Julia Yanker: From Thrill-Seeking to Healing Through Somatic Experiencing
Episode Overview
Extreme sports can mask deeper anxieties and traumas. Somatic Experiencing helps release stored trauma by reconnecting with the body. Social dynamics in adventure sports can lead to risky behaviours. Reconnecting with nature can be transformative for emotional healing. Surrounding yourself with supportive people is crucial for recovery.
Putting ourselves in those life or death situations really makes us feel the body
Join Michael Waite on the 'Brain Shaman' podcast as he chats with Julia Yanker, an adventurer, coach, and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. This episode dives into the fascinating world of adventure sports and the healing power of reconnecting with your body. Julia shares her harrowing experiences in extreme sports, including near-death encounters that pushed her to reassess her life choices. From skiing accidents to dangerous whitewater swims, she reveals how these adrenaline-pumping activities masked deeper anxieties and traumas.
Julia discusses the concept of Somatic Experiencing (SE), a therapeutic approach that helps individuals release stored trauma by reconnecting with their bodies. She explains how SE can shift the nervous system from states of fear and stress to calm and safety. Through her personal stories and professional insights, Julia illustrates how reconnecting with nature and one's own body can be transformative.
The conversation also touches on the social dynamics of adventure sports, the pressures to conform, and how these can lead to risky behaviours. Julia emphasises the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive people and creating a safe environment for emotional healing. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or someone seeking peace and balance, this episode offers valuable perspectives on finding harmony within yourself.
Tune in to hear Julia's journey from thrill-seeking to self-acceptance and learn practical tips for integrating SE into your life. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in mental health, trauma recovery, and the mind-body connection.