#89 Caroline Burckle: The Art of Sport and Life

Freestyle Way

In today's episode, Carl Paoli is joined by Caroline Burckle. Olympic athlete Caroline delves deep into the emotional challenges of transitioning from her athletic career to pursuing other interests, such as making art. Swimming has played a significant role in Caroline's life, and she reflects on how her approach to swimming has evolved over the years. From focusing on yardage to heart rate and ultimately learning to enjoy the activity, swimming has become a personal and intimate experience for her. She describes swimming as a place to breathe, flow, and be present, comparable to practicing yoga in the water As Caroline navigates her transition period, she opens up about the challenges of not knowing what comes next and the pressure to figure it all out. She questions the importance of doing what she truly wants without any regrets. Caroline also shares her insights and experiences working with athletes and performers, emphasizing the significance of self-regulation and taking care of oneself before assisting others. Join us as we explore Caroline's journey of self-discovery, her struggle with expectations, and her quest for calm, intimate connections. We delve into the power of meaningful conversations, regulating emotions, and finding fulfillment in solitude. Caroline Burckle: https://www.instagram.com/caroburckle/ More Than Movement Newsletter: https://www.instagram.com/mtmnewsletter/ Topics Covered: 1. Caroline Burckle's struggle of transitioning from being an athlete to pursuing other interests: Emotional challenges and guilt associated with letting go of athlete identity Feeling trapped by expectations to continue working in the same field Questioning the importance of doing what one truly wants without regrets. 2. Caroline Burckle's personal experience with letting go of her athlete identity: Avoiding swimming for five years after retiring. Evolving approach to swimming from focusing on yardage to focusing on heart rate and enjoyment Swimming is a humbling and honest place to gauge how one feels Using swimming as breath work and to engage with the world Adapting swimming routine to the needs of the person swimming with. 3. Caroline Burckle's current transition period and uncertainties about the future: Considering whether to go back to what is familiar or explore new potential careers Embracing the discomfort of not knowing and not trying to escape it Struggling with expectations of others and doing things for oneself without feeling selfish Exploring the concept of movement and its impact on emotions The importance of taking care of oneself: The body-centered approach to understanding and regulating cues Leaders and people in authority need to regulate themselves before helping others The role of leaders in creating a centered and clear environment for others 4. Practical approaches to regulate one's state: Using the ladder concept to understand fight or flight response and being flat Techniques like breath work, sift sensations, images, feelings, thoughts, and body scans Understanding one's state to optimize performance as an athlete or performer. 5. Caroline's exploration of her own preferences and desires Finding alignment and purpose in activities like walking in nature and having deep conversations Embracing solitude and reflecting on identity Wrestling to share gifts and the fear of other people's opinions 6. Discovering freedom and enjoyment in sharing gifts without the need for metrics Memories and connections that hold significance: Memories of art class in grade school, sketching, and painting Memories of a pool called Lakeside and a coach who fostered creativity and freedom For fitness equipment, use code FREESTYLE15 at https://lycanfitness.com/ for 15% off at checkout