My NEW Approach After a Major Crash - Jack's Story

In this video interview, Jack Bearfox talks about his 5-year struggle with ME/CFS, triggered by a viral infection and heartbreak, and his current exploration of trauma healing alongside rest and self-care.
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MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO:
📖 Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, MD - amzn.to/44DBtH1
📕 When the Body Says No by Gabor Mate, MD - amzn.to/3wxkWHq
🧘🏼‍♀️ Yoga Nidra Example - • Yoga Nidra Deep Resolve
CONNECT WITH JACK:
👉 KZbin: ‪@Healwithbear‬
📸 Instagram - / bear_kodi
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RECOVERY STORIES SUMMARISED:
✅ Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for a bullet-point summary from our latest recovery interview 💌 mailchi.mp/3bd95045319b/raela...
✅ Come join me in my new course!
🧠 Brain Retraining 101: For ME/CFS and Long Covid Recovery. Enroll now: raelan-agle-s-school1.teachab...
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TIMESTAPMS:
00:00 🙋🏻‍♂️ Meet Jack Bearfox
01:28 😷 Stressed to Sickness
05:15 🚧 Another Roadblock
07:05 💣 The Major Setback
10:52🚶‍♂️ Baby Steps to Rebuild
12:42 ⚰️ Grieving His Old Self
14:54 🤮 Welcome to the Shitty Club
16:57 ❌ Diets/Supps That Didn't Help
18:35 🍄 Ayahuasca Ceremony
19:46 🧘‍♂️ Mind-Body Recovery Plan
21:32 😰 Hidden Obstacles
23:23 ✍️ Wisdom for His Past Self
25:41 🧩 Piecing Together the Cause
27:50 🥋 Recovery as Personal Growth Bootcamp
29:45 ❤️ Self-Compassion's Power
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NOTE: This description may contain affiliate links to products I enjoy using myself. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Should you choose to use these links, this channel may earn affiliate commissions at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support!
REMINDER: This is for information purposes only and nothing I share should be considered medical advice. Please make your own assessment, do your own further research, and consult your trusted healthcare professionals before deciding if anything I talk about here might be right for you.
#mecfsrecovery #traumahealingjourney

[@RaelanAgle]

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[@BenMariano]

"It hurts my soul." Ain't that the truth!

[@carnivorekitty]

Raelan id love to see more of these stories of partial recovery, people still on the journey. I felt such a kinship to Jack I really did. The healing stuff is amazing but sometimes hearing from someone still battling it out in the arena is so inspiring. Thanks for the work you do Raelan. I think you’re called for this. X

[@carnivorekitty]

This was the best talk so far and I’ve listened to ALL of them. It’s actually nice to hear from someone who’s still recovering. And Jack was so articulate and I related to every single thing he said. Thanks Jack!

[@nolamayer4101]

Love the body saying , “ not going to do it anymore mate, you need to learn your lesson “. I would think that most, if not everyone in this crappy boat would have heard this, ignored it, and pushed on again and again. Thank you Jack for your honest story, wishing you all the best 🥰

[@idragonfly]

Anyone who cares enough- to spend their weekends protecting foxes, is an absolute HERO in my book! ~ Cheering for your complete recovery .. which looks very likely. From the Big Island of Hawaii ... Aloha Nui Loa!!

[@rachelgaffikin426]

Thanks Jack, your interview really chimed with me. You spoke so honestly about the rollercoaster of ups & downs that is recovery. I am in a very similar place at the moment, been ill on and off for 5-6 years, now doing keto food plan, 3 x 30 min rests a day (usually yoga nidra), time in nature, and lots of noticing my thoughts and feelings, allowing but not following them, detox herbs etc. I have grown a lot thru the journey, seems like you have too. Love and compassion to all of us on this bumpy road, lets keep on keeping on!

[@louiseyoung1231]

I will try to keep this short. I'm still on my over 20 yr journey that has cost me well over $100,000. I had to slowly figure things out for myself with some help from many different doctors. I realized I was set up from birth for the CF, H-EDS, POTS and MCAS symptoms. I'm an HSP with autism and ADHD and trauma. Seems like a lot of us have many challenges from birth or childhood that set us up for this. The good news is neuroplasticity! Working on the trauma, good nutrition & brain rewiring are all important work to do at the same time. It's a lot of work but we have all already proven we are survivors & resilient!!! Keep up the fantastic work ❤

[@DanEngell]

Hey Raelan! I've been watching you since you had 1200 subs and always thought you should have WAY more. I'm stoked to see you're at 30,000!!! It's gonna go exponential now! Your dedication to this work is incredibly inspiring and I am always grateful you are here when I visit your channel. Jack, thank you for sharing! Your story helps thousands of us feel less alone with this stuff.

[@amysin963]

Loved this one. Sounds like Jack has done some major self-reflection. I feel like he’ll get all the way there. Every crash or dip is just more data. Wishing him all the best 🌟

[@danutachea7537]

I’m so grateful for this interview. I am 6,5 years into this illness and listening to Jack it does breaks my soul. I am so much in the same situation as Jack. I wish him all the best and hope he keeps going and will continue to achieve full recovery.

[@ChewyLoo]

I'm with you - it's an all consuming sonofabitch. But there is no quitting on the fight, however long it takes. Thanks R & J, and good luck to everyone!

[@patrickhall7884]

Jack, you've hit the nail on the head at 26 mins. This is exactly what's going on in you, mate.

[@yvonnehigginson3154]

Well Jack thats certainly a long journey......I am at two and a half years....Once I read about the diagnosis was termed dysautonomia (disregulation of the autonomic nervous system) and followed the protocols of recovery....doctors don;t tell us anything about this being the root of all our symptoms and to get reregulated with consistency and discipline, restablishing our parasympathetic nervous system and getting out of being stuckk in the sympathetic systen....the whole poly vagal theory...take a look at it all on you tube. Your perserverance will serve you well....Bless your heart...

[@jamesos84]

Sorry you’re going through this Jack. You will get better and you’re on the right track. Healing comes from within and to heal we can’t be the same person we were when we got sick.. it sounds like you believe this deep down and you’ll find your way to become true self and reach full recovery

[@chandyclove3335]

We're all rooting for you, Jack! I think this video was relatable for many of us- it was for me. Times where I see long-awaited progress, then getting swept back to square one. Our determination (of us type A personalities) is a double edge sword- it causes the push of doing too much, but also means we're never going to give up on recovery. I am with Jack regarding patience- that is the hardest part. Other lessons this is teaching me: to stand up for myself, it's okay to ask for help, be nicer/easier on myself, it's okay to rest, others don't have to understand or agree for it to be valid, appreciate the good, you don't have to be good at everything, it's important to look after your own needs, not everyone has to like you, I am enough.

[@tanyasc4131]

I appreciate the truthful, not sugarcoated reality of your current life.

[@viviannesinclaire]

Thanks for sharing so vulnerably, Jack. This interview was impactful for me. It helped me give myself permission to rest without guilt and shame. I resonated with the accept "what is" as a path of healing. I also liked the checking in with oneself as an ongoing practice to see what's needed.. Raelan, thanks for encouraging Jack to share even though he was/is going through a set back. It was one of the most helpful interviews for me as I'm still in recovery. I'm grateful for you both . 🙏 ❤

[@susand484]

Thank you Jack. I haven't heard this from another person before and to say it resonates is not adequate. I am where you are now with the examination of childhood trauma. It seems that some people grow up becoming aware of their needs and limits and some of us not at all! So we are stopped. I was just thinking today that the worst part is never knowing what I can do, or shouldn't do! I have been in a crash most of the month, but four weeks ago I was in a delightful fit of organizing and cleaning up around here. For maybe three days.. In March I had to travel and it was a disaster. Now, A pile of books on the bedside table and wondering what plan is next. Becoming more aware of my emotions, getting off my own back and learning how to feel safe all the time. Then there is self compassion and encouraging words that go with that. Your time in your caravan was like trauma/neglect all over again. How awful. Maybe we learned in our childhood to endure whatever and never learned real self compassion among many other essentials.

[@KylieBling1]

Best of luck to you, Jack! :-) I'm 4 years into Long Covid and i've been thinking the same things about trauma, especially in early childhood. It kind of sets your autonomic nervous system up for the rest of your life, doesn't it? I think a lot, if not all, of us struggling with chronic conditions can relate to having lived the better part of our lives in fight/flight/freeze. Truly think we're on the right path, and Raelan's encouragement only proves that. Take care! :)

[@SethNoorzad]

Thanks Jack. Wishing you all the best on your recovery journey. I am 1yr 4mos after my onset of me/cfs, so I related to much of your experience. It was good to know there are other men who are faced with similar trials in life. I have good days and bad days, but I am have improved a lot in the last few months, and on some days I feel hope about what kind of life I can live. I know it won't be what I had envisioned before the onset for me, but maybe that is a good thing as I had some lessons to learn.

[@DottieBengo]

The weight at the back of the knees desribes my fatigue perfectly.

[@sarahgahlon7780]

Please advise this young man about the Primal Trust Program with Dr. Cathleen King. Many of his issues can be addressed through her training and realizing it’s not about about coping but about addressing the root causes. She has so many success stories on KZbin and ebooks and trainings. It’s helped me and others I know. It’s unbelievable! Best of luck to this young man.

[@jertho8482]

Just what I thought!

[@meredith2277]

I was thinking he'd hit if off with Steve in there.

[@gailsargerson328]

I loved this video and Jack expressed so eloquently the frustrations I am feeling too. I think he's right to not dwell on those negative feelings. Good luck with your recovery Jack.❤

[@penelopedickinson1675]

Thank u so much Jack. The comment about it hurting your soul made me fill up with resonated with me so much. I also resonate with the relationship breakdowns, I've had a few and they've hurt me emotionally and physically. I don't think we shud under estimate the power of heartbreak especially repeated. Take care Jack you're such a precious person 🙏

[@beckygee1233]

I see “It hurts my soul” in my husband, who has lost biking and running -and all that goes with athleticism. I admire you for adapting and the balance of current reality and hope for improvement. My husband has overall trended up from 15% health to above 50%. Yesterday he biked a slow 15 miles. I attribute that in large part, to checking in with himself, pushing not-too-much. Most recently he is seeing a doctor training Dr.Sarno’s method. My husband is a skeptical scientist, but he says he thinks it is making a difference. I agree with Raelan; you’re going to get a lot farther along in recovery. (P.S. Dr Sarno’s method is also helping our marriage. )

[@macijane236]

I so so relate to this story. I’m 2 1/2 years in and still stuck even though I know the answer is in my brain. But also the childhood trauma and adult trauma, it all just feels so overwhelming. Not to mention current life struggles with relationships, family, money, being LGBT. not to sound like a victim. I know so many of us have many or all of these challenges. I’m just so very frustrated and so often hopeless and it seems to get worse and worse emotionally plus the tile it’s taking on my ever weakening body due to lack of activity. Where do I start ? I’m so desperate.

[@jayverasummer]

Just realized that I will "catch up" on your videos if I watch a few more today. I began with the oldest ones and watched almost every single one until I got here. :)

[@Cindyscrossstitch]

I hope he finds his freedom. He seems like a nice guy. 🌻we all repeat patterns until we learn our lessons

[@kj6542]

This interview was so helpful for me to feel connected to another person in the recovery journey. Listening to this was like being in an empowering support group. Thank you both for doing this interview. ❤

[@RaelanAgle]

❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

[@tracydumka1970]

What a great interview! I find the honesty & interaction between Raelan and Jack so helpful and important and also refreshing! His story resonates a lot with me as well. Thank you both so much! 💓

[@Mondegreen2020]

I'm recovering from mold toxicity/CIRS (slightly different to what is usually covered on tnis channel perhaps), and trying to get back onto some foods now that daily dizziness is behind me. I find ocean swims help me significantly. Cold, salt, sun, exercise, solitude - it seems to reset my energy, mind, inflammation etc. I wonder how many others have experienced similar from cold water. 🏝

[@KayKlaiber]

Praying for you, Jack! Same struggles here my friend. Thank you for sharing your journey so far. You are not alone, and you will come out on the other side of this stronger and happier than ever. The best is yet to come🙏

[@rachelparry7436]

I love this story. Im listening during my rest. Keep going Jack! You're doing so well. I'm also on this journey with long covid. Best wishes to you 🦊❤

[@avamihalik7531]

Oh sweet darling do I want to give you a big HUG! You are doing so great on figuring this all out and you should be very proud of how much insight you have and all the changes you have made! I know you will get better because you already know it is loving that little boy inside that will get you well. We all understand you and we are all here for you in our hearts! Love does heal all! Stay patient, and keep learning about the inner workings of our subconscious. You are a beautiful person, strong and smart. Take it easy and remember spiritually we are not missing anything.....this is what I believe we came here to do, rise above. Love you kiddo, xxoo Ava

[@RaelanAgle]

🧡 🧡 🧡 🧡 🧡

[@soniaweaver8984]

Thanks to both of you! This was an excellent interview.

[@joyoettel]

I relate to soooooo much of what Jack said. I think we’re both on the right track though. Thank you for sharing his story.

[@regina6838]

Best of luck with your healing journey Jack! Thanks for sharing .

[@bonniespruin6369]

Rebounding is really interesting. It is like recharging a battery and you can do it 5 minutes a day and in a very gentle way. Lots of videos on youtube about it. You will make it, Jack. I recommend reading John McDougall's Starch Solution as well. WFPB is really healthy. Low fat is key, though. I found it really helpful for me. Right now, my life is in chaos and these things are taking a back seat. I'm helping care for my mom with Alzheimer's. I am looking forward to getting back to these things. Right now, taking it day by day to get through the stress.

[@juliewillis2988]

Ah jack, i totally get it, had CFS for 20 yrs plus, pushing and crashing, looking for the next supplement, the next alternative medicine doctor to fix me!!! Recently i joined a recovery group in Australia, ive learnt alot, stopped kicking the shit out of myself for not getting better,started to REALLY belive i can recover, and like u had tried pretty much every diet under the sun, had been pretty much plant based for yrs, then on utube discovered the carnivore diet, ive not wanted to eat animals for a very long time, but was desperate, been eating 95 percent red meat for three n half months now, and i can onestly say there been a lift! Also lots of work on calming the nervous system, looking at trauma. Keep at it, love yourself, your doing great, and if you fancy a positive chat then contact me, im in the uk, all the very best for your recovery jack, KEEP GOING, Julie x

[@birgitlilliehook5139]

Love this interview! It really helped to hear you Jack put words on some of the feelings. I recognize a lot from my own journey./Birgit from Sweden

[@stealthecatwalk]

Your channel is wonderful! I JUST FOUND YOU TODAY❤ For Jac... keep moving forward. You are understood more than you know. There is definitely not a blueprint. Thank you for sharing your story. God bless you. Please be good to YOU!

[@RaelanAgle]

🧡 🧡 🧡 🧡 🧡

[@loveyfife3622]

Awesome interview!!!

[@lianpeet3502]

Thanks Raelan, really enjoyed this one. Less monologue and more dialogue and interaction. Beautiful. Aw Jack, life's been really tough for you lately but you're on the right track to healing. Can I humbly suggest iowaska may not be the best thing though? There are plenty of avenues to learn how to deal with stuck emotions. Wishing you all the very best!! PS. Lovingly send your ex on their way, and don't reconcile any time soon 😅🤔😬😘

[@amandateal3778]

Good luck Jack! You've got this! Just keep going. Sending you lots and lots of positive healing vibes! ✨️✨️✨️

[@ignerohlsen6003]

You are on the right track, Jack! I share your experiences and I am doing brain retraining, which also is actually a similar approach like yours. Step by step… we will learn to connect to security again! And to let go high standards and a fast pace in life…

[@AnrupB]

Love this interview and he is so genuine! Jack, I felt the same way when it comes to not workout anymore. I was very athletic too. I found learning to love and appreciate my body helped me accept what it was doing in the moment and the lessons the pause on exercise was teaching me. I’m at about 70% now, some floor and simple standing toga and walking, some groceries...baby steps. Our bodies speak to us when we don’t process emotional traumas. For addressing trauma: what has helped me most deeply has been Panchakarma, but I had to get well enough to handle it - it’s quite taxing before the results come. Otherwise EMDR and IFS have been good. Meditation and journaling have helped a lot - I practiced both long before illness, but the presence, like you talk about, and shutting off external stimuli has been key to hearing my body’s repressed emotions. You got this! Keep going! Maybe one day we’ll meet and go for a gentle run when we’re both recovered!

[@marydugan4120]

Im praying for you Jack andfor all of us going through this !!!Be good to yourself !!Its ok to not be ok !!we are still special and unique in Gods eyes .I believe He is with us especially in the darkest times .I know for myself He must be helping me cos I could not deal with this on my own !!!

[@philweaver457]

Thanks fir this. I didnt like it at first but that was just my own resistance. Watched it through and got a lot of value. Especially "reading from the script"

[@RaelanAgle]

You're so welcome, Phil! ❤️ Every step of the recovery journey is packed with valuable insights, isn't it?

[@philweaver457]

It sure is!

[@jog5289]

Best wishes for the rest of your recovery, Jack! You must be getting so close now! Thanks for sharing your story. Have you ever thought of trying Brain Re-training? (Just a thought, as that's what I'm working on at the moment.) Like you, I don't think any of the supplements helped the fatigue at all, also, I'm a bit worried I will go back to my old achiever ways once I've recovered. Yikes! Thanks for the interview, Raelan. Blessings to all on their recovery journey.

[@philweaver457]

I feel as if there is a way to go back to achiever ways. Not old achiever ways, which do creep back in, but a new achiever way. I think it is about the frame. Partial thought so bear with me.

[@jog5289]

@@philweaver457 Thanks for your thoughts, Phil. :)

[@tammygravis1462]

You look beautiful. Just seeing your face is comforting.I know how you feel.

[@gittebukhpedersen72]

THX ❤ Long covid here. 2+ years..

[@edjack5on]

Wow, I was feeling great until I decided to start a candida cleanse four days ago. Definitely thinking of pausing it before it causes more damage. Jack, you seem to be a great man, and as Raelan said, you are on a great path to recovery.

[@Truerealism747]

What is the candida cleanse causing

[@edjack5on]

@@Truerealism747 All over again, fatigue, brain fog, increased anxiety, joint pain. I read it is a typical "die off" symptom for a few days. I'm now concerned about a setback.

[@Truerealism747]

@@edjack5on seams it's hexmier reaction check out Dr taulbaum book do you have hypomobility I've had CFS fybromyalgia 26 years pots in the middle pain my worst symptoms

[@merrynhopkins1162]

I’ve had to come to the conclusion that my health is not going to recover as I’ve wanted it too after 3 bouts of covid - fatigue is always in my life and I’ve had to make peace with it Appreciate the video

[@squirrelnut55]

Thank you Jack and Relan ❤ It is interesting how so many of us have similar stories and paths that have led us here. I agree that positively, self reflection and not giving up are so important. Your encouragement to Jack also encourages me Raelan as I have the same mind set. My next plan is to try kambo. I know you have had someone on in the past Raelan but would love to see if others have found this helpful. Jack, is this something you have tried?

[@jack-dy7cx]

i have tried kambo, i didnt find find it helpful

[@squirrelnut55]

Ah, shame, well thanks for letting me know 🙏 ​@@jack-dy7cx

[@SweetiePieTweety]

I’m sorry you’ve gone through this. Maybe if it all possible, you could simply get back in the water it doesn’t mean you have to swim, but let your body release all of that energy into the water while it’s being supported by the water. A nice salt and magnesium soak float Just listening to your body as to how it might want to gradually move each day and let it to release the emotions from the body and the soul.

[@crowerkz]

Did you do a mucoid plaque detox Raelan or anyone? Great, story Jack, keep going, brother. That's all we can do.

[@andrewbalser8594]

Jack: look into brainspotting as a trauma therapy. Remarkably effective and efficient. I was a skeptic, but open to trying things and very grateful I did. It clearly helped in a big way for trauma and for CFS recovery. It might really work for you.

[@Reedom_code]

Do you have any info on Ayahuasca, please?

[@peachesmcgee4795]

Urgh,the dreaded Candida Diet. Ive tried it 3 times now and have always got worse then got back to "normal ill" after.

[@mirandaandrea8215]

Hi jack thanks for sharing! It sounds like u were pushing ur body to the limit with to much gym stuff/exercise ! Was it an addiction ? Then u had trauma from a break up and had to deal with loss! Im sure you will get fully wrll and hope u dont push urself with so much exercise again! Adrenals probably got burnt out? Thanks for sharing!

[@Lorraine-lr5mg]

This is your nervous system, no supplement will help with cfs

[@santeenl]

13:02 if you can exercise you don't have CFS.. you just have a few TMS symptoms like many people have. Otherwise I also had CFS for 5 years already before I got sick.

[@paulinefyfe8974]

Nonsense - and ufortunately the CFS 'community' is rife with this twaddle.

[@santeenl]

@@paulinefyfe8974 So what about PEM?

[@paulinefyfe8974]

@@santeenl My experience is that with the right support - supplements, diet and brain-retraining - exercise is entirely possible. I was bed-bound/housebound for 7 months - but after starting brain retraining, I started slowly expanding my energy envelope and am now taking walks and using light weights to build up atrophied muscles - with zero PEM. And yes, I still have so-called CFS.

[@santeenl]

@@paulinefyfe8974 Yeah of course you still have CFS, I mean if you can exercise at the worst you have a veeeeery mild CFS case. Anyways, brain retraining can help some. I rather get to the core child trauma and solve that.

[@paulinefyfe8974]

@@santeenl I'm more on the moderate end of the CFS scale right now - just spent 7 months in bed on the severe end of things, and am now slowly expanding my energy envelope with gentle exercise, brain retraining, diet and supplementation. I still can't work, still have POTs symptoms, still have gut issues and muscle weakness - but thanks for letting me know where you think I'm at - appreciate it!

[@Truerealism747]

A dr sarno goodist

[@cb77153]

Are ME/CFS and Long Covid the same thing or just similar symptoms? How do you know if it’s physiological or something you can overcome by something like brain training, being kind to yourself, accepting of your life and aware of past trauma, etc? Have seen a few doctors on KZbin mention clearing of spike protein and also how much the gut microbiome can play a part. FLCCC charity has apparently successfully treated some with LC.

[@sarahdean6441]

Great interview. After reading many books on recovery I regularly go back to my first book, Dr Sarah Myhill, also GAPS Dr Natasha Campbell Mcbride (the blue book). Big part of the jigsaw for me. Really resonate with Jack in the attitude that we are our own healers, after trying lots of therapy including working with a nutritionist which actually left me feeling disempowered. I also find Mary Ruddick very inspirational (love your interviews with her Raelan ❤️). It stays with me that she learnt from the Toltec we have to give up our 7 identities to heal...powerful. What a journey this is. All the best for your recovery Jack. 🙏🏻

[@Truerealism747]

Check if you have hypomobility I have hypomobility heds CFS fybromyalgia 26 years 6 years fybromyalgia ldn helps fatigue but not pain for me muscle pain

[@santeenl]

Interviews with people 60% on the way feel kinda pointless, come back when he's fully there. He might tell stuff now that 'helps' him like a diet, and later totally not agree with this point anymore. That you have to immediately lie down and do a yoga nidra after a morning walks sounds to me like he's still really far away from a full recovery.

[@staceylynnash]

Cute guy!!!!

[@katesun2957]

You do nothing, and nobody helps anyone.

[@e.williams13]

What do u mean?

[@regina6838]

Best of luck with your healing journey Jack! Thanks for sharing .