Comedian Ruby Wax shares her personal struggles with mental health including her experiences in a monastery, mental institution, and therapy. She discusses challenges of maintaining mindfulness, reflections on a disastrous interview, perceptions and assumptions, depression treatment and recovery, creating a sanctuary at home, and using trips for authentic connection. She also talks about her initiative called frazzled cafe for judgment-free connections.
Ruby Wax emphasizes the importance of practicing mindfulness and self-compassion to find inner peace and overcome trauma.
Wax highlights the significance of escaping distractions, engaging in authentic conversations, and embracing personal growth through genuine connections.
Deep dives
The Power of Mindfulness and Self-Reflection
In this podcast episode, Ruby Wax discusses her latest book, 'I'm Not As Well As I Thought I Was,' which delves into her mental health struggles. She reflects on her journey of self-discovery and finding meaning in life. Through experiences such as a 30-day silent retreat and volunteering in a mental institution, Wax explores the concept of trauma and the importance of self-compassion. She emphasizes the significance of practicing mindfulness and disarming the ego by acknowledging our flaws and loving ourselves unconditionally. Wax also shares insights on depression, shedding light on its debilitating nature and urging for more empathy and understanding from society.
The Challenges of Aging and Embracing Change
Wax discusses the difficulties of aging and the societal obsession with youth. Drawing inspiration from writer Richard Rohr's book, 'Falling Upward,' she explores the transitions and transformations that occur in the second half of one's life. Wax believes that embracing the aging process and deconstructing the ego can bring wisdom, peace, and a wider perspective on life. Her own experiences, including trips to secluded islands and communities like Findhorn, have allowed her to reflect on societal expectations and the importance of genuine connections.
Escaping Distractions and Fostering Authentic Conversations
Wax highlights the importance of escaping the distractions of modern life and engaging in authentic conversations. She discusses her creation of Frazzled Cafe, a safe space for individuals to share their frazzled experiences and find support. She advocates for deeper connections and meaningful conversations beyond surface-level small talk. Wax also shares her personal experiences participating in silent retreats, where she found solace in being present and observing her own thoughts and actions without judgment. By embracing curiosity and avoiding trivialization, she believes that individuals can establish genuine connections and foster personal growth.
Ruby Wax joins us to share an honest and stirring portrait of the depths of her psyche. Recounting her mental health journey including through a monastery, a mental institution, and therapy, she shares her candid understanding of depression and her meaningful search for inner peace.