SoWhoCaresAnyway E48 Listening inwards as we listen outwards

SoWhoCaresAnyway E48 Listening inwards as we listen outwards

In this solo reflection, Ruth explores what happens inside us when we listen to other people’s stories, especially the difficult ones. Before we learn anything, we feel something, and those emotions can quietly shape how we respond. Ruth reflects on why stories don’t automatically create change, how defensiveness and overwhelm can block learning, and why psychological safety matters so much in practice. She shares two simple questions that help us stay open, reflective, and responsible when we hear something that challenges us. A gentle episode about noticing our inner reactions, staying present with others, and understanding the bridge between emotion and learning.

SoWhoCaresAnyway E47 Learning To Live

In this episode I’m joined by Beryl Palmer | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/berylpalmer/],x a social worker and senior leader whose own experience of burnout, illness and disconnection led her to re‑examine how she was living — and ultimately to retrain as a sophrologist. This conversation follows on from Episode 23 with Dr Jane Stevens MD, MBA, PhD | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jane-stevens-md-mba-phd-10032b42/], where we first touched on sophrology and the harmony we often forget in chaotic systems. You don’t need to have heard that episode, but if you did, you’ll recognise some of the threads we pick up again here. With Beryl, the focus shifts, from understanding sophrology to exploring what happens when it’s lived, practiced and applied in real‑world care settings, and what it can open up for people working in demanding roles. Beryl talks openly about the years she spent “living on a diet of stress,” the moment she realised she’d lost her sense of self, and the slow, steady process of reconnecting mind, body and identity. She describes sophrology as both a simple toolkit and a deeply transformational practice — something that can help people reset in the middle of a working day, or guide them through profound personal change. Together we explore: * what sophrology is and where it comes from * how Beryl’s own burnout became a turning point * the difference between “outside‑in” and “inside‑out” living * why clinicians, social workers and carers are so vulnerable to stress and compassion fatigue * how simple mind‑body practices can support emotional resilience * the importance of teaching mental‑health skills before crisis * how sophrology is being used in schools, retreats and health and social care teams * what happens when people begin to notice the early signals of stress rather than waiting for collapse This is a gentle, grounded conversation about learning to live differently, with more awareness, more balance, and more connection to ourselves. Resources Sophrology in Social Work Education Exploring an innovative mind‑body method to support student wellbeing and resilience https://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/UDV9Y7RQXPPYV9XA76GC/full?target=10.1080/02615479.2026.2636685 [https://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/UDV9Y7RQXPPYV9XA76GC/full?target=10.1080/02615479.2026.2636685] NICE Guidelines: Mental Wellbeing at Work (2022) NICE recommends that employers offer yoga, mindfulness and meditation as evidence‑based support for staff wellbeing. Sophrology uniquely brings all three together in one structured method. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng212 [https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng212] Out in the Field — Health & Social Care Retreats Retreats designed to support the wellbeing, reflection and restoration of people working in health and social care. https://outinthefield.org/ [https://outinthefield.org/] Free Online Sophrology Group Session Join a free session hosted by the Sophrology Academy. https://www.sophroacademy.co.uk/events/ [https://www.sophroacademy.co.uk/events/] Book: The Sophrology Method by Florence Parot A practical introduction to sophrology and its mind‑body techniques. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sophrology-Method-mind-body-techniques-healthier/dp/1856753867/ [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sophrology-Method-mind-body-techniques-healthier/dp/1856753867/] Sophrology Vimeo Channel Short videos and guided practices from the Sophrology Academy. https://vimeo.com/user228831104 [https://vimeo.com/user228831104] 2‑Minute Animation: What is Sophrology? A simple visual explanation of the method. https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1031474215 [https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1031474215] Beryl Palmer — Sophrologist Learn more about Beryl’s work, training and practice. http://www.berylpalmer.com/ [http://www.berylpalmer.com/]

SoWhoCaresAnyway E46 Just Name It

In this episode I’m joined by nurse and researcher @sandradyer_05 [https://www.threads.com/@sandradyer_05?xmt=AQG0zkr9OJnp2ncmJj8ATkF51eRo9jJ3dloGkBmS5EB6pqs], whose lifelong commitment to justice, equity and care has shaped her work across primary care, palliative care and now her PhD at King’s. We talk about the roots of that commitment — from the peace movement and community activism of the 1980s to the moments in practice when health inequalities became personal and deeply human. Our conversation moves from local experience to global responsibility. Sandra speaks openly about why events in Gaza matter to nurses here in the UK, the ethical duty to protect people wherever they are, and the emotional and professional risks of speaking up. We explore the destruction of healthcare infrastructure, the loss of colleagues, the barriers to aid and education, and the courage it takes to advocate for others — in small everyday acts as much as in public spaces. This is a thoughtful and grounded conversation about what it means to name what we see, and what care asks of us in an interconnected world. Resorces Nurses4palestine2024 [https://linktr.ee/nurses4palestine2024] Médecins Sans Frontières [https://msf.org.uk/who-we-are]

SoWhoCaresAnyway E45 The Quiet Work of Listening

In this short solo reflection, I share a moment that reminded me how change really happens — not through training days or modules, but through being listened to and recognised. I met with a woman who’d been trying for years to get the right support. She wasn’t lacking knowledge; she was lacking recognition. And when she said, “People improve when they feel listened to,” it stopped me in my tracks. This episode explores how being seen helps people reconnect with their own strengths, and how small moments of attunement can bridge the gap between what we know and what we do. Sometimes we can’t fix everything — but being present can still make a difference. If you’re interested in the micro‑moments that shape care, this reflection is for you.

SoWhoCaresAnyway E44 Do With Can Do

Do With, Can Do: What Happens When Communities Lead — with Tim Mason In this episode, I’m joined by Tim Mason, who leads Rotary Direct Membership. But this isn’t really a conversation just about Rotary, it’s about what happens when people come together to strengthen the places they live. We explore how small gestures, shared action, and “doing with” rather than “doing to” can transform communities. Tim shares real examples of people creating change, from local peer groups to nature‑based projects to creative, cultural initiatives, and why Rotary’s evolving model is opening new doors for busy people who still want to make a difference. A gentle, hopeful conversation about belonging, connection, and the power we all have to shape our communities.   To find out more about Rotary and potentially becoming a direct member visit;  Direct Membership - Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland [https://www.rotarygbi.org/direct-membership/] Rotary Clubs | Rotary International [https://www.rotary.org/en/get-involved/rotary-clubs]