Invisible Injuries - Podcast

Trigger Tamer Toolkit - Breathing 01
Energise me - Circle Breath

Energise me guides the viewer through a three-minute energising breathwork session, focusing on connecting with the breath, relaxing the body, and releasing tension. 

It encourages deep breathing and finishes with two large sighs to complete the session.

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Trigger Tamer Toolkit - Mindfulness 05
Presence, Acceptance & Joy - 5 minute standing meditation

"5min standing meditation" provides a detailed guide on five-minute standing meditation, emphasising on focusing on breathing and being present in the moment. 

It suggests using an object for balance and guiding the practitioner through steps to calm the mind and recharge energy.

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Trigger Tamer Toolkit - Mindfulness 03
Strength & Anxiety - Acceptance for chaotic times

"Acceptance for chaotic times" focuses on developing awareness by noticing and naming thoughts, emotions, and sensations, treating them as transient experiences rather than defining oneself by them. 

It emphasises creating a space between experiences and the self, recognizing all thoughts and emotions as transient, and ultimately connecting with a calm, witnessing awareness within oneself.

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Trigger Tamer Toolkit - Meditation 02
Strength & Anxiety - Dropping the suitcases of worries and regrets

"Dropping the suitcases of worries and regrets" guides the listener through a meditation practice to reduce anxiety by visualizing letting go of worries about the future and regrets about the past. 

It emphasizes living in the present moment, learning from the past, and accepting the uncertainty of the future to promote relaxation and well-being.

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Trigger Tamer Toolkit - Mindfulness Meditations 1 of 5
Strength & Anxiety - "A Breathing Anchor" 

"A Breathing Anchor" guides the listener through a mindfulness practice using the breath as an anchor for awareness. 

The practice aims to reduce anxiety, stress, and promote peace and relaxation by focusing on the sensations of breathing while acknowledging and observing thoughts and emotions without judgment.

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Trigger Tamer Toolkit - Mindfulness 06
Presence, Acceptance & Joy - Opening awareness to what's rising

"Opening awareness to what's rising" guides the listener through an open awareness practice, focusing on letting go of distractions and being present in the moment. 

It encourages labelling thoughts and feelings and concludes with a suggestion to integrate open awareness into daily activities like going for a walk and reflecting on the experience.

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Trigger Tamer Toolkit - Mindfulness 05
Presence, Acceptance & Joy - Awareness without fixing

"Awareness without fixing" is a mindfulness practice focused on letting go of the natural habit of fixing problems. 

It guides the listener to be aware of their discomfort, refrain from immediate problem-solving, and offer mindful care to themselves before calmly seeking simple solutions.

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In the concluding episode of our "Flip the script" theme, Andy Fermo engages in a candid conversation with veteran Mat Austin, ex Electronic Warfare (SF) operator.

Mat shares his journey of "Flipping the script", assuming the role of a stay-at-home parent and homemaker, which deviates from the traditional breadwinner role. Mat reflects on the day-to-day challenges of parenting, emphasising the need for emotional regulation and self-awareness. 

Despite facing judgment from others and struggling with feelings of inadequacy, Mat finds fulfilment in spending time with his children and being actively involved in their growth and development. He acknowledges the importance of seeking balance between personal fulfilment and family responsibilities. Through his story, Mat highlights the significance of authenticity, self-compassion, and seeking support in navigating non-traditional roles.

Key Takeaways                                  

• Importance of emotional regulation  - Mental health
•  Being authentic with oneself  - Self-Care          
• Seeking support when needed  -  Mental Health        
• Balancing personal fulfilment and family - Self-Care           
• Challenging traditional gender roles  - Mental Health        
• Finding purpose in parenting  - Mental Health        
• Overcoming feelings of inadequacy  - Mental Health        
• Recognizing the value of self-care - Self-Care           
• Building rapport and connection with children - Mental Health      
• Prioritising family well-being  - Mental Health      

Contact -  Mat Austin
Facebook:   N/A
Instagram:  N/A
Website:      N/A
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

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In this episode we chat with our third and final guest for our theme "Flip the script."  

Mat Austin (ex SF Electronic Warfare operator) opens up about his military experiences, including deployments to Afghanistan and Timor. He shares candid insights into the intensity of military operations, the bonds formed between soldiers, and the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life. 

Mat discusses his personal struggles with the aftermath of traumatic events, the impact on his mental health, and the weight of responsibility he carries. The conversation moves onto "flipping the script" delving into Mat's journey of parenting after military service and the unique stresses that come with it.

Key Takeaways from our chat:

• The intense operational tempo and high-stress environments of military deployments.
• The emotional impact of traumatic events and the struggle with guilt and responsibility.
• Challenges in transitioning from military life to civilian roles, "Flipping the script" particularly in the context of parenting and being a stay-at-home dad
• The importance of seeking support and understanding in navigating the complexities of post-deployment life.
• Reflections on personal growth, resilience, and the ongoing journey towards healing and recovery.

Contact -  Mat Austin
Facebook:   N/A
Instagram:  N/A
Website:      N/A
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

Support the show

In this episode of the Invisible Injuries podcast, Al Somers (ex Royal Navy) shares his journey of transitioning from a military career, "flipping the script" to becoming a stay-at-home parent. 

Al discusses the challenges he faced, including dealing with peers who didn't understand his decision and overcoming feelings of judgment and shame. He also highlights the positives of being a present male role model and father, emphasizing that it's not taboo to be in this role.

 Al's story serves as an empowering reminder that unconventional paths can be rewarding and purposeful.

Key takeaways from the episode

• Embracing non-traditional roles   
• Overcoming feelings of judgment and shame            
• Being comfortable with making mistakes                           
• Providing support to fellow parents 
• Finding empowerment in unconventional paths            
• Encouraging others to embrace change
• Finding purpose and fulfillment outside of traditional roles   

Contact -  Al Somers
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alan.gibb.58
Instagram: Veteran Transiton Center
Website: https://www.veteranstc.org.au/
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

Support the show