Bridging Divides with Rachel Fell: Neurodivergence, Conscious Body Awareness & Inclusive Intelligence

The Brilliant Body Podcast with Ali Mezey

Content Heads Up: This episode contains, among other things, a deep, frank conversation about the mind-body divide, neurodivergence, giftedness, perfectionism, sameness and diversity, roller derby, some swear words, a lot of humor, and of course, some challenges and gifts of being bodies.

SYNOPSIS: Ali and Rachel engage in a profound conversation, embarking on a journey to explore the Cartesian Divide and the enduring influence of philosopher, René Descartes, who famously proclaimed "I think, therefore I am." They delve into how this notion has influenced the modern perception of self, often overemphasizing the thinking mind while neglecting the intelligence inherent in the body. They discuss the importance of broadening our understanding of intelligence to encompass the body's brilliance. This leads to a discussion of diverse processing styles among individuals, with Rachel's non-verbal thinking style serving as an example. The conversation underscores the significance of acknowledging these variations, seen and unseen, and respecting them as a basis for a healthier world. Rachel's personal journey, from her roller derby experiences to her current understanding of intelligence, serves as a testament to the importance of holistic self-concept. As with self-concept and the body, Rachel also illuminates how branding “the body” of a company is a dynamic process rather than a static entity. Rachel shares insights into viewing organizations as living systems, in constant evolution and interconnectedness. The discussion also emphasizes the crucial choice of shifting from an "or" perspective to an "and" perspective, highlighting the importance of inclusivity. Rachel gives us an insightful, and very much needed perspective on “how to how” for a better world.

EXPLORATION POINTS:

-Ali and Rachel dissect the influence of Descartes' "I think, therefore I am" on the modern perception of self, challenging the overemphasis on the thinking mind.

-Rachel explains neurodiversity and neurodivergence by emphasizing the uniqueness of individual processing and advocating for a broader understanding that respects diverse processing styles.

-They explore the various forms of intelligence that exist within individuals, and that the body is key to recognizing sameness and accepting difference. The conversation underscores the importance of inclusivity in how we relate with ourselves and how we relate with others.

-Rachel and Ali dig into the dynamic nature of self-concept and the evolution of organizations as living systems –and bodies themselves. Rachel also emphasizes the complexity of defining the self in professional settings, challenging the notion of compressing one's complete self into a work self and advocating for an expanded and congruent experience.

-Ultimately, this episode explores the multifaceted nature of intelligence and the need to accept (and celebrate!) diversity in all its forms… we bridge divides.

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FOR MORE ALI MEZEY:
ALI - Website
ALI - LinkTree

FOR MORE RACHEL FELL:

BIO: Rachel Fell is an independent coach, consultant, and educator decoding true identity in organizational leadership, strategy, brand, and communications. Engaging embodied intelligence, she helps her clients find the core and congruent truth of what they have to offer the world.

Rachel is a champion of radical inclusion, recognizing and celebrating diversity, both seen and unseen. Uncommonly creative and capable, she excels in challenging self leaders, entrepreneurs, and organizations to go beyond theIr prior prejudices and preconceptions of what is possible. Her sweet spot is where the interconnectedness underpinning evolution, living systems, embodied psyche, and expressing identity meet.

In addition to working with organizations and businesses on their most complex challenges, Rachel coaches neurodivergent and neurocomplex adults, guiding them on their journeys to understanding, acceptance, and success.

Herself assessed as neurodivergent in 2018, she's also a published author and speaker on the topic.

RACHEL – Website

RACHEL – Instagram

OTHER RESOURCES, LINKS & INSPIRATION:

Our bodies and Our thoughts: The Cartesian divide

Moving Beyond Either-or Debates: An invitation to Reconcile Ideological Divides in Evidence-Based Practice

Science Set Free - Rupert Sheldrake

Q&A: What is Intelligence? - Hopkins Medicine
Redefining Intelligence - Rachel Fell on the Third Way Podcast
What is Neurodiversity?

Updated Autism / ADHD / Giftedness Venn diagram – Tending Paths
High, Exceptional & Profound Giftedness - InterGifted

An Immense World - Ed Yong

The Midnight Gospel, Episode 8 - Mouse of Silver

GLOSSARY:

René Descartes (1596–1650): French philosopher, mathematician, and key figure in modern philosophy. Known for "Cogito, ergo sum" (I think, therefore I am) and contributions to the scientific method and analytical geometry.

Cartesian Divide: The conceptual separation between mind and body, coined after René Descartes, emphasizing a dualistic view of human existence, isolating mental and physical aspects.

Neurodivergence (Rachel’s definition): “How we process is markedly different – different enough to be experienced, different enough to be reflected back to us by somebody outside of our experience.”