EP 268: Tess Driessens
Apr 14, 2025
Photo by Brooks Kelly
Tess Driessens is a professional climbing coach and lives with chronic pain. We talked about getting diagnosed with five herniated discs from a cliff jumping accident, tools for chronic pain, why hope can be negative, finding true acceptance, meditation, Alexander Technique and Feldenkrais Method, finding happiness within, why love is the key to life, and three sentences she tells herself every day. You can work with Tess at motion-coaching.be
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Show Notes:
Related Podcast Episodes:
EP 256: Stian Christophersen Returns
References:
The Art of Learning by Josh Waitzkin
Tess’ Three Sentences:
1. “I am in peace and well protected.”
2. “My mind is peaceful and calm.”
3. “I am vital, healthy, and in balance.”
Yogi Tea Quote:
“You are the composer of your life. To hear the music, reduce the noise.”
Tess’ Links:
Nuggets:
00:00:00 – Intro
00:00:57 – The North Pole
00:16:14 – Gymnastics & childhood
00:22:38 – Early climbing
00:24:32 – 5 herniated discs
00:41:16 – Developing chronic pain
00:46:57 – Pain drugs & alternatives
00:52:39 – Hope, expectations, & acceptance
00:57:24 – A healing sabatical
01:05:01 – A healing sabatical continued
01:10:20 – Meditation
01:12:38 – Alexander Technique & Feldenkrais Method
01:18:37 – Tools for chronic pain
01:27:39 – Happiness within
01:33:55 – Meditation continued
01:38:45 – Love
01:42:34 – Tess’ three sentences
01:48:52 – Long covid
01:58:20 – Sending 8a without physical training
02:02:53 – Visualization
02:09:24 – Low-load training
02:11:06 – Adaptability & taking control
02:12:41 – Recovery tips
02:17:55 – Investing in relaxation
02:19:55 – Heart coherence breathing
02:26:10 – Quotes & gratitude
02:30:31 – Closing questions