S2: 26. Plant-Medicine Strength: Embracing Softness in a Hard World with Combat Veteran Keith Abraham. CEO Heroic Hearts UK

I’m delighted to introduce Keith Abraham, a human resiliency expert and the CEO of Heroic Hearts UK. This conversation is completely new territory for me as I’ve not ever explored therapeutic psychedelics! The conversation was incredible, Keith is the epitome of humility and courage, and I’m privileged to share the conversation with you.

 Mindful Misconceptions: Keith dismantles the westernized version of mindfulness, urging a return to its healing roots.

Psychedelic Pre-Requisites: Preparing for a psychedelic journey is no small feat. Keith outlines the essential steps and the profound duty of care involved.

Continuum of Healing: Navigating the mental health continuum, highlighting transformative encounters with therapeutic psychedelics.

Demanding Compassion: The balance between empathy and safeguarding, striking a delicate chord in leadership.

Evolution of Empathy: Has humanity really advanced in empathy and compassion? 

Forgiveness in Action: Together, we unpack the weight of forgiveness, not as absolution from consequences, but as a call to change and growth.

Strength in Softness: From the Chinese ethos of "iron wrapped in cotton wool" to combat stories, we explore the intersection of vulnerability and resilience.

Humankind's Challenge: Drawing from the book "Humankind," we discuss the training of compassion to build bridges over the divisions caused by tribalism and hate.

Trauma's Teachings: Reflecting on personal trauma, we share how perceived strength can be deceptive, and true strength is often found in flexibility.

Veteran Voices: We highlight the importance of creating safe spaces for veterans to share, heal, and connect with others.

Writing as Healing: Keith hints at a book he might be writing!

Transformation and Integration: The episode illuminates the critical need for integration post-psychedelic experiences, with Keith sharing a personal story.

Inner and Outer Health: We affirm the inseparable link between physical and mental wellness, championing a holistic approach to leadership resilience.

Tune in to embody the change, empower self-healing, and understand why mindful, trauma-informed wisdom is core to effective leadership.

Be prepared to know different and be different.

07:43 Struggles with therapy, healing, and perception.

16:19 Discussing mental health continuum

21:58 Urgency in legalizing plant medicines

24:27 Pioneering organization navigating delicate psychedelic renaissance phase.

38:01 Integration important for big psychedelic experiences.

39:53 Urgent need for personal growth and healing.

50:40 Tai Chi: a martial art for flexibility.

57:36 Veterans-only organization to avoid hierarchy in trauma sharing.

01:08:45 Respect and integrate empathy into compassionate actions

#TraumaInformedLeadership #RefreshingLeadership #RefreshingLeadershipPodcast #CoachingPsychology #KnowDifferentBeD

If you enjoyed this or found it useful please subscribe on the show website, https://refreshingleadership.buzzsprout.com/
You can listen on most platforms, or scroll through all the episodes on my website here.
I write a companion blog to each episode - they are all on my website here.

Do please share this link, and if you'd like, give it a rating or leave a review (wherever you listen) will help the podcast reach more people.

Thank you!

To continue the conversation go to:
Website: https://katebrassington.com/ (where you can easily message me)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-brassington/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/katebrassingto3
Email: kate@katebrassington.com