In this episode, Abuda discusses his experience with chronic pain, which began at 17 after a car accident that fractured his facial bones.

He details the various types of chronic pain he endures, including migraines and daily headaches, and the strategies he uses to manage them, such as ibuprofen, yoga, and mindfulness meditation. A

buda emphasizes the importance of acceptance and adaptation, sharing how he integrates preventative measures into his daily life to mitigate pain.

He also highlights the role of living fully and engaging in activities as a form of distraction and coping mechanism, ultimately finding value in his experiences despite the ongoing pain.

Transcript

https://otter.ai/u/K-2uUC4QZ8Xs1WL5BbxAUCqBnqg

Action Items

• Perform daily physiotherapy to maintain mobility and prevent regression of spinal condition (daily, ongoing)

• Practice Tai Chi, yoga, and mindfulness meditation regularly as preventative therapy to reduce pain triggers (ongoing)

• Use state-provided THC drops as needed to manage situational pain symptoms

• Limit driving to no more than three hours per day to avoid aggravating spinal condition

• Continue abstaining from alcohol to reduce risk-taking behavior and lower incidence of injury-related pain (ongoing)

s2e2 the retreat

Ever wondered what happens at a mindfulness retreat? So did Abuda.

In the special episode, Abuda, the host of "The Elephant's Graveyard," shares his experiences at a mindful cooking retreat at Plum Village in France.

He discusses his long-standing admiration for Thich Nhat Han and his anxiety about attending the retreat, which he attributes to post-traumatic retreat syndrome.

He details daily activities, including meditation, exercise, and cooking, and reflects on the emotional and spiritual growth he experiences.

He highlights the importance of community, the impact of the nuns, and the transformative power of the retreat environment.

concludes by expressing gratitude for the connections made and the profound impact of the retreat on his life.

In the second season of his podcast, "The Elephant's Graveyard," host Abuda reflects on his life and the podcast's initial focus on death, which stemmed from a catastrophic incident that left him bedridden for six months.

He now realizes that the "Elephant's Graveyard" is not a place to prepare for death but to live alone, free from the influence of others for the first time in his life.

At 63, Abuda is experiencing a newfound freedom to make choices without considering others, a stark contrast to his past filled with interpersonal relationships. He plans to explore this new phase of living alone in his mind and decisions.