#243 Flying and the Mind: A psychological journey with Paris Williams

19th FAI World Hang Gliding Class 1 Championship Paris Williams was described to me by our mutual friend Lisa Verzella as a Renaissance man. That will all become clear as you listen to this show. Paris has been flying hang gliders his entire life, and we’re the same age— so a long time. In this episode we explore the multifaceted nature of flying and its psychological implications. Paris has a PHD in psychology and is a practicing psychologist, and he shares his own journey from a challenging childhood and coming from a pretty dark place to finding solace in the skies. We discuss the evolution of hang gliding, the thrill of aerobatics, and the importance of mental health in the sport. We get into mindfulness practices  as a means to enhance performance and maintain presence during flights and the balance between competition and enjoyment and the need to reconnect with the joy of flying. We explore the intricate balance between striving for success and enjoying the journey in flying, and how letting go of the desire for achievement often leads to much better performance. Paris shares his own experience of transitioning from intense competition to a more relaxed approach, focusing instead on fun and personal growth- and then realizing his results got a lot better. We talk about age and how it relates to risk and mortality. We delve into the intricacies and emotional risks of pursuing records and the personal growth that comes from following one’s passion. We discuss the impact of personal struggles on professional life, particularly in the context of mental health and grief. Paris shares insights on navigating grief and trauma, emphasizing the importance of allowing emotions to flow and the natural process of healing. There’s a ton to unpack here, enjoy!TakeawaysParis has a PhD in psychology and works as a psychologist.He runs trauma trainings and eco-therapy sessions.Flying can be a way to escape from mental health struggles.Mindfulness can enhance performance in flying.The thrill of aerobatics can lead to risky behavior.Competition can detract from the joy of flying.Presence is key to performing well in competitions.Expectations can lead to poor performance.Connecting with nature is healing for mental health.The sport should be about passion, not just achievement. The harder I strive, the worse I do.Companionship in flying enhances the experience.Mental health is crucial in competitive sports.Transitioning from competition to enjoyment is vital.Fun should come before achievement in flying.Returning to flying can provide new perspectives.Age brings awareness of mortality and risk.The thrill of flying can be found in relaxation.Exploring new flying techniques can be rewarding.Connecting with nature through flying is essential. The Brazilian paragliding record has been challenged by Texas.Towing techniques have made paragliding records more accessible.Flying with others increases speed and safety in paragliding.Competition flying has a different psychological intensity compared to record attempts.Following your passion is crucial for personal fulfillment.Grief can be seen as a form of trauma that needs processing.Allowing emotions to surface is essential for healing.What you resist persists; facing emotions is necessary for recovery.Breathing techniques can help in processing grief and trauma.Facilitating the natural grief process is key to emotional health.