Why does our body seem to break down when our mind is in peril? How do we start to make sense of our pain and its connection to our experiences and surroundings to begin to heal?

In this raw and honest episode, Olympic medallist, passionate advocate for mental health and wellness, and founder of Rise Athletes, Caroline Burckle, jumps into the therapy chair with Erika and Sarah to talk about her struggles with mental health and its manifestation on her body. 

Caroline is an accomplished American swimmer and Olympic medalist who began her swimming career at seven. She had a successful college career at the University of Florida, ultimately qualifying for the U.S. Olympic team and competing in the Beijing Olympics in 2008, winning a bronze medal in the 4x200m freestyle relay.

But it was when she retired from the sport that the real inner work began. Without swimming and training to fall back on, she relied on her powerful drive towards new career accomplishments, until she experienced debilitating bodily symptoms. And it took one terrifying moment for her to realize that her body was telling her that her physical pain and mental struggles needed to be acknowledged. 

What is 'Pain'?

Pain is not just a physical sensation; it's a complex experience that includes thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It's a psychological condition that can be hard to understand because it’s an integration of the mind and the body. Suffering is often used to describe the intense and unpleasant feelings that come with pain, regardless of whether it stems from physical or emotional factors.

Tips & Techniques discussed in this episode: 

• Somatic therapy to release trauma from the body as part of the healing process; 
• Breathing exercises and techniques to improve mental, physical, and spiritual well-being;
• The benefits of walking and other sources of bilateral stimulation; 
• 'Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma' by Dr. Peter Levine;
• 'The Body Keeps The Score: Mind, Brain, and Body in the Transformation of Trauma' by Dr. Bessel Vanderbilt Kolk; 
• 'The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture' by Dr. Gabor Mate with Daniel Mate.

For more techniques, tips, and behind the scenes on Connections in Flight: 

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This podcast is proudly produced by Ampel. Ampel is an audio content agency specializing in podcast, radio, and audio content creation. For more information, www.ampel.com.au or reach out to us at [email protected]   

Executive Producer: Josh Butt
Head of Strategy: Michelle Lomas
Audio Editor: Grace Rouvray

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