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Rupda on somatic healing, self-awareness & building meaningful connections

A deep dive into how body-based healing transforms personal and professional lives, the root causes of stress and burnout, and practical steps for reconnecting with yourself and others.

In today’s episode of the European VC Podcast, we have a powerful conversation with Rupda, a trauma therapist and expert in somatic healing, to explore the profound impact of self-awareness, connection, and body-based healing on personal and professional lives.

If you’re a founder, investor, or someone striving for balance, this episode offers transformative insights into navigating stress, building meaningful relationships, and reconnecting with yourself.

Want to experience this work firsthand?

Join the next Deep Work Retreat from April 1 to 6 in beautiful Italy. To learn more about it, go here, and to request an invitation, contact Andreas at a@eu.vc.

Watch it here or add it to your episodes on Apple or Spotify 🎧 chapters for easy navigation available on the Spotify/Apple episode.

✍️ Show notes

1. How did your background lead you to this work?

Understanding the roots of trauma and healing is deeply personal. How did Rupda’s journey shape her approach to helping others?

Rupda:

  • Journey into trauma work began with early-life experiences of separation and disconnection. Born to a homeless teenage mother, was given away at birth and later experienced multiple separations, including being placed in boarding school at age five. These formative years imprinted beliefs of unworthiness and disconnection.

  • Introduction to Tibetan Buddhist teachings and meditation at seven marked a turning point. The compassion and safety experienced in that environment laid the foundation for healing and ignited the passion for helping others.


2. What are the root causes of stress and burnout, and where do you start to address them?

High-stress environments, especially for founders and professionals, can lead to burnout. What are the underlying causes, and how can healing begin?

Rupda:

  • Stress and burnout often stem from disconnection from self, stemming from societal expectations to suppress emotions and overachieve.

  • Many people construct "false selves" to gain external approval, abandoning parts of themselves in the process. This leads to feelings of isolation, unworthiness, and disconnection.

  • Healing begins with cultivating self-awareness and allowing space to reconnect with one’s body, emotions, and authentic self.


3. How can we recognize and address numbness before reaching burnout?

Many people don’t realize they’re disconnected until they face extreme burnout or depression. How can we identify and address early signs of numbness?

Rupda:

  • Numbness begins as a survival strategy, often learned in childhood when emotions are dismissed or suppressed. Over time, it leads to disconnection from feelings, including joy and grief.

  • Common signs include lack of emotional expression, overworking as a distraction, and difficulty connecting with loved ones.

  • Addressing numbness involves recognizing these patterns, reconnecting with emotions, and creating space for natural releases, such as tears or laughter, which are vital for emotional health.


4. What is somatic work, and why is it so impactful?

Trauma and stress are stored in the body. How does somatic work facilitate healing, and what makes it different from traditional talk therapy?

Rupda:

  • Somatic work focuses on the body as a repository of tension and trauma. It helps release stored stress through physical sensations, such as shaking or muscle relaxation.

  • She works through four centers of intelligence: the head (understanding), the heart (emotions), the belly (physical sensations), and the unknown (intuition).

  • This approach bypasses cognitive barriers, allowing the body’s innate wisdom to guide the healing process. Physical cues, such as a tense shoulder or a shaking leg, often reveal hidden emotional states.


5. What happens during a physical release, and why is it so transformative?

In a retreat setting, participants sometimes experience dramatic physical releases. What’s happening in those moments, and how do they facilitate healing?

Rupda:

  • Physical releases are involuntary movements like shaking, crying, or laughter, allowing the body to discharge deeply held tension.

  • When participants feel safe and supported, their bodies naturally repair themselves, bypassing the need for cognitive understanding.

  • These moments often bring profound relief and a sense of lightness, as unresolved trauma is released and replaced by relaxation and clarity.


6. How does group work amplify the healing process?

Group therapy offers unique benefits beyond one-on-one sessions. Why is it so effective in fostering transformation?

Rupda:

  • Group settings create resonance and shared understanding. Seeing others open up inspires participants to explore their own vulnerabilities.

  • Collective dynamics amplify emotions—grief, joy, and connection—allowing participants to process emotions they may have suppressed for years.

  • The group becomes a supportive collective, fostering profound transformation and a sense of belonging.


7. How can founders and professionals balance work and personal life?

Founders and professionals often struggle to prioritize relationships amidst demanding schedules. What’s the key to achieving balance?

Rupda:

  • Neglecting personal relationships for professional success leads to isolation and burnout. Prioritizing relationships with self, partners, and children is essential for long-term fulfillment.

  • Inner work fosters better decision-making and a deeper connection to one’s values, which naturally enhances both personal and professional relationships.

  • Success without connection to loved ones often feels hollow; alignment with personal priorities is key.


8. Why is vulnerability and connection becoming so important in professional circles?

Authenticity is gaining importance in the business world. How does vulnerability transform professional relationships?

Rupda:

  • Vulnerability fosters deeper, more authentic connections beyond transactional interactions.

  • Shared experiences, such as retreats or meaningful conversations, build trust and understanding.

  • As professionals embrace authenticity, they create stronger bonds and more fulfilling collaborations.


9. What practical steps can we take to slow down and reconnect with ourselves?

In a fast-paced world, slowing down can feel counterproductive. How can we integrate moments of connection and reflection into daily life?

Rupda:

  • Slowing down allows for presence, nervous system regulation, and deeper connections with others.

  • Practical tips:

    • Practice mindful eating by focusing on taste and sensation.

    • Engage in reflective journaling with prompts like, “Who would I be without the story I keep telling myself?”

    • Unplug from distractions and spend time in nature or quiet contemplation.

  • Small acts of mindfulness, such as pausing before speaking or placing a hand on the heart, can create profound moments of connection.


Final Notes:

This episode offers powerful insights into how somatic healing, vulnerability, and self-awareness can transform our personal and professional lives. Whether you’re seeking to navigate stress, build meaningful relationships, or reconnect with yourself, these lessons are both timeless and practical.

Want to experience this work firsthand?

Join the next Deep Work Retreat from April 1–6 in beautiful Italy. Limited spots are available—reach out to Andreas at a@eu.vc to secure your place.

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and connect with us on social media. Together, let’s create a more authentic and connected world.

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