In this episode of the Expressed on Purpose podcast, host Rich Adrian-Smith sits down with Cait Leavitt for a deep exploration of the psychology of pain, healing, and self-discovery. Cait brings unique insights into the mind-body connection, chronic pain management, and the role of emotional awareness in recovery.

Through personal stories and expert perspectives, they uncover the complexities of pain perception, the challenges of relaxation, and the importance of education in the healing process.

Listeners will gain a better understanding of how pain influences personal identity—particularly for athletes—and why embracing emotions authentically can be a key factor in recovery. Whether you’re on a healing journey yourself or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on living a fulfilling life beyond pain.

What We Discuss:

• 00:00 – Grounding and Introduction
• 01:07 – Personal Journeys with Concussion and Pain
• 04:56 – Understanding Pain: Perception vs. Reality
• 09:15 – Chronic Pain and Its Nuances
• 14:27 – Education and Awareness in Healing
• 19:55 – The Challenge of Relaxation and Recovery
• 23:59 – The Mind-Body Connection in Healing
• 30:11 – Athletes and Identity in Recovery
• 35:03 – Navigating Emotions in Healing
• 39:22 – Authentic Expression and Self-Discovery
• 44:09 – The Good-Bad Collapse in Emotional States
• 45:32 – Living with Fulfillment Beyond Pain
• 48:14 – The Role of Community in Healing
• 52:35 – Defining a Rich Life
• 54:49 – Small Steps Towards Improvement
• 55:56 – Final Messages and Reflections

Key Takeaways:

• Grounding practices enhance coherence and presence
• Personal experiences with pain shape individual healing journeys
• Pain perception is influenced by mental and emotional states
• Education and awareness play a crucial role in managing chronic pain
• Relaxation & deep rest, though challenging, is a necessary component of recovery
• The mind-body connection is fundamental to healing
• Athletes often struggle with identity shifts during recovery
• Authentic emotional processing is key to long-term well-being
• Community support provides essential healing reinforcement
• A fulfilling life is possible even in the presence of chronic pain

Episode Resources:

🔗 Learn more about Cait Leavitt at Mind With Matter
🔗 Additional resources on chronic pain and healing
🔗 Connect with Rich Adrian-Smith: www.richadriansmith.com