Embark on a journey with Theo Von and guest Israel Adesanya in "This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von" as they delve into the intricate world of mental health, the rigors of a UFC career, and the balancing act with personal interests. Adesanya shares his views on the importance of therapy for personal growth and the need for a strong therapeutic relationship rooted in trust. As they unpack the challenges and triumphs of a professional fighter's life, the conversation underscores the constant pursuit of learning from defeat and leveraging setbacks for growth.
The commitment to personal development and mental resilience takes center stage as Adesanya talks about the pressures that come with fame, shedding light on anxiety, isolation, and the strategies he uses, including his relationship with his past in Nigeria, to sustain his emotional wellbeing. Exploring interests beyond the octagon, Adesanya’s conversation with Theo Von also touches upon his curiosity and careful approach regarding the use of psychedelics like ayahuasca and psilocybin to achieve deeper self-reflection, emphasizing the balance between personal exploration and maintaining athletic discipline.
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Therapy is crucial for personal growth, and finding the right therapist plays a significant role in mental health progression. The ideal therapist should foster advancement rather than stasis. When it feels like there's no progress being made, it may be time to look for a new therapeutic alliance. Additionally, trying out different therapists, much like dating, is recommended until the perfect match is found. The relationship must be rooted in trust and a sense of achievement on the mental health journey.
Adesanya persistently pursues improvement in his UFC career and personal development in tandem with the challenges of fame. He emphasizes the necessity to learn from previous mistakes, particularly from unsuccessful fights, and uses setbacks as stepping stones for further progress. Even though he has already achieved significant success, Adesanya does not lose sight of the importance of evolving as a UFC fighter. While navigating the pressures of fame, he has had to cope with anxiety and isolation, which underlines the need for personal growth and establishing firm boundaries.
While specific hobbies outside of fighting are not detailed in the text, athletes like Adesanya often engage in pastimes such as golf, video games, and cooking. These activities function as a means of relaxation and a way to express creativity beyond their athletic careers.
Adesanya's upbringing in Nigeria was marked by privilege and a strong emphasis on the value of hard work. These principles became the bedrock of his character, preparing him for future challenges such as relocating to New Zealand. There, as one of the few Black students, he faced the complex process of assimilation and finding his place within a new cultural context.
Adesanya expresses curiosity about the mental benefits of ayahuasca but is mindful of the risks it may pose to his fighting mentality. He recounts his experience with microdosing psilocybin, which brought about a profound level of self-reflection and engagement with his inner self. Despite possible concerns, Adesanya is open to trying ayahuasca in the future, intrigued by the potential insights it could provide, as long as it does not jeopardize his athletic discipline.
1-Page Summary
Mental health is an essential aspect of overall well-being, and seeking therapy can be a vital step toward healing and personal growth.
It is critical to find a therapist who aids in your progress. The right therapist should provide support that moves you forward rather than keeping you stagnant. Therapy is a tool for healing and development; therefore, if you find yourself not evolving or feeling stuck, it may be a sign to consider other therapeutic options.
Finding a therapist can be similar to dating; it’s essential to meet different therapists to find the one that suits you best. It ...
Mental Health and Therapy
Adesanya opens up about his UFC career, discussing both his motivation to evolve as a fighter and the personal growth that comes with dealing with fame.
Adesanya emphasizes a keen awareness of his career trajectory, handling upcoming fights while recognizing the importance of not dwelling too heavily on the future. This forward-thinking outlook involves acknowledging past missteps, particularly reflecting on fights that didn't go his way. This retrospective approach shows his mindset is geared towards constant improvement. After experiencing a setback, Adesanya assesses his performance candidly. He highlights the importance of taking his time to reassess after a loss, which underscores his patience and rigorous determination to excel further in his sport.
Despite having achieved unprecedented success in the UFC, Adesanya maintains an unwavering dedication to self-improvement, demonstrating that his hunger to evolve as an athlete is relentless.
Unfortunately, the provided transcript does not offer information on ...
UFC Career and Fighting
While the transcript did not provide specific details about interests outside of fighting, such as golf, video games, or cooking, these activities are often popular among athletes for helping them decompress and tap into their creative side. Unfortunately, without more information directly related to an ...
Interests Outside Fighting
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Growing up in Nigeria, individuals often experience a life juxtaposed by privilege and the imperative of hard work. Despite the advantages that may come from privileged backgrounds, the importance of diligence and perseverance is a lesson that is instilled from an early age. This upbringing serves as a foundation for future challenges, such as moving to a new country.
Upon relocating to New Zealand, Nigerian expatriates are faced with the task of integrating into a society where they may be one of the few Black students or individuals. Th ...
Nigeria Background
Adesanya discusses the potential mental benefits and risks associated with the use of plant medicines such as ayahuasca. He acknowledges that while substances like these can provide clarity, there’s also a risk that they could alter his mindset in ways that might affect his performance in the fighting ring.
Though not explicitly mentioning ayahuasca, Adesanya talks about his experience with microdosing psilocybin. He describes using it before a fight and how it led him to deep personal introspection—questioning his emotions and conversing with his younger self.
Ayahuasca Experiences
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