Greetings to one and all from Patmos in Greece where I might be doing a g….
Before we begin, be sure to check out the latest podcast episode featuring global retreat host, writer and storyteller Soulla Demetriou. It is a thoughtful conversation about resilience, recovery, and personal growth, offering valuable insights for anyone navigating life’s challenges.
There is a lot of wisdom mixed with common sense in the latest podcast episode featuring special guest Soulla Demetriou. Much of her wisdom has come as a result of understanding the PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) recovery journey that followed her own three near death experiences.
You can tell she has really learned the hard way, but she is in no way bitter or twisted. Quite the opposite, in fact.
In her interview with me, she referred to her various travels around the world and said that she understood that, in some circles, this was known as “doing a geographical.”
We both had a good laugh at this point because what she was referring to is a very commonly used expression in 12 step groups such as AA, NA, and OA. What the term actually means, and it is intended affectionately, is that many of us change towns, change cities, or move to another country expecting everything to be different. The problem is quite simple: although the exterior may be different, perhaps with better weather, whatever is going on inside you is still there.
So, just to be clear, when you move to another country, you take yourself with you. Meaning that you still have to do the inner work that you were going to do in the original place.
Apart from enjoying listening to Soulla speak in the fluid and kind way that she does, I was really impressed with her honesty and resilience. Also, despite all the setbacks, I admired her joie de vivre and her commitment to her own spiritual programme. She is
a wonderful example of how a mental health mentor can emerge through lived experience, self reflection, and perseverance.
Above all, I loved her choices in Lifejackets, films like Avatar, books like Papillon, and music such as Florence and the Machine, Nick Mulvey, and, wait for it, Barry White.
CHECK IT OUT!
If you have ever wondered how people rebuild their lives after trauma, adversity, or PTSD, this episode is well worth a listen. If this conversation has struck a chord with you, why not explore some of our other podcasts, articles, talks, and mentoring resources at our page? Whether you’re looking for support, inspiration, or simply a few more lifejackets for the journey, feel free to get in touch and connect with us.