"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 selfdiscovery. 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.

Podcast Show Notes:

Here are the highlights formatted with clickable timestamps for the YouTube description:

[00:07:27](https://youtu.be/video?t=447) Rachel explains how aerial/circus arts like lyra and fabrics has improved her body awareness and mindfulness

[00:10:07](https://youtu.be/video?t=607) They discuss the importance of play and maintaining curiosity as adults

[00:19:45](https://youtu.be/video?t=1185) Rachel shares her journey of learning to embrace her true authentic self after years of trying to be who she "should" be

[00:22:01](https://youtu.be/video?t=1321) Therapy helped Rachel have this realization of authenticity just before the COVID19 pandemic

[00:24:08](https://youtu.be/video?t=1448) Rachel talks about letting go of toxic family influences and finding her "chosen family"

[00:32:00](https://youtu.be/video?t=1920) Brian shares his story of realizing he didn't have to stay enmeshed in his family's dysfunctional dynamics

[00:33:24](https://youtu.be/video?t=2004) Brian describes the powerful emotional release he experienced when deciding to confront his pain and rage

[00:34:05](https://youtu.be/video?t=2045) They discuss the power of surrendering to difficult emotions instead of resisting them

Guests:
Rachel Luke
Brian R. King, MSW

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 COVID19 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 freeflowing conversation about authenticity, emotional processing, metaphors for growth, and the meaningful friendship between the two.