Today's episode is with my (much) better half, Carly Taylor, as we explore a very powerful self-reflection tool from Japanese Psychology that I like to describe as 'Gratitude on Steroids', and as you'll see, it's a great method for enhancing or repairing relationships in your life.

To find out more about Naikan, check out the book titled 'Naikan' by Greg Krech's, Carly's mentor in Japanese Psychology.

For coaching with Carly, check out her website.

Today&apos;s episode is with my (much) better half, Carly Taylor, as we explore a very powerful self-reflection tool from Japanese Psychology that I like to describe as &apos;Gratitude on Steroids&apos;, and as you&apos;ll see, it&apos;s a great method for enhancing or repairing relationships in your life. To find out more about Naikan, check out the <a href='http://www.todoinstitutebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&amp;cPath=26_24&amp;products_id=6'>book titled &apos;Naikan&apos; </a>by Greg Krech&apos;s, Carly&apos;s mentor in Japanese Psychology. For coaching with Carly, check out <a href='https://www.carlytaylorcoaching.com.au/'>her website.</a>

Host Dr Paul Taylor, a Psychophysiologist, Neuroscientist, Exercise Scientist, and Nutritionist interviews experts from around the world on cutting edge research and practices related to improving hardiness in your mind, body and brain to become your best self.

Host Dr Paul Taylor, a Psychophysiologist, Neuroscientist, Exercise Scientist, and Nutritionist interviews experts from around the world on cutting edge research and practices related to improving hardiness in your mind, body and brain to become your best self.

Hardiness with Dr Paul Taylor

Host Dr Paul Taylor, a Psychophysiologist, Neuroscientist, Exercise Scientist, and Nutritionist interviews experts from around the world on cutting edge research and practices related to improving hardiness in your mind, body and brain to become your best self. 

Host Dr Paul Taylor, a Psychophysiologist, Neuroscientist, Exercise Scientist, and Nutritionist interviews experts from around the world on cutting edge research and practices related to improving hardiness in your mind, body and brain to become your best self.&nbsp;

Moving Beyond Gratitude to a Naikan Reflection with Carly Taylor

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Jeremy Thompson as we delve into the complexities of identity and mental health. We explore how early life experiences shape our self-perception and the importance of understanding one's true self. Jeremy shares insights from his extensive experience in family medicine and psychological medicine, emphasising the need to separate negative self-perceptions from one's core identity. The conversation touches on the impact of societal labels, the role of upbringing in mental health, and practical approaches to fostering a positive self-image.

Key Takeaways

Self-identity as a dynamic, compartmentalised system                                                      People’s sense of self is best understood as a mix of core positives and externalised negatives, which should be separated rather than conflated.

Childhood trauma’s impact is modifiable through focused reframing                                      Traumatic childhood experiences leave lasting imprints, but their influence can be softened by actively re-examining and challenging negative beliefs formed early on.

Authentic self-awareness guides positive choices over societal expectations                Aligning daily actions with one’s true self and natural inclinations, rather than external pressures or shoulds, promotes genuine well-being.

Labelling mental health issues risks entrenching identities over understanding                 Applying diagnostic labels too readily risks turning complex mental states into fixed identities, which can hinder recovery and self-growth.

Cultivating inner energy through awareness enhances alignment with true self               Attuning to moments of positive energy signals alignment with your authentic inclinations, serving as a compass for satisfying pursuits.

The oversimplification of mental health through excessive diagnoses dilutes treatment efficacy                                                                                                                                            The proliferation of mental health diagnoses, many wishy-washy and overlapping, obscures understanding and can lead to self-labelling that hampers progress.

The balance of nurturing positive traits while managing negatives is central to resilient identity                                                                                                                                        Strong resilience arises from affirming and cultivating your best qualities while consciously managing and externalising negative forces.

 

Time Stamps

02:57 Understanding Mental Health and Chronic Stress

06:02 The Importance of Identity in Mental Health

08:53 The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences

12:08 The Mixed Bag Concept of Self-Identity

14:53 Building Positive Relationships and Resilience

18:00 The Role of Mental Health Professionals

21:08 Reflecting on Childhood Experiences

23:55 Values, Virtues, and the Real Self

28:46 Understanding Personal Desires vs. Societal Expectations

32:00 The Complexity of Human Nature and Selfishness

34:55 The Dangers of Labels and Identity

38:18 Finding Your True Self and Identity

42:31 Navigating Change and Personal Growth

46:59 The Role of Identity in Health and Well-being

 

Resources 

Dr Jeremy Thompson’s new book: https://www.amazon.com.au/Understand-Your-Identity-Jeremy-Thompson/dp/1636986277/

Website - https://understandyourtrueidentity.com/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-thompson-41a47969/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/DrJeremyThompson

 

Support the Podcast

If you found this conversation valuable, consider subscribing and leaving a review on your preferred podcast platform. Your feedback helps us continue to bring you insightful discussions on important health topics.

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Jeremy Thompson as we delve into the complexities of identity and mental health. We explore how early life experiences shape our self-perception and the importance of understanding one's true self. Jeremy shares insights from his extensive experience in family medicine and psychological medicine, emphasising the need to separate negative self-perceptions from one's core identity. The conversation touches on the impact of societal labels, the role of upbringing in mental health, and practical approaches to fostering a positive self-image.
Key Takeaways
Self-identity as a dynamic, compartmentalised system&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; People&rsquo;s sense of self is best understood as a mix of core positives and externalised negatives, which should be separated rather than conflated.
Childhood trauma&rsquo;s impact is modifiable through focused reframing&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Traumatic childhood experiences leave lasting imprints, but their influence can be softened by actively re-examining and challenging negative beliefs formed early on.
Authentic self-awareness guides positive choices over societal expectations&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Aligning daily actions with one&rsquo;s true self and natural inclinations, rather than external pressures or shoulds, promotes genuine well-being.
Labelling mental health issues risks entrenching identities over understanding&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Applying diagnostic labels too readily risks turning complex mental states into fixed identities, which can hinder recovery and self-growth.
Cultivating inner energy through awareness enhances alignment with true self&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Attuning to moments of positive energy signals alignment with your authentic inclinations, serving as a compass for satisfying pursuits.
The oversimplification of mental health through excessive diagnoses dilutes treatment efficacy&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The proliferation of mental health diagnoses, many wishy-washy and overlapping, obscures understanding and can lead to self-labelling that hampers progress.
The balance of nurturing positive traits while managing negatives is central to resilient identity&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Strong resilience arises from affirming and cultivating your best qualities while consciously managing and externalising negative forces.
&nbsp;
Time Stamps
02:57 Understanding Mental Health and Chronic Stress
06:02 The Importance of Identity in Mental Health
08:53 The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences
12:08 The Mixed Bag Concept of Self-Identity
14:53 Building Positive Relationships and Resilience
18:00 The Role of Mental Health Professionals
21:08 Reflecting on Childhood Experiences
23:55 Values, Virtues, and the Real Self
28:46 Understanding Personal Desires vs. Societal Expectations
32:00 The Complexity of Human Nature and Selfishness
34:55 The Dangers of Labels and Identity
38:18 Finding Your True Self and Identity
42:31 Navigating Change and Personal Growth
46:59 The Role of Identity in Health and Well-being
&nbsp;
Resources 
Dr Jeremy Thompson&rsquo;s new book: <a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Understand-Your-Identity-Jeremy-Thompson/dp/1636986277/">https://www.amazon.com.au/Understand-Your-Identity-Jeremy-Thompson/dp/1636986277/</a>
Website - <a href="https://understandyourtrueidentity.com/">https://understandyourtrueidentity.com/</a>
LinkedIn - <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-thompson-41a47969/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-thompson-41a47969/</a>
YouTube - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/DrJeremyThompson">https://www.youtube.com/DrJeremyThompson</a>
&nbsp;
Support the Podcast
If you found this conversation valuable, consider subscribing and leaving a review on your preferred podcast platform. Your feedback helps us continue to bring you insightful discussions on important health topics.

Understanding Your True Identity with Dr Jeremy Thompson

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/768e620a-9576-4e95-a453-b45100635589/transcript

Marcus Aurelius was a Roman emperor living nearly 2,000 years ago, yet his private journal reads remarkably like modern psychological coaching. In this episode, Carly explores a powerful passage from Meditations and unpack what Stoicism, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Morita Therapy can teach us about managing difficult thoughts and emotions. If you’ve ever felt hijacked by overthinking, caught in emotional spirals, or trapped in the stories your mind creates, this episode offers a practical, stoic framework for stepping back, seeing reality more clearly, and choosing your next move with intention.

Marcus Aurelius was a Roman emperor living nearly 2,000 years ago, yet his private journal reads remarkably like modern psychological coaching. In this episode, Carly explores a powerful passage from Meditations and unpack what Stoicism, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Morita Therapy can teach us about managing difficult thoughts and emotions. If you&rsquo;ve ever felt hijacked by overthinking, caught in emotional spirals, or trapped in the stories your mind creates, this episode offers a practical, stoic framework for stepping back, seeing reality more clearly, and choosing your next move with intention.

How Marcus Aurelius Managed His Mind And What We Can Learn From It by Carly Taylor

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/b9acf56b-75a5-4dd2-8c6e-b44b00321289/transcript

In this episode with TJ Power, the discussion delves into the impact of modern lifestyle on mental health, focusing on conditions like mild anxiety and depression. TJ Power, a neuroscientist, shares insights from his book "The Dose Effect," which explores how dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins can be optimised to improve well-being. The conversation covers TJ's personal journey with dopamine addiction and how he developed a protocol to rebalance brain chemistry. We also discuss the importance of evolutionary biology, the role of technology in mental health, and practical steps to enhance connection and reduce stress in today's fast-paced world.

Discover practical strategies to optimise brain chemistry, overcome modern lifestyle disorders, and foster deeper human connection.

Key Takeaways
Impact of modern lifestyle on mental health
Role of dopamine in motivation and addiction
Oxytocin and human connection
Serotonin's influence on body-brain health
Endorphins and stress relief through exercise
Practical strategies for neurochemical balance
The importance of behavioural first approaches
The science of shared suffering and bonding
Effects of technology and social media on dopamine
Strategies for lifestyle changes to improve mental health

Time Stamps

01:12 Modern Lifestyle Disorders and the Dose Effect

02:04 TJ Power's Journey and the DOSELAB

04:16 Research Challenges and Funding

06:05 In-Person vs. Online Interventions

08:02 Understanding Dopamine

10:01 Dopamine's Role in Motivation and Anticipation

11:58 The Impact of Modern Rewards on Dopamine

13:54 Fast vs. Slow Dopamine

16:05 The Consequences of Low Dopamine

18:02 Behavioural Approaches to Mental Health

20:00 The Importance of Action in Motivation

21:55 Practical Challenges for Dopamine Optimization

23:50 Phone Fasting and Digital Detox

25:36 Dopamine and ADHD

28:37 Understanding ADHD and Dopamine

31:59 The Role of Oxytocin in Human Connection

38:36 The Power of Connection in Adversity

46:37 Cultivating Oxytocin in Daily Life

48:43 Exploring Serotonin and Body-Brain Connection

01:01:24 The Impact of Endorphins on Well-being

Resources 

Website: DOSELab

The DOSE Effect: https://geni.us/UFOm – TJ Power’s book

LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjpowerneuroscience/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tjpower/

Website:  https://tjpower.co.uk/

 

Support the Podcast

If you found this conversation valuable, consider subscribing and leaving a review on your preferred podcast platform. Your feedback helps us continue to bring you insightful discussions on important health topics.

In this episode with TJ Power, the discussion delves into the impact of modern lifestyle on mental health, focusing on conditions like mild anxiety and depression. TJ Power, a neuroscientist, shares insights from his book "The Dose Effect," which explores how dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins can be optimised to improve well-being. The conversation covers TJ's personal journey with dopamine addiction and how he developed a protocol to rebalance brain chemistry. We also discuss the importance of evolutionary biology, the role of technology in mental health, and practical steps to enhance connection and reduce stress in today's fast-paced world.
Discover practical strategies to optimise brain chemistry, overcome modern lifestyle disorders, and foster deeper human connection.
Key Takeaways
<ul>
<li>Impact of modern lifestyle on mental health</li>
<li>Role of dopamine in motivation and addiction</li>
<li>Oxytocin and human connection</li>
<li>Serotonin's influence on body-brain health</li>
<li>Endorphins and stress relief through exercise</li>
<li>Practical strategies for neurochemical balance</li>
<li>The importance of behavioural first approaches</li>
<li>The science of shared suffering and bonding</li>
<li>Effects of technology and social media on dopamine</li>
<li>Strategies for lifestyle changes to improve mental health</li>
</ul>
Time Stamps
01:12 Modern Lifestyle Disorders and the Dose Effect
02:04 TJ Power's Journey and the DOSELAB
04:16 Research Challenges and Funding
06:05 In-Person vs. Online Interventions
08:02 Understanding Dopamine
10:01 Dopamine's Role in Motivation and Anticipation
11:58 The Impact of Modern Rewards on Dopamine
13:54 Fast vs. Slow Dopamine
16:05 The Consequences of Low Dopamine
18:02 Behavioural Approaches to Mental Health
20:00 The Importance of Action in Motivation
21:55 Practical Challenges for Dopamine Optimization
23:50 Phone Fasting and Digital Detox
25:36 Dopamine and ADHD
28:37 Understanding ADHD and Dopamine
31:59 The Role of Oxytocin in Human Connection
38:36 The Power of Connection in Adversity
46:37 Cultivating Oxytocin in Daily Life
48:43 Exploring Serotonin and Body-Brain Connection
01:01:24 The Impact of Endorphins on Well-being
Resources 
Website: <a href="https://thedoselab.com/">DOSELab</a>
The DOSE Effect: <a href="https://geni.us/UFOm">https://geni.us/UFOm</a> &ndash; TJ Power&rsquo;s book
LinkedIn - &nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjpowerneuroscience/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjpowerneuroscience/</a>
Instagram - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tjpower/">https://www.instagram.com/tjpower/</a>
Website: &nbsp;<a href="https://tjpower.co.uk/">https://tjpower.co.uk/</a>
&nbsp;
Support the Podcast
If you found this conversation valuable, consider subscribing and leaving a review on your preferred podcast platform. Your feedback helps us continue to bring you insightful discussions on important health topics.

Unlocking Brain Chemistry: The Power of Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin & Endorphins

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/49d1c8f0-3d57-407c-9a81-b44a0010d304/transcript

Moving Beyond Gratitude to a Naikan Reflection with Carly Taylor

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Hardiness with Dr Paul Taylor

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