Plant-Medicine Strength: Embracing Softness in a Hard World with Combat Veteran Keith Abraham, CEO Heroic Hearts UK
The intersection of leadership, mental health, and therapeutic psychedelics is an emerging area of healing and transformation that cannot be ignored. With astonishingly powerful results ranging from full release of all stored trauma reactions, to increased well-being; therapeutic psychedelics and the healing power of plant medicines are forming a bridge between western medicine, and ancient wisdom.
Keith Abraham served 9 years as a member of The Parachute Regiment, fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. Towards the end of his military service and even while working for an investment bank, Keith was experiencing severe symptoms of anxiety and depression. Standard therapeutic services offered by the NHS and military charities did not help. Keith realised a new approach was needed.
His profound experiences with ayahuasca and psilocybin in releasing him from trauma have convinced him of the vital role plant medicines have to offer those suffering from PTSD, brain injuries and mental ill-health. He is now CEO of Heroic Hearts Project UK whose mission is to facilitate opportunities for healing by supporting military and emergency services veterans struggling with mental trauma to access progressive therapy retreats around the world.
Therapeutic Psychedelics: A New Horizon for Healing
Keith is quietly spoken, yet passionate, as he describes the realm of plant medicine as a domain where psychedelics are more than substances; they are catalysts for profound healing. He shares personal experience of how therapeutic psychedelics helped him to address deep-rooted trauma. He talks about his hope for an increasingly trauma-informed world where we not only use plants and natural healing modalities to heal the multitude of dis-ease around us, but invites a kinder and more respectful approach towards the planet too. These are definitely concepts for leaders bold enough to step into tomorrow’s world, today.
The Contemplative Practice of Mindfulness
Keith discussed the West’s interpretation of mindfulness, emphasizing the responsibility we hold in guiding others through healing. He raises concerns about the commodification of ancient wisdom, and the western tendency to oversimplify complex traditional practices.
The Vitality of Personal Change
The essence of leadership is underscored by the capacity for personal change. Keith passionately discusses the actions that can lead to a richer life — from abstaining from substances that harm us, to the simple but profound act of expressing love. He recognizes the challenges of personal healing that must be overcome for leaders to authentically promote a culture of wellness and resilience.
The Physical-Mental Connection in Leadership
We discuss the symbiotic relationship between physical and mental strength. Recognizing bodywork as essential to holistic healing, Keith gives vivid examples of balancing hard endurance training with flexibility and nimbleness — building leaders capable of withstanding life’s rigors while remaining adaptable and mentally agile.
Forgiveness and Action in Leadership Discourse
The recurring theme of forgiveness as a form of leadership action emerges. With examples from his own life and the broader context of societal relationships, Keith advocates for a form of compassion that actively influences behavior, never confusing forgiveness with absolution from consequences.
Forging Ahead with Heroic Hearts
Keith shares how he discovered the work of Heroic Hearts in the USA, and knew he simply had to bring it to the UK. Now, Heroic Hearts Project UK is thriving, not only taking veterans to healing retreats, but shaking up the research in this area with multiple collaborations. Keith, a driving force behind the initiative, shares how his experiences as a combat veteran have influenced his dedication to leadership, healing, and community service.
Leaders, Take Action in Your Healing Journey
This episode comes with a health warning – it will invite or even challenge you to reflect on your own healing journey. As leaders, the integration of these experiences into our daily lives is essential —whether it’s through connecting with our loved ones, embracing self-care practices, or exploring the potential of therapeutic psychedelics under professional guidance.
Integrate For Impact: Awareness is the beginning
The real change happens when influential leaders like you incorporate healing and change into your daily life, creating a ripple effect in your personal and professional environments.
Tune in to the full Refreshing Leadership episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2144758/14638890.
Join the conversation by commenting below – and please share widely with people you know would get something from this.
Thank you!
Kate
P.S. What is a Refreshing Leader?
Remember, when we talk about #RefreshingLeaders, we’re not just talking about those in traditional leadership positions. We’re talking about leaders in all areas of life – in our communities, in our families, in groups. What defines a refreshing leader is something deeper, something that transcends titles and roles. It’s about embodying qualities that bring about positive change while inspiring others to do the same. And it starts with you.
Kate Brassington
Kate Brassington is a psychologist with a difference. She offers trauma-informed leadership coaching for high performance under pressure. She coaches 1:1 (“one with one”). Her mission is to help people Ease Suffering and Get the Fun Back!
Kate’s own experience of traumatic birth of her first child set her on a path of self-discovery that she’d never imagined. While her early experiences as a British Army officer taught her resilience and strength, it was learning self-compassion and healing that truly tested her.
She coaches 1:1 to offer you the highest levels of discreet, safe, brave space to get to know yourself better, based on practical, evidence-based information, tools, and techniques from the fields of applied psychology of coaching, and trauma-awareness. She teaches you ways to thrive in body and mind, so you get the buzz without the burnout.
Kate is a Graduate Member of the British Psychological Society (GMBPsS) Division of Coaching Psychology, a specialist trauma-informed coach (accredited Professional Certified Coach with International Coaching Federation PCC(ICF); and a Havening Techniques® Practitioner. You can check out her other accreditations on her website below.
For more from Kate follow her on LinkedIn, catch her podcast Refreshing Leadership, and read her blogs and more on her website.
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