reflects your nervous system’s capacity for receiving
• Expanding your “energy well” allows you to hold more success and joy
• Why overwhelm and shutdown are protective responses, not failures
• “Small steppy” actions help avoid burnout and build sustainable growth
• Overstimulation from modern life impacts your ability to regulate
• Somatic practices help the body align with mental breakthroughs
• Beauty, nature, and sensory experiences regulate the nervous system
• Avoidance habits that may signal dysregulation
• Authenticity reduces pressure and supports nervous system safety
• How relationships and co-regulation are deeply healing
• Movement, sound, and breathwork activate the vagus nerve

Mentioned In the Episode: 

• Expanded x Ep. 304 - How to Regulate Your Nervous System
• Expanded x Ep. 303 – Are You Standing in Your Own Way? How to Tell if You’re Self-Sabotaging
• Ep. 318 - Speeding up Your Manifestations in the New Paradigm with Jenna Zoe
• The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks
• Atomic Habits by James Clear
• Jessica’s Youtube Channel! @jessicaashleygill
• Expanded x Ep. 192 - Navigating 2022 Astrology with Jill Wintersteen (Spirit Daughter)
• Virtual NYC Speaking Tour + New DI & Journal Prompts
• Return to Magic - 15 Day Manifestation Challenge
• Find our Return to Magic Challenge plus all our workshops and all workshops mentioned inside our Pathway Membership! (Including the Reset, Freeze or Fawn DI, and the NYC Speaking Tour Session)

Connect with Janelle!

• Janelle Nelson, EMDR & MFT Therapist
• Book an Unblocking session or Intensive w Janelle

HOW TO MANIFEST by Lacy Phillips 

(with exercises by Jessica Gill)

Available now!

The Expanded Podcast, from To Be Magnetic™ (TBM), is the leading manifestation podcast rooted in neuroscience, psychology, and energetics. Hosted by TBM’s Chief Content Officer Jessica Gill, with monthly appearances from founder Lacy Phillips, Expanded is where science and the mystical meet to help you manifest in the most grounded, practical, and life-changing way.

At TBM, we’ve redefined manifestation through Neural Manifestation™—our proven, science-backed method developed with neuroscientist Dr. Tara Swart. This process helps you reprogram limiting beliefs at the subconscious level so you can create the life most aligned with your authenticity.

Each week, we take you inside the TBM practice to help you expand your subconscious to believe what you desire is possible. Through expert interviews, thought leader conversations, TBM teachings, and real member success stories, you’ll learn how to:
 – Rewire your subconscious mind and step into your worth
 – Heal your inner child and integrate shadow work
 – Set boundaries, strengthen intuition, and reclaim self-worth
 – Manifest relationships, careers, abundance, and experiences that align with your true self

With over than 40 million downloads and a global community in over 100 countries, Expanded has become the gold standard in manifestation content. Think of it as your weekly practice for expanding your mind, believing what you want is possible, and manifesting the life you’re meant to live.

Past guests include leading voices such as Mel Robbins, Lewis Howes, Jenna Zoe, Martha Beck, Dr. Joe Dispenza, Dr. Gabor Maté, Mark Groves, and Brianna Wiest.

Where To Find Us!

• @tobemagnetic (IG)
• @Lacyannephillips
• Lacy Launched a Substack! - By Candlelight - Join Here
• @Jessicaashleygill
• @tobemagnetic (youtube)
• @expandedpodcast