April 03, 2025

Addicted to Speed & Busyness with Dr. Wendy Harris

55 minutes

Hosted and Produced by J'aime Rothbard.

This conversation explores the pain and trauma at the root of the pervasive modern addiction to hustle, speed and busyness. Our guest unpacks the psychological implications of our "hustle culture" and how adhering to a fast lane lifestyle invites a perception of inadequacy and self-abandoning behaviors.

Against the framework that any addiction always serves a need, Wendy and J'aime reflect on their individual struggles with social pressure to be constantly busy and productive.

They also discuss: - The challenges of recognizing the addiction, breaking the pattern, and ultimately, slowing down - Why many of us believe we must earn our place/define our worth through constant productivity - How setting boundaries and practicing self-care can combat the pressures of busyness - The role cultural norms play in perpetuating our perceptions of inadequacy, and the need to hustle to meet or exceed productivity expectations - Why connections with ourselves and others, ideally in supportive communities, are key markers on this healing journey to self-acceptance and authenticity.

Wendy concludes by candidly stating that ending this addiction is, "...not easy because it's a pattern, it's a habit, we're wired this way. It can be challenging to create new habits, to stop self-abandoning, to turn toward the pain and whatever is at the root of the speed and the busyness, the fear, all of it. We stop and we slow down. It's so worth it."

About Dr Wendy Harris Compassionate Inquiry® Facilitator, International Yoga Trainer, Addiction and Trauma Specialist

Wendy is an innovative, cutting-edge Addiction and Trauma Specialist who specializes in relational trauma, and a Founding Facilitator for Compassionate Inquiry® who leads groups through the year-long on-line professional training created by Gabor Maté and Sat Dharam Kaur.

A Level II certified Kundalini Yoga and Meditation teacher, she's an International Trainer for Beyond Addiction: The Yogic Path to Recovery. (9-day in-person immersions are offered in Canada: 5/25 and London: 9/25)

Wendy is also a Core Faculty member at Antioch University, Los Angeles, and the Director of the Addiction and Recovery Specialization which she created based on a biopsychosocial, trauma- informed, compassion- based approach to understanding and treating addictive behaviors.

Promotional Link: You can experience the power of Gabor Maté's trauma healing approach, whether you are or are not a therapist or healer. This link takes you to a web page that offers information about Compassionate Inquiry's Circles Program. Registrations for the next Circles close on May 4, 2025.

Resources:

Wendy's Professional Website

Wendy's Compassionate Inquiry Profile

Wendy's Antioch University Profile