Public Health England Conference - Jonny Wilkinson

[@MISSION315]

Fantastic interview from both sides thank you baz.

[@edmottram798]

The response to the final question from the audience is fascinating. The key to moving forward in life is the understanding that none of the previous events define him. Because he doesn’t let them. That was then. This is now. There is no rope linking them all together. Strong mental health comes from taking all the lessons and experiences and using them to move forward. I’ll be watching the growth of his foundation with interest, and wish him all the best with it. It is much needed. Great interview.

[@youngweav1249]

Fascinating ; Jonny gives such a clear and eloquent handle on life and truly inspiring as ever. Thank you for this.

[@Helenelisabeth1967]

Brilliant, thank you!

[@sebclement6253]

Interesting interview. They're talking with each other, but about different things. The lady keeps probing on her agenda, which is, naturally as a mental health worker, trying to make Jonny into a symbol, the all defeating tough rugby lad, for men suffering with mental health to talk openly about his issues so other men who are struggling to will see its ok. A fine sentiment. Jonny, on the other hand, is talking about something else entirely. He is talking about something that is very hard to explain and doing a fine job. No doubt he has spent some time on the meditation cushion, turning inward to establish the view he has done, which he paints with his words. And he does it in a not too dogmatic way which is always the tricky part. What a boon it is to see such a public figure openly talking about, usually niched spiritual matters. Love it. Keep on the path Jonny, to self realization.

[@windsurfdaves]

I agree there is a bit of a disconnect. But what do you think Jinny’s message is? A would love to ask him a few questions, are you happy with what you achieved? Would you be happier doing an alternative path? Do you believe you can ever be happy? He is a perfectionist and in way lucky he was capable to back it up.

[@florentine34]

Fascinating talk. My question to him is whether he could have achieved what he did without his driveness. Would his inward journey have taken the fuel out of his performance. Is there a balance to be struck. I'm guessing he'd say his approach would allow him to explore unlimited opportunities. Very hard to be this way in top level sport or working in our society where we are all measured by targets and goals achieved. Isn't this what is so toxic and undermining people's mental health. Ironically this particularly true for those working in the NHS.

[@sebclement6253]

@@windsurfdaves correct! Really valid questions. From what I've read he's got really into Zen buddhism. And it sounded like he had somewhat of an ego death when he saw theough that everything had been working towards, once he got it, it didn't bring him genuine contentment, it was impermanent, fleeting and empty. So he started searching within. I know it's clicu, but there is not way for him to convey that message, the present moment, it has to be experienced yourself. He is just using 'skillful means' as they say in buddhism to pain the picture. I observed the lady opposite him doesn't ever really register and is painting her own picture, one of removing social stigma on mental health. But it's still a great chat!

[@sebclement6253]

@@florentine34 OH wow, how dare you be so insightful. That is the essence of his message I believe. Although he's still working on his articulation of it, but that's it. He may still have done through the actions that he did, in a way tee kicking was his meditarion and he must have developed a mindful precision through, its practice, but i would say that from his current view he would do it all completely unattached to outcome. Gold medal, last place, no matter. It is in the purity of the action itself, and dying unto it (presence, ego death) that contentment is found. Would that have inhibited him, his feverish drive for perfection? Who's to say, I don't think so. I think it would have unchained him. He is an odd odd odd 0.0000000001% human with freakish concentration and high virtue, old soul in other words. He was utterly adored in France. I think he began to play freely in France and the Love shone through as a result, it turned into art, like watching Federer play tennis. Utterly captivating. I think he wouldn't have got injured so much and he could have been even greater. But we all have psychic binds to work through first, just his Path.

[@florentine34]

@@sebclement6253 I really want to agree with you that he would have been greater. Fundamentally he would have been. It's probably something in me that thinks that all that effort and anxiety and nonsense is necessary. It can't be that easy. Maybe that's a product of our culture. It's difficult to leave the comfort blanket even if it doesn't provide much comfort. Totally agree that his current position would have prevented alot of his injuries.

[@KmT81]

Wonderful guy!Jonny One of the most humble guy in the planet!God bless and a very fantastic interview.

[@royfu7913]

Fantastic - thanks for sharing and making it available to the public

[@davidsheppard4607]

Fantastic talk. Thanks Jonny!

[@sarahdavies3690]

Brilliant interview. Fantastic advice. Thank you 😊

[@haydoncardew9686]

Excellent talk to watch!

[@ELvi5presley]

Can you imagine an ex-footballer trying to talk about mental health so eloquently? "Me brain sad" Jonny is an absolute ledge! Very insightful video

[@andybrookes4230]

Thank you

[@charlesrees87]

Powerful stuff - thanks for sharing!

[@1trife90]

This video should have more views than any of his rugby highlights

[@windsurfdaves]

Bloody hell Jonny. The world looking in was blind. I know how that self expectation for perfectionism is both your strength and ultimately your weakness. I would love to get involved in your work in any way. I get it.

[@1trife90]

Goodness. He's done a lot of thinking, hasn't he.

[@sebclement6253]

Satori.