Balancing Authenticity with Self-Protection and Resilience - In Conversation with Adam Lind (S20E9)
Published about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Hey lovely Reader
I've just listened back to this week's episode and so many things are standing out for me.
It's vulnerable, tender, delicate and yet, ultimately, joyful and robust.
I'm in conversation with Adam Lind, author of Floating Home. During our exploration of resilience, Adam shares a personal experience involving grief and suicide. We hold this tenderly and I'm flagging this so you can choose whether this episode feels ok for you to listen to.
As the conversation evolves, we expand into authenticity, masking and boundaries. There is so much in here that is raw for both Adam and me - an exercise in resilience and vulnerability. Overall, this is a wide-ranging conversation between two friends; an episode of reflection and connection.
This isn't an episode filled with answers or advice.
It's simply an honest unpacking of some of what it can look like to move through the world. There's a lot of laughter as we each recognise ourselves in each other's stories - and there are stories that may feel uncomfortable to hear. There are so many threads that I would love to speak to more.
We explore what happens when we feel we need to mask our true selves - and the difference between masking (an unconscious survival strategy) and performative behaviour (a more conscious choice about how we show up). We also discuss compartmentalisation: how we can temporarily set things aside to function, and when that strategy risks becoming unhealthy.
We also talk about the risks of placing others on pedestals and the reality of our humanness and how valuable it is to see ourselves (in our breadth and depth) without the lens of shame... in order that we can grow.
For me, the most important aspect of this whole conversation is that there is no 'one right response' to our experience of the world. All these strategies and behaviours are deeply, truly human. And we are all learning how to navigate what life reveals to us, in our own way, in our own time.
So, I offer up this episode to see what resonates for you. Have a listen on the Henny Flynn podcast.
Are there things here that you connect with? Do you recognise any aspects of yourself in the stories we share? Does it help illuminate anything about your own resilience?
May we all be safe, happy and well. May we all live with ease. May we all hold space for ourselves and others with the deepest love.
With love
PS: Later this year, Adam and I are holding a retreat in a truly beautiful location. The Weekend of No Requirements, 16-19 October 2026 is a space where you can show up exactly as you are. You are warmly invited to join us - find out more here: https://www.hennyflynn.co.uk/the-weekend-of-no-requirements
The Weekend of No-Requirements 16-19 October, Herefordshire
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