Preston Smiles on How to Love Louder with Lewis Howes

Healing Trauma

Preston Smiles explains the importance of addressing and overcoming trauma by allowing emotions to complete their cycle. He compares the way children quickly move past conflicts to how adults often hold onto grudges for years. Lewis Howes adds that talking about trauma can help release its hold over us, encouraging listeners to find a safe space to discuss their experiences 1 2.

We've got to talk about these things to let them go, man.

--- Lewis Howes

Preston emphasizes that true healing comes from within and that external circumstances should not dictate our emotional responses.

   

Core Wounds

Preston Smiles discusses the prevalence of core wounds, such as sexual abuse, and their long-lasting impact on individuals. He highlights the importance of facing these wounds to prevent them from affecting future relationships and personal growth. Lewis Howes shares his own experience of holding onto trauma for years and the relief that came from finally addressing it 3.

Most people have a core wound, something that happened when they were seven, five, nine, most people.

--- Preston Smiles

Preston urges listeners to confront their past traumas to achieve true healing and emotional freedom.

   

Mortality

Reflecting on a personal encounter with death, Preston Smiles shares the profound impact it had on his perspective on life. He describes the experience of being with a woman in her final moments and the realization of the importance of each breath. Lewis Howes and Preston discuss how such experiences can lead to a deeper appreciation for life and a commitment to living fully 4 5.

The only thing that matters when it's all said and done is this breath.

--- Preston Smiles

This encounter also led Preston to a greater understanding of his own mortality and the urgency to live with purpose and love.