In this compelling episode of the Initiations in Love podcast, Britta speaks with Katie Arnold—author, ultra runner, and student of Zen—about her transformative journey following a traumatic wilderness accident. The conversation explores themes of love, healing, and the connection between physical movement and creativity. Katie shares how running serves as both meditation and creative fuel, offering her a path to deeper awareness and self-expression. She reflects on awakening through trauma, the importance of trusting one's inner voice, and the duality of vulnerability and strength in the healing process. Together, they discuss self-love, advocacy, and navigating life's challenges, particularly in the context of competitive sports, personal growth, and Zen. 🎧 Tune in to hear Katie’s inspiring story of hope and despair (and the significance of both), and what a profound role the mind-body connection plays in the journey of healing. Katie Arnold is a longtime journalist and bestselling author of Brief Flashings in the Phenomenal World: Zen and the Art of Running Free (2024), which tells the story of a traumatic wilderness accident and her path to healing. Her critically acclaimed memoir, Running Home, was published in 2019. An elite ultra runner and student of Zen, Katie teaches Flow Camp writing and running retreats, exploring the link between movement, nature, and creativity. Her writing has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Outside, ESPN The Magazine, Runner’s World, and Elle, among others, as well as on NPR Weekend Edition Sunday and The Upaya Zen Center Podcast. She has been awarded fellowships from MacDowell and Ucross. Katie lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with her husband, Steve Barrett, their two teenage daughters, and two dogs. - - - - - - - - - If you liked this episode of Initiations in Love, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes , Spotify , and anywhere you listen to podcasts to rate/review/subscribe to the show. Looking to buy Britta’s book Initiations in Love? Click here . Want more? Visit our WEBSITE , connect with Britta on FACEBOOK , and follow her on Instagram: @brittaeskey or @cortrainings . Thanks for listening and joining the conversation! Resources and References Britta’s Book- Initiations in Love Katie Arnold’s Website - and book! Show Notes 1:15 – Britta introduces special guest Katie Arnold and sets the focus for the episode 3:09 - Katie shares the event that catalyzed the initiation she chronicles in her book and what she was like before the event occurred 11:19 - Katie explains how running is a form of meditation AND creativity for her 14:43 - Britta and Katie discuss bringing mindfulness into competitive sports and the strong foundation it can bring to an athlete 18:52 - Katie chronicles what happened directly after her rafting accident 22:54 - Katie details The Call in this story, and what it precipitated for her (including advocating for herself during a difficult time) 30:21 - Britta and Katie discuss the idea of holding oneself as precious and worthy 33:04 - Katie recounts her healing process 40:04 - Britta encourages Katie to reflect a little more on the difficult “Transformation Cauldron” time in her story 49:35 - Katie and Britta discuss what emerged from Katie’s healing during this difficult time 57:56 - Britta reflects on the ongoing initiation cycle(s) in life 1:01:14 - Katie shares the gifts she is taking from this particular initiation experience 1:04:12 - Katie shares advice for our listeners who feel stuck creatively or energetically, and reflects on the initiation process’ necessity in her life 1:09:40 - Britta brings the episode to a close…