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PODCAST - Buddhist reflection on the Self in IFS ft. Bob Gillespie

In this episode of the Red Beard Embodiment Podcast, Alex Green has the privilege of engaging in an enlightening conversation with Dr. Bob Gillespie, an esteemed psychotherapist and a true authority in the realm of mindfulness. 

Together, they embark on an exploration of Bob's personal journey, which encompasses his own battles with addiction, the transformative power of mindfulness and meditation in his healing process, and the impact it has had on his perspective as a psychotherapist.

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Bob’s Struggles with Addiction

Bob opens up about his deep-rooted suffering and struggles with depression, tracing back to his formative years where he absorbed the emotional turmoil of his parents' separation. In search of solace, Bob turned to alcohol, inadvertently falling into the clutches of addiction. However, at the age of 23, he reached a pivotal moment of realization, a breaking point that compelled him to seek help through a 12-step program. This courageous decision marked the beginning of Bob's arduous but ultimately transformative journey towards recovery.

During his path to healing, Bob discovered the incredible potential of meditation and mindfulness. He shares the significance of the 11th step of the 12-step program, which involves establishing conscious contact with a higher power through prayer and meditation. This ignited Bob's curiosity and he embarked on a profound exploration of various meditation practices, even venturing into a yoga teacher training program. Through consistent and dedicated meditation, Bob experienced a profound shift within his own body and nervous system, leading him to newfound comfort and self-awareness.

Discovering Meditation and Mindfulness

Bob's fascination with meditation led him to delve deeper into Buddhism, particularly the rich traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. Under the guidance of the revered Shambhala Buddhist lineage, Bob eagerly engaged in immersive meditation retreats and profound teachings. Simultaneously, during his graduate studies in marriage and family therapy, Bob encountered mindfulness-based approaches such as the renowned Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn. Witnessing the remarkable transformative effects of mindfulness on participants in MBSR classes, Bob's passion and inspiration to integrate mindfulness into his own psychotherapy practice soared to new heights.

Facing the Challenges of a Traumatic Brain Injury

The trajectory of Bob's professional journey ultimately led him to Madison, Wisconsin. After serving as a clinical supervisor and esteemed professor at Edgewood College, he found himself joining the esteemed UW Health mindfulness program, where he assumed the role of program leader following in the footsteps of its founder, Catherine Bonus. However, amidst the successes and achievements in his professional life, Bob confronted profound challenges in balancing his own personal well-being, particularly following a traumatic brain injury sustained during a hockey game. This life-altering injury compelled Bob to seek solace and healing through the practice of Somatic Experiencing, a therapeutic approach focused on resolving trauma and its impact on the nervous system. It is during this phase that Bob began SE-sessions with Alex, which became an integral part of his recovery and rejuvenation process.

Bob candidly shares the difficulties he faced throughout his recovery from the traumatic brain injury, recounting persistent headaches, sensory sensitivity, and reading difficulties. Yet, with unwavering determination and the guidance of specialized concussion treatment and experts like Mickey Collins, Bob experienced remarkable improvement in his symptoms. His journey highlights the utmost importance of perseverance and finding the right support when navigating the challenges of long-term post-concussion symptoms.

Somatic Experiencing and Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Delving further into Bob's  healing journey, the conversation explores the profound impact of Somatic Experiencing and Internal Family Systems (IFS) on his path to recovery. Bob acknowledges the crucial role of addressing the autonomic nervous system and embracing the multiplicity of inner experiences. Somatic Experiencing provided Bob with a  framework to work through the effects of his concussion on his nervous system, while the principles of Internal Family Systems allowed himto understand and integrate the various parts of himself.

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The Concept of the Self in IFS and Buddhism

The conversation takes a deep dive into the concept of self within the framework of Internal Family Systems (IFS) and its parallels with Buddhist teachings. Alex, reflecting on the notion of self as a construct and a compassionate witness, highlights the inclusive nature of all parts and emphasizes the importance of creating a sense of home within oneself. This understanding and acceptance of the different aspects of oneself lay the foundation for deep healing and personal transformation.

Bob and Alex delve into the qualities and attributes of the self. Alex mentions the eight C's of self articulated by Dick Schwartz – calm, curiosity, compassion, confidence, courage, clarity, connectedness, and creativity – which serve as a powerful framework for recognizing and invoking the self within each individual. By embodying and nurturing these qualities, individuals can not only discover their own self-worth but also help others recognize and cultivate these qualities within themselves.

As the conversation draws to a close, Bob and Alex highlight the practical application of these teachings and practices in everyday life. They emphasize the importance of integrating the wisdom gained from meditation, therapy, and personal growth into our interactions with family, friends, and colleagues. The transformative potential lies in how we navigate our relationships and respond skillfully to the diverse experiences and challenges that life presents us.

Ultimately, this enriching conversation serves as a powerful testament to the potential of self-compassion, vulnerability, and personal transformation. It encourages individuals to explore a range of modalities, including IFS and meditation, to embark on their own journeys of healing, growth, and self-discovery. By embracing the wisdom shared in this episode, individuals can cultivate a deep sense of self-awareness, compassion, and resilience, leading to a truly transformative and empowered way of living.

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Listen to the episode now!

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