Patto, a former professional and international cricketer with a remarkable story, joins us to share his powerful journey of resilience and transformation. From playing alongside cricket legends at prestigious clubs to facing the life-changing diagnosis of hereditary spastic paraplegia, Patto’s story is a testament to human spirit and adaptability. He speaks candidly about his transition from a celebrated athlete to a role model in education and advocacy, showcasing that life’s biggest hurdles can lead to profound personal growth and new beginnings.
Our conversation explores the remarkable strength found in resilience and perspective when life throws curveballs. We delve into Patto’s personal experiences, from relying on a wheelchair to achieving a 5k walk with the support of his family, illustrating how small victories can significantly impact one’s journey. Hear how Patto’s daughter took on monumental challenges to fund an essential operation, and how moments of synchronicity opened new paths and opportunities. We focus on maintaining a positive mindset and defying negative predictions, encouraging others to break free from limiting beliefs and push past the plateaus of progress.
Emotional honesty takes center stage as we discuss how embracing vulnerability enhances personal and family dynamics. Patto shares insights on how authentic communication fosters deeper connections, challenging societal norms around emotional expression. As Patto reflects on slaying his metaphorical dragons, we uncover the importance of celebrating diverse skills and experiences. His story inspires us all to redefine our identities beyond physical limitations, offering a compelling reminder of the power of gratitude and the potential for future growth through shared experiences and speaking opportunities.
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Presenter
Malcolm Stern has worked as a group and individual psychotherapist for more than 30 years. He was a co-founder of Alternatives at St James’s Church in London and runs groups internationally.
He is the author of Falling in Love / Staying in Love (Piatkus 2004) and Slay Your Dragons with Compassion ( Watkins 2020). He co-presented Channel 4’s relationship series, ‘Made for Each Other’ in 2003 and 2004 and sailed on the ‘Rainbow Warrior’ with Greenpeace in the 1980s. The book he is currently writing is an exploration of the shadow and its necessity in our evolutionary development.
To become equal to the dream sewn within us, our heart must break open and usually must break more than once. That’s why they say that the only heart worth having is a broken heart. For only in breaking can it open fully and reveal what is hidden within.” – Michael Meade
This is a series of podcasts based on the premise explored in Malcolm Stern’s acclaimed book of the same name, that adversity provides us with the capacity to develop previously unexplored depths and is , in effect , a crucible for self reflection and awareness. Malcolm lost his daughter Melissa to suicide in 2014. It slowly dawned on him over the following few years that he was being educated and an opportunity was being presented where new insights helped him forge a path through his grief and despair. As part of that cathartic journey, he wrote “ Slay Your Dragons with Compassion ( Watkins 2020 ) where he was able to describe some of the practices that had helped him shed light on a way through the darkness.
