The hidden signs of burnout and the holistic path to healing with Audrey O’Connor

Welcome to Beyond the Reformer

Introduction to the Podcast

• Host Nick Lenny introduces "Beyond the Reformer," a podcast focused on Pilates, community connection, and personal growth. The aim is to inspire listeners in their Pilates journey and beyond.

Meet Audrey O'Connor

Background of Guest

• Audrey O'Connor, a Pilates teacher, sound healer, and Reiki master from Dublin, shares her experiences working with corporate clients on well-being initiatives. She discusses her journey from personal healing through Pilates to exploring various wellness practices.

Audrey's Journey into Wellness

Transition from Corporate Life

• Audrey reflects on her non-linear path into wellness; she initially did not engage with sports or wellness during her youth. Her early career was shaped by traditional guidance that led her into construction management rather than health fields.

Career Guidance Experience

Influential Career Counselor

• During a visit to a career counselor in the 90s/2000s, Audrey expressed interest in construction and architecture. The counselor suggested quantity surveying as a suitable career path, which was refreshing compared to typical suggestions like teaching or nursing. This moment significantly influenced her educational choices.

Realization of Career Misalignment

Moment of Change

• While working in Canada’s construction industry, Audrey experienced a pivotal moment when she felt physically ill at work due to dissatisfaction with her job. This realization prompted her to question whether she truly wanted this career path despite being good at it; she recognized the importance of pursuing what genuinely excites her rather than seeking validation from others.

Understanding Burnout and Its Impact on Health

Personal Reflections on Burnout

• The speaker expresses feelings of disappointment in themselves for not meeting expectations, particularly regarding the perception of being "flaky" when changing their mind.

• They describe experiencing significant gut issues and inflammation, attributing these health problems to a lack of fulfillment in their work.

• A doctor diagnosed them with burnout, which they initially dismissed due to their busy lifestyle and commitment to fitness activities like spin class.

The Role of Pilates in Recovery

• The doctor recommended Pilates as a means to rehabilitate both physical posture and mental state, emphasizing the need for relaxation and core connection.

• The speaker reflects on their past struggles with sports, noting that traditional school sports lacked proper teaching methods, leading to feelings of inadequacy.

Career Guidance and Personal Fulfillment

• Discussion about career guidance often focusing solely on skills rather than personal interests or passions; the importance of finding what "lights you up" is highlighted.

• The speaker shares experiences where societal expectations led them towards careers they were good at but did not enjoy, such as engineering based on science aptitude.

High Functioning Burnout

• They note that burnout can be invisible; despite looking fine externally (makeup done), internally they felt exhausted and overwhelmed by daily tasks.

• There’s an acknowledgment that high-functioning women may feel pressured to maintain appearances while struggling internally with fatigue and stress.

Cultural Expectations Around Productivity

• The conversation touches upon generational pressures faced by women who are expected to balance academic success with professional achievements without acknowledging mental health needs.

• The speaker relates personal digestive issues to emotional well-being, indicating how stress manifests physically when one is unhappy or overworked.

Understanding the Impact of Pilates on Mind and Body

The Connection Between Readiness and Physical Tension

• Discusses how constant readiness can lead to physical tension, particularly in areas like the neck and pelvic floor, resulting in burnout.

Cultural Influences on Busyness

• Reflects on cultural expectations around busyness, particularly within Irish culture, emphasizing the pressure to always be presentable and active.

Personal Experiences with Pilates

• Shares a personal journey with Pilates, highlighting initial frustrations but ultimately recognizing its benefits for focus and body awareness.

Transformation Through Practice

• Describes how consistent practice led to improved movement efficiency and presence in daily life, enhancing overall well-being.

Mindfulness as a Core Benefit of Pilates

• Emphasizes that Pilates serves as a form of mindfulness or meditation, allowing individuals to connect deeply with their bodies during practice.

The Life-Changing Effects of Pilates

Realizations About Work and Efficiency

• Explains how Pilates challenged preconceived notions about hard work, revealing that efficiency leads to better outcomes both physically and mentally.

Energy Dynamics in Relationships

• Discusses how personal energy shifts influence interactions with others, leading to more informed decision-making based on self-awareness.

Building Confidence Through Movement

• Highlights the confidence gained from mastering new physical skills in Pilates, which translates into other areas of life.

Social Connections through Shared Interests

• Notes the friendships formed through shared experiences in Pilates classes, reinforcing the idea that positive energy attracts like-minded individuals.

Transitioning from Student to Teacher

• Introduces the journey from experiencing transformative classes to aspiring to become a teacher due to newfound insights gained through practice.

Understanding the Journey from Construction to Pilates

Personal Struggles and Transformation

• The speaker discusses their long-standing back issues, which were exacerbated by poor posture and a lack of confidence. They felt physically constrained, often making themselves appear smaller.

• Despite being giddy and fun, the speaker struggled with self-belief, leading to a facade that negatively impacted their posture over time.

• After improving their posture through Pilates, they experienced significant changes in strength, energy levels, and mood. This transformation motivated them to share their journey with others.

Transitioning Careers

• The speaker decided to leave construction for a career in fitness after discussing it with their parents. They pursued further education in sports-related fields while working as a personal trainer.

• To ensure financial stability during this transition, they maintained part-time work in quantity surveying while studying physiology and anatomy.

• The speaker highlights the importance of having a safety net during career transitions to avoid falling into a scarcity mindset due to financial pressures.

Education and Professional Development

• While working as a personal trainer, the speaker discovered limited Pilates courses available in Ireland but eventually found one through a lecturer's recommendation.

• They reflect on their tendency to delay launching new initiatives until fully prepared, acknowledging that this can prolong the process unnecessarily.

Identity and Societal Expectations

• Many aspiring teachers face challenges transitioning from corporate jobs due to financial concerns. The speaker emphasizes the need for income stability during this period.

• Maintaining part-time employment while training is crucial for easing into new roles without feeling overwhelmed or judged by societal expectations regarding career changes.

Navigating Judgment and Self-Worth

• The discussion touches on how societal perceptions of careers can impact self-worth. In construction, being a woman was both an interesting talking point and a way to deflect attention from personal insecurities.

• As they transitioned away from construction into full-time Pilates teaching, feelings of judgment arose when people questioned their decision-making process or perceived failures in starting anew.

• The speaker reflects on how deeply intertwined one's job is with identity; they previously identified strongly with past roles despite not needing formal qualifications for teaching Pilates.

This structured summary captures key insights from the transcript while providing timestamps for easy reference.

Polestar Training and Emotional Healing

Overview of Polestar Training

• The speaker reflects on the rigorous nature of Polestar training, emphasizing its comprehensive and challenging exams.

• The training process took over two years, highlighting the commitment required to achieve certification compared to quicker courses.

• The speaker compares the time and cost of Polestar training to that of a university degree, indicating the value placed on this education.

Personal Growth Through Movement

• The speaker shares personal experiences from their training, noting how it fostered friendships and introduced healing through movement.

• They discuss emotional expression, revealing that growing up in Ireland limited discussions about feelings, leading to suppressed emotions.

Breakthrough Moments in Training

• A pivotal moment during a C curve exercise led to an unexpected release of emotion; the speaker learned to embrace rather than resist these feelings.

• This experience was described as transformative, illustrating how movement can facilitate emotional healing without needing labels or explanations.

Holistic Health Perspective

• The speaker emphasizes that Polestar's approach integrates physiology and anatomy with emotional well-being, showcasing its depth beyond mere exercises.

• They note that Pilates often serves as an entry point into holistic health for many individuals seeking relief from physical pain.

Client Experiences and Emotional Release

• Observations reveal clients often open up emotionally during sessions; issues like retirement stress or relationship concerns surface while addressing physical ailments.

• As teachers who have undergone similar journeys, they feel equipped to guide clients toward broader holistic practices beyond Pilates.

Exploring the Journey of Reiki and Sound Healing

Personal Experience with Reiki and Burnout

• The speaker began their journey into Reiki, initially exploring it before undergoing teacher training, which they enjoyed. However, they experienced burnout while working with high-profile corporate clients.

• Signs of burnout re-emerged for the speaker, including gut issues and anxiety. They recognized the need to address these symptoms proactively.

Challenges in Meditation Practice

• The speaker discusses the misconception that meditation can be easily practiced by simply closing one's eyes. They emphasize that a disregulated system cannot meditate effectively without proper preparation.

• To aid their meditation practice, the speaker integrated sound healing techniques and explored various sound baths online, which helped them regulate their body.

Development of Daily Practices

• During lockdown, the speaker committed to a daily 10-minute meditation practice and experimented with different types of sound meditations, ultimately discovering crystal alchemy bowls that significantly impacted their life.

• After a year of consistent practice, they pursued further education in sound healing at the Sound Healers Academy in California to deepen their understanding of sound's science and energetics.

Transitioning into Teaching

• The speaker transitioned from personal practice to teaching after completing advanced mentorship programs in both Reiki and sound healing. This led them to work with clients directly.

• They reflect on how personal wellness journeys often inspire practitioners to share knowledge and help shape others' lives through similar experiences.

Building Relationships in Corporate Wellness

• The speaker shares insights on how they secured opportunities with major corporations like Google by emphasizing community building and trust rather than relying solely on networking events.

• Their initial teaching experience involved grassroots efforts such as distributing flyers across businesses in Dublin’s financial district to establish connections for Pilates classes.

• Emphasizing genuine intentions when seeking corporate partnerships is crucial; building relationships leads to referrals rather than pursuing recognition or status within companies.

Current Work with Corporate Clients

• Many corporate clients approach the speaker for assistance with issues similar to those they have faced personally, indicating a shared understanding of challenges within workplace wellness initiatives.

Understanding the Challenges of Busy Moms

The Burden of Guilt and Stress

• Many busy moms feel overwhelmed, struggling with guilt over not being able to care for themselves while managing their responsibilities.

• The constant pressure from work and family obligations leads to heightened stress levels, especially when receiving calls about their children's health.

• There is a growing concern about burnout, anxiety, and social pressures as people navigate returning to in-person interactions post-pandemic.

Rediscovering Joy and Hobbies

• A personal anecdote highlights the struggle of identifying hobbies outside of work; many individuals forget what brings them joy amidst their busy lives.

• In corporate settings, there is an emphasis on awareness and communication skills to foster better relationships among colleagues.

Techniques for Managing Stress

• Training in neuroplasticity can help individuals develop new behaviors that promote presence and reduce friction in communication.

• Sound healing practices are introduced as a method for stress management, offering various sound baths tailored to different emotional needs like grief or self-worth.

Corporate Wellness Initiatives

• Companies often approach wellness programs either through budget allocations or individual employee requests seeking deeper engagement beyond mere compliance.

• Employees may advocate for wellness initiatives based on personal experiences or observations during classes, leading to more tailored corporate offerings.

Insights from Wellness Talks

• Discussions around family dynamics and mental health are crucial in high-pressure environments; understanding how to transition home life after work is emphasized.

• Awareness of one's reactions upon returning home can improve family interactions; it’s important to be present rather than distracted by work-related tasks.

Understanding Corporate Wellness and Personal Growth

The Current Political Climate and Its Impact

• The speaker discusses the unrest and instability caused by current political events, leading to anxiety about the future.

• A structured approach is suggested for discussions on wellness: first explaining personal practices, then recognizing symptoms of stress, followed by solutions and practice.

Importance of Open Discussions

• Emphasizes that many individuals, regardless of their position (CEO or intern), face similar challenges in life.

• Highlights how corporate wellness talks can foster understanding among colleagues, dispelling misconceptions about others' behaviors.

Transition from Corporate Burnout to Online Platform Creation

• The speaker reflects on their journey from experiencing corporate burnout to supporting others through wellness initiatives.

• Introduction of "State HQ," an online platform designed to cater to diverse fitness needs while promoting holistic health.

Diverse Offerings in Online Wellness

• The platform aims to provide various options for users based on their daily energy levels and emotional states.

• Examples include sound baths for relaxation or anxiety relief, catering specifically to users’ immediate needs.

Learning Through Experience

• Discusses the process of creating content for the platform, including filming techniques learned from working with Google’s Motus app.

• Shares insights gained from practical experience in videography and studio setup during lockdown periods.

Building a Community Around Wellness

• Expresses appreciation for building an online community that supports individuals who may not have access to local wellness resources.

• Reflecting on shared experiences during COVID as a catalyst for launching online platforms focused on health and well-being.

Sound Healing and Its Impact

The Role of Sound Healing in Personal Growth

• The speaker expresses admiration for the ongoing integration of sound healing into their practice, highlighting its current significance in their life.

• Regular sessions create a safe space for participants to share personal feelings, fostering open communication about their emotional states.

• Emphasis on self-care practices such as using candles and journals enhances the overall experience, contributing to deeper relaxation and well-being.

Techniques Used in Sound Healing

• Discussion on the use of high-quality microphones and sound systems to capture various sounds effectively during sessions.

• Introduction of binaural beats as a tool for aiding individuals with ADD or ADHD, promoting a hypnotic state that helps clear mental clutter.

Ritualistic Aspects of Sound Healing

• The practice includes drawing cards post-sound bath not for fortune-telling but as a supportive ritual that encourages reflection and insight.

• Acknowledgment of initial skepticism towards "woo woo" practices; however, personal growth leads to greater openness to these experiences.

Insights from Group Dynamics

• Participants often find unexpected connections with drawn cards during retreats, revealing insights that resonate deeply with them.

• The speaker reflects on their transformation from skepticism to embracing spiritual practices like Reiki, noting how they enhance group energy and receptivity.

Changing Perspectives on Spiritual Practices

• Notable shift in attitudes towards spiritual practices among diverse groups; even men are engaging with card readings without stigma.

• Recognition that blending science with spirituality can demystify these practices, making them more accessible and relatable to others.

Understanding Energy and Personal Boundaries in Daily Life

The Impact of Energy Awareness

• Recognizing the presence of energy in interactions; people can feel shifts when someone enters a room, highlighting the importance of energy work.

• Learning to establish personal boundaries is crucial; understanding one's own energy helps in saying "no" effectively and prioritizing self-care.

• The speaker identifies as an empath, experiencing emotional drain from situations, which led to discovering Reiki as a healing practice.

The Journey into Reiki

• Initial experiences with extreme emotions contributed to burnout; learning about emotional balance through practices like Reiki has been transformative.

• The speaker emphasizes the grounding effects of Reiki and its role in enhancing self-awareness.

Integrating Practices into Busy Lives

• Discusses the challenge of incorporating meditation into daily routines; encourages consistency and self-compassion for improvement.

• Emphasizes that everyone can develop their meditation skills by showing up consistently, regardless of initial perceptions or challenges.

Daily Rituals for Self-Care

• Morning routine includes positive affirmations and hydration before caffeine; highlights the importance of starting the day with self-love.

• Engaging in sound bath meditations daily, varying from 10 to 50 minutes, while being patient with oneself during distractions.

Holistic Approaches to Well-being

• Incorporates breathwork and Reiki into daily practices for emotional regulation; stresses checking in with oneself before engaging with external stimuli.

• Maintains physical health through strength training and Pilates while remaining open to new practices like chanting for voice projection.

Sound Healing Practices

• Regularly plays sound bowls as part of personal practice; emphasizes teaching others how to receive sound healing effectively.

• Shares a recent experience involving a sound bath combined with cacao preparation, illustrating the joy found in these rituals.

10-Minute Sound Bath: A Morning Ritual?

The Appeal of Sound Baths

• The speaker expresses a preference for a 10-minute sound bath over traditional meditation, finding it more achievable and less confrontational for the mind.

• Imagines sharing this experience with their son, highlighting the accessibility and family-friendly nature of sound baths.

Personal Experience with Meditation

• Reflects on attending a meditation retreat that involved significant silence, questioning the need to push against discomfort when guided practices can be beneficial.

• Describes how brief moments of silence during guided sessions can lead to altered brain states, enhancing clarity and emotional well-being.

Impact of Morning Routines

• Discusses the negative impact of immediately checking notifications upon waking up, particularly concerning stressful news.

• Emphasizes that training the mind through morning rituals can shift focus away from phones towards healthier activities like making coffee or connecting with others.

The Evolution of Pilates Practices

Holistic Approaches in Pilates

• Questions whether the Pilates industry is becoming more open to holistic practices, suggesting that individuals often find their unique paths within wellness.

• Shares personal experiences about evolving interests in fitness classes and how initial motivations may change over time.

Diverse Entry Points into Wellness

• Acknowledges different reasons people might start Pilates—whether for aesthetics or rehabilitation—and encourages acceptance of varied motivations without judgment.

Community Connection in Teaching

• Highlights the importance of genuine connection in teaching; those who lead with heart will attract like-minded individuals seeking community support.

Navigating Challenges in Wellness Industry

Saturation and Differentiation

• Notes that while there are many offerings in wellness today, meditation helps clarify one's purpose amidst saturation.

Affirmations and Mindset Work

• Discusses daily affirmations as part of a broader mindset practice, emphasizing their effectiveness when combined with addressing mental blockages.

Studio Experience Reflection

• Remembers early days opening a studio where some clients appreciated its uniqueness while others struggled to understand its slower pace.

Regulation Concerns in Pilates Training

Need for Standards

• Raises concerns about lack of regulation within the booming Pilates industry, noting significant variations in training quality and practices.

Understanding Personal Growth Through Pilates

The Importance of Finding the Right Fit

• Different names and styles in wellness can confuse clients, but they will find what resonates with them if given the chance to explore.

• Even teachers from the same training program can have vastly different approaches due to their unique influences and experiences.

• Personal life experiences shape why individuals pursue teaching, leading to diverse expressions within similar practices.

Attracting the Right Audience

• Focusing on what you want rather than what you don’t allows for attracting clients who are open to transformation and positive relationships.

• Word of mouth is powerful; satisfied clients share their experiences, enhancing community engagement.

Influential Life Lessons

• A friend’s advice during a challenging time emphasized that others are often preoccupied with their own issues, encouraging authenticity over self-consciousness.

• Realizing that perceptions of oneself are often exaggerated helps in focusing on providing value to others instead of worrying about personal flaws.

Mentorship and Learning

• Various mentors throughout her career have shaped her approach; mentorship is crucial for growth and accountability in self-employment.

• It’s important to seek out mentors that align with current needs, as these can change over time based on personal development stages.

Self-Acceptance and Unconditional Love

• Emphasizing unconditional love for oneself leads to greater confidence; one does not need to perform or conform to be accepted by others.

• Authenticity fosters genuine connections; being true to oneself attracts love without conditions.

Understanding the Transformative Power of Pilates

The Connection Between Body and Mind

• The speaker reflects on how Pilates has allowed them to deeply connect with their body, emphasizing that movements like lifting an arm involve a profound awareness of bodily sensations at a cellular level.

• They highlight the importance of self-care and love for one's body, noting that many people live disconnected from their physical selves, primarily engaging mentally rather than physically.

• The conversation emphasizes that Pilates is more than just a movement class; it opens individuals up to unexpected transformations by tuning into their bodies.

• A key insight shared is that the body provides guidance through subtle signs, and Pilates helps individuals learn to listen to these cues effectively.

Community and Personal Growth

• The speakers express gratitude for their conversation, reflecting on personal growth journeys from practicing Pilates to exploring various wellness practices.

• They acknowledge the significance of community in their experiences, highlighting how mutual support enhances personal development and fosters a caring environment.