Dr. William Parham
Stillness, Listening, & Finding Light
INTRODUCING DR. WILLIAM PARHAM:
Sam welcomes doctorate in educational leadership for social justice, Dr. William Parham. Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Parham has worked with the NBA, MLB, and – at one point – was a psychologist for the LA Lakers. Among Dr. Parham’s many accomplishments includes being named the first ever Director of Mental Health and Wellness for the National Basketball Players Association. In this episode, Sam and Dr. Parham talk about coping with trauma, the impact social media has had on society, and the importance of acknowledging what your authentic self is experiencing.
THIS EPISODE FEATURES INSIGHTS ON ACCURATE PERSPECTIVE, MINDSET, & COPING WITH TRAUMA:
Dr. William Parham joins the show to discuss his background in sports psychology and, specifically, his work with the UCLA gymnastics team
Dr. Parham speaks to the concept of the ‘invisible tattoo’
Dr. P’s opinions on these current challenging times and the value of finding the treasure in the trial
The importance of having an accurate perspective in life
The impact of social media and the Four Quarters analogy
Other strategies and tips for coping with outside circumstances
Dr. Parham leaves the audience with two images on which to reflect
WHAT DID DR. PARHAM SAY?
“Rarely have I seen that combination of a coach who really values the human side. And I think that’s what really kept the connection between [Coach Val] and I even to this day.”
“The statement that, ‘when you were born, they broke the mold’ it actually is factually true. There is nobody like you. Nobody can ever be like you and you can’t be like anybody else. So you really have, innately, a freedom to discover the genius that you have.”
“Those feelings that emerge in response to childhood crises and trauma become the invisible tattoos that are indelibly etched in one’s heart and mind.”
“There’s always a treasure in every trial. There have been a number of people who have discovered new things about themselves. I know a number of players, for example, have gone on and learned a new language, learned how to be culinary chefs. People have learned new hobbies.”
“I’m always of the mindset that it’s important to acknowledge how you’re feeling and what your authentic self is experiencing.”
“I don’t know if [social media] is a cause. It’s certainly a contributing factor. But cause is a very strong word because it really is not what happens to you in life it’s how you respond to it.”
“I always tell folks, ‘Sam, I’d much rather you have four quarters than one hundred pennies.’ They both add up to a buck, but a quarter is twenty-five times the worth of a penny. If you have four friends who you really love – who value you and you value them – that’s the entourage that you should surround yourself with.”
“In order to set sail, you have to untie yourself from the dock.”