Join us in a profound exploration of fun, creativity, and self-care in our latest Embracing Intensity Podcast episode with special guest Boontarika Sripom. Dive deep into the significance of play in nurturing personal growth and bringing joy into our lives, especially for the intensely creative and gifted. Boontarika, a life coach with a passion for play and a background in clinical psychology and human development, shares her insights on how engaging in playful activities can foster innovation, relieve stress, and support our overall well-being. Discover the psychological foundations of play, its role in human development, and how to incorporate more playful moments into your daily routine. Whether you're seeking ways to rejuvenate your creative spirit or find balance in your intense life, this conversation is a reminder of play's transformative power.

For the creative, differently wired, and divergent thinker, play can be as natural as breathing. For some of us, there are layers of shame or uncertainty that inhibit playing across the lifespan. We may be separated from an essential part of maintaining authenticity. This conversation will explore the power of play, sprinkle archetypal journeys within play and fandoms, and encourage listeners to honor their inner children by playing. To those who continue playing: My inner child honors yours. I just waved at you across the playground. :)

About Boontarika:

Boontarika Sripom, MA is a therapy-informed life coach. Her work focuses on coaching using archetypes and understanding the cognition of the differently wired, specifically highly sensitive, creative, and gamer folks. She believes knowledge, guidance, and compassion leads to insights, individual acceptance, and empowerment to change. Boonie is a former preschool teacher, paraprofessional in special education, Outreach Counselor Intern, and College Counselor for creative students. She earned her Master’s in Clinical Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Her favorite games are Age of Empires, World of Warcraft, and Minecraft. She is currently playing Fortnite, Roblox, and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

In this episode:

• Rejuvenating rest and exploring creativity as self-care with Sharon Burton's upcoming book release.

• The significance of play, especially for intense, gifted, creative individuals.

• Boontarika introduces her talk on play's importance, touching on her background in clinical psychology and love for video games.

• Discussion on the psychological aspects of play, highlighting its components like being purposeless, voluntary, and having inherent attraction.

• Mentions of Stuart Brown and the National Institute of Play, and their work on defining the components of play.

• Boontarika shares personal anecdotes and illustrations to explain concepts of play.

• Exploration of play's therapeutic and developmental benefits, including combating depression and fostering a sense of community.

• Reference to Jane McGonigal's works on how games can improve our lives and the role of gamification.

• Emphasis on the therapeutic aspects for neurodivergent individuals and how play serves as a safe space.

• Reflection on societal pressures, adulthood's responsibilities, and the overall decline in play.

• Discussion turns to practical ways to reintegrate play into life and its broader benefits.

• Concluding thoughts on the cultural and personal importance of play, inviting the audience to explore their own playful nature.

• Integrating play into educational settings and acknowledging the varying definitions of play.

Boontarika's Website

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In this engaging conversation, Aurora sits down with the multi-talented Princess Fortier, a beacon of inspiration in the journey of embracing one’s intensity. Princess shares her remarkable story, from neuroscientist to singer and model, highlighting how music became her tool for healing and transforming her life. Together, they delve into the themes of harnessing personal intensity, pursuing passions beyond conventional boundaries, and the power of gratitude journaling. Princess's insight provides a riveting exploration of living life unbounded and the beauty of connecting deeply with one's passions. Join us as we uncover the synergy between harmony and intensity, and discover how embracing your full self can lead to a fulfilling and impactful life.

Discover how Princess overcame intense migraines through her passion for singing, marking a pivotal shift in her life that not only cured her physically but also steered her towards a fulfilling career in music. Throughout the episode, Princess shares her multifaceted experiences, from her challenges with perfectionism and navigating cultural expressions to engaging deeply with neurodiversity and entrepreneurship. Aurora and Princess delve into the significance of embracing one's intensity, using personal fire for positive impact, and the liberation found in gratitude and self-expression. This episode is a testament to the strength found in vulnerability, the beauty of pursuing one's passions, and the value of community support. Tune in to be inspired, find connection, and discover how to channel your own intensity into a force for good.

This episode not only celebrates Princess's remarkable contributions to the field of music and arts but also sheds light on how embracing one's intensity can lead to groundbreaking discoveries and personal healing. Listen in as Princess shares her thoughts on perseverance, the significance of music in her life, her battle against perfectionism, and her spirited advocacy for journaling and gratitude as tools for navigating life's challenges.

• Princess is an inspiring figure who transitioned from a neuroscientist to a singer/model and has been featured in shows like Abbott Elementary and All American.

• Princess shares her unique story of how singing cured her chronic migraines, leading her to pursue a full-time music career.

• The power of journaling, especially gratitude journaling, as a tool for self-reflection and goal setting.

• Princess discusses the challenges and benefits of embracing one's intensity, including her resistance to being limited by societal expectations and finding freedom in diversity.

• The dialogue touches on topics like neurodivergence, perfectionism, the importance of setting boundaries, and the impact of cultural and familial pressures.

• Aurora and Princess share experiences of dealing with rejection sensitivity and the internal struggle of wanting to be liked and approved.

• They explore the concept of using one's 'fire' for good, including sharing knowledge, setting examples for others, and creating transformative art.

• Princess discusses how engaging in multiple passions, such as music and entrepreneurship, has allowed her to express her intensity in various domains.

• Aurora emphasizes the importance of self-care and taking breaks to prevent burnout, acknowledging her own past of working on urgency.

• The conversation also covers strategies for harnessing one's intensity and sensitivity, with Princess highlighting the power of gratitude practices.

• Princess encourages the audience to let go of perfectionism and embrace their passions.

• Both speakers reflect on personal growth, the importance of authentic self-expression, and supporting others in their journey to embrace their intensity.

• Princess shares ways to connect with her and learn more about her journey and work, including her website and upcoming appearances.

Princess on Instagram

Princess' Website

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In this thought-provoking podcast episode, Jeff and Aurora delve deep into the topic of dismantling patriarchy through play. They explore the impact of societal norms on individuals, the role of neurodivergence in challenging the status quo, and the importance of celebrating uniqueness. Through personal anecdotes and insightful discussions, they highlight the power of embracing one's intensity and fostering connections through play. Stay tuned to gain valuable insights on creating a more inclusive and empathetic world through intentional actions and meaningful engagement.

The podcast discussion delves into the intersection of play, patriarchy, neurodiversity, and societal norms. Jeff and Aurora explore the impact of patriarchy on both men and women, emphasizing the importance of men becoming allies to women and the need to challenge traditional gender roles. They highlight the power of play in fostering connection, breaking free from societal expectations, and celebrating neurodiversity. The conversation encourages embracing uniqueness, challenging the status quo, and fostering a sense of community and connection through play.

About Jeff

Jeff Harry, the founder of Rediscover Your Play, runs an organization dedicated to making work more enjoyable through play and positive psychology. With a strong belief that play can heal workplaces and communities, Jeff emphasizes the importance of embracing intensity and connecting with others authentically. He advocates for celebrating neurodivergence and challenging societal norms to create a more inclusive and empathetic world. Jeff's work focuses on dismantling patriarchy by encouraging allies to women and fostering deeper connections through play.

In this episode:

• Jeff emphasizes the importance of play in healing workplaces and communities.

• Play is discussed as a tool for challenging the status quo and encouraging connection.

• Aurora and Jeff share stories about the power of play to bring people together.

• Celebrating neurodivergency and uniqueness is highlighted as a way to dismantle patriarchy.

• Remote companionship is discussed as both beneficial and limited in replacing in-person connections.

• The impact of societal norms on neurodivergent individuals and the need for acceptance and celebration.

• Historical examples like the 54th during the Civil War are used to showcase the ripple effects of small actions.

• The concept of the "cathedral effect" is introduced, encouraging individuals to make a difference even if they may not see the immediate results.

• The Embracing Intensity community is promoted as a supportive space for intense and gifted individuals to connect and grow.

Resources:

Rediscover Your Play

Embracing Intensity Community

Embracing Intensity Memberships