Riffin' About Life #2: Rachel Luke
Circus Arts, Emotional Processing, & Meaningful Friendship w/Rachel Luke
"A Conversation on Circus Arts, Emotional Processing, and Meaningful Friendship"
Summary:
In this episode, Rachel Luke and Brian R. King engage in a deep and heartfelt discussion about personal growth, emotional authenticity, and the challenges and rewards of self-discovery. She reflects on the importance of play and maintaining a childlike curiosity even in adulthood, which she believes helps counteract the mundanity often felt by adults, especially parents.
Brian shares his own struggles with family dynamics and how stepping back from enmeshed relationships has been crucial for his emotional health. Both discuss the powerful impact of therapy in realizing and embracing one's authentic self, shedding imposed roles and expectations.
Rachel speaks on the liberating process of distancing herself from toxic familial influences and finding solace in her "chosen family" who accept and celebrate her true self.
They both advocate for the concept of 'surrender'—allowing oneself to experience and process emotions fully as a path to healing and personal growth, rather than resisting or suppressing them. This episode explores themes of resilience, the therapeutic power of creative expression, and the ongoing journey toward living authentically.
Topics Discussed:
Rachel's aerial/circus arts hobby (lyra, fabrics) and the benefits like improving body awareness, mindfulness, play
The importance of play and curiosity for adults
Rachel's journey to embracing her true authentic self after years of trying to be who she "should" be
How therapy helped Rachel have this realization shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic
Letting go of toxic family influences and finding a "chosen family"
The ongoing work of being your true self and noticing when you slip into old patterns/voices from childhood
Brian's story of realizing he didn't have to stay enmeshed in his family's dysfunctional dynamics
The emotional release Brian experienced when he decided to confront his pain and rage
The power of surrendering to difficult emotions instead of resisting them
Using metaphors (book chapters, dominos, river currents) to understand personal growth
The special connection Brian and Rachel have developed through vulnerability and realness
Key Quotes:
"It's constant having to remind yourself...you want to make it a happy place, as comfortable as you can."
"There is power in surrender...if you surrender to it, it will last a shorter time and you can pick up and carry on."
The notes capture the main topics covered in their free-flowing conversation about authenticity, emotional processing, metaphors for growth, and the meaningful friendship between the two.