Integrally Alive Podcast

From peak flow state into long-term balance – Integrally Alive Podcast

Life gets easier when we accept that we are humans. Not super-heroes, not super-humans... Just humans. That is already a lot.

How long can you stay in flow state? I personally don’t know, and it also depends on what activity it is linked to. But while I’ve always been interested in “flow state” anything, I’ve always had some questions… And this episode is definitely more of an open thought process than a teaching or anything like that. On flow-state, balance, open awareness and sailing… The flow state is always presented as an extra-ordinary state, like something on one hand easy to be in, but at the same time not sustainable for a long term. And often it involves being focused on … Read more

I’m not stressed, but it takes me two hours to fall asleep every night – Integrally Alive Podcast

Over-thinking doesn't automatically makes you anxious, but sure does over-activates the nervous system into unrest. Good news: you can use your somatic intelligence to regulate it back into more balance.

“I’m not stressed, but it takes me two hours to fall asleep every night.”. That’s what I heard not long ago. Doesn’t it sound contradictory?And I thought I would share the conversation that followed, as this is one of the top reasons for poor sleep: falling asleep in the first place. And of course, I will share a simple process to fall asleep quicker. On stress, sleeping, and regulating the nervous system … That person was very puzzled by the contrast:”I’m not stressed, I know that. But then why does it take me so long to fall asleep?” He is … Read more

Balance: It’s not about juggling, it’s about connection – Integrally Alive Podcast

Balance is not about juggling, it is about self-regulation: creating a system where every element supports each other.

Finding balance in life is in itself a metaphor already. But a very common image we use to describe it is juggling. And I just don’t think it’s helpful. I don’t know if you ever tried to juggle, but even if you eventually master the skill, it is still a lot of effort and concentration to do it. And even the best juggler can’t go forever. Sooner or later the balls will fall, or he will need to rest. On juggling, connection, tensegrity, and balance… The main problem in this image, I think, is that all the balls compete for … Read more

Why unsolicited advice is not helpful (and what to do instead) – Integrally Alive Podcast

Instead of talking, listen more. The better way to help anyone is to get curious about them.

What is the worst advice you ever got?I’m going to bet that it was probably unsolicited advice. I think for me it is. On helping, unsolicited advice, listening and friendship… A kind of unsolicited advice that always feels funny to me when I receive it, is about computer and technical stuff. See, not many people know it, but I worked as a web developer, so I know my work my way around computers. And actually for some, I’m kind of a geek; I use Linux, I install it myself, I installed my own website, etc. But the assumption when someone … Read more

How to use curiosity as your door to being unapologetic (and compassionate) – Integrally Alive Podcast

The more curious you get, the less judgmental and the more unapologetic you are.

What is your weird? Do you keep it for yourself like something you’d rather people not see about you?Or do you proudly show it for everyone to admire? I have many, which I share more or less privately. On ladybug, being weird, compassion and being unapologetic… Today I was thinking about someone I met a few years ago in a lovely community.When she arrived, everyone could not but notice she had a Ladybug doll on her head at any time. I literally never saw her without it. She acted like everything was normal, but let’s admit it, everyone was like: … Read more

Is authentic small talk possible? A surprising solution for deep connection – Integrally Alive Podcast

Small talk can be like a "friendzone" barrier in the conversation, or the door to connection.

Can small talk be authentic?Do you enjoy chit-chat? On small talk, the weather, connections, and levels of communication… I don’t. I never did like chit-chat. But I’m proud to say I’m now fluent in small talk. How did that happen? Years ago, not only I didn’t like small talk, I didn’t understand it. I felt like:”What’s the point? I know what the weather’s like. Why are we going to comment on it for 10 minutes? And then… What? Talk about the city I’m from? Yeah, I know it’s the pink city, everyone keeps telling me that… I know it already!” … Read more

A cure for Social fatigue: Deep connection, real fun! meetups – Integrally Alive Podcast

A cure for social fatigue: Un-networking Human meetups

This year has been great for loneliness hasn’t ?But the thing is, while this year and a half now has been really low on opportunities of just meeting and being around people… Meeting and being around people is not the cure for loneliness. It’s not enough!We need meaningful connections. On loneliness, meaningful connections, networking events, meetups, authentic relating, and having fun… I know that well: I’m moving around quite a bit… Usually; These days a lot less. So I’m often the new kid on the block, knowing no one in the place where I just arrived. I visit quite a … Read more

Don’t cage yourself in your age – Integrally Alive Podcast

Age is just a number. And I am the one deciding what that number means for me.

What are you too old for?Where is your mind going when you read that question?Things that you feel you cannot do anymore and you kind of miss them, things that you won’t tolerate anymore in your life?We all react differently to ageing. Certain aspects feel liberating, other limiting… On ageing, birthdays, sailing and liberation… I’m always puzzled by people who explain anything they cannot do by their age.Maybe because very early on in my 20’s, when I was living on my sailing-boat, I often had sailing neighbours waaaay older than me; many people wait until they are retired and kids … Read more

You are the inspiration you are looking for – Integrally Alive Podcast

You are seen... If you knew your choice would inspire thousands of people, how would you live your day today?

What are you the living example for? On sailing, dreams, inspiration, courage, blogs and strangers … When I was a teenager, I had a dream, a very precise and persistent dream, to travel and live on a sailing-boat. It took years, but I eventually did it. I started a blog to keep my family and my friends updated. But it ended up with strangers reading it, and I got some very touching emails of total strangers thanking me to show them it was possible. Seeing my website gave them the permission to dream and the permission to think they weren’t … Read more

Stress is saving your life (Trying to overcome stress? Do this instead) – Integrally Alive Podcast

Stress is a life saver, but it becomes a problem when actin is not possible.

Is stress your enemy or your ally? Stress is usually the bad guy, something to get rid of and overcome. But in the same time I know people —and maybe that’s you too?— who will tell me that stress is their motor for action.So where’s the line? Do we get rid of stress, or do we use it? On stress, regulation, adrenaline, taking action… First and foremost, stress is an evolutionary necessity. If it wasn’t for stress, none of us would be here. We are the descendants of people who when they saw a Saber Tiger coming, felt the stress, … Read more