The Journey On Podcast: Episode Featuring Jane Pike & Robyn Schiller
Release Date: June 21, 2024
Hosts: Warwick Schiller & Robyn Schiller
In this insightful episode of The Journey On Podcast, host Robyn Schiller engages in a profound conversation with her esteemed friend, Jane Pike. Both having recently attended the Western States Horse Expo, the duo delves deep into topics surrounding nervous system regulation, personal development, and the intricate relationship between biomechanics and emotional well-being. Below is a detailed summary capturing the essence of their discussion.
1. Western States Horse Expo Experiences
Robyn Schiller opens the conversation by reflecting on their shared experience at the Western States Horse Expo. She remarks on the enriching environment, emphasizing the interactive nature of Jane’s presentations.
"When I looked at the program, I kind of lost my way... but then four of my friends showed up, and they were in the front row, and that was really good."
[05:29] Robyn Schiller
Jane Pike echoes this sentiment, highlighting the dynamic exchange between presenters and attendees. She appreciates the shift from monologues to conversational engagements, fostering a more inclusive atmosphere.
"Everyone was really engaged and kind of part of the conversation, which I always so appreciate as a presenter..."
[04:16] Jane Pike
2. Understanding the Nervous System
The discussion transitions to the foundational aspects of the nervous system. Jane Pike provides an in-depth explanation of how our nervous system constantly assesses our environment to determine safety, utilizing the reticular activating system.
"Our brain is consistently and persistently answering that question, are we safe? And how we respond to our environment is in alignment with the answer..."
[06:25] Jane Pike
She distinguishes between the sympathetic (fight-flight) and parasympathetic nervous systems, clarifying her unique terminology separate from the polyvagal model.
"When I’m talking about parasympathetic, I’m talking about the body and the brain responding to the reality of the moment..."
[06:25] Jane Pike
3. Impact of Sympathetic Nervous System on Biomechanics
Delving deeper, Jane elucidates how prolonged activation of the sympathetic nervous system affects the body's structure. She describes the physiological changes, such as reduced joint space and altered organ positioning, emphasizing the tangible impact on biomechanics.
"In sympathetic, we lose joint space and we lose space between the vertebral bodies and we lose height..."
[16:25] Jane Pike
Robyn shares a personal anecdote about her father's back surgery, illustrating the real-world implications of these physiological shifts.
"My dad... he twisted... and actually moved and it broke stuff loose."
[16:25] Robyn Schiller
4. The Role of Stories in Nervous System Responses
The conversation shifts to the psychological narratives we construct and their influence on our physiological states. Jane explains how chronic sympathetic activation leads individuals to rely on ingrained stories rather than sensory information, often perpetuating dysfunctional behavioral patterns.
"When we relate through the story, and it can be that conversation is just what puts them in collapse."
[23:26] Jane Pike
She emphasizes the importance of adaptability and responding appropriately to each situation, rather than adhering to pre-set narratives.
"The goal is not to be one way. The goal is to be whatever is appropriate for the situation..."
[23:26] Jane Pike
5. Community Responsibility and Wellness
Jane Pike passionately discusses the societal shift placing the onus of wellness solely on individuals, neglecting the importance of community support. She advocates for collective responsibility in fostering environments that support nervous system regulation.
"What is the community responsibility to each other? How do we take care of each other?"
[30:34] Jane Pike
Highlighting her Joyride program, Jane underscores the necessity of community in facilitating personal growth and healing.
"The community element. It’s not a bonus, you know, it’s like essential."
[31:30] Jane Pike
6. Practical Indicators: Tongue Position
One of the standout segments features Jane explaining how physical indicators, such as tongue position, can reflect one's nervous system state. She details the relationship between the tongue tendon and the deep front line fascial system, offering practical methods for self-assessment.
"If it's sitting on the roof of the mouth, what that tells us is it's in the parasympathetic."
[50:50] Jane Pike
Jane clarifies that while consciously altering tongue position does not directly change the nervous system, increased awareness can facilitate natural adjustments.
"The changing consciously of the tongue is not what’ll influence your nervous system..."
[56:04] Jane Pike
7. Aging and the Nervous System
Addressing societal perceptions, Jane challenges the Western association of aging with degradation. She contrasts this with indigenous communities where elders remain active and integral until life's end.
"The elder people of the tribe were completely like, right up until when they were close to passing away, they would be just fit as a fiddle..."
[46:51] Jane Pike
She critiques modern lifestyles for inducing prolonged sympathetic states, leading to premature aging and health issues.
"We've kind of engineered our lives into comfort to the extent where we've kind of comforted ourselves out of wellness."
[50:35] Jane Pike
8. Conclusion and Resources
As the episode wraps up, Jane Pike directs listeners to her resources for further exploration into nervous system regulation and holistic biomechanics.
"My website is the best place. ConfidentRider Online is my website... I have a podcast too, the Confident Writer podcast."
[57:46] Jane Pike
Robyn expresses gratitude for the enlightening discussion, encouraging listeners to engage with Jane’s programs for deeper understanding and personal growth.
"I hope a bunch of people run over there and dive in. I think that’d be great."
[58:02] Robyn Schiller
Notable Quotes:
-
"Our brain is consistently and persistently answering that question, are we safe?"
[06:25] Jane Pike -
"The goal is not to be one way. The goal is to be whatever is appropriate for the situation..."
[23:26] Jane Pike -
"The community element. It’s not a bonus, you know, it’s like essential."
[31:30] Jane Pike -
"We've kind of engineered our lives into comfort to the extent where we've kind of comforted ourselves out of wellness."
[50:35] Jane Pike
Resources Mentioned:
-
Jane Pike’s Platforms:
- Website: ConfidentRider Online
- Facebook: Confident Rider
- Podcast: Confident Writer Podcast
-
Warwick Schiller’s Online Video Library:
This episode serves as a compelling exploration of the interplay between our nervous systems, physical structure, and the narratives we foster. Through Jane Pike’s expertise and Robyn Schiller’s engaging dialogue, listeners gain valuable insights into achieving holistic wellness and fostering meaningful connections with both themselves and their equine partners.