In this episode, we discuss some strategies and practices for navigating life in—as Dr. Reiman calls it—Leak Land. MENTIONED IN TODAY'S SHOW: Dr. Reiman covered several tools for navigating pain and anxiety: An invitation to consider an act of self-compassion Four steps to chill unhelpful recycling thoughts Finding refuge in the breath Crying/shaking/yawning Here are links to the two books mentioned about acceptance and commitment therapy, both by Russ Harris: The Happiness Trap ACT Made Simple: An Easy-To-Read Primer on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy   More about Byron Katie’s “The Work” and those four fundamental questions—Is it true? Can you absolutely know it’s true? How do you react when you believe that thought? Who would you be without that thought?—may be found online at The Work.   And here is Jodi Ettenberg’s Patreon post about what she calls “four-lung breathing,” and a general link to her Patreon, where she shares tips and resources about spinal CSF leak and chronic pain. For more info about spinal CSF leak, visit spinalcsfleak.org.

New York Times bestselling author Andrea J. Buchanan and trauma therapist Dr. John Reiman—both of whom have experienced spinal CSF leak—talk about the ways we tell ourselves stories to understand and survive the challenging things that happen to us.