[Podcast] Overcoming the Inner-Critic, Reclaiming Aliveness & Learning Somatic Intuition with River Kenna


​

​

NOTE FROM JONNY β€”

Hello Curious Human πŸ‘‹

Welcome to Issue #92! I just wrapped up a mind-bending podcast with the theoretical neuroscientist Michael Edward Johnson, which I'm very excited to release in the coming weeks...

But in the meantime, I'm thrilled to be publishing both video #3 in the new Youtube series β€” a deep dive on interoception (see below), as well as one hell of a podcast conversation with fellow somatic explorer River Kenna.

Have a wonderful week and stay curious out there!

With gratitude,

Jonny

​

YOUTUBE VIDEO #3 JUST DROPPED β€”

[Video] Interoception 101 for Beginners

What does frustration look like in the body? How about joy? Or panic?

And is it possible for us to practice intentionally noticing and choosing how we respond in challenging situations? Increasing the space between stimulus and response?

Your physiology operates as a set of levers that can be pulled, and systems, which can be learned, practiced, and eventually masteredβ€”to create a fulfilling life in which you pursue the quests that are unique to your life.

And in this game of life, there’s a particular skill that almost no one was taught growing up, but once you learn it, it will create exponential rewards in your life. That skill is known as Interoception. In this video, that's exactly what we're exploring... I hope you enjoy!

video preview​

​

CURIOUS HUMANS IS PROUDLY SPONSORED BY β€”

​Join Nervous System Mastery​
β†’

​Nervous System Mastery is my flagship cohort-based course that will equip you with evidence-backed protocols to improve sleep, rewire reactivity, and cultivate calm in 45 days. Enrolment doors close in 15 days onΒ Sept 27.

NEW PODCAST EPISODE β€”

[Podcast] Overcoming the Inner-Critic, Reclaiming Aliveness & Learning Somatic Intuition with River Kenna

I’ve been following River’s substack essays for a few years now, and I feel a real kinship with his irreverent and genuinely unique perspectives β€” as well as his talent for self-experimentation and weaving together esoteric yet incredibly practical concepts which he uses for self-exploration.

"Aliveness is not just an emotional experience, it is connected to emotional experience, but it's something that is deeper. And it is this rock bottom faith in the unfolding of what needs to happen."
​
​
β€” River Kenna

In this conversation, you can expect to learn:

πŸ’¬ How River was able to use somatic-based practices to go from experiencing an incessant inner-critic and suicidal ideation, to almost no inner-dialogue and opening up access to his emotions.
​
🧠 We explore the dynamic between what he calls 'Systems Mode' that dominates our culture vs. a more Spontaneous Mode of being.
​
πŸ’€ We both riff on how the ideas of Bill Plotkin are essential for these times, and what it means to β€˜die well’ in order to become genuine adults and experience a sense of aliveness.

video preview​

​

​

Fun Things to Click On

Et. Cetera

A Hero's Journey: Tiago Forte recently published a deep dive and heartfelt essay sharing his personal experience navigating psychosomatic illness and finally discovering what he termed the β€˜troubleshooting section’ in the human user manual. Read​

Book I'm Absurdly Excited for: Fellow neuro-nerd Anne-Laure Le Cunff just announced her first book 'Tiny Experiments', which I had the pleasure of reading in advance and suffice to say that it's the book that I wish existed ten years ago when I began my own pathless path. I intend to buy multiple copies to gift to friends. It's so so good. Watch​

AI Journaling Might Change Your Life: I sense this is the beginning of a new era for journaling (and coaching), one in which AI becomes an indispensable ally in the process of sincere self-enquiry. Read​

​

FREE THINGS I'VE BUILT β€”

β†’

Nervous System Quotient (NSQ)

​Self-Assessment →​

β†’

5-Day Nervous System Upgrade

​Free Email Course →​

β†’

Reflecting Forwards Self-Reflection Questions

​Get the template →​

​

PARTING WORDS β€”

β€œDon’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”

Β· Howard Thurman Β·

​

Jonny Miller

Championing adventures in radical inquiry & self-experimentation.

Read more from Jonny Miller
video preview

Illustration by Blaze Syka NOTE FROM JONNY β€” Hello Curious Human πŸ‘‹ Welcome to Issue #93! Plenty of updates from the Curious Humans HQ β€” I've been making progress on an exciting iOS app that we'll be launching soon, Kelly and I may have found a new rental house in Santa Cruz to move into in November (walking distance from a world-class surf break!), and we'll also be hosting our first breathwork retreat later this year in California. Exciting times! This week, I'm sharing a fantastic video...

Illustration by Blaze Syka NOTE FROM JONNY β€” Hello Curious Human πŸ‘‹ Welcome to Issue #91! I've just returned from my first time at Burning Man, feeling both suitably sleep-deprived (not to mention covered in playa dust) but also deeply nourished by the almost unfathomable creative expression that exists in Black Rock City. I was especially moved by the 'Temple Space', an exquisitely designed temporary structure with every inch of space covered with photos and messages to loved ones who have...

My home during the Jhourney Retreat

Illustration by Blaze Syka NOTE FROM JONNY β€” Hello Curious Human πŸ‘‹ Welcome to Issue #90! It's been a bit of a rough week on my side. A combination of picking up covid, recurring back pain and accidentally flooding our kitchen β€” I found myself at the edge of my capacity, and needing to remember some nervous system regulation 101 β€” mostly giving myself space to process and recharge even amidst all the chaos. It's funny how something along these lines tends to happen in the lead-up to a cohort....