SFL Episode 110: On Shame, Duty, and Responsibility

This week, a challenging conversation with wellness coach and podcast regular Howard Jacobson, host of the Plant Yourself podcast and co-founder of WellStartHealth.com. Here, we address the relative roles of guilt, shame, resposibility, and inner strength in navigating the complexities of current wordl events. Along the way, we wade into:

• What COVID, Climate Change and anti-racism arguments have in common

• The neurobiology of shame

• Competing motivations in social behaviour

• Cultivating empathy and compassion over conflict

 I hope you get value from this discussion, regardless of your position on the issues at hand.

Check out Howie's healthy exploits at plantyourself.com and wellstarthealth.com.

SFL Episode 109: Jamie Lippiatt

This week, a deep dive into aspects of internal training, with Toronto-based Systema Instructor and founder of Gaian Heart, Jamie Lippiatt.
Jamie is a personal student of Vladimir Vasiliev and Emmanuel Manolakaki, and teaches regularly at Systema HQ in Toronto. He has also made several extended trips to Moscow to train with the inimitable Mikhail Ryabko and his instructors there.

An accomplished martial artist even before coming to Systema, Jamie is a past member of the Canadian National Judo Team, a 2x Canadian Brazilian Jiu Jitsu champion, a 4x Toronto Wrestling Champion, and certified Israeli Special Forces 707 Krav Maga Instructor.

Here, we discuss his path into Systema, and some of the deeper insights he has gained along the way. Including:

• Searching for unifying principles within the martial arts

• Understanding tension as a psychological phenomenon

• The concepts of pressure, weight, and body unity

• The dangers of creating a "box" for yourself in training

• The essential goal: freedom from the self

A rich and varied discussion, and one serious trainees won't want to miss. 

Jamie is currently offering a series of three workshops on Breathing, Movement, and Application through Gaian heart online. For details, visit http://gaianheart.com and subscribe to their event newsletter.

SFL Episode 108: On Preparation and Risk, with Joe Gehr

This week, a insightful and practical dicsussion with Systema Instructor, IDF Officer, and Personal Security Professional Joe Gehr. His second time on the podcast, Joe returns here to talk about maintaining health, personal safety, and a sense of calmness during in light of current world events. A mulitfaceted chat, ranging through:

• Filtering noise and uncertainty

• Cultivating stillness and awareness

• Clarifying your purpose in training

• How to conduct Personal Risk Assessments for your home, work, and travel destinations

Train with Joe at Systema Miami, or seek advice on personal and group security - at https://www.technontactical.com/

Joe is currently raising money for veterans with PTSD via SEALFIT and the Courage Foundation. Sponsor him online here:

https://couragefoundation.networkforgood.com/projects/102426-joe-gehr-s-fundraiser

Mentioned in this episode:

Proactive and Prepared webinars on YouTube

Breathing for Warriors by Belisa Vranich
Unbeatable Mind, by Mark Divine
Staring Down the Wolf, by Mark Divine