Episode 752: Kristen Ulmer- The Art of Fear

TL;DR

Kristen Ulmer redefines fear as an ally, not an adversary.

Transcript

if you want to pump your body and expand your mind there's only one place to go mind with your hosts Sal de Stefano Adam Schaefer and Justin Andrews so while ago Adam and I and Justin the three of us the three amigos no yeah the three amigos and I wasn't there now you were no yeah I was there but I was I was talking to another person you were sitti... Read More

Key Insights

• Kristen Ulmer, a former world champion skier, advocates for embracing fear rather than conquering it, suggesting that fear should be viewed as a friend and ally.
• Ulmer's approach to fear stems from her own experiences as an extreme athlete and her study with Zen masters, emphasizing the importance of developing an intimate relationship with fear.
• She redefines PTSD as Post-Traumatic Repressive Disorder, suggesting that many issues arise from the repression of fear, leading to conditions like anxiety and depression.
• Ulmer argues that our society's tendency to repress emotions, especially fear, is counterproductive and leads to various psychological issues, including panic attacks.
• She highlights that fear is a natural part of life and should be felt and understood emotionally rather than intellectually, promoting a practice of feeling fear without resistance.
• Ulmer shares that her addiction to fear during her skiing career made her feel alive, illustrating how fear can be a powerful motivator when embraced correctly.
• She suggests that an intimate relationship with fear can lead to enhanced performance and creativity, as fear can help individuals enter flow states and achieve peak performance.
• Ulmer challenges the traditional methods of dealing with fear, such as medication and meditation, advocating instead for a direct engagement with fear to resolve underlying issues.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is Kristen Ulmer's approach to dealing with fear?

Kristen Ulmer advocates for embracing fear as an ally rather than trying to conquer or repress it. She suggests that developing an intimate relationship with fear can lead to enhanced performance, creativity, and personal growth. Her approach involves feeling fear without resistance and understanding it emotionally rather than intellectually.

Q: How does Kristen Ulmer redefine PTSD?

Kristen Ulmer redefines PTSD as Post-Traumatic Repressive Disorder (PTRD). She argues that the repression of fear and other emotions is the root cause of many psychological issues, including anxiety and depression. By addressing and feeling these emotions, individuals can alleviate the symptoms associated with PTSD.

Q: What are the consequences of repressing fear, according to Ulmer?

According to Kristen Ulmer, repressing fear can lead to a range of psychological issues, such as anxiety disorders, depression, panic attacks, and even physical symptoms. She suggests that this repression creates a disconnection from one's emotions, leading to a lack of authenticity and personal fulfillment.

Q: How does Kristen Ulmer suggest we should talk to fear?

Kristen Ulmer suggests that we should talk to fear as if it were a friend or ally. Instead of fighting or ignoring it, we should acknowledge its presence, understand its role, and appreciate its contribution to our lives. This approach fosters a healthier relationship with fear, allowing it to be a source of motivation and growth.

Q: What role does fear play in performance, according to Ulmer?

Kristen Ulmer believes that fear can enhance performance by helping individuals enter flow states and achieve peak performance. When fear is embraced and understood, it can sharpen focus, increase motivation, and drive creativity, making it a valuable asset in both personal and professional endeavors.

Q: Why does Ulmer believe traditional methods of dealing with fear are ineffective?

Ulmer argues that traditional methods like medication and meditation often focus on symptom relief rather than addressing the root cause of fear. These methods can lead to temporary relief but ultimately exacerbate the underlying issues by further repressing emotions. She advocates for a direct engagement with fear to resolve these issues.

Q: How does Ulmer's personal experience influence her views on fear?

Kristen Ulmer's personal experience as a world champion skier and her study with Zen masters heavily influence her views on fear. Her career in extreme sports exposed her to high levels of fear, which she initially repressed. Her journey to understand and embrace fear has informed her approach and teachings.

Q: What steps does Ulmer recommend for building a fear practice?

Ulmer recommends starting a fear practice by first acknowledging and accepting fear as a natural part of life. She suggests feeling the sensation of fear in the body without resistance and allowing it to be present. This practice helps individuals develop an intimate relationship with fear, transforming it from a source of anxiety to a source of empowerment.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Kristen Ulmer, a former world champion skier, discusses her book 'The Art of Fear,' advocating for a new approach to fear by embracing it as a friend rather than an adversary. She shares insights from her own experiences and her studies with Zen masters.

• Ulmer redefines PTSD as Post-Traumatic Repressive Disorder, emphasizing the negative effects of repressing fear. She suggests that many psychological issues, such as anxiety and depression, stem from this repression.

• She proposes a practice of feeling fear without resistance, suggesting that an intimate relationship with fear can lead to enhanced performance, creativity, and overall well-being. Ulmer challenges traditional methods of dealing with fear, advocating for direct engagement.