As a response to trauma, we may dissociate.

This is a defence mechanism, one that keeps us safe from the terrors of the moment. It blocks us off from reality and keeps us safe.

Unfortunately, this process can run rampant, triggering itself in times of safety and peace, leaving us confused and unable to understand what is happening or explain it to ourselves or others.

In this episode I read and dissect my poem ‘How Do I Explain This Feeling’.

Protesters are on the streets and people are rioting. Police are out in force.

Clearly something needs to change, but will it? Will the passion, anger and outrage over George Floyd's death result in real world change? Or will it die out, only to be reignited following another similar tragedy?

In this episode I explore the causes and results of racism, and dissect the impact of the medias twisting of the narrative to pander to their viewers bias.

I discuss if it is even possible for a ‘privileged’ person to truly empathise and understand systemic racism, and suggest that the changes that are needed may realistically take a long time to be implemented.

When you get triggered it can feel like the world is ending, like all your past trauma is happening simultaneously.

In this episode I discuss how it feels for me, as well as what I do about it in the moment and over the long term.

When I drop my morning routine, my day typically falls to pieces.

I need to start the day with meditation and exercise before I start my work.

This is true for the creative days as well. Routine gives me a secure place to create from.

Emotions colour the perceptions of both the giver and the receiver. Potentially resulting in misalignment of support.

Do you want/need emotional validation, practical support or actionable advice?

In this episode, I discuss the importance of detachment and honest communication on all sides.

The symptoms of depression, anxiety and other mental afflictions can at times have physiological causes.

In this episode I discuss the importance of conducting a ‘status check’ of your physical body, doing self care and of making a crisis plan before you need it!

Enter a universe where dreams are connected.

Where you can control, manipulate, and influence the dreams of those around you. Where you can sell your dream time for experiences and store it for later use.

In this episode I share a chapter of my next book Lucidity, as well as discuss how you can read more!

Working out how you work is vital. There are many different approaches to performance, but what works best for you?

In this episode I breakdown the optimal circumstances for my own artistic performance, as well as how I came to know it, and then give you the tools to do the same.

Lucid dreaming involves becoming aware that you are dreaming and then taking control of the dream.

I use it as a form of wish fulfilment, exploration and inner therapy.

In this episode I discuss how to get and stay lucid and dive deep on why you should give it a try.

The only way to truly heal is to embrace your past. To acknowledge it, work through it, and accept to it. Ignoring it won’t help, and hoping it will go away is just wishful thinking.

This is a hard process, and one that must be repeated often. But the result are worth it.

In this episode I share how writing therapy has helped me to relieve some of the inner pressure. I cover some of the problems and pitfalls of using writing therapy to address trauma. I also share two pieces of writing therapy, the poem ‘Flash Back’, as well as a short essay ‘What is a dream?’.

We are a product of our environment. Our values, beliefs and societal norms are just a construct of the time and place we are born.

Historical events cause societal shifts. War, revolution, natural disasters and disease change the people experiencing them. When those people reintegrate with society, the entire society is transformed.

We are in the middle of an unprecedented global event. In this episode of The Reality Check Podcast, I discuss how our shared experience may transform the foundations of global society.

Clutter is depressing and anxiety inducing.

Unfortunately anxiety and depression often leads to disorganisation and indecision, which causes the accumulation of more clutter.

This is cyclic.

In this episode I discuss the connection between mental health and our environments, as well as ways that we can take positive action in the face of mental illness and mess.

There is a certain romanticism to revolution: overthrowing tyranny, destruction of the systems of corruption, bringing fairness and equality to the oppressed masses.

Unfortunately the reality is violent, chaotic and unpredictable; often with completely undesirable outcomes for most people involved in the revolt.

I am concerned for society. There is so much hate and distrust, perpetuated by communications technology that punishes nuance and rewards soundbites and appeals to emotion.

In this episode I discuss this issue, and what we can to combat it.

When you are triggered, you feel like the trauma is happening again.

This is never an easy situation to manage. Whilst triggered, you will experience intense emotions combined with a diminished ability to cope.

This can lead to catastrophe.

In this episode I discuss how I manage my triggers, both internally, as well as how I explain it to those close to me.

People will profit from Covid-19. They will use this situation to their advantage. This is what people have always done.

It doesn’t mean they created the virus, and it doesn’t mean there is a conspiracy. All it means is that people are opportunistic.

Governments included. We will see an expansion of powers, and thus a contraction of freedoms.

In this episode I deconstruct the conspiracy theories and discuss the personal impact of our governments response to the crisis.

It is all to easy to look at the end result of someones life and believe that they had it easy, and that they knew where they were going.

We are blessed with hindsight and detachment.

Every successful person has their cross to bear. Most had no idea that they would make it to the heights that they did.

What does it take to keep going? How do you know that you are on the ‘right path’?

There is a new normal coming, one of restrictions & social isolation - this is an unavoidable reality. But what can we do to stay mentally healthy?

In this episode I discuss the importance of accepting reality, establishing a morning routine and planning your day. I also highlight the increased need for effective self care and a shift towards focusing only on your circle of influence.

State wide lock-downs are in place, effectively shutting down normal life as we know it. This presents obvious challenges, both financial, social and mental.

Adapting to these changes will take time, but it is possible.

In this episode I discuss my reaction to the Corona-virus situation, the need for continuing self care, as well as the potential state of the world moving forward.

There is always something to be afraid of.

This is by design. The media outlets, social media platforms and people in the public domain all have a vested interest in promoting this fear: it keeps you coming back for more information.

This leads to advertisement revenue.

The real world risk for most of us from the Coronavirus is minimal. There is little that you can do to prevent it.

I prefer to step back, turn off the 24hr news cycle and look at life as it actually is, not as what I am being told it is.