Ep. 123 - Unstuck and Unleashed: Finding Purpose and Healing with John Paff
What does it take to transform a life filled with daring rescues and firefighting into a journey of profound personal growth and healing? John Paff, a former pararescue jumper and firefighter who retired twice from public service, shares his remarkable journey. Discover how John encourages us all to refocus on our purpose, explore psychedelic-assisted therapies, and embrace the power of letting go of the ego in our healing journeys. This is a conversation you won't want to miss—one that offers insights into resilience, healing, and the game of life itself.
John Paff is a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern and twice retired public servant. He served 20 years in the Air Force with the majority of his career serving in the Special Operations community as a Pararescueman (PJ), and he also served 20 years at the Anchorage Fire Department retiring as a company officer. John holds his Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling and is a Master Instructor for the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF). John continues to dedicate himself to helping others work through their addictions and trauma issues.
[00:00 – 15:03] A Lifetime of Service and a New Perspective on Treatment
- John went into the military for selfish reasons, but it ended up being a lifetime of service.
- There is pride with having the inner drive to do things that others could not.
- Perhaps, there is no unselfish action, as we all serve our own ideals.
- John talks about becoming a registered mental health counseling intern and life coach.
[15:04 – 24:07] Exploring Mental Health Through Psychedelic Therapy
- Realize that anyone can get overwhelmed by life.
- Ego acts as a filter for experiences and can become biased over time.
- Psychedelics suppress the ego and open up the mind to new perspectives.
- John explores psychedelics, ayahuasca, ketamine, and psilocybin as therapy modalities.
[24:08 – 37:01] How Psychedelic Medicines Can Help You Heal
- Psychedelics can help create new neural pathways, allowing for a new experience and interpretation of that experience.
- Counseling before and after the experience is beneficial to ensure safety and to discuss the journey.
- Our bodies want to heal themselves, and psychedelics can help facilitate this process.
[37:02 – 51:48] Persistence and Presence Can Help You Reach Your Goals
- Losing hope and identity can lead to suicide. Let’s help individuals recognize their value.
- Start your healing journey - to get involved with healing therapies, research and do due diligence to find a reputable source.
- Viewing life as an infinite game is empowering and a sign of success.
- The point of life is to keep playing and enjoy it, just like dancing.
[51:49 – 53:56] Closing Segment
- Reach out to John!
Connect with John!
Website: First Orlando Counseling
LinkedIn: John Paff
Connect with Ashton!
Website: Valkere Investment Group
LinkedIn: Valkere Investment Group
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Key Quotes
“It's okay not to be okay with what you went through, but it's not okay to stay that way.” – Ashton Levarek
“When people get that close to suicide, they've lost all hope… Try to get them moving to find that purpose and get that drive going forward again and have hope.” – John Paff
