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Run Towards the Danger | Sarah Polley

5 snips
Jul 11, 2022
Oscar-nominated filmmaker Sarah Polley shares her journey of confronting fear and trauma in her life, particularly through her recovery from a concussion. She discusses the counterintuitive advice to "run toward the danger," revealing how facing childhood shame has shaped her present. Polley highlights the transformative power of storytelling and meditation, emphasizing vulnerability as a means to heal anxiety. She also explores personal freedom through making uncharacteristic decisions and the joys of parenting, emphasizing the importance of embracing discomfort for growth.
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ANECDOTE

Concussion and Counterintuitive Advice

  • Sarah Polley suffered a severe, long-lasting concussion from a falling fire extinguisher.
  • After trying various treatments, a specialist advised her to "run towards the danger" by reintroducing activities that triggered her symptoms.
INSIGHT

Facing Fear in Meditation and Recovery

  • The "run towards the danger" approach for concussion recovery mirrors the principles of meditation.
  • Both involve confronting discomfort and challenging oneself.
ADVICE

Interrogating Your Body's Signals

  • While acknowledging your body's signals is important, interrogate them.
  • Don't let anxiety dictate your actions; discern whether discomfort signals a real problem or manageable anxiety.
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