Your Mindful Life Tue, 26 May 2026 09:59:09 -0400 https://www.yourmindfulpractice.com/ en-us © 2026 Mary E Slocum yes Support this Podcast c9dd99cc-7724-55fb-acbc-c3f437060aea Mary Slocum episodic false Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) mindful, life, practice, meditation Mary Slocum https://storage.buzzsprout.com/40c7mz1xsegempwfvbqqbszj5l2d?.jpg Your Mindful Life https://www.yourmindfulpractice.com/ Ep. 74 - The Pause Ep. 74 - The Pause Hello and welcome everyone. Today on Episode 74 of Your Mindful Life podcast, our topic is the pause.

We know that pausing is a good thing. It puts us firmly in the present. It is that moment of equanimity in which we can take in everything without reacting or judging. It allows us to get the big picture and to direct our energy thoughtfully and creatively to what is meaningful. Pausing our hearts have the time and space to open wide to receive and to give.

So, now, after more than 70 episodes of Your Mindful Life I am pausing. I am pausing to take in the moment fully and to re-imagine what will come next. I am pausing to lovingly question and investigate how I can best be of service—how best I can share what I have lived, loved, and know about living a mindful life. I am pausing to replenish my creativity and open myself to the unknown.

For some time, I have been thinking deeply on how better to create connection that is more immediate, more active, and more receptive. I am like a diver going down into the depths of the ocean, not sure of what she will find there but as she descends knows that what she will find in the depths is luminous and magical.

Thank you for being a listener and for being a member of the podcast. . We will meet again soon. If you would like to connect with me, click here or paste this URL in your browser  https://www.yourmindfulpractice.com/contact

With love and appreciation for you and everyone behind the scenes who has made this podcast possible:

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production; 

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Mary
Be well. Be mindful.

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Hello and welcome everyone. Today on Episode 74 of Your Mindful Life podcast, our topic is the pause.

We know that pausing is a good thing. It puts us firmly in the present. It is that moment of equanimity in which we can take in everything without reacting or judging. It allows us to get the big picture and to direct our energy thoughtfully and creatively to what is meaningful. Pausing our hearts have the time and space to open wide to receive and to give.

So, now, after more than 70 episodes of Your Mindful Life I am pausing. I am pausing to take in the moment fully and to re-imagine what will come next. I am pausing to lovingly question and investigate how I can best be of service—how best I can share what I have lived, loved, and know about living a mindful life. I am pausing to replenish my creativity and open myself to the unknown.

For some time, I have been thinking deeply on how better to create connection that is more immediate, more active, and more receptive. I am like a diver going down into the depths of the ocean, not sure of what she will find there but as she descends knows that what she will find in the depths is luminous and magical.

Thank you for being a listener and for being a member of the podcast. . We will meet again soon. If you would like to connect with me, click here or paste this URL in your browser  https://www.yourmindfulpractice.com/contact

With love and appreciation for you and everyone behind the scenes who has made this podcast possible:

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production; 

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Mary
Be well. Be mindful.

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-13247645 Thu, 20 Jul 2023 13:00:00 -0700 243 the pause, equanimity. mindful 1 74 full false Ep. 73 - Personal Ethics in Our Complex World Ep. 73 - Personal Ethics in Our Complex World How do ethics affect our daily lives? Do all virtues resonate equally with us? How has our conditioning as children in our families, communities, and cultures formed how ethics play out for us now as adults?

Hello and welcome everyone. Today we’re exploring ethics and how our motivations and behavior reflect our personal ethics. 

As children we are conditioned by the ethics of our family, community, and society at large. We were probably taught how we should behave when confronted with an ethical dilemma as defined by our parents, teachers, and religious leaders. Most likely we carry around an ethical rule book in our heads based on our early life conditioning. This ethical rule book tells us what to do even when circumstances have changed.

Life is complex and new. Complicated and confusing ethical situations arise all the time and the rule book in our head doesn’t come close to helping us wade through the complexity and ambiguity or aid us in ethical investigation and the appropriate choice of behavior in a given ethical situation. 

Ethics is about behavior and about motivation. It's not just how we act--how we respond, it is also about what is motivating us to respond and act the way we do.

The more we are mindful—present, attentive, and curious—to ourselves and the world around us, the deeper our wisdom and compassion will be. We will respond skillfully when greed, hate, fear, or anything else that gets in the way of our ethical judgment. The more mindful we are, the deeper our understanding because we are willing to look under the covers and see the whole truth about something. This, in turn, enriches our discernment and allows us to make ethical choices that go beyond the surface; go beyond what we read on social media; go beyond what the rule book in our head says.

This week I invite you to explore the rule book in your head. You might ask these and other similar questions that resonate with you. How was ethics viewed and practiced in my family?

How did the prevailing culture inform how ethics were practiced in my family?

What ethics training and teachings did you receive growing up?

Speak with someone in your family to better understand the role of ethical formation in your family.

Talk to someone—maybe a friend or colleague from another culture to explore similarities and differences with your own ethical formation growing up.

Write down what you discover. Does spending time with your childhood ethical formation shed light on your motivations and behavior today? How and how not?

I hope you enjoy the podcast and made you curious about your ethical formation as a kid, so that you can now explore more deeply your ethical motivations and behaviors today.

A new guided meditation on vitality is available this week on the podcast member website at www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife.

I hope you enjoyed the show. Thank you for listening and I’d also like to thank the people behind the scenes that make it possible

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful. 

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Follow or subscribe to the podcast, download the episodes and share them with friends and on social media. And, don’t forget to review the podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen. 

Become a member of the podcast via Patreon. Go to the member page at www.

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> How do ethics affect our daily lives? Do all virtues resonate equally with us? How has our conditioning as children in our families, communities, and cultures formed how ethics play out for us now as adults?

Hello and welcome everyone. Today we’re exploring ethics and how our motivations and behavior reflect our personal ethics. 

As children we are conditioned by the ethics of our family, community, and society at large. We were probably taught how we should behave when confronted with an ethical dilemma as defined by our parents, teachers, and religious leaders. Most likely we carry around an ethical rule book in our heads based on our early life conditioning. This ethical rule book tells us what to do even when circumstances have changed.

Life is complex and new. Complicated and confusing ethical situations arise all the time and the rule book in our head doesn’t come close to helping us wade through the complexity and ambiguity or aid us in ethical investigation and the appropriate choice of behavior in a given ethical situation. 

Ethics is about behavior and about motivation. It's not just how we act--how we respond, it is also about what is motivating us to respond and act the way we do.

The more we are mindful—present, attentive, and curious—to ourselves and the world around us, the deeper our wisdom and compassion will be. We will respond skillfully when greed, hate, fear, or anything else that gets in the way of our ethical judgment. The more mindful we are, the deeper our understanding because we are willing to look under the covers and see the whole truth about something. This, in turn, enriches our discernment and allows us to make ethical choices that go beyond the surface; go beyond what we read on social media; go beyond what the rule book in our head says.

This week I invite you to explore the rule book in your head. You might ask these and other similar questions that resonate with you. How was ethics viewed and practiced in my family?

How did the prevailing culture inform how ethics were practiced in my family?

What ethics training and teachings did you receive growing up?

Speak with someone in your family to better understand the role of ethical formation in your family.

Talk to someone—maybe a friend or colleague from another culture to explore similarities and differences with your own ethical formation growing up.

Write down what you discover. Does spending time with your childhood ethical formation shed light on your motivations and behavior today? How and how not?

I hope you enjoy the podcast and made you curious about your ethical formation as a kid, so that you can now explore more deeply your ethical motivations and behaviors today.

A new guided meditation on vitality is available this week on the podcast member website at www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife.

I hope you enjoyed the show. Thank you for listening and I’d also like to thank the people behind the scenes that make it possible

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful. 

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Follow or subscribe to the podcast, download the episodes and share them with friends and on social media. And, don’t forget to review the podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen. 

Become a member of the podcast via Patreon. Go to the member page at www.

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-13203204 Fri, 14 Jul 2023 09:00:00 -0700 674 ethics, personal ethics, mindful 1 73 full false Ep. 72 - When Your Meditation Practice Is Difficult Ep. 72 - When Your Meditation Practice Is Difficult Today we’re investigating how to practice mindfulness meditation  when we feel it is too hard or not possible. Or some other difficulty arises and gets in the way.

Mindfulness is key to managing the difficulties and challenges of life. It is how we are in the world. It can be difficult to be mindful. We practice mindfulness meditation so that our mindfulness strengthens, deepens, and opens our hearts.

Sometimes it is difficult to meditate. We have pre-conceived ideas about what it is and how well we can do it. Our confidence may be low or missing. Our inner critic may be letting us know all the reasons why we can't do it.

The key is to recognize the difficulty that is arising and then to use tools to help you over the difficulty. That's what this podcast is all about.

This week, I invite you to start where you are. Begin again whenever you need to. If you are meditating for one minute you you get distracted 10 times or 20 times, it doesn’t matter. No one is watching, judging, or keeping track. Simply notice and begin again. Befriend yourself. You are worth it.

The guided meditation this week is a mindfulness of breath meditation. It is on the podcast’s members’ page at www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife.

I hope you enjoy the podcast. Thank you for listening and I’d also like to thank the people behind the scenes that make it possible:

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful. 


SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Follow or subscribe to the podcast, download the episodes and share them with friends and on social media. And, don’t forget to review the podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen. 


Become a member of the podcast via Patreon. Go to the member page at www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife. All members have access to a new guided meditation each week on the member page. 


DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional. 


Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Today we’re investigating how to practice mindfulness meditation  when we feel it is too hard or not possible. Or some other difficulty arises and gets in the way.

Mindfulness is key to managing the difficulties and challenges of life. It is how we are in the world. It can be difficult to be mindful. We practice mindfulness meditation so that our mindfulness strengthens, deepens, and opens our hearts.

Sometimes it is difficult to meditate. We have pre-conceived ideas about what it is and how well we can do it. Our confidence may be low or missing. Our inner critic may be letting us know all the reasons why we can't do it.

The key is to recognize the difficulty that is arising and then to use tools to help you over the difficulty. That's what this podcast is all about.

This week, I invite you to start where you are. Begin again whenever you need to. If you are meditating for one minute you you get distracted 10 times or 20 times, it doesn’t matter. No one is watching, judging, or keeping track. Simply notice and begin again. Befriend yourself. You are worth it.

The guided meditation this week is a mindfulness of breath meditation. It is on the podcast’s members’ page at www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife.

I hope you enjoy the podcast. Thank you for listening and I’d also like to thank the people behind the scenes that make it possible:

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful. 


SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Follow or subscribe to the podcast, download the episodes and share them with friends and on social media. And, don’t forget to review the podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen. 


Become a member of the podcast via Patreon. Go to the member page at www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife. All members have access to a new guided meditation each week on the member page. 


DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional. 


Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-13161702 Thu, 06 Jul 2023 08:00:00 -0700 1246 mindfulness, mindfulness of breath, self-compassion 1 72 full false Ep. 71 - Equanimity - Calm, Balance, No Judgment Ep. 71 - Equanimity - Calm, Balance, No Judgment Hello and welcome. This week we explore the fourth face of love—equanimity.

Equanimity is the state of mental calmness and evenness of temper in which the mind is steady and balanced and judging is absent. It is a state that allows us to take in the whole picture of a situation without coloring it and reacting to it, and to be fully aware in the moment.

With equanimity our minds are even and imperturbable while at the same time fully engaged with the circumstances of a situation and aware of the present moment.

The path to equanimity is to recognize when the mind is unsteady and out of balance— when it is grasping, pulling, pushing or turning away. To recognize when  judging is present and the mind feels chaotic—bouncing here and there.

Recognizing the obstacles in our mind blocking equanimity, gives us a starting point to reach understanding and insight so we can let go and simply be with what’s here with clear and steady mind. We may notice that the strength of our equanimity comes and goes. This is understandable. As we practice, with attention and concentration, equanimity becomes stronger and stronger.

Start with mindfulness of the breath. It may feel that you can’t pay attention to the breath and this is OK. Noticing this is the first step. Then settle into simply saying “in” on the in-breath and “out” on the out-breath and keep doing it. Or, count each breath (1,2,3…) and when you lose count begin again with “1.” You may begin to judge yourself saying things like, “I can’t do this.” This is OK. Just notice when you are judging and make a soft mental note saying inwardly  “judging” and then return your attention to the breath. This is the practice. Start where you are and return your attention when you lose your place. After awhile you will notice the qualities of equanimity beginning to appear—calmness, evenness, and non-judgment.

This week strengthen your equanimity through your mindfulness of breath practice and by repeating a phrase during the day when you feel your mind going sideways. There are many phrases. Here are some.

May I see things just as they are and not how I want them to be.
May I remain peaceful as the storm rages around me.
May I generate the inner resources to help where needed.
May I see my limits with clear eyes just as I see the limits of others.

This week's guided meditation on Equanimity may be found here on the podcast’s member page or paste  www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife into your browser.

I hope you enjoy the show. Thank you for listening and I’d also like to thank the people behind the scenes that make it possible.

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful.

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

We need you! Please follow or subscribe, and review the podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen.

Become a member via Patreon. Go to the member page at www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife to sign up and to access the weekly guided meditations.


DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional. 



Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Hello and welcome. This week we explore the fourth face of love—equanimity.

Equanimity is the state of mental calmness and evenness of temper in which the mind is steady and balanced and judging is absent. It is a state that allows us to take in the whole picture of a situation without coloring it and reacting to it, and to be fully aware in the moment.

With equanimity our minds are even and imperturbable while at the same time fully engaged with the circumstances of a situation and aware of the present moment.

The path to equanimity is to recognize when the mind is unsteady and out of balance— when it is grasping, pulling, pushing or turning away. To recognize when  judging is present and the mind feels chaotic—bouncing here and there.

Recognizing the obstacles in our mind blocking equanimity, gives us a starting point to reach understanding and insight so we can let go and simply be with what’s here with clear and steady mind. We may notice that the strength of our equanimity comes and goes. This is understandable. As we practice, with attention and concentration, equanimity becomes stronger and stronger.

Start with mindfulness of the breath. It may feel that you can’t pay attention to the breath and this is OK. Noticing this is the first step. Then settle into simply saying “in” on the in-breath and “out” on the out-breath and keep doing it. Or, count each breath (1,2,3…) and when you lose count begin again with “1.” You may begin to judge yourself saying things like, “I can’t do this.” This is OK. Just notice when you are judging and make a soft mental note saying inwardly  “judging” and then return your attention to the breath. This is the practice. Start where you are and return your attention when you lose your place. After awhile you will notice the qualities of equanimity beginning to appear—calmness, evenness, and non-judgment.

This week strengthen your equanimity through your mindfulness of breath practice and by repeating a phrase during the day when you feel your mind going sideways. There are many phrases. Here are some.

May I see things just as they are and not how I want them to be.
May I remain peaceful as the storm rages around me.
May I generate the inner resources to help where needed.
May I see my limits with clear eyes just as I see the limits of others.

This week's guided meditation on Equanimity may be found here on the podcast’s member page or paste  www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife into your browser.

I hope you enjoy the show. Thank you for listening and I’d also like to thank the people behind the scenes that make it possible.

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful.

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

We need you! Please follow or subscribe, and review the podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen.

Become a member via Patreon. Go to the member page at www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife to sign up and to access the weekly guided meditations.


DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional. 



Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-13119143 Thu, 29 Jun 2023 08:00:00 -0700 758 equanimity, mindfulness of breath,judging,judgment 1 71 full false Ep. 70 - Let There Be Joy Ep. 70 - Let There Be Joy Hello and welcome. Today we're talking about the third face of love -- Appreciative Joy.

Appreciative joy is the quality of love that recognizes the full worth of joy in our and others lives. It is about being happy with other people—delighting in the joy of others and creating joy in ourselves. Appreciative joy blossoms when we recognize our reciprocal and interconnected humanity. 

We might think that it is easy to feel happiness for the happiness and good fortune of others and ourselves but sometimes it can be hard, especially when we are pre-occupied with all the troubles in the world. The ups and downs of our friends,  family, and ourselves may feel more down than up. We may neglect noticing our own happiness and good fortune and that of others around us when we let the negativity bias of the brain overwhelm the goodness in our and others lives.

We can cultivate appreciative joy through our formal practice and by bringing it into our everyday lives. Asking ourselves how we create joy in ourselves and others and how we can respond to the joy around us is a practice that we can do any where or any time.

Our capacity for joy is immeasurable. It can grow and grow. It has no limit. The more we practice it, the more it grows. Practice is what matters.

This week I invite you to practice appreciate joy. Here’s a phrase that you can repeat whenever you experience someone’s happiness and good fortune. “I delight in your happiness. May it continue.” Say it often and see what a joyous difference it makes.

This week's guided meditation on Appreciative Joy may be found on the podcast’s member page on www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife.

I hope you enjoyed the show. Thank you for listening and I’d also like to thank the people behind the scenes that make it possible.

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful.

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Follow or subscribe to the podcast, download the episodes and share them with friends and on social media. And, don’t forget to review the podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen.

Become a member via Patreon. Go to the member page at www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife. All members have access to a new guided meditation each week on the member page.

RESOURCES/CREDITS

Pittinsky, Todd L. and Montoya, R. Matthew, “Empathetic Joy in Positive Intergroup Relations,” Journal of Social Issues, Vol 72., No. 3, 2016, pp. 511-523

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional. 

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Hello and welcome. Today we're talking about the third face of love -- Appreciative Joy.

Appreciative joy is the quality of love that recognizes the full worth of joy in our and others lives. It is about being happy with other people—delighting in the joy of others and creating joy in ourselves. Appreciative joy blossoms when we recognize our reciprocal and interconnected humanity. 

We might think that it is easy to feel happiness for the happiness and good fortune of others and ourselves but sometimes it can be hard, especially when we are pre-occupied with all the troubles in the world. The ups and downs of our friends,  family, and ourselves may feel more down than up. We may neglect noticing our own happiness and good fortune and that of others around us when we let the negativity bias of the brain overwhelm the goodness in our and others lives.

We can cultivate appreciative joy through our formal practice and by bringing it into our everyday lives. Asking ourselves how we create joy in ourselves and others and how we can respond to the joy around us is a practice that we can do any where or any time.

Our capacity for joy is immeasurable. It can grow and grow. It has no limit. The more we practice it, the more it grows. Practice is what matters.

This week I invite you to practice appreciate joy. Here’s a phrase that you can repeat whenever you experience someone’s happiness and good fortune. “I delight in your happiness. May it continue.” Say it often and see what a joyous difference it makes.

This week's guided meditation on Appreciative Joy may be found on the podcast’s member page on www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife.

I hope you enjoyed the show. Thank you for listening and I’d also like to thank the people behind the scenes that make it possible.

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful.

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Follow or subscribe to the podcast, download the episodes and share them with friends and on social media. And, don’t forget to review the podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen.

Become a member via Patreon. Go to the member page at www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife. All members have access to a new guided meditation each week on the member page.

RESOURCES/CREDITS

Pittinsky, Todd L. and Montoya, R. Matthew, “Empathetic Joy in Positive Intergroup Relations,” Journal of Social Issues, Vol 72., No. 3, 2016, pp. 511-523

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional. 

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-13069230 Thu, 22 Jun 2023 08:00:00 -0700 854 Appreciative joy, love 1 70 full false Ep. 69 - What Gets In The Way of Compassion Ep. 69 - What Gets In The Way of Compassion Today we’re talking about compassion and what gets in the way of our acting compassionately.

Compassion is the second face of love. Compassion is the recognition of suffering, the desire to relieve suffering, and the acting to relieve it without any expectations of anything in return.  Check out out Episode 8 that also talk about the four faces of love.

Compassion comes naturally but is difficult when obstacles get in the way. Being able to recognize obstacles allows us to mindfully be with them and let them go freeing us to live compassionately.

Here are some of what can get in our way:

  • We can’t reach out because we believe that that person has created our suffering. Our pride gets in the way.
  • We shy away from compassion because we’re afraid what others will think about us. We’re afraid of being judged. Our compassion isn’t strong enough to overcome that judgement.
  • We feel obligated to do something for someone and we do it because we want to keep in the good graces of another person. Or, We don’t want to be cast out of the group. Our action is guided.
  • When we feel stressed or overwhelmed it is hard to be compassionate.

When we feel we don’t have what it takes to be compassionate or that it will demand too much from us, we shy away from it.

Bringing mindfulness to these obstacles as they arise is our path forward. Being with what arises, feeling it and how it feels in the body.  Asking little questions and investigating allows it to come forward and let go. 

None of us is perfect. We all have traits that we don’t like and we all make mistakes. This is part of the human condition— our common humanity.  When we accept this we can then bring self compassion to ourselves and then bring compassion to others.

This week I invite you to sit quietly asking two questions and seeing what rises to the surface not from the head but from the heart. To begin, practice mindfulness of the breath meditation for a few minutes to unit body and mind in presence and sharpen attention and concentration. 

The first question is, “What value do I put on compassion?” Is compassion one of my core values that define how I live my life? Why? Why not? 

The second is,“Who do I know who is compassionate and what makes them so?” 

 Have paper and pencil handy and jot down notes as you sit. 

This week’s guided self-compassion meditation is on the podcast membership page at www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife. 

I hope you enjoy the show. Thank you for listening and I’d also like to thank the people behind the scenes that make it possible

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful.

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Follow or subscribe to the podcast, download the episodes and share them with friends and on social media. And, don’t forget to review the podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen.

Become a member via Patreon. Go to the member page at www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife. All members have access to a new guided meditation each week on the member page.

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional. 

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Today we’re talking about compassion and what gets in the way of our acting compassionately.

Compassion is the second face of love. Compassion is the recognition of suffering, the desire to relieve suffering, and the acting to relieve it without any expectations of anything in return.  Check out out Episode 8 that also talk about the four faces of love.

Compassion comes naturally but is difficult when obstacles get in the way. Being able to recognize obstacles allows us to mindfully be with them and let them go freeing us to live compassionately.

Here are some of what can get in our way:

  • We can’t reach out because we believe that that person has created our suffering. Our pride gets in the way.
  • We shy away from compassion because we’re afraid what others will think about us. We’re afraid of being judged. Our compassion isn’t strong enough to overcome that judgement.
  • We feel obligated to do something for someone and we do it because we want to keep in the good graces of another person. Or, We don’t want to be cast out of the group. Our action is guided.
  • When we feel stressed or overwhelmed it is hard to be compassionate.

When we feel we don’t have what it takes to be compassionate or that it will demand too much from us, we shy away from it.

Bringing mindfulness to these obstacles as they arise is our path forward. Being with what arises, feeling it and how it feels in the body.  Asking little questions and investigating allows it to come forward and let go. 

None of us is perfect. We all have traits that we don’t like and we all make mistakes. This is part of the human condition— our common humanity.  When we accept this we can then bring self compassion to ourselves and then bring compassion to others.

This week I invite you to sit quietly asking two questions and seeing what rises to the surface not from the head but from the heart. To begin, practice mindfulness of the breath meditation for a few minutes to unit body and mind in presence and sharpen attention and concentration. 

The first question is, “What value do I put on compassion?” Is compassion one of my core values that define how I live my life? Why? Why not? 

The second is,“Who do I know who is compassionate and what makes them so?” 

 Have paper and pencil handy and jot down notes as you sit. 

This week’s guided self-compassion meditation is on the podcast membership page at www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife. 

I hope you enjoy the show. Thank you for listening and I’d also like to thank the people behind the scenes that make it possible

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful.

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Follow or subscribe to the podcast, download the episodes and share them with friends and on social media. And, don’t forget to review the podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen.

Become a member via Patreon. Go to the member page at www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife. All members have access to a new guided meditation each week on the member page.

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional. 

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-13026651 Thu, 15 Jun 2023 08:00:00 -0700 990 compassion,self-commpasion,mindfulness,four faces of love, 1 69 full false Ep. 68 - The First Face of Love -- Lovingkindness Ep. 68 - The First Face of Love -- Lovingkindness Today we’re exploring the First Face of Love—Lovingkindness. The practice of lovingkindness cultivates our natural capacity for an open , alive, and loving heart. When we dedicate ourselves to a lovingkindness practice, we feel our heart opening and staying open even when troubles happen.

It might be hard  to get our heads around the word lovingkindness. Maybe the thought — What other kind of kindness is there? Or, “What has love got to do with kindness?” arises.  When we are loving we show our caring. When we are kind we show our friendliness, generosity, and consideration. 

So, when we practice lovingkindness we are practicing all these things—friendliness, caring, generosity, consideration, goodwill, and benevolence. And we are expressing our deep connectedness; everyone gets to play; no one is excluded or sidelined from giving and receiving lovingkindness.

Note that when we talk about friendliness, we're not talking about friendship or being friends; we are talking about being affable and good-natured towards all.

In this episode we talk about how to practice lovingkindness to ourselves and every being around us when there is conflict, doubt, and hurt as well as when our inner critic disparages us.

We also talk about expressing lovingkindness to the world in which we live by how we walk in the world.

This week I invite you to practice lovingkindness.  One way to engage your lovingkindness practice is through a lovingkindness meditation for the body.

I learned this meditation from Sharon Salzberg who learned it from Ananda Maitreya, a Sri Lankan monk, who lived brightly in this world until almost 102 years of age.

In this lovingkindness meditation for the body start at the head—the crown of the head. May my head be happy. May it be peaceful. Then continue by visiting each place in the body—the shoulders, arms, hands, and fingers. The back, the chest, the belly, the organs, the pelvis and hips, the legs, the feet, and the toes. May my toes be happy. May they be peaceful.

A recorded version of this meditation, is available on the member's page for the podcast https://www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife. If you are not a member you can sign up and access the meditation on the member’s page.

I hope you enjoy the show. Thank you for listening and I’d also like to thank the people behind the scenes that make it possible

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support;

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful.

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Follow or subscribe to the podcast, download the episodes and share them with friends and on social media. Don't forget to review the podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen.

Become a member via Patreon. Go here or paste www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife into your browser.  All members have access to a new guided meditation each week on Thursdays at the member website.

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional. 

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Today we’re exploring the First Face of Love—Lovingkindness. The practice of lovingkindness cultivates our natural capacity for an open , alive, and loving heart. When we dedicate ourselves to a lovingkindness practice, we feel our heart opening and staying open even when troubles happen.

It might be hard  to get our heads around the word lovingkindness. Maybe the thought — What other kind of kindness is there? Or, “What has love got to do with kindness?” arises.  When we are loving we show our caring. When we are kind we show our friendliness, generosity, and consideration. 

So, when we practice lovingkindness we are practicing all these things—friendliness, caring, generosity, consideration, goodwill, and benevolence. And we are expressing our deep connectedness; everyone gets to play; no one is excluded or sidelined from giving and receiving lovingkindness.

Note that when we talk about friendliness, we're not talking about friendship or being friends; we are talking about being affable and good-natured towards all.

In this episode we talk about how to practice lovingkindness to ourselves and every being around us when there is conflict, doubt, and hurt as well as when our inner critic disparages us.

We also talk about expressing lovingkindness to the world in which we live by how we walk in the world.

This week I invite you to practice lovingkindness.  One way to engage your lovingkindness practice is through a lovingkindness meditation for the body.

I learned this meditation from Sharon Salzberg who learned it from Ananda Maitreya, a Sri Lankan monk, who lived brightly in this world until almost 102 years of age.

In this lovingkindness meditation for the body start at the head—the crown of the head. May my head be happy. May it be peaceful. Then continue by visiting each place in the body—the shoulders, arms, hands, and fingers. The back, the chest, the belly, the organs, the pelvis and hips, the legs, the feet, and the toes. May my toes be happy. May they be peaceful.

A recorded version of this meditation, is available on the member's page for the podcast https://www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife. If you are not a member you can sign up and access the meditation on the member’s page.

I hope you enjoy the show. Thank you for listening and I’d also like to thank the people behind the scenes that make it possible

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support;

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful.

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Follow or subscribe to the podcast, download the episodes and share them with friends and on social media. Don't forget to review the podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen.

Become a member via Patreon. Go here or paste www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife into your browser.  All members have access to a new guided meditation each week on Thursdays at the member website.

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional. 

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-12983281 Thu, 08 Jun 2023 08:00:00 -0700 1227 1 68 full false Ep. 67 - Cultivating Patience in a Frustrating World Ep. 67 - Cultivating Patience in a Frustrating World Can you be with delays without getting upset? When trouble hits can you accept it without getting angry? When you become ill can you tolerate it, even accept it?

  • Join me! Announcing a four-week meditation class, The Four Faces of Love, meeting once a week on Zoom beginning June 7, 2023. In this class we will explore lovingkindness, compassion, appreciative joy, and equanimity. For more information and to register click here or paste https://yourmindfulpractice.com/book-a-class into your browser. 

Today we’re exploring patience and how cultivating and growing our patience allows us to strengthen our equanimity, accept things as they are, and brings us inner and outer peace.

In the podcast we explore how to be tolerant, how to work with anger, and how forgiveness and compassion come into play when we practice patience. We can’t truly be free and at peace unless we are patient. 

Patience is a characteristic of the mindful person. We’re aware of what is happening in the present moment whether it be delay or harm or pain and we can be with it without allowing frustration or anger to take over. We are tolerant, forgiving, and compassionate to ourselves and others.

I hope you enjoy the show and that you’ll be moved to support the show. 

This week I invite you to practice patience when delay or harm is present. Forgive yourself and others and patiently investigate without blaming; find the root cause; and act with compassion.

If you would like to meditate with me this week I am offering a guided meditation to members of the podcast. Go here for the guided meditation or paste to https://www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife into your browser.

Support the show by following or subscribing to the podcast where you listen and by becoming a member via Patreon by going here or pasting  www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife into your browser. 

Don’t forget to download the episodes and share them with friends and on social media. And, review the podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen. 

Thank you for listening and I’d also like to thank the people behind the scenes that make it possible

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful. 

RESOURCES/CREDITS

Compassion Institute https://www.compassioninstitute.com

The Forgiveness Project https://www.theforgivenessproject.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Follow or subscribe to the podcast, download the episodes and share them with friends and on social media. And, don’t forget to review the podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen.

Become a member via Patreon. Click here or paste  https://www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife into your browser. All members have access to a new guided meditation each week at the member website. 

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional. 

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Can you be with delays without getting upset? When trouble hits can you accept it without getting angry? When you become ill can you tolerate it, even accept it?

  • Join me! Announcing a four-week meditation class, The Four Faces of Love, meeting once a week on Zoom beginning June 7, 2023. In this class we will explore lovingkindness, compassion, appreciative joy, and equanimity. For more information and to register click here or paste https://yourmindfulpractice.com/book-a-class into your browser. 

Today we’re exploring patience and how cultivating and growing our patience allows us to strengthen our equanimity, accept things as they are, and brings us inner and outer peace.

In the podcast we explore how to be tolerant, how to work with anger, and how forgiveness and compassion come into play when we practice patience. We can’t truly be free and at peace unless we are patient. 

Patience is a characteristic of the mindful person. We’re aware of what is happening in the present moment whether it be delay or harm or pain and we can be with it without allowing frustration or anger to take over. We are tolerant, forgiving, and compassionate to ourselves and others.

I hope you enjoy the show and that you’ll be moved to support the show. 

This week I invite you to practice patience when delay or harm is present. Forgive yourself and others and patiently investigate without blaming; find the root cause; and act with compassion.

If you would like to meditate with me this week I am offering a guided meditation to members of the podcast. Go here for the guided meditation or paste to https://www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife into your browser.

Support the show by following or subscribing to the podcast where you listen and by becoming a member via Patreon by going here or pasting  www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife into your browser. 

Don’t forget to download the episodes and share them with friends and on social media. And, review the podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen. 

Thank you for listening and I’d also like to thank the people behind the scenes that make it possible

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful. 

RESOURCES/CREDITS

Compassion Institute https://www.compassioninstitute.com

The Forgiveness Project https://www.theforgivenessproject.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Follow or subscribe to the podcast, download the episodes and share them with friends and on social media. And, don’t forget to review the podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen.

Become a member via Patreon. Click here or paste  https://www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife into your browser. All members have access to a new guided meditation each week at the member website. 

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional. 

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-12940832 Thu, 01 Jun 2023 08:00:00 -0700 1267 mindful, patience,frustration,anger,forgiveness,compassion 1 67 full false Ep. 66 - Making the Effort - Getting Things Done Ep. 66 - Making the Effort - Getting Things Done Do you ever find yourself making excuses such as “I didn’t have time.” “I had to do errands.” “I got busy and forgot.”

Hello everyone and welcome. Today we’re investigating the practice of diligence and how it can not only help us get things done—like for example, our daily meditation—but also how it is about opening to our natural joy and how cultivating a joyful attitude towards what needs to get done helps us complete our tasks and makes us feel good.

We look at the reasons we need to apply diligence to doing our meditation practice and everything else worthwhile in our lives. For example, we need diligence to move from where we are now to some new place. Effort is required but often our minds are lazy. The mind likes the status quo because it likes patterns and habits. And, so we find ourselves being lazy, making excuses, and not doing something even when we know the benefits of doing it. Diligence helps us to overcome the inertia of the mind its laziness.

Diligence also protects us from idleness and defeatism.

Bringing joy to diligence is a game changer. Instead of “I have to,” that sense of “I get to” even if it is hard gives us the uplifting energy we need to see it through.

And, we talk about what to do when it feels difficult or the inertia feels insurmountable.

This week I invite you to practice joyful effort and see how it changes your practice and every day lives and don’t forget to access the guided meditation on the podcast’s member page or paste https://patreon.com/yourmindfullife into your browser.

Beginning June 7, join me in a four-week class on Love. Each week we’ll explore a different aspect of love including lovingkindness, compassion, joy and, equanimity. This class is live on Zoom. To learn more and book the class go  here or paste https://www.yourmindfulpractice.com/book-a-class into your browser.

Thank you for listening. I so appreciate you and the people behind the scenes that make the podcast possible.

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production; 

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show 

Be well. Be mindful. 

WEBSITE

www.yourmindfulpractice.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW 

Follow or subscribe to the podcast, download the episodes and share them with friends and on social media. And, don’t forget to review the podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen. 

Become a member via Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife. All members have access to each week's guided meditation on the member website or paste https://www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife into your browser. 

BOOK-A-CLASS

Register for the mindfulness meditation class live on Zoom on June 7, 14, 21, and 28. During these four weeks we will explore the Four Faces of Love. For more information or to register click here or paste https://www.yourmindfulpractice.com/book-a-class into your browser.  

DISCLAIMER 

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional. 

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Do you ever find yourself making excuses such as “I didn’t have time.” “I had to do errands.” “I got busy and forgot.”

Hello everyone and welcome. Today we’re investigating the practice of diligence and how it can not only help us get things done—like for example, our daily meditation—but also how it is about opening to our natural joy and how cultivating a joyful attitude towards what needs to get done helps us complete our tasks and makes us feel good.

We look at the reasons we need to apply diligence to doing our meditation practice and everything else worthwhile in our lives. For example, we need diligence to move from where we are now to some new place. Effort is required but often our minds are lazy. The mind likes the status quo because it likes patterns and habits. And, so we find ourselves being lazy, making excuses, and not doing something even when we know the benefits of doing it. Diligence helps us to overcome the inertia of the mind its laziness.

Diligence also protects us from idleness and defeatism.

Bringing joy to diligence is a game changer. Instead of “I have to,” that sense of “I get to” even if it is hard gives us the uplifting energy we need to see it through.

And, we talk about what to do when it feels difficult or the inertia feels insurmountable.

This week I invite you to practice joyful effort and see how it changes your practice and every day lives and don’t forget to access the guided meditation on the podcast’s member page or paste https://patreon.com/yourmindfullife into your browser.

Beginning June 7, join me in a four-week class on Love. Each week we’ll explore a different aspect of love including lovingkindness, compassion, joy and, equanimity. This class is live on Zoom. To learn more and book the class go  here or paste https://www.yourmindfulpractice.com/book-a-class into your browser.

Thank you for listening. I so appreciate you and the people behind the scenes that make the podcast possible.

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production; 

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show 

Be well. Be mindful. 

WEBSITE

www.yourmindfulpractice.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW 

Follow or subscribe to the podcast, download the episodes and share them with friends and on social media. And, don’t forget to review the podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen. 

Become a member via Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife. All members have access to each week's guided meditation on the member website or paste https://www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife into your browser. 

BOOK-A-CLASS

Register for the mindfulness meditation class live on Zoom on June 7, 14, 21, and 28. During these four weeks we will explore the Four Faces of Love. For more information or to register click here or paste https://www.yourmindfulpractice.com/book-a-class into your browser.  

DISCLAIMER 

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional. 

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-12898102 Thu, 25 May 2023 08:00:00 -0700 1074 diligence,joyful effort,mindfulness,laziness,idelness,defeatism 1 66 full false Ep. 65 - How Do You Like It? Ep. 65 - How Do You Like It? Do you have a favorite place or time of day to meditate? If the space around you is noisy, do you feel that you can’t meditate? Or maybe you feel that other conditions are necessary to be able to meditate? Do your preferences dictate your experience?

Today we’re talking about how preferences can intrude on our ability to be with it all—to be mindful—in our practice and everywhere else.

We are continuously striving for comfort—even in our meditation practice. We like what we like. Maybe a certain chair or cushion, a time of day, a space or room. What happens then when conditions change and what we prefer is not available to us?

Some of us may go with the flow; and others might say, “This isn’t OK.” I can’t meditate in these conditions.

What goes on on the the cushion or chair is also what goes on in our every day lives. The constant wanting comfort; the wanting things to be how we like them.

Often we are not even aware of how we strive for comfort and for everything to be just so. It’s automatic unless we begin to be aware and pay attention. So, how do we get to know our preferences? 

That's what we talk about today and also talk about practicing mindfulness of feeling tone.  As one of my students recently said, “Practicing feeling tone of experience is really powerful; it wakes me up!”

I invite you you to recognize your preferences and to be aware of the feeling tone of experience. Then let go and be in the moment with whatever is happening and however it is happening. 

This week the guided meditation on my Patreon page is a Feeling Tone of Experience meditation. Members can access it under Posts. If you’d like to access the weekly guided meditation become a member by going here or by copying and pasting https://www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife into your browser. 

Enjoy the show.

I’m grateful that you are here and I’m grateful for the people behind the scenes that make the podcast possible

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful. 

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Follow or subscribe to the podcast, download the episodes and share them with friends and on social media. 

Review the podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen. 

Become a member via Patreon. Click here to become a member. All members have access to a new guided meditation each week at the member website. That’s www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife.

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional. 

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Do you have a favorite place or time of day to meditate? If the space around you is noisy, do you feel that you can’t meditate? Or maybe you feel that other conditions are necessary to be able to meditate? Do your preferences dictate your experience?

Today we’re talking about how preferences can intrude on our ability to be with it all—to be mindful—in our practice and everywhere else.

We are continuously striving for comfort—even in our meditation practice. We like what we like. Maybe a certain chair or cushion, a time of day, a space or room. What happens then when conditions change and what we prefer is not available to us?

Some of us may go with the flow; and others might say, “This isn’t OK.” I can’t meditate in these conditions.

What goes on on the the cushion or chair is also what goes on in our every day lives. The constant wanting comfort; the wanting things to be how we like them.

Often we are not even aware of how we strive for comfort and for everything to be just so. It’s automatic unless we begin to be aware and pay attention. So, how do we get to know our preferences? 

That's what we talk about today and also talk about practicing mindfulness of feeling tone.  As one of my students recently said, “Practicing feeling tone of experience is really powerful; it wakes me up!”

I invite you you to recognize your preferences and to be aware of the feeling tone of experience. Then let go and be in the moment with whatever is happening and however it is happening. 

This week the guided meditation on my Patreon page is a Feeling Tone of Experience meditation. Members can access it under Posts. If you’d like to access the weekly guided meditation become a member by going here or by copying and pasting https://www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife into your browser. 

Enjoy the show.

I’m grateful that you are here and I’m grateful for the people behind the scenes that make the podcast possible

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful. 

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Follow or subscribe to the podcast, download the episodes and share them with friends and on social media. 

Review the podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen. 

Become a member via Patreon. Click here to become a member. All members have access to a new guided meditation each week at the member website. That’s www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife.

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional. 

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-12869073 Thu, 18 May 2023 08:00:00 -0700 1063 feeling tone of experience, feeling tone, meditation, mindfulness 1 65 full false Ep. 64 - The Mindful Pause Ep. 64 - The Mindful Pause Do you ever wonder how you can step away from getting carried away by emotions? Or, how you can step away from reacting when something goes wrong or isn’t turning out as you expected it to? Or have you ever caught yourself reacting via automatic pilot and then wished you hadn’t?

Hello and welcome everyone. This week we're investigating how pausing is a powerful ally helping us to stay balanced even when emotions are running strong.

Often we react on automatic pilot. We automatically lash out. In this mode we are not aware of how we are reacting. And, often feelings of regret swamp us when we realize what we have just done or said. 

Automatic pilot is sometimes helpful. We don't have to think how to drive a car each time we get behind the steering wheel. We don't have to remember how to tie our shoes or type. We just know.

But when someone says something we don't like or a situation is different than what we expected and we lash out either through words or actions, we suffer. The pause is the path to mindfulness and away from this suffering. 

The pause gives us time and space to focus our awareness on the breath and calm down our overwrought nervous system. It gives us space and time to ask ourselves "What's happening now?" helping us to wake up our awareness. 

It gives us time to consider what our intention is so that we enquire if that intention serves us or not.

It gives us time to WAIT asking ourselves "Why Am I Talking." It shows us how silence and listening help.

When we pause we slow down the interaction, we give ourselves time for our thinking brain to come on line. We give ourselves the opportunity to respond appropriately. 

I hope you enjoy the podcast and invite you to pause often.

Thanks for listening and thanks to the people behind the scenes that make the podcast possible. 

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production; 

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show 

Be well. Be mindful. 

SUPPORT THE SHOW 

Follow or subscribe to the podcast, download the episodes and share them with friends and on social media. And, don’t forget to review the podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen. 

Become a member via Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife. All members have access to a new guided meditation each week on the member website. That’s https://www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife. 

DISCLAIMER 

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional. 

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Do you ever wonder how you can step away from getting carried away by emotions? Or, how you can step away from reacting when something goes wrong or isn’t turning out as you expected it to? Or have you ever caught yourself reacting via automatic pilot and then wished you hadn’t?

Hello and welcome everyone. This week we're investigating how pausing is a powerful ally helping us to stay balanced even when emotions are running strong.

Often we react on automatic pilot. We automatically lash out. In this mode we are not aware of how we are reacting. And, often feelings of regret swamp us when we realize what we have just done or said. 

Automatic pilot is sometimes helpful. We don't have to think how to drive a car each time we get behind the steering wheel. We don't have to remember how to tie our shoes or type. We just know.

But when someone says something we don't like or a situation is different than what we expected and we lash out either through words or actions, we suffer. The pause is the path to mindfulness and away from this suffering. 

The pause gives us time and space to focus our awareness on the breath and calm down our overwrought nervous system. It gives us space and time to ask ourselves "What's happening now?" helping us to wake up our awareness. 

It gives us time to consider what our intention is so that we enquire if that intention serves us or not.

It gives us time to WAIT asking ourselves "Why Am I Talking." It shows us how silence and listening help.

When we pause we slow down the interaction, we give ourselves time for our thinking brain to come on line. We give ourselves the opportunity to respond appropriately. 

I hope you enjoy the podcast and invite you to pause often.

Thanks for listening and thanks to the people behind the scenes that make the podcast possible. 

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production; 

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show 

Be well. Be mindful. 

SUPPORT THE SHOW 

Follow or subscribe to the podcast, download the episodes and share them with friends and on social media. And, don’t forget to review the podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen. 

Become a member via Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife. All members have access to a new guided meditation each week on the member website. That’s https://www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife. 

DISCLAIMER 

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional. 

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-12717051 Thu, 11 May 2023 08:00:00 -0700 608 pause, automatic pilot, mindfulness, why-am-I-talking 1 64 full false Ep.63 - Why Are We Always Talking About The Body Ep.63 - Why Are We Always Talking About The Body Do you ever wonder why we are always talking about the body when we talk about mindfulness? Do you wonder what the body has to do with knowing the mind? 

Hello and welcome everyone. This week we are talking about the body and why the body is essential to our practice of mindfulness.

It's simple. We live our lives through the body. We practice mindfulness through the body. Remember our very first meditation is mindfulness of the breath! The body and mind are intricately linked. 

But it is not so simple. We are conditioned to have an adversarial or unrealistic relationship with the body. We are taught to ignore the body.

We explore how the body supports training our minds. How we decondition the mind from beliefs about the body by understanding how the body is a portal to the mind--the seat of our dissatisfaction and suffering. The body tells us exactly what is happening in the moment and with this information we can be with what is happening, enquire about what's behind it, and allow it to unwind and let go. 

I hope you enjoy the podcast. Thanks for listening.

I’d also like to thank the people behind the scenes that make it possible

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful. 

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Follow or subscribe to the podcast, download the episodes and share them with friends and on social media. And, don’t forget to review the podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen. 

Become a member via Patreon.  All members have access to a new guided meditation each week at the member website. Become a member and get your meditation at https:// www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife.

RESOURCES/CREDITS

Galeano, Eduardo, Walking Words, W.W. Norton & Company, New York, 1997

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional. 

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Do you ever wonder why we are always talking about the body when we talk about mindfulness? Do you wonder what the body has to do with knowing the mind? 

Hello and welcome everyone. This week we are talking about the body and why the body is essential to our practice of mindfulness.

It's simple. We live our lives through the body. We practice mindfulness through the body. Remember our very first meditation is mindfulness of the breath! The body and mind are intricately linked. 

But it is not so simple. We are conditioned to have an adversarial or unrealistic relationship with the body. We are taught to ignore the body.

We explore how the body supports training our minds. How we decondition the mind from beliefs about the body by understanding how the body is a portal to the mind--the seat of our dissatisfaction and suffering. The body tells us exactly what is happening in the moment and with this information we can be with what is happening, enquire about what's behind it, and allow it to unwind and let go. 

I hope you enjoy the podcast. Thanks for listening.

I’d also like to thank the people behind the scenes that make it possible

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful. 

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Follow or subscribe to the podcast, download the episodes and share them with friends and on social media. And, don’t forget to review the podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen. 

Become a member via Patreon.  All members have access to a new guided meditation each week at the member website. Become a member and get your meditation at https:// www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife.

RESOURCES/CREDITS

Galeano, Eduardo, Walking Words, W.W. Norton & Company, New York, 1997

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional. 

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-12713709 Thu, 04 May 2023 08:00:00 -0700 911 mindfulness-and-body,spacious awareness, awareness 1 63 full false Ep. 62 - What's Getting in the Way Between Me and Presence Ep. 62 - What's Getting in the Way Between Me and Presence Do you ever feel there is something getting in the way between you and presence—being fully aware and alive in the moment?

This week we’re looking at obstacles—those mind states that get in the way of our being present—of being mindful. Learning to recognize them is the first step in alleviating them. Learning how to use mindfulness to alleviate them follows.

Often it feels like we are in battle when in the throes of these mind states. Using the imagery of battle might be jarring but with it comes a flash of recognition. “Yeah, it does feel like that.” We are at war with our minds. 

So what are these mind states that keep us from presence? 

Desires of the senses—attachment to sense pleasures. You know, the thrill and excitement of buying stuff, doing stuff, and showing off stuff. We get attached to it. We grasp at it and don’t let go. We get what we want and then we want something else or something more. There is always something more that we have to have.

Dislike, hate, and anger. When these arise we are pushing what doesn’t please us away. We don’t like it. We hate it. We’re angry—get out of here. We feel the energy of pushing it away, turning our back on it or wanting to get rid of it.

Lethargy, laziness or a reluctance or unwillingness to make an effort. How often do we feel stuck or we feel unwilling to move from a position?

Restlessness—the inability to stop the pin ball mind. Racing thoughts and an inability to concentrate on anything characterize this mind state.

Doubt—that feeling of uncertainty and confusion that stops us in our tracks. It doesn’t feel good. Emotions of fear usually arise.

We can free our minds of these states. Using mindfulness and aids to help us enter mindfulness accompanied by loving kindness are the ways that we change these mind states and train our minds not to get caught up in them. We show you how.

I hope you’ll enjoy the show.

And,  I’d like to thank the people behind the scenes that make it possible.

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful. 

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Follow or subscribe to the podcast, download the episodes and share them with friends and on social media. And, don’t forget to review the podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen. 

Become a member via Patreon. Go to www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife. All members have access to a new guided meditation each week at the member website. That’s https://www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife.

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional. 

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Do you ever feel there is something getting in the way between you and presence—being fully aware and alive in the moment?

This week we’re looking at obstacles—those mind states that get in the way of our being present—of being mindful. Learning to recognize them is the first step in alleviating them. Learning how to use mindfulness to alleviate them follows.

Often it feels like we are in battle when in the throes of these mind states. Using the imagery of battle might be jarring but with it comes a flash of recognition. “Yeah, it does feel like that.” We are at war with our minds. 

So what are these mind states that keep us from presence? 

Desires of the senses—attachment to sense pleasures. You know, the thrill and excitement of buying stuff, doing stuff, and showing off stuff. We get attached to it. We grasp at it and don’t let go. We get what we want and then we want something else or something more. There is always something more that we have to have.

Dislike, hate, and anger. When these arise we are pushing what doesn’t please us away. We don’t like it. We hate it. We’re angry—get out of here. We feel the energy of pushing it away, turning our back on it or wanting to get rid of it.

Lethargy, laziness or a reluctance or unwillingness to make an effort. How often do we feel stuck or we feel unwilling to move from a position?

Restlessness—the inability to stop the pin ball mind. Racing thoughts and an inability to concentrate on anything characterize this mind state.

Doubt—that feeling of uncertainty and confusion that stops us in our tracks. It doesn’t feel good. Emotions of fear usually arise.

We can free our minds of these states. Using mindfulness and aids to help us enter mindfulness accompanied by loving kindness are the ways that we change these mind states and train our minds not to get caught up in them. We show you how.

I hope you’ll enjoy the show.

And,  I’d like to thank the people behind the scenes that make it possible.

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful. 

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Follow or subscribe to the podcast, download the episodes and share them with friends and on social media. And, don’t forget to review the podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen. 

Become a member via Patreon. Go to www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife. All members have access to a new guided meditation each week at the member website. That’s https://www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife.

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional. 

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-12713512 Thu, 27 Apr 2023 08:00:00 -0700 1405 1 62 full false Ep. 61 - I Have To Fix It Ep. 61 - I Have To Fix It When something happens and you don’t like it what then? Do you feel compelled to fix it? Are you always wanting the situation to be different than it is or to go away?

Hello and welcome everyone. This week we are looking at how we get stuck when we don’t like the world as it is and feel compelled to fix it.

We don’t like what is happening. It should be different. We hate it. We want it to go away. We have to fix it. So, we start fixing life to make it look like how we want it. It feels like we are at war—that we must change it or else. Or, else what?

We ask what are we holding onto that makes us feel so miserable and how do we let it be and how do we let it go. We see that mindfulness sets us free.

I hope you enjoy the show this week. Thank you for listening.

I’d also like to thank the people behind the scenes that make the podcast possible.

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful. 

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Follow or subscribe to the podcast.

Become a member via Patreon. All members have access to a new guided meditation each week on Thursdays at the member website. Click here or copy and paste https://www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife in your browser to become a member and access the guided meditations.

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional. 

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> When something happens and you don’t like it what then? Do you feel compelled to fix it? Are you always wanting the situation to be different than it is or to go away?

Hello and welcome everyone. This week we are looking at how we get stuck when we don’t like the world as it is and feel compelled to fix it.

We don’t like what is happening. It should be different. We hate it. We want it to go away. We have to fix it. So, we start fixing life to make it look like how we want it. It feels like we are at war—that we must change it or else. Or, else what?

We ask what are we holding onto that makes us feel so miserable and how do we let it be and how do we let it go. We see that mindfulness sets us free.

I hope you enjoy the show this week. Thank you for listening.

I’d also like to thank the people behind the scenes that make the podcast possible.

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful. 

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Follow or subscribe to the podcast.

Become a member via Patreon. All members have access to a new guided meditation each week on Thursdays at the member website. Click here or copy and paste https://www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife in your browser to become a member and access the guided meditations.

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional. 

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-12674772 Thu, 20 Apr 2023 08:00:00 -0700 1042 let be, let go, mindfulness 1 61 full false Ep. 60 - The Man Who Wouldn't Come In From The Cold Ep. 60 - The Man Who Wouldn't Come In From The Cold  Have you ever thought about the importance of community and what it means in your life?

 Today’s podcast is about The Man Who Wouldn’t Come In From the Cold and how he teaches us about community and the meaning of life. 

I hope you are enjoying the show . To thank you and to support your practice each week on Thursday a new guided meditation will be available on the member site. To access the guided meditation go to https://patreon.com/yourmindfullife.

Awhile ago I read an article in The New York Times about a doctor who has spent his career working with unhoused people living on the streets and sleeping rough under bridges, in subways, and in makeshift accommodations.  It stayed with me and with it came questions about the meaning of life and community, asking to look deeper into what it means to be mindful—to really pay attention in the moment—and what it means to be compassionate—to really help without having a stake in the outcome.
 
Some of the questions we explore are : Am I really present? Am I seeing what is here? Or am I seeing only some perspective that serves me in some—to scare me away so I’ll be safe or to assume that somehow I have the answer  to the messiness in front of me.

Some of the questions are tough—like who is this compassionate act serving? Me? Or the person who is receiving my action? And, am I tied somehow to the outcome—something in me wanting to be this way and not that way.

When we are really present we are not taking sides, nor are we assuming we have the answers. The power of presence is that it allows us to really see—to pause and to ask clarifying questions—and the power of compassion is that is allows us to answer the question, "How can I help without being tied to the outcome?" Both show us the power of letting go—letting go of our attitudes and beliefs and letting go of wanting to control outcomes.

Perhaps this week, ponder how the stories we hear can help us to be more present, to get to know how our minds work, and to be truly compassionate.

Thank you for listening.

I’d also like to thank the people behind the show that make it possible

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful. 

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Follow or subscribe and review the podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen. 

Become a member of the show via Patreon and receive a weekly guided meditation by clicking here or copy the link and :paste in your browser www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife.

Thank you with all my heart.

CREDITS/RESOURCES

Kidder, Tracy, “‘You Have to learn to Listen’: How a Doctor Cares for Boston’s Homeless.” The New York Times, digital edition, January 5, 2023. Adapted from the book by Tracy Kidder, Rough Sleepers: Dr Jim O’Connell’s Urgent Mission to Bring Healing to Homeless People, Random House, New York, January 2023 

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional. 

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]>  Have you ever thought about the importance of community and what it means in your life?

 Today’s podcast is about The Man Who Wouldn’t Come In From the Cold and how he teaches us about community and the meaning of life. 

I hope you are enjoying the show . To thank you and to support your practice each week on Thursday a new guided meditation will be available on the member site. To access the guided meditation go to https://patreon.com/yourmindfullife.

Awhile ago I read an article in The New York Times about a doctor who has spent his career working with unhoused people living on the streets and sleeping rough under bridges, in subways, and in makeshift accommodations.  It stayed with me and with it came questions about the meaning of life and community, asking to look deeper into what it means to be mindful—to really pay attention in the moment—and what it means to be compassionate—to really help without having a stake in the outcome.
 
Some of the questions we explore are : Am I really present? Am I seeing what is here? Or am I seeing only some perspective that serves me in some—to scare me away so I’ll be safe or to assume that somehow I have the answer  to the messiness in front of me.

Some of the questions are tough—like who is this compassionate act serving? Me? Or the person who is receiving my action? And, am I tied somehow to the outcome—something in me wanting to be this way and not that way.

When we are really present we are not taking sides, nor are we assuming we have the answers. The power of presence is that it allows us to really see—to pause and to ask clarifying questions—and the power of compassion is that is allows us to answer the question, "How can I help without being tied to the outcome?" Both show us the power of letting go—letting go of our attitudes and beliefs and letting go of wanting to control outcomes.

Perhaps this week, ponder how the stories we hear can help us to be more present, to get to know how our minds work, and to be truly compassionate.

Thank you for listening.

I’d also like to thank the people behind the show that make it possible

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful. 

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Follow or subscribe and review the podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen. 

Become a member of the show via Patreon and receive a weekly guided meditation by clicking here or copy the link and :paste in your browser www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife.

Thank you with all my heart.

CREDITS/RESOURCES

Kidder, Tracy, “‘You Have to learn to Listen’: How a Doctor Cares for Boston’s Homeless.” The New York Times, digital edition, January 5, 2023. Adapted from the book by Tracy Kidder, Rough Sleepers: Dr Jim O’Connell’s Urgent Mission to Bring Healing to Homeless People, Random House, New York, January 2023 

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional. 

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-12632351 Thu, 13 Apr 2023 08:00:00 -0700 1010 present, compassionate, how can I help, mindful,homeless 1 60 full false Ep. 59 - What My Hand Taught Me Ep. 59 - What My Hand Taught Me How can we be more mindful in our everyday lives? How does mindfulness open us us to see and alleviate our own suffering?

Hello and welcome everyone. In this week’s podcast we’re looking at how mindfulness operates in our everyday lives by examining it through the lens of our experience. So much of the time we operate under automatic pilot even when we think we are being mindful of the present moment.

I am delighted to let you know that beginning this week every Thursday, I will be posting a weekly guided meditation for members of the podcast. If you are already a member just go to the member page on Patreon to access the guided meditation. If you are not a member and would like to become one, sign up here or copy and paste the link https://www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife into your browser.

Your support is so important and I thank you with all my heart.

Being mindful in our everyday lives takes effort. We may practice meditation and have the intention of being mindful throughout the day and then what happens?

Our minds, instead of being here moment-to-moment, get busy and we begin leaning forward rushing from this to that. Congestion builds and tension and constriction arise as we lose spacious awareness. Concentration fizzles as the mind rushes here and there. Equanimity drifts away—we become reactive rather than even, balanced and non-judgmental. We forget to respond compassionately; instead we beat ourselves up. And, our emotional states instead of flowing through us, may start running the show.

All of this may be ,subtle… so subtle that we don’t realize it until something big happens that grabs our attention.

The big thing that happened that grabbed my attention was my hand. And what my hand taught me is what I share today. It taught me about suffering, concentration, equanimity, and compassion and how wisdom starts with mindfulness. I hope that my experience resonates with you and enlivens your mindfulness in your everyday life.

I so appreciate you and hope you are enjoying the podcast. In addition to your membership, you can support it by following or subscribing to the podcast, downloading the episodes and sharing them with friends and on social media. And, don’t forget to review the podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen.

I also grateful for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible.

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful. 

CREDITS/RESOURCES

I would like to acknowledge my teacher, Joseph Goldstein, whose wise teachings have guided my practice for so many years and to who, I am so grateful. https://www.dharma.org/teacher/joseph-goldstein/

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional. 

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> How can we be more mindful in our everyday lives? How does mindfulness open us us to see and alleviate our own suffering?

Hello and welcome everyone. In this week’s podcast we’re looking at how mindfulness operates in our everyday lives by examining it through the lens of our experience. So much of the time we operate under automatic pilot even when we think we are being mindful of the present moment.

I am delighted to let you know that beginning this week every Thursday, I will be posting a weekly guided meditation for members of the podcast. If you are already a member just go to the member page on Patreon to access the guided meditation. If you are not a member and would like to become one, sign up here or copy and paste the link https://www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife into your browser.

Your support is so important and I thank you with all my heart.

Being mindful in our everyday lives takes effort. We may practice meditation and have the intention of being mindful throughout the day and then what happens?

Our minds, instead of being here moment-to-moment, get busy and we begin leaning forward rushing from this to that. Congestion builds and tension and constriction arise as we lose spacious awareness. Concentration fizzles as the mind rushes here and there. Equanimity drifts away—we become reactive rather than even, balanced and non-judgmental. We forget to respond compassionately; instead we beat ourselves up. And, our emotional states instead of flowing through us, may start running the show.

All of this may be ,subtle… so subtle that we don’t realize it until something big happens that grabs our attention.

The big thing that happened that grabbed my attention was my hand. And what my hand taught me is what I share today. It taught me about suffering, concentration, equanimity, and compassion and how wisdom starts with mindfulness. I hope that my experience resonates with you and enlivens your mindfulness in your everyday life.

I so appreciate you and hope you are enjoying the podcast. In addition to your membership, you can support it by following or subscribing to the podcast, downloading the episodes and sharing them with friends and on social media. And, don’t forget to review the podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen.

I also grateful for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible.

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful. 

CREDITS/RESOURCES

I would like to acknowledge my teacher, Joseph Goldstein, whose wise teachings have guided my practice for so many years and to who, I am so grateful. https://www.dharma.org/teacher/joseph-goldstein/

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional. 

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-12589992 Thu, 06 Apr 2023 08:00:00 -0700 902 mindful,compassion,concentration,equanimity,suffering 1 59 full false Ep. 58 - Be Playful Ep. 58 - Be Playful Today we’re exploring playfulness and how to be more playful. 

I hope you are enjoying the show and that you will continue to welcome it into your lives.  Follow or subscribe to the podcast, download the episodes and share them with friends and on social media. And, don’t forget to review the podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen. 

Beginning next month, in April 2023, as a member of the podcast, you’ll receive a weekly guided meditation from me as a thank you for your support. If you are not already a member, sign up today at Patreon.

Your support is so important and I thank you with all my heart.
  
Some of us are more playful than others by nature. Some of us embrace our playfulness while others don’t. We may forget to be playful or we steer clear of playfulness because we’re afraid others won’t take us seriously. Maybe we remember how others disparaged the class clown or we have been taught that to get anywhere in this world we need to be serious and no one told us to be seriously playful.

Our brains get in the way—the negativity bias of the brain always being on the lookout for threats and sees the negative rather than the positive.

Playfulness thrives when we let in the good, the novel, and the unexpected. It springs forth when we make new associations, use our creative juices, and feel comfortable with others. We become more playful by practicing playfulness.

Playfulness is for everyone, not just kids. When we are playful, we’re learning how to learn, reducing stress and decreasing tension, and increasing our ability to see things in new ways and solve problems. There are different ways in which we can be playful.By listening to the podcast, maybe you’ll discover which flavor of playfulness suits you and you'll explore how it manifests in your life.

Our mindfulness practice helps us to cultivate a playful state of mind and our playfulness helps us to cultivate mindfulness. So how do we practice being more playful? Here’s a glimpse.

Have the intention.

Pay attention.

Be curious.

Spend time.

Write it down.

This week I invite you to explore all the ways in which you are playful and make the intention to cultivate playfulness in your life. See where it takes you. Enjoy the show.

Thank you to all the  people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible.

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful. 

CREDITS/RESOURCES

Mission Joy: Finding Happiness in Troubled Times. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14779306/

Proyer R.T., Gander F., Brauer K., Chick G. Can Playfulness be Stimulated? A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Online Playfulness Intervention Study on Effects on Trait Playfulness, Well-Being, and Depression. Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being (2020). doi: 10.1111/aphw.12220

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional. 

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Today we’re exploring playfulness and how to be more playful. 

I hope you are enjoying the show and that you will continue to welcome it into your lives.  Follow or subscribe to the podcast, download the episodes and share them with friends and on social media. And, don’t forget to review the podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen. 

Beginning next month, in April 2023, as a member of the podcast, you’ll receive a weekly guided meditation from me as a thank you for your support. If you are not already a member, sign up today at Patreon.

Your support is so important and I thank you with all my heart.
  
Some of us are more playful than others by nature. Some of us embrace our playfulness while others don’t. We may forget to be playful or we steer clear of playfulness because we’re afraid others won’t take us seriously. Maybe we remember how others disparaged the class clown or we have been taught that to get anywhere in this world we need to be serious and no one told us to be seriously playful.

Our brains get in the way—the negativity bias of the brain always being on the lookout for threats and sees the negative rather than the positive.

Playfulness thrives when we let in the good, the novel, and the unexpected. It springs forth when we make new associations, use our creative juices, and feel comfortable with others. We become more playful by practicing playfulness.

Playfulness is for everyone, not just kids. When we are playful, we’re learning how to learn, reducing stress and decreasing tension, and increasing our ability to see things in new ways and solve problems. There are different ways in which we can be playful.By listening to the podcast, maybe you’ll discover which flavor of playfulness suits you and you'll explore how it manifests in your life.

Our mindfulness practice helps us to cultivate a playful state of mind and our playfulness helps us to cultivate mindfulness. So how do we practice being more playful? Here’s a glimpse.

Have the intention.

Pay attention.

Be curious.

Spend time.

Write it down.

This week I invite you to explore all the ways in which you are playful and make the intention to cultivate playfulness in your life. See where it takes you. Enjoy the show.

Thank you to all the  people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible.

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful. 

CREDITS/RESOURCES

Mission Joy: Finding Happiness in Troubled Times. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14779306/

Proyer R.T., Gander F., Brauer K., Chick G. Can Playfulness be Stimulated? A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Online Playfulness Intervention Study on Effects on Trait Playfulness, Well-Being, and Depression. Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being (2020). doi: 10.1111/aphw.12220

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional. 

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-12536083 Thu, 30 Mar 2023 08:00:00 -0700 999 playfulness, mindfulness,curiosity,negativity bias 1 58 full false Ep. 57 - How We Are In A Relationship Tells Us Who We Are in The Moment Ep. 57 - How We Are In A Relationship Tells Us Who We Are in The Moment Do you ever project what is going on inside of you onto to someone else? Do you ever find yourself being unkind to someone and then afterwards asking, “What was that all about?”  Do you notice how different aspects of who you are show up in different relationships?

Today we’re exploring how who we are in the moment shows up in our relationships—in our connections with those around us and how by being mindful and investigating what arises allows us to change behaviors, feeling, and attitudes that don’t serve us and to cultivate those that do. 

I hope you are enjoying the show and that you will continue to welcome it into your lives. Please follow or subscribe to the podcast, download the episodes and share them with friends and on social media. And, don’t forget to review the podcast on Apple podcasts or Spotify or wherever you listen.

It might sound strange, but by supporting the show in these ways, the show becomes more visible and more easy to find so that others can join us in living a mindful life.

Your support is so important and I thank you with all my heart. 

When we are in our relationship with others that we act out both our helpful and hurtful aspects of ourselves—those that serve us and those that don’t. How we are in relationship tells us who we are in that moment. 

Today we explore many of the ways that we project who we are in the moment onto others and how others project who they are onto us. We talk about how to act skillfully whether we are giving or receiving. 

In relationship, we find our kindness, compassion, generosity, and wisdom.  These qualities are not abstractions or nice to think about, they require our direct experience with others to realize their benefits of calm, peace, freedom, and clarity, and courage.

When we are these aspects of ourselves, we open ourselves to the good. When we let the good permeate every aspect of ourselves, we change who we are. 

In relationship, we also find ourselves acting out the habits and patterns that cause us suffering—that bring us feelings of dissatisfaction, pain, regret, and stuckness and makes us feel heavy, inert, and unable to move. We may feel trapped, needy, sad, or agitated.

In these moments, we may believe it is the other that is the cause of all this when it is actually us. When we wake up to what's happening right now honestly, we see it is us--not the other person. We talk about the skillful practices of equanimity, intention, and impact. And, we see how being compassionate with ourselves and others breaks through everything.

This week I invite you to be mindful in your interactions with others. What aspects of yourself are showing up? What dissatisfaction is showing up? Hold up a mirror and you’ll see yourself just as you are—your discontent as well as your contentment. Use the reflection to skillfully investigate with curiosity and friendliness what’s not serving you and bringing your generosity, let it go.

Enjoy the show.  I so appreciate you and also appreciate the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible.

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful. 

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professio

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Do you ever project what is going on inside of you onto to someone else? Do you ever find yourself being unkind to someone and then afterwards asking, “What was that all about?”  Do you notice how different aspects of who you are show up in different relationships?

Today we’re exploring how who we are in the moment shows up in our relationships—in our connections with those around us and how by being mindful and investigating what arises allows us to change behaviors, feeling, and attitudes that don’t serve us and to cultivate those that do. 

I hope you are enjoying the show and that you will continue to welcome it into your lives. Please follow or subscribe to the podcast, download the episodes and share them with friends and on social media. And, don’t forget to review the podcast on Apple podcasts or Spotify or wherever you listen.

It might sound strange, but by supporting the show in these ways, the show becomes more visible and more easy to find so that others can join us in living a mindful life.

Your support is so important and I thank you with all my heart. 

When we are in our relationship with others that we act out both our helpful and hurtful aspects of ourselves—those that serve us and those that don’t. How we are in relationship tells us who we are in that moment. 

Today we explore many of the ways that we project who we are in the moment onto others and how others project who they are onto us. We talk about how to act skillfully whether we are giving or receiving. 

In relationship, we find our kindness, compassion, generosity, and wisdom.  These qualities are not abstractions or nice to think about, they require our direct experience with others to realize their benefits of calm, peace, freedom, and clarity, and courage.

When we are these aspects of ourselves, we open ourselves to the good. When we let the good permeate every aspect of ourselves, we change who we are. 

In relationship, we also find ourselves acting out the habits and patterns that cause us suffering—that bring us feelings of dissatisfaction, pain, regret, and stuckness and makes us feel heavy, inert, and unable to move. We may feel trapped, needy, sad, or agitated.

In these moments, we may believe it is the other that is the cause of all this when it is actually us. When we wake up to what's happening right now honestly, we see it is us--not the other person. We talk about the skillful practices of equanimity, intention, and impact. And, we see how being compassionate with ourselves and others breaks through everything.

This week I invite you to be mindful in your interactions with others. What aspects of yourself are showing up? What dissatisfaction is showing up? Hold up a mirror and you’ll see yourself just as you are—your discontent as well as your contentment. Use the reflection to skillfully investigate with curiosity and friendliness what’s not serving you and bringing your generosity, let it go.

Enjoy the show.  I so appreciate you and also appreciate the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible.

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful. 

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professio

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-12489645 Thu, 23 Mar 2023 08:00:00 -0700 1244 mindful, relationship,suffering,equanimity,compassion, 1 57 full false Ep. 56 - Generosity Is So Much More Than We Think Ep. 56 - Generosity Is So Much More Than We Think Today we’re exploring generosity and how it is so much more than we think it is, how it can free us and reshape the world in which we live. 

I hope you are enjoying the show and that you will continue to welcome it into your lives. Please follow or subscribe to the podcast, download the episodes and share them with friends and on social media. And, don’t forget to review the podcast on Apple podcasts or Spotify or wherever you listen. 

When you review the show, you are letting others know that the show is worthwhile and of value. The algorithms recognize your preferences and then make the show more visible to others who might also enjoy it. Your support is so important and I thank you with all my heart.

Our social conditioning makes us immediately think about generosity as giving away stuff—things like money, belongings we no longer use, or food.  But it is more than that. Generosity is relinquishing—letting go—not just of material things but also attitudes, ideas, beliefs, and viewpoints that don’t serve ourselves and others. 

Letting go is what frees us from the constant, nagging sense of dissatisfaction that we carry around with us—manifesting in the mind as worry and feelings of unworthiness, and in the body as stress, tension, and illness.

We explore how generosity is at the heart of discovering and letting go of ideas, attitudes, and viewpoints that are invisible to us because we are so accustomed to them. These attitudes and viewpoints permeate our society and create what Isabel Wilkerson calls the invisible scaffolding that keeps in place who is valued and who is not; who receives privilege, recognition, and access to the beneficial.

Do we value all equally? Do we see everyone as worthy? We do not. Cultivating generosity leads us to actively relinquishing our privilege, our bias, and our hurtful attitudes towards ourselves and others. Do we see the racism, ageism, sexism, and institutionalization of violence that permeates the structure of our society?

Once we are aware, what then? Awareness is necessary but not enough to create change. What actions will we take to relinquish these invisible ideas, attitudes, and privileges that keep the scaffolding in place?  What will we do to relieve our own and others’ suffering?

This week, take some time to contemplate how the invisible scaffolding of who is valued and who is not plays out in your life. And, then see in what ways you can increase your generosity and reduce suffering by purposely changing your ideas, attitudes, and viewpoints through action.

Thank you for listening. I so appreciate you and also appreciate the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible.

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful. 

REOURCES/CREDITS
Isabel Wilkerson, Caste: The origins Of Our Discontents, Random House, New York, 2020

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your medical or health professional.

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Today we’re exploring generosity and how it is so much more than we think it is, how it can free us and reshape the world in which we live. 

I hope you are enjoying the show and that you will continue to welcome it into your lives. Please follow or subscribe to the podcast, download the episodes and share them with friends and on social media. And, don’t forget to review the podcast on Apple podcasts or Spotify or wherever you listen. 

When you review the show, you are letting others know that the show is worthwhile and of value. The algorithms recognize your preferences and then make the show more visible to others who might also enjoy it. Your support is so important and I thank you with all my heart.

Our social conditioning makes us immediately think about generosity as giving away stuff—things like money, belongings we no longer use, or food.  But it is more than that. Generosity is relinquishing—letting go—not just of material things but also attitudes, ideas, beliefs, and viewpoints that don’t serve ourselves and others. 

Letting go is what frees us from the constant, nagging sense of dissatisfaction that we carry around with us—manifesting in the mind as worry and feelings of unworthiness, and in the body as stress, tension, and illness.

We explore how generosity is at the heart of discovering and letting go of ideas, attitudes, and viewpoints that are invisible to us because we are so accustomed to them. These attitudes and viewpoints permeate our society and create what Isabel Wilkerson calls the invisible scaffolding that keeps in place who is valued and who is not; who receives privilege, recognition, and access to the beneficial.

Do we value all equally? Do we see everyone as worthy? We do not. Cultivating generosity leads us to actively relinquishing our privilege, our bias, and our hurtful attitudes towards ourselves and others. Do we see the racism, ageism, sexism, and institutionalization of violence that permeates the structure of our society?

Once we are aware, what then? Awareness is necessary but not enough to create change. What actions will we take to relinquish these invisible ideas, attitudes, and privileges that keep the scaffolding in place?  What will we do to relieve our own and others’ suffering?

This week, take some time to contemplate how the invisible scaffolding of who is valued and who is not plays out in your life. And, then see in what ways you can increase your generosity and reduce suffering by purposely changing your ideas, attitudes, and viewpoints through action.

Thank you for listening. I so appreciate you and also appreciate the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible.

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful. 

REOURCES/CREDITS
Isabel Wilkerson, Caste: The origins Of Our Discontents, Random House, New York, 2020

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your medical or health professional.

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-12441792 Thu, 16 Mar 2023 08:00:00 -0700 1043 generosity, mindful,mindfulness,compassion,self-compassion,bias,caste 1 56 full false Ep. 55 - Beginner's Mind Ep. 55 - Beginner's Mind Have you ever wanted to experience life like a child with no point-of-view or opinion because everything is fresh and new? How often do you feel wonder in your everyday experience?

Hello and welcome every one. This week we’re exploring Beginner’s Mind. When we are of Beginner’s Mind everything is fresh and new; there are no preconceived answers or attitudes. When we are with Beginner’s Mind, we are full of wonder and acceptance in each moment.

I hope you are enjoying the show and that you will continue to welcome it into your lives. Please follow or subscribe to the podcast, download the episodes and share them with friends and on social media. And, don’t forget to review the podcast on Apple podcasts or Spotify or wherever you listen. Your support is so important and I thank you. 

Beginner’s mind is the attitude of mind that is open, eager, and free from preconceptions of how to do something, think about something, or be something. A person with beginner’s mind has a mind that is open and receptive and void of conditioned attitudes, views, and beliefs. There is no being stuck in a certain way of doing things or thinking because the mind is accustomed to thinking or doing things in a particular way and therefore not open to any other way of thinking or doing. It comes from a place of equanimity.

Beginner’s mind sounds simple, but it takes practice. The more crowded our minds are with all the stuff of self, the harder it is to have Beginner’s Mind. This is why mind cleaning is so helpful and why we practice. 

This week I invite you to contemplate Beginners Mind before you enter a new interaction or before you assert a point-of-view to a colleague, friend, or partner.

What point-of-view or opinion am I bringing to this?

Is this point-of-view familar to me?

How long has it been around? 

Do I remember the first time it popped up in my consciousness?

In this interaction, am I attached to a certain outcome?

Can I let go of it? If not, why not? What is it doing for me? How does it bolster or relate to my I-identity? How is my point-of-view tied to an outcomes I am attached to?

What does it feel like in my body when I let it go? What does it feel like in my body when I don’t let it go?

Thank you for listening today. I so appreciate you and also appreciate the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible.

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful.

CREDITS/RESOURCES

Shunryu Suzuki, Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice, Shambhala, Boston and London, 2011

Joseph Goldstein, “7 Treasures of Awakening: The Benefits of Mindfulness,” excepted from the book: Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Awakening, Sounds True, Boulder Colorado, 2013, 2016

Stanley A Temple, “Rachel Carson and a Childhood sense of Wonder,” Fellows Forum, Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts, and Letters Magazine, Summer 2015 https://www.wisconsinacademy.org/magazine/rachel-carson-and-childhood-sense-wonder

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, 
diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and g

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Have you ever wanted to experience life like a child with no point-of-view or opinion because everything is fresh and new? How often do you feel wonder in your everyday experience?

Hello and welcome every one. This week we’re exploring Beginner’s Mind. When we are of Beginner’s Mind everything is fresh and new; there are no preconceived answers or attitudes. When we are with Beginner’s Mind, we are full of wonder and acceptance in each moment.

I hope you are enjoying the show and that you will continue to welcome it into your lives. Please follow or subscribe to the podcast, download the episodes and share them with friends and on social media. And, don’t forget to review the podcast on Apple podcasts or Spotify or wherever you listen. Your support is so important and I thank you. 

Beginner’s mind is the attitude of mind that is open, eager, and free from preconceptions of how to do something, think about something, or be something. A person with beginner’s mind has a mind that is open and receptive and void of conditioned attitudes, views, and beliefs. There is no being stuck in a certain way of doing things or thinking because the mind is accustomed to thinking or doing things in a particular way and therefore not open to any other way of thinking or doing. It comes from a place of equanimity.

Beginner’s mind sounds simple, but it takes practice. The more crowded our minds are with all the stuff of self, the harder it is to have Beginner’s Mind. This is why mind cleaning is so helpful and why we practice. 

This week I invite you to contemplate Beginners Mind before you enter a new interaction or before you assert a point-of-view to a colleague, friend, or partner.

What point-of-view or opinion am I bringing to this?

Is this point-of-view familar to me?

How long has it been around? 

Do I remember the first time it popped up in my consciousness?

In this interaction, am I attached to a certain outcome?

Can I let go of it? If not, why not? What is it doing for me? How does it bolster or relate to my I-identity? How is my point-of-view tied to an outcomes I am attached to?

What does it feel like in my body when I let it go? What does it feel like in my body when I don’t let it go?

Thank you for listening today. I so appreciate you and also appreciate the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible.

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful.

CREDITS/RESOURCES

Shunryu Suzuki, Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice, Shambhala, Boston and London, 2011

Joseph Goldstein, “7 Treasures of Awakening: The Benefits of Mindfulness,” excepted from the book: Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Awakening, Sounds True, Boulder Colorado, 2013, 2016

Stanley A Temple, “Rachel Carson and a Childhood sense of Wonder,” Fellows Forum, Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts, and Letters Magazine, Summer 2015 https://www.wisconsinacademy.org/magazine/rachel-carson-and-childhood-sense-wonder

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, 
diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and g

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-12402062 Thu, 09 Mar 2023 08:00:00 -0800 1131 beginners_mind, equanimity, free, point-of-view, attitude 1 55 full false Ep. 54 - Working With The Mind To Change The Mind Ep. 54 - Working With The Mind To Change The Mind Do you ever wonder, “Why can’t I change that nagging habit? Or why can’t I drop that unpleasant judgment I have about myself? Or, how do I stop that difficult emotion from erupting suddenly?

I hope you are enjoying the show and that you will continue to welcome it into your lives. Please follow or subscribe to the podcast, download the episodes and share them with friends and on social media. And, don’t forget to review the podcast on Apple podcasts or Spotify or wherever you listen. Your support is so important and I thank you with all my heart.

Today we’re exploring how we can work with out minds to change our minds. 

To change our minds, mindfulness is our starting point. Although being aware and present with what is arising in us isn’t usually enough to change anything, it gives us a lot of information about “what’s happening now” without us getting pulled into it.  Being present with what is here and acknowledging it is an important inner resource; we won’t get far by avoiding what’s here or falling headlong into it. How can we change something that we can’t be with and acknowledge? We can’t.

We see how the equanimity we build in our mindfulness meditation practice becomes an ally—an inner resource we can always count on, and how going through the body to get a felt sense of what is here is the way to unfolding the whole thing, and how self-compassion is another inner resource that we can use any time, any where to be with what is here with love and caring. This ability to be with, be steady, and be compassionate to ourselves are  key to developing resilience, yet another key inner resource.

This week you might try this kind of practice that starts with being with what is present and then settles in to feel the felt sense in the body about the whole thing and then stay with the unfolding bringing us wisdom about the whole thing. 

A note of caution, if you ever feel like what is here is too big, or overwhelming, or too scary, then stop. Drop your awareness down into your feet feeling them connected to the ground and describe aloud how they feel from the outside in. Open the eyes and looking around the room you are in, name five things that you see.   Stand up and take a walk. Have a cup of tea. And, most importantly reach out to a health professional for help. We all need someone’s professional help from time to time.

Spend some time contemplating equanimity and practicing getting in touch with the felt sense in the body, and enjoy the show.  Practice is how we learn. I so appreciate you and also appreciate the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible.

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful.

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Do you ever wonder, “Why can’t I change that nagging habit? Or why can’t I drop that unpleasant judgment I have about myself? Or, how do I stop that difficult emotion from erupting suddenly?

I hope you are enjoying the show and that you will continue to welcome it into your lives. Please follow or subscribe to the podcast, download the episodes and share them with friends and on social media. And, don’t forget to review the podcast on Apple podcasts or Spotify or wherever you listen. Your support is so important and I thank you with all my heart.

Today we’re exploring how we can work with out minds to change our minds. 

To change our minds, mindfulness is our starting point. Although being aware and present with what is arising in us isn’t usually enough to change anything, it gives us a lot of information about “what’s happening now” without us getting pulled into it.  Being present with what is here and acknowledging it is an important inner resource; we won’t get far by avoiding what’s here or falling headlong into it. How can we change something that we can’t be with and acknowledge? We can’t.

We see how the equanimity we build in our mindfulness meditation practice becomes an ally—an inner resource we can always count on, and how going through the body to get a felt sense of what is here is the way to unfolding the whole thing, and how self-compassion is another inner resource that we can use any time, any where to be with what is here with love and caring. This ability to be with, be steady, and be compassionate to ourselves are  key to developing resilience, yet another key inner resource.

This week you might try this kind of practice that starts with being with what is present and then settles in to feel the felt sense in the body about the whole thing and then stay with the unfolding bringing us wisdom about the whole thing. 

A note of caution, if you ever feel like what is here is too big, or overwhelming, or too scary, then stop. Drop your awareness down into your feet feeling them connected to the ground and describe aloud how they feel from the outside in. Open the eyes and looking around the room you are in, name five things that you see.   Stand up and take a walk. Have a cup of tea. And, most importantly reach out to a health professional for help. We all need someone’s professional help from time to time.

Spend some time contemplating equanimity and practicing getting in touch with the felt sense in the body, and enjoy the show.  Practice is how we learn. I so appreciate you and also appreciate the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible.

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful.

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-12350085 Thu, 02 Mar 2023 08:00:00 -0800 1185 mind, change_the_mind,equanimity,self-compassion,mindfulness,resilience 1 54 full false Ep. 53 - The Awe of Every Day Ep. 53 - The Awe of Every Day Do you feel that awe is something that can only be experienced at extraordinary times in our lives? Are you open to feeling awe every day?

Today our topic is awe.

I hope you are enjoying the show and that you will continue to welcome it into your lives. Please follow or subscribe to the podcast, download the episodes and share them with friends and on social media. And, don’t forget to review the podcast on Apple podcasts or Spotify or wherever you listen. Your support is so important and I thank you.

You may recall from Episode 49 that awe is my word for this year. My intention is to continue to open to awe and to soak it up—so that it pervades every cell in my body and every space in my being. Experiencing awe is one of the most healing experiences of my life. When in awe I feel deep belonging to and new understanding of the vast fabric of life and spirituality that is available to all of us. I hope you’ll feel the same way about awe as I do—feeling its mystery, majesty, and magic.

In today’s show, we see that clinging to our habits of daily life—to its content and context—can block out opportunities to experience awe. We see how awe is an everyday experience, not something rare and rarified.

And, we see how our mindfulness practice helps us to not only discover awe but to fully take it in so that our awe experiences become part of who we are.

This week, I invite you to ponder where you find awe in your life. Use Keltner’s groupings to help you to uncover awe in your life. Then open yourself to finding it and when you experience it, let it seep in, stay with you, and become part of you.

Thank you for listening. I so appreciate you and also appreciate the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible.

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful. 

REOURCES/CREDITS

Keltner, Dacher, Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life, Penguin Press, New York, 2023.

Walt Whitman. Memoranda During the War. 1875–1876. The Walt Whitman Archive, Culpepper, VA, Feb ’64, P. 29, Gen. ed. Matt Cohen, Ed Folsom, and Kenneth M. Price. Accessed 16 February 2023. <http://www.whitmanarchive.org>

Clip of Béjart and Stravinsky's Oiseau de Feu (FireBird), Medici.tv,  Facebook https://www.facebook.com/medicitv/videos/béjart-and-stravinskys-oiseau-de-feu-firebird/458430975485142/

15 of the Best Street Artists in Athens, Trip Anthropologist, 2023,  https://tripanthropologist.com/15-best-street-artists-athens/, Accessed February 20, 2023

Hanson, Rick, Hardwiring Happiness: The New Brain Science of Contentment, Calm, and Confidence, Harmony Books, New York, 2013

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Do you feel that awe is something that can only be experienced at extraordinary times in our lives? Are you open to feeling awe every day?

Today our topic is awe.

I hope you are enjoying the show and that you will continue to welcome it into your lives. Please follow or subscribe to the podcast, download the episodes and share them with friends and on social media. And, don’t forget to review the podcast on Apple podcasts or Spotify or wherever you listen. Your support is so important and I thank you.

You may recall from Episode 49 that awe is my word for this year. My intention is to continue to open to awe and to soak it up—so that it pervades every cell in my body and every space in my being. Experiencing awe is one of the most healing experiences of my life. When in awe I feel deep belonging to and new understanding of the vast fabric of life and spirituality that is available to all of us. I hope you’ll feel the same way about awe as I do—feeling its mystery, majesty, and magic.

In today’s show, we see that clinging to our habits of daily life—to its content and context—can block out opportunities to experience awe. We see how awe is an everyday experience, not something rare and rarified.

And, we see how our mindfulness practice helps us to not only discover awe but to fully take it in so that our awe experiences become part of who we are.

This week, I invite you to ponder where you find awe in your life. Use Keltner’s groupings to help you to uncover awe in your life. Then open yourself to finding it and when you experience it, let it seep in, stay with you, and become part of you.

Thank you for listening. I so appreciate you and also appreciate the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible.

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful. 

REOURCES/CREDITS

Keltner, Dacher, Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life, Penguin Press, New York, 2023.

Walt Whitman. Memoranda During the War. 1875–1876. The Walt Whitman Archive, Culpepper, VA, Feb ’64, P. 29, Gen. ed. Matt Cohen, Ed Folsom, and Kenneth M. Price. Accessed 16 February 2023. <http://www.whitmanarchive.org>

Clip of Béjart and Stravinsky's Oiseau de Feu (FireBird), Medici.tv,  Facebook https://www.facebook.com/medicitv/videos/béjart-and-stravinskys-oiseau-de-feu-firebird/458430975485142/

15 of the Best Street Artists in Athens, Trip Anthropologist, 2023,  https://tripanthropologist.com/15-best-street-artists-athens/, Accessed February 20, 2023

Hanson, Rick, Hardwiring Happiness: The New Brain Science of Contentment, Calm, and Confidence, Harmony Books, New York, 2013

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-12301817 Thu, 23 Feb 2023 08:00:00 -0800 938 awe, mindfulness 1 53 full false Ep. 52 - Taking Care of Our Giving-Selves Ep. 52 - Taking Care of Our Giving-Selves Today is a very special day! This episode, #52,  marks one year that “Your Mindful Life” podcast has been streaming across the globe. I hope you are enjoying the show and that you will continue to welcome it into your lives. 

If the show moves you, show your support by following/subscribing to the podcast, download the episodes and share them with friends and on social media. And, let your voice be heard! Review it on Apple podcasts or Spotify or wherever you listen. 

Today, we’re exploring taking care of our giving-selves. How giving and receiving are intimately connected and how mindfulness, self-compassion, and equanimity open us to receiving so that we can give.

When we look closely we see that helping others (giving) and taking care of ourselves (receiving) are intricately linked. They create a dynamic energy exchange that bolsters our resiliency, nourishes our spirit, and balances our energy. But for many of us giving is easy and receiving is difficult.

So often, though, something gets in the way of our taking care of our giving-self and we find ourselves depleted, feeling ill at ease with our lives, exhausted, and even physically run-down. 

So what’s getting in the way of our receiving the care we need to keep on giving? Beliefs. Beliefs about what’s right behavior. Beliefs about our intrinsic character. Beliefs about responsibility. All kinds of beliefs that we have been conditioned to accept as true, and that weigh us down, frighten us, and keep the good from being received least we be perceived by others to be selfish.

We explore how being with our beliefs and allowing their unfolding allows us to disentangle from them and how new attitudes, behaviors, and actions help us to complete the circuit between giving and receiving providing energy, resilience, ease, and heart-full giving. 

This week, I invite you to explore giving and receiving. How does it feel to take care of your giving by receiving? What skillful actions can you take to make receiving part of your giving?

I hope you enjoy the show. I so appreciate your listening and also appreciate the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible.

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful. 

CREDITS/RESOURCES

Joe Whittle, “Reciprocity of Tradition: Native Americans of the Columbia Plateau use traditional practices to strengthen their communities and preserve their union with the land,” Oregon Humanities, April 27, 2020 https://www.oregonhumanities.org/rll/magazine/union-spring-2020/reciprocity-of-tradition/

Judy Leigh, “The Power of Receiving,” Tricycle Magazine, Summer 2003, https://tricycle.org/magazine/power-receiving/

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Today is a very special day! This episode, #52,  marks one year that “Your Mindful Life” podcast has been streaming across the globe. I hope you are enjoying the show and that you will continue to welcome it into your lives. 

If the show moves you, show your support by following/subscribing to the podcast, download the episodes and share them with friends and on social media. And, let your voice be heard! Review it on Apple podcasts or Spotify or wherever you listen. 

Today, we’re exploring taking care of our giving-selves. How giving and receiving are intimately connected and how mindfulness, self-compassion, and equanimity open us to receiving so that we can give.

When we look closely we see that helping others (giving) and taking care of ourselves (receiving) are intricately linked. They create a dynamic energy exchange that bolsters our resiliency, nourishes our spirit, and balances our energy. But for many of us giving is easy and receiving is difficult.

So often, though, something gets in the way of our taking care of our giving-self and we find ourselves depleted, feeling ill at ease with our lives, exhausted, and even physically run-down. 

So what’s getting in the way of our receiving the care we need to keep on giving? Beliefs. Beliefs about what’s right behavior. Beliefs about our intrinsic character. Beliefs about responsibility. All kinds of beliefs that we have been conditioned to accept as true, and that weigh us down, frighten us, and keep the good from being received least we be perceived by others to be selfish.

We explore how being with our beliefs and allowing their unfolding allows us to disentangle from them and how new attitudes, behaviors, and actions help us to complete the circuit between giving and receiving providing energy, resilience, ease, and heart-full giving. 

This week, I invite you to explore giving and receiving. How does it feel to take care of your giving by receiving? What skillful actions can you take to make receiving part of your giving?

I hope you enjoy the show. I so appreciate your listening and also appreciate the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible.

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful. 

CREDITS/RESOURCES

Joe Whittle, “Reciprocity of Tradition: Native Americans of the Columbia Plateau use traditional practices to strengthen their communities and preserve their union with the land,” Oregon Humanities, April 27, 2020 https://www.oregonhumanities.org/rll/magazine/union-spring-2020/reciprocity-of-tradition/

Judy Leigh, “The Power of Receiving,” Tricycle Magazine, Summer 2003, https://tricycle.org/magazine/power-receiving/

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-12254815 Thu, 16 Feb 2023 08:00:00 -0800 1106 mindfulness,self-compassion,equanimity,giving,receiving 1 52 full false Ep. 51 - Taking Care of Our Longing Ep. 51 - Taking Care of Our Longing Hello everyone! I hope you find today’s show helpful and I hope that you’ll download the episode, share it with your friends, and review it on Apple podcasts.

Today we are exploring longing. When we long for something we desire it with intensity. There is a lot of energy behind it. Going underneath our longing allows us to see exactly what our need is and how best to work with it skillfully.

Longing has been described as attachment… something that we can’t let go of.  In some cases this is true. It is true when longing is craving and addiction. But sometimes longing points to wholesome needs—the need for connection and communication, the need for creative time and space, or the need for food and shelter.

Often the longing itself is not the need. We have to look underneath the longing to find it. We may long for a cup of tea. Underneath the longing is a need to quench our thirst or warm our belly against the cold. It is helpful to ask ourselves, “What is this longing all about?’ “What need is this longing pointing to?”  If we don’t uncover the need, we might run off satisfying the longing and not the need leaving us feeling unsatisfied.

Longing carries with it an abundance of energy. Recognize how that energy is manifesting. Is this energy constructive? Or, destructive?  It is wise to be on the lookout for impatience. Impatience can signal craving and addiction. It can signal the presence of obstacles that we first must be willing to unwind. It can signal the lack of patience—the ability to stay with something and focus.

Our mindfulness practices are the tools we use to be with whatever is happening in the moment and are particularly helpful when longing is present.

This week, I invite you to spend time with your longings. Be mindful. Be curious and non-judging. Let your body be the conduit to the mind. Don’t try to analyze. Recognize what is happening now. Acknowledge it. Feel how it feels in the body. And, let it show it what it is needing. Then acknowledge and sit with the need and let it show you what wants to come forward. In this way, you will gain clarity about the longing and about which actions are skillful.

Thank you for listening. I so appreciate you and also appreciate the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible.

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful. 

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Hello everyone! I hope you find today’s show helpful and I hope that you’ll download the episode, share it with your friends, and review it on Apple podcasts.

Today we are exploring longing. When we long for something we desire it with intensity. There is a lot of energy behind it. Going underneath our longing allows us to see exactly what our need is and how best to work with it skillfully.

Longing has been described as attachment… something that we can’t let go of.  In some cases this is true. It is true when longing is craving and addiction. But sometimes longing points to wholesome needs—the need for connection and communication, the need for creative time and space, or the need for food and shelter.

Often the longing itself is not the need. We have to look underneath the longing to find it. We may long for a cup of tea. Underneath the longing is a need to quench our thirst or warm our belly against the cold. It is helpful to ask ourselves, “What is this longing all about?’ “What need is this longing pointing to?”  If we don’t uncover the need, we might run off satisfying the longing and not the need leaving us feeling unsatisfied.

Longing carries with it an abundance of energy. Recognize how that energy is manifesting. Is this energy constructive? Or, destructive?  It is wise to be on the lookout for impatience. Impatience can signal craving and addiction. It can signal the presence of obstacles that we first must be willing to unwind. It can signal the lack of patience—the ability to stay with something and focus.

Our mindfulness practices are the tools we use to be with whatever is happening in the moment and are particularly helpful when longing is present.

This week, I invite you to spend time with your longings. Be mindful. Be curious and non-judging. Let your body be the conduit to the mind. Don’t try to analyze. Recognize what is happening now. Acknowledge it. Feel how it feels in the body. And, let it show it what it is needing. Then acknowledge and sit with the need and let it show you what wants to come forward. In this way, you will gain clarity about the longing and about which actions are skillful.

Thank you for listening. I so appreciate you and also appreciate the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible.

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful. 

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-12211864 Thu, 09 Feb 2023 08:00:00 -0800 1001 longing,craving,attachment,mindful 1 51 full false Ep. 50 - Taking Care of Our Unworthiness Ep. 50 - Taking Care of Our Unworthiness Today’s topic is unworthiness. How we come to believe we are unworthy; how this brings us feelings of shame and inadequacy; and how by being present with this part of ourselves we can unwind the intricacies of our unworthiness so that we can awaken to our intrinsic worthiness and goodness through self-compassion and kindness. 

I hope you’ll enjoy the show and I hope that you’ll download the episode, share it with your friends, and, please,  review it on Apple podcasts. 

Self-loathing is a kind of aversion that we learn as children. After being repetitively told how we don’t stack up and don’t make the grade, we come to accept that this is who we are. It is not. We can take care of our unworthiness. We can give it the loving attention it needs to open and unfold so that we can heal and move forward with our lives. 

The truth is we are all worthy; it is there and we can find it; by shaking off the layers of behaviors trying to make amends for our perceived unworthiness; by being willing to be present for all the feelings and stories and sensations around our unworthiness, we can clean the mud from the windshield to see that we have been worthy all along—intrinsically worthy. 

This allows us to act with true compassion—not one rooted in trying to make up for unworthiness but one rooted in pure compassion—of love and kindness for ourselves and others based on our recognition of suffering and our desire to alleviate it without any expectation of the outcome. 

Thank you for listening. I so appreciate you and also appreciate the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible.

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful. 

CREDITS/RESOURCES

Bradshaw, John, Healing The Shame That Binds You, Health Communications Inc., Deerfield Beach, FL, 1988.

Brown, Brené,  “There are no Prerequisites for Worthiness,” Oprah’s Lifeclass, Oprah Winfrey Network, OWN, video,  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZR0-WFUfeE

Brown, Brené, “Shame vs. Guilt,” January 15, 2013, website, https://brenebrown.com/articles/2013/01/15/shame-v-guilt/

The Greater Good Science Center publishes articles on subjects to help us have meaningful lives. This link will take you to articles about unworthiness, forgiveness, self-esteem, and other related topics: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/search?q=unworthiness

Thich Nhat Hanh, “How do I Love Myself? | Thich Nhat Hanh Answers Questions,” Plum Village video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMoRtJhVoxc

Thich Nhat Hanh, “Growing Together,” Lion’s Roar, September 21, 2017. https://www.lionsroar.com/growing-together/ This short article is about finding our own worthiness to nurture our relationships.

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Today’s topic is unworthiness. How we come to believe we are unworthy; how this brings us feelings of shame and inadequacy; and how by being present with this part of ourselves we can unwind the intricacies of our unworthiness so that we can awaken to our intrinsic worthiness and goodness through self-compassion and kindness. 

I hope you’ll enjoy the show and I hope that you’ll download the episode, share it with your friends, and, please,  review it on Apple podcasts. 

Self-loathing is a kind of aversion that we learn as children. After being repetitively told how we don’t stack up and don’t make the grade, we come to accept that this is who we are. It is not. We can take care of our unworthiness. We can give it the loving attention it needs to open and unfold so that we can heal and move forward with our lives. 

The truth is we are all worthy; it is there and we can find it; by shaking off the layers of behaviors trying to make amends for our perceived unworthiness; by being willing to be present for all the feelings and stories and sensations around our unworthiness, we can clean the mud from the windshield to see that we have been worthy all along—intrinsically worthy. 

This allows us to act with true compassion—not one rooted in trying to make up for unworthiness but one rooted in pure compassion—of love and kindness for ourselves and others based on our recognition of suffering and our desire to alleviate it without any expectation of the outcome. 

Thank you for listening. I so appreciate you and also appreciate the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible.

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful. 

CREDITS/RESOURCES

Bradshaw, John, Healing The Shame That Binds You, Health Communications Inc., Deerfield Beach, FL, 1988.

Brown, Brené,  “There are no Prerequisites for Worthiness,” Oprah’s Lifeclass, Oprah Winfrey Network, OWN, video,  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZR0-WFUfeE

Brown, Brené, “Shame vs. Guilt,” January 15, 2013, website, https://brenebrown.com/articles/2013/01/15/shame-v-guilt/

The Greater Good Science Center publishes articles on subjects to help us have meaningful lives. This link will take you to articles about unworthiness, forgiveness, self-esteem, and other related topics: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/search?q=unworthiness

Thich Nhat Hanh, “How do I Love Myself? | Thich Nhat Hanh Answers Questions,” Plum Village video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMoRtJhVoxc

Thich Nhat Hanh, “Growing Together,” Lion’s Roar, September 21, 2017. https://www.lionsroar.com/growing-together/ This short article is about finding our own worthiness to nurture our relationships.

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-12163662 Thu, 02 Feb 2023 08:00:00 -0800 993 unworthiness,self-loathing,compassion,equanimity,presence 1 50 full false Ep. 49 - Be In Awe Ep. 49 - Be In Awe Today we are getting to know awe—what it is, how we experience it, and what good it does us.

I hope you enjoy the show and I hope that you’ll download the episode, share it with your friends, and review it on Apple podcasts. 

Just after the new calendar year began my friend and colleague Chris emailed me. She asked, “What’s your word for this year?” “My word?” I thought and quickly replied with the word joy.

But then, after a couple of days, I came across a miniseries called “Searching: Our Quest For Meaning in the Age of Science” narrated by Alan Lightman, a scientist and writer. In it, he describes two transcendent experiences he had had. One staring at the starry night sky while lying on the bottom of boat and the other, while standing on a balcony, having eye-to-eye communion with a young osprey in flight . Right then I knew that my word is awe. We all need more awe in our lives right now.

We talk about what is, what it feels like, where to find it. We talk about how it brings us to oneness with our spirituality, our oneness and interconnectedness with life.  

Mindfulness brings us to awe through presence and intention but once we are there we let go into the flow of awe.

This week I invite you to investigate awe. Where did you find it? What was happening? How did it make you feel? How did it change you?  Make your intention to experience it often and then act. Go to the woods, the ocean and rivers, the top of tall buildings. Find the words, the music, the paintings. Seek the telescope, the equations, the brush.   

Thank you for listening. I so appreciate you and all the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible.

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful. 

CREDITS/RESOURCES

Geoff Haines-Stiles and Alan Lightman, “Searching: Our Quest For Meaning in the Age of Science,” https://searchingformeaning.org/watch-the-series/, GHSI, 2023

Martin Luther King, “I Have a Dream Speech,” delivered August 28, 1963 on the Washington Mall, Washington, D.C., USA. via NPR. https://www.npr.org/2011/01/17/133000851/on-his-day-kings-dream-speech-in-its-entirety

“The cathedral and the forest: How two awe-inspiring moments shaped Jane Goodall’s spirituality,” John Templeton Foundation, Templeton Prize, 2021

https://www.templeton.org/news/the-cathedral-and-the-forest-how-two-awe-inspiring-moments-shaped-jane-goodalls-spirituality

The Story Behind Apollo 8’s Famous Earthrise Photo, NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio, December 21, 2018, https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/resources/2234/the-story-behind-apollo-8s-famous-earthrise-photo/

Lisa Miller, PhD, The Awakened Brain: the New Science of Spirituality and our Quest for an Inspired Life, Random House, New York, 2021, Kindle Edition

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek t

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Today we are getting to know awe—what it is, how we experience it, and what good it does us.

I hope you enjoy the show and I hope that you’ll download the episode, share it with your friends, and review it on Apple podcasts. 

Just after the new calendar year began my friend and colleague Chris emailed me. She asked, “What’s your word for this year?” “My word?” I thought and quickly replied with the word joy.

But then, after a couple of days, I came across a miniseries called “Searching: Our Quest For Meaning in the Age of Science” narrated by Alan Lightman, a scientist and writer. In it, he describes two transcendent experiences he had had. One staring at the starry night sky while lying on the bottom of boat and the other, while standing on a balcony, having eye-to-eye communion with a young osprey in flight . Right then I knew that my word is awe. We all need more awe in our lives right now.

We talk about what is, what it feels like, where to find it. We talk about how it brings us to oneness with our spirituality, our oneness and interconnectedness with life.  

Mindfulness brings us to awe through presence and intention but once we are there we let go into the flow of awe.

This week I invite you to investigate awe. Where did you find it? What was happening? How did it make you feel? How did it change you?  Make your intention to experience it often and then act. Go to the woods, the ocean and rivers, the top of tall buildings. Find the words, the music, the paintings. Seek the telescope, the equations, the brush.   

Thank you for listening. I so appreciate you and all the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible.

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful. 

CREDITS/RESOURCES

Geoff Haines-Stiles and Alan Lightman, “Searching: Our Quest For Meaning in the Age of Science,” https://searchingformeaning.org/watch-the-series/, GHSI, 2023

Martin Luther King, “I Have a Dream Speech,” delivered August 28, 1963 on the Washington Mall, Washington, D.C., USA. via NPR. https://www.npr.org/2011/01/17/133000851/on-his-day-kings-dream-speech-in-its-entirety

“The cathedral and the forest: How two awe-inspiring moments shaped Jane Goodall’s spirituality,” John Templeton Foundation, Templeton Prize, 2021

https://www.templeton.org/news/the-cathedral-and-the-forest-how-two-awe-inspiring-moments-shaped-jane-goodalls-spirituality

The Story Behind Apollo 8’s Famous Earthrise Photo, NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio, December 21, 2018, https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/resources/2234/the-story-behind-apollo-8s-famous-earthrise-photo/

Lisa Miller, PhD, The Awakened Brain: the New Science of Spirituality and our Quest for an Inspired Life, Random House, New York, 2021, Kindle Edition

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek t

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-12104220 Thu, 26 Jan 2023 08:00:00 -0800 912 mindfulness, spirituality, awe, 1 49 full false Ep. 48 - The Two Wolves Ep. 48 - The Two Wolves Have you ever been surprised when hatred has reared its head in you in the heat of the moment? When it arises how do you care for it? Have you ever been on the receiving end of hate? How did you respond?

Today our topic is hatred, how it poisons us, how mindfulness can free us from its clutches, and how we can apply compassion in its stead. 

Hatred abounds in the world today. Perhaps there always has been as much; and maybe it is only because of the constant stream of world news that crosses in front of us on our screens that we feel there is more. Hatred is not just out there though. The capacity to hate is also inside each of us.

Some important points about hatred: 

Hatred forms from being attacked and then feeling unworthy, afraid, or shamed. There is always some situation underneath the hatred that drives it. To resolve hatred get to the situation and the feelings around it.

We can be conditioned to hate. Repeatedly taught over time to hate others,  we will hate. We can, however, unlearn or decondition ourselves from these beliefs.

When we hate, the hate first burns us inwardly and then it burns another outwardly. We never escape unscathed from hate.

There is another way. We can be mindful of our hate; enquire into the whole situation so that we can unwind the string of cause and effect underneath it. Be compassionate: First to ourselves, by taking care of our hatred—by being mindful and by enquiring to get to its root causes. And, then by being compassionate to others and by being kind and loving.

It is important to note that when we become mindful of difficult and complex emotions such as hatred, it may feel like it is too much and we may get ungrounded. If this happens. Stop. Bring your awareness into your feet. Feel the feet from the inside—notice the sensations arising and name them—and notice the connection of your feet to mother earth. Open your eyes and look around the room, naming aloud five things that you see around you. Get up and take a walk. Talk immediately to your health care professional.

CREDITS/RESOURCES

In the show I tell two small stories. The story of the hot ember has been attributed to the Buddha or Buddhaghosa a fifth century Theravada Buddhism commentator and scholar. Its source is unclear. The story of the grandfather and the boy, sometimes called, “The Two Wolves,” is an ancient native American story. It may be Cherokee but that is not definitive.

Thich Nhat Hanh, No Mud, No Lotus: The Art of Transforming Suffering, Parallax Press, 2014, p. 11, Kindle Edition.

If you feel unsafe in a relationship or are in an abusive relationship, reach out for help. In the United States, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline (USA) 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788 for help. 

MY GRATITUDE: 

I am grateful to you, my listeners. I hope you find today’s show helpful and I hope that you’ll download the episode, share it with your friends, and please review it on Apple podcasts.

Thanks to everyone behind the scenes, without whom this podcast would not be possible. 

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Have you ever been surprised when hatred has reared its head in you in the heat of the moment? When it arises how do you care for it? Have you ever been on the receiving end of hate? How did you respond?

Today our topic is hatred, how it poisons us, how mindfulness can free us from its clutches, and how we can apply compassion in its stead. 

Hatred abounds in the world today. Perhaps there always has been as much; and maybe it is only because of the constant stream of world news that crosses in front of us on our screens that we feel there is more. Hatred is not just out there though. The capacity to hate is also inside each of us.

Some important points about hatred: 

Hatred forms from being attacked and then feeling unworthy, afraid, or shamed. There is always some situation underneath the hatred that drives it. To resolve hatred get to the situation and the feelings around it.

We can be conditioned to hate. Repeatedly taught over time to hate others,  we will hate. We can, however, unlearn or decondition ourselves from these beliefs.

When we hate, the hate first burns us inwardly and then it burns another outwardly. We never escape unscathed from hate.

There is another way. We can be mindful of our hate; enquire into the whole situation so that we can unwind the string of cause and effect underneath it. Be compassionate: First to ourselves, by taking care of our hatred—by being mindful and by enquiring to get to its root causes. And, then by being compassionate to others and by being kind and loving.

It is important to note that when we become mindful of difficult and complex emotions such as hatred, it may feel like it is too much and we may get ungrounded. If this happens. Stop. Bring your awareness into your feet. Feel the feet from the inside—notice the sensations arising and name them—and notice the connection of your feet to mother earth. Open your eyes and look around the room, naming aloud five things that you see around you. Get up and take a walk. Talk immediately to your health care professional.

CREDITS/RESOURCES

In the show I tell two small stories. The story of the hot ember has been attributed to the Buddha or Buddhaghosa a fifth century Theravada Buddhism commentator and scholar. Its source is unclear. The story of the grandfather and the boy, sometimes called, “The Two Wolves,” is an ancient native American story. It may be Cherokee but that is not definitive.

Thich Nhat Hanh, No Mud, No Lotus: The Art of Transforming Suffering, Parallax Press, 2014, p. 11, Kindle Edition.

If you feel unsafe in a relationship or are in an abusive relationship, reach out for help. In the United States, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline (USA) 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788 for help. 

MY GRATITUDE: 

I am grateful to you, my listeners. I hope you find today’s show helpful and I hope that you’ll download the episode, share it with your friends, and please review it on Apple podcasts.

Thanks to everyone behind the scenes, without whom this podcast would not be possible. 

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Buzzsprout-12049024 Thu, 19 Jan 2023 08:00:00 -0800 1011 1 48 full false Ep. 47 - The Two Wings of Mindfulness Ep. 47 - The Two Wings of Mindfulness What does it mean to you to be wise? Are you consumed with yourself or do you let go? When you are compassionate, what does it feel like? Are you expecting something in return, even if it is just that feel good feeling?

Today we’re exploring the two wings of mindfulness — wisdom or clear-seeing and compassion. Just as a bird needs two wings to fly, mindfulness needs both wisdom and compassion.

Wisdom or clear-seeing and compassion are intricately interconnected when we are mindful—when we are aware moment-to-moment with intention and curiosity and without judgment. Mindfulness is a remembering of who we really are and how we are all interconnected and loving. Clear-seeing and compassion let mindfulness take wing in the world and carry us through experience just as birds take wing and carry themselves through the sky.

Clear-seeing is seeing the truth of three things:  impermanence, no-self, and dissatisfaction or suffering. When we see clearly, we see the world as it is and we understand how to be in the world in a true and clear way free of delusion. When the mind sees clearly it is not deluded, confused, scattered, or cloudy.

Impermanence is the truth that everything is changing all the time. Experience and situations arise and pass away.

No-self is the truth that we are not in control, we are not solid, and that rather than being like a master puppeteer we are made up of complimentary and valuable components that as a whole act to be in the world and that interconnect us with one another and the whole world. There is the body, feeling tone, perception, mental formations such as thoughts and ideas, and there is consciousness  that is aware of how everything is working together.

Suffering is the truth that there is suffering in many forms—discontent, distress, pain, dis-ease, dissatisfaction among many— operating in the world but with clear seeing we don’t need to suffer.

When clear-seeing is present, there is no clinging, no craving, no aversion, and no delusion. This is the first wing of mindfulness—brilliant clarity of mind.

The second wing is compassion.

Compassion rests on equanimity—that state of balance, that sees all sides--the whole picture, and that is non-judging. It is intricately connected to doing no harm to ourselves, others, plants, animals. We are part of a greater whole and each of us is interdependent and connected to the whole. When we accept our interconnection rather than separateness we see how compassion is deeply connected to clear-seeing.

Compassion is seeing suffering, having the desire to alleviate suffering and its causes, and having the motivation to act to relieve suffering without expecting anything in return. Compassion is not passive; it has intention and action.

Compassion is fierce and courageous and is, sometimes, hard to recognize because we are expecting something that we know or are expecting something in return. Compassion requires us to get out of ourselves, to put away our perspective—no matter how learned—and to see the big picture clearly with no expectation that we will get something back.

We see how compassion works through the eyes of a doctor in an article by Tracy Kidder in The New York Times entitled “’You Have to Learn to Listen’: How a Doctor Cares for Boston’s Homeless,”  As a young physician, Dr Jim O’Connell, learns important truths about compassion. He learns that the way to help is not to rush in with a stethoscope in hand but to kneel down and soak the feet of the person in front of him in a tub of Betadine and listen. And, from his mentor, nurse Barbara McInnis, he learns that the way is just to do the work without any expectations of getting anything in return.

I hop

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> What does it mean to you to be wise? Are you consumed with yourself or do you let go? When you are compassionate, what does it feel like? Are you expecting something in return, even if it is just that feel good feeling?

Today we’re exploring the two wings of mindfulness — wisdom or clear-seeing and compassion. Just as a bird needs two wings to fly, mindfulness needs both wisdom and compassion.

Wisdom or clear-seeing and compassion are intricately interconnected when we are mindful—when we are aware moment-to-moment with intention and curiosity and without judgment. Mindfulness is a remembering of who we really are and how we are all interconnected and loving. Clear-seeing and compassion let mindfulness take wing in the world and carry us through experience just as birds take wing and carry themselves through the sky.

Clear-seeing is seeing the truth of three things:  impermanence, no-self, and dissatisfaction or suffering. When we see clearly, we see the world as it is and we understand how to be in the world in a true and clear way free of delusion. When the mind sees clearly it is not deluded, confused, scattered, or cloudy.

Impermanence is the truth that everything is changing all the time. Experience and situations arise and pass away.

No-self is the truth that we are not in control, we are not solid, and that rather than being like a master puppeteer we are made up of complimentary and valuable components that as a whole act to be in the world and that interconnect us with one another and the whole world. There is the body, feeling tone, perception, mental formations such as thoughts and ideas, and there is consciousness  that is aware of how everything is working together.

Suffering is the truth that there is suffering in many forms—discontent, distress, pain, dis-ease, dissatisfaction among many— operating in the world but with clear seeing we don’t need to suffer.

When clear-seeing is present, there is no clinging, no craving, no aversion, and no delusion. This is the first wing of mindfulness—brilliant clarity of mind.

The second wing is compassion.

Compassion rests on equanimity—that state of balance, that sees all sides--the whole picture, and that is non-judging. It is intricately connected to doing no harm to ourselves, others, plants, animals. We are part of a greater whole and each of us is interdependent and connected to the whole. When we accept our interconnection rather than separateness we see how compassion is deeply connected to clear-seeing.

Compassion is seeing suffering, having the desire to alleviate suffering and its causes, and having the motivation to act to relieve suffering without expecting anything in return. Compassion is not passive; it has intention and action.

Compassion is fierce and courageous and is, sometimes, hard to recognize because we are expecting something that we know or are expecting something in return. Compassion requires us to get out of ourselves, to put away our perspective—no matter how learned—and to see the big picture clearly with no expectation that we will get something back.

We see how compassion works through the eyes of a doctor in an article by Tracy Kidder in The New York Times entitled “’You Have to Learn to Listen’: How a Doctor Cares for Boston’s Homeless,”  As a young physician, Dr Jim O’Connell, learns important truths about compassion. He learns that the way to help is not to rush in with a stethoscope in hand but to kneel down and soak the feet of the person in front of him in a tub of Betadine and listen. And, from his mentor, nurse Barbara McInnis, he learns that the way is just to do the work without any expectations of getting anything in return.

I hop

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-12011832 Thu, 12 Jan 2023 08:00:00 -0800 1172 clear-seeing, wisdom,compassion,impermanance,suffering,no-self 1 47 full false Ep. 46 - The Four Foundations of Mindfulness Ep. 46 - The Four Foundations of Mindfulness In today’s podcast we begin again at the beginning, remembering and reviewing the four foundations of mindfulness. These give us stability and strength but they are not things. They are processes. Simply they are mindfulness of the body, of feeling tone, of mind, and of mind phenomena/objects.

They build on one another and enrich one another; their practice leads us to wisdom and love.

Just being mindful of the body breathing and of bodily sensations arising and fading away is a powerful practice.

Being mindful of the feeling tone of experience is teaches us to pause and to respond skillfully rather than react to experience as it arises.

Being mindful of mind—of being aware of the process of mind—its clinging, its aversion, its scattered-ness, its concentration lets us understand how our minds work. And gives us deep insight into our habits of mind.

The fourth is being mindful of mind phenomena or objects. For example, sense desires. The senses want something-- to see something, to taste something, to touch something. Desire arises. We are aware of the desire arising. We are aware when it is present. When it is absent. When it has been abandoned. When there is a tendency of mind for it to arise. And, aware of it not arising in the future.

The foundations of mindfulness are the processes of mindfulness that allow us to deepen our wisdom and see things clearly, to recognize suffering and cease it, and to live with open hearts.

This week, I invite you to mindful of the events and processes that create your interior and exterior worlds.

I am grateful you are listening and I am grateful for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible. 

All of you who are members of the podcast on Patreon;

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful.

CREDITS/RESOURCES

Thich Nhat Hang Mindfulness of the Body https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLITykptumU

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> In today’s podcast we begin again at the beginning, remembering and reviewing the four foundations of mindfulness. These give us stability and strength but they are not things. They are processes. Simply they are mindfulness of the body, of feeling tone, of mind, and of mind phenomena/objects.

They build on one another and enrich one another; their practice leads us to wisdom and love.

Just being mindful of the body breathing and of bodily sensations arising and fading away is a powerful practice.

Being mindful of the feeling tone of experience is teaches us to pause and to respond skillfully rather than react to experience as it arises.

Being mindful of mind—of being aware of the process of mind—its clinging, its aversion, its scattered-ness, its concentration lets us understand how our minds work. And gives us deep insight into our habits of mind.

The fourth is being mindful of mind phenomena or objects. For example, sense desires. The senses want something-- to see something, to taste something, to touch something. Desire arises. We are aware of the desire arising. We are aware when it is present. When it is absent. When it has been abandoned. When there is a tendency of mind for it to arise. And, aware of it not arising in the future.

The foundations of mindfulness are the processes of mindfulness that allow us to deepen our wisdom and see things clearly, to recognize suffering and cease it, and to live with open hearts.

This week, I invite you to mindful of the events and processes that create your interior and exterior worlds.

I am grateful you are listening and I am grateful for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible. 

All of you who are members of the podcast on Patreon;

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful.

CREDITS/RESOURCES

Thich Nhat Hang Mindfulness of the Body https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLITykptumU

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-11981848 Thu, 05 Jan 2023 08:00:00 -0800 1294 four foundations of mindfulness, mindfulness of body, mindfulness of breath, mindfulness of body, feeling tone, mindfulness of mind, mindfulness of mental objects 1 46 full false Ep. 45 - Know Your Mind Ep. 45 - Know Your Mind How does it feel when everything feels like an affront and you can’t shake the tendency to “want to get even?”  Or, how does it feel when you respond with generosity even when your day is not going the way you’d like?

Today we’re exploring how our mind states affect our actions and our well-being. We distinguish between two general categories of mind-states—those that promote health and well-being which we call wholesome and those that don’t which we call unwholesome.

A misconception about mindfulness is that we just roll with whatever comes. That’s not quite it. While mindfulness asks us to be aware of and present in the moment, it also asks us to get to know our minds—to really know the tendencies and characteristics of our minds. We all have wholesome and unwholesome mind states that lead us to act in ways that either promote or impede our health and well-being, but often we are not aware of them.

Becoming aware of our tendencies of mind and then putting mental energy into avoiding those that have a tendency to arise and ceasing the ones that we habitually act on is what we’re talking about today. These unhealthy mind states include having the mindset that we are attached to things, people, and ways of thinking and behaving; feeling that we’re always angry and seeing and experiencing the world through this angry mindset; feeling that we can control everything and that nothing will change; feeling that we have no choice but to suffer or be continuously dissatisfied with life; and being caught in I-identity that mental state of it always being about me, me, me.

On the flip side we want to cultivate tendencies towards healthy mind-states. These include curiosity, generosity, kindness, non-judgment, and clear seeing—that capacity to see what’s here and not what we wish were here.

The truth is that our mind state dictates our actions and our actions dictate how we are in the world and how we feel about ourselves and others.

So, as we turn the page to a new calendar year, let’s use right effort— that mental energy of intention and forethought to release negative mind states and embrace positive ones.

I hope you enjoy the show and I hope that you’ll download the episode and share it with your friends. You may also be moved to become a member of the podcast via Patreon by going over to patreon.com/yourmindfullife and joining.

I am grateful for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible. 

All of you who are members of the podcast on Patreon;

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful.

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> How does it feel when everything feels like an affront and you can’t shake the tendency to “want to get even?”  Or, how does it feel when you respond with generosity even when your day is not going the way you’d like?

Today we’re exploring how our mind states affect our actions and our well-being. We distinguish between two general categories of mind-states—those that promote health and well-being which we call wholesome and those that don’t which we call unwholesome.

A misconception about mindfulness is that we just roll with whatever comes. That’s not quite it. While mindfulness asks us to be aware of and present in the moment, it also asks us to get to know our minds—to really know the tendencies and characteristics of our minds. We all have wholesome and unwholesome mind states that lead us to act in ways that either promote or impede our health and well-being, but often we are not aware of them.

Becoming aware of our tendencies of mind and then putting mental energy into avoiding those that have a tendency to arise and ceasing the ones that we habitually act on is what we’re talking about today. These unhealthy mind states include having the mindset that we are attached to things, people, and ways of thinking and behaving; feeling that we’re always angry and seeing and experiencing the world through this angry mindset; feeling that we can control everything and that nothing will change; feeling that we have no choice but to suffer or be continuously dissatisfied with life; and being caught in I-identity that mental state of it always being about me, me, me.

On the flip side we want to cultivate tendencies towards healthy mind-states. These include curiosity, generosity, kindness, non-judgment, and clear seeing—that capacity to see what’s here and not what we wish were here.

The truth is that our mind state dictates our actions and our actions dictate how we are in the world and how we feel about ourselves and others.

So, as we turn the page to a new calendar year, let’s use right effort— that mental energy of intention and forethought to release negative mind states and embrace positive ones.

I hope you enjoy the show and I hope that you’ll download the episode and share it with your friends. You may also be moved to become a member of the podcast via Patreon by going over to patreon.com/yourmindfullife and joining.

I am grateful for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible. 

All of you who are members of the podcast on Patreon;

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful.

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-11938012 Thu, 29 Dec 2022 08:00:00 -0800 695 right effort, mind states, mindfulness, wholesome mind states, unwholesome mind states 1 45 full false Ep. 44 - The Two Arrows of Suffering Ep. 44 - The Two Arrows of Suffering How does it feel when adversity strikes from out of nowhere? What do you do then?

Hello! Today we’re exploring what happens when the arrow of misfortune or adversity strikes and how we react or not to it.

I hope you enjoy the show and I hope that you’ll download the episode and share it with your friends. You may also be moved to become a member of the podcast via Patreon by clicking here.

We start with the two arrows. It is said that the Buddha originally told this story to explain how we amplify suffering.  The first arrow is unavoidable; the second is not.

So, how do we avoid the second arrow? By being mindful. Being equanamous. Being self-compassionate. It is simple but not always easy. We have to be willing to practice regularly so we get to know our minds so we can free our minds.

This week I invite you to notice the first arrow and pause.

I am grateful you are listening and for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible.

All of you who are members of the podcast on Patreon;

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful.

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> How does it feel when adversity strikes from out of nowhere? What do you do then?

Hello! Today we’re exploring what happens when the arrow of misfortune or adversity strikes and how we react or not to it.

I hope you enjoy the show and I hope that you’ll download the episode and share it with your friends. You may also be moved to become a member of the podcast via Patreon by clicking here.

We start with the two arrows. It is said that the Buddha originally told this story to explain how we amplify suffering.  The first arrow is unavoidable; the second is not.

So, how do we avoid the second arrow? By being mindful. Being equanamous. Being self-compassionate. It is simple but not always easy. We have to be willing to practice regularly so we get to know our minds so we can free our minds.

This week I invite you to notice the first arrow and pause.

I am grateful you are listening and for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible.

All of you who are members of the podcast on Patreon;

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful.

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-11901038 Thu, 22 Dec 2022 08:00:00 -0800 944 two arrows, mindfulness,suffering,adversity,equanimity,pause,self-compassion 1 44 full false Ep. 43 - The Comparing Mind Again - Its Negativity Bent Ep. 43 - The Comparing Mind Again - Its Negativity Bent Have you ever noticed how when your mind starts comparing yourself to others, the wind leaves your sails?

Today we’re delving into the comparing mind and its usual hyper-critical focus on all the ways we don’t measure up and how mindfulness helps us to step out of the endless cycle of negative comparison.

Whether you are new or a regular listener, I hope that you find the podcast meaningful and will be moved to support it. Subscribe or follow where you listen; download the episodes; share it with your friends; review it on Apple Podcasts, and become a member by going to here to join.  Patreon.com/yourmindfullife.

When we get caught up in comparing mind, comparing ourselves to others, the more we compare, the worse we feel about ourselves. We get stuck in a loop of endless negative comparison. How we elaborate the story around the negative self comparison. How we react with envy and self-loathing.

When this happens we don’t notice, “Oh that person has a good technique. I’m curious how they do that technique. What can I learn from watching it?” Rather, we make a self-judgment. “Oh, I’ll never be able to do that. I’m not good enough.” And, that starts the endless spiraling down into feelings of being not good enough and not worthy enough.

It’s when we are able to be mindful—to notice what’s happening in the moment and be present with it—that we can free ourselves from endlessly judging ourselves and then believing those judgments.

Engaging the mindfulness practices of noticing, acknowledging, and allowing from a place of equanimity help us to bring a new perspective and quit the comparing mind.

Remembering that we are not alone—that everyone experiences the comparing mind.

Finally, practicing the four faces of love—lovingkindness, compassion, appreciative joy, and their bedrock equanimity—focusing on sending kindness, care, and appreciative to ourselves—is the antidote to comparing mind. If you’d like to go deeper into these practices check out podcast episodes 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10.

The brain is drawn to the negative as a strategy for keeping us safe. That’s just the way it works. And, it also responds and remembers what’s positive, good, and caring as long as we practice so that neural pathways to the feel good parts of our brains are well used.  So, I invite you to explore the open-hearted practices of lovingkindness, compassion, and appreciative joy from a place of equanimity this week and let me know how it goes by contacting me here.

I hope you enjoy the show.

I am grateful you are here and I am grateful you are here and for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible.

All of you who are members of the podcast via Patreon;

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful.

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Have you ever noticed how when your mind starts comparing yourself to others, the wind leaves your sails?

Today we’re delving into the comparing mind and its usual hyper-critical focus on all the ways we don’t measure up and how mindfulness helps us to step out of the endless cycle of negative comparison.

Whether you are new or a regular listener, I hope that you find the podcast meaningful and will be moved to support it. Subscribe or follow where you listen; download the episodes; share it with your friends; review it on Apple Podcasts, and become a member by going to here to join.  Patreon.com/yourmindfullife.

When we get caught up in comparing mind, comparing ourselves to others, the more we compare, the worse we feel about ourselves. We get stuck in a loop of endless negative comparison. How we elaborate the story around the negative self comparison. How we react with envy and self-loathing.

When this happens we don’t notice, “Oh that person has a good technique. I’m curious how they do that technique. What can I learn from watching it?” Rather, we make a self-judgment. “Oh, I’ll never be able to do that. I’m not good enough.” And, that starts the endless spiraling down into feelings of being not good enough and not worthy enough.

It’s when we are able to be mindful—to notice what’s happening in the moment and be present with it—that we can free ourselves from endlessly judging ourselves and then believing those judgments.

Engaging the mindfulness practices of noticing, acknowledging, and allowing from a place of equanimity help us to bring a new perspective and quit the comparing mind.

Remembering that we are not alone—that everyone experiences the comparing mind.

Finally, practicing the four faces of love—lovingkindness, compassion, appreciative joy, and their bedrock equanimity—focusing on sending kindness, care, and appreciative to ourselves—is the antidote to comparing mind. If you’d like to go deeper into these practices check out podcast episodes 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10.

The brain is drawn to the negative as a strategy for keeping us safe. That’s just the way it works. And, it also responds and remembers what’s positive, good, and caring as long as we practice so that neural pathways to the feel good parts of our brains are well used.  So, I invite you to explore the open-hearted practices of lovingkindness, compassion, and appreciative joy from a place of equanimity this week and let me know how it goes by contacting me here.

I hope you enjoy the show.

I am grateful you are here and I am grateful you are here and for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible.

All of you who are members of the podcast via Patreon;

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful.

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-11852722 Thu, 15 Dec 2022 08:00:00 -0800 993 comparing_mind,mindfulness,four_faces_of_love, lovingkindness, equanimity, compassion, self-compassion, appreciative_joy, pause 1 43 full false Ep. 42 - A World of Conflict Ep. 42 - A World of Conflict When conflict arises how does it feel inside? Do emotions erupt? Do you run away or run headlong into it?

Hello and welcome everyone. My name is Mary Slocum and today’s podcast is about working with conflict.
Whether you are a new or regular listener, I hope you find the podcast meaningful and will be moved to support it. Subscribe or follow where you listen; download the episodes; share it with your friends; review it on Apple Podcasts, and become a member by going here to Patreon.

Life is not always harmonious—it is often disagreeable and full of conflict. How we move through conflict can define how we move in the world. Rather than rush in or run away, we can engage conflict mindfully.

In the episode today we explore mindfulness practices to help show us the way: equanimity, lovingkindness, enquiry, and paying attention fully in the moment so we can listen, understand, and open to new perspectives.

Conflict is not just between two people. Conflict manifests among interconnected individuals and groups, with multiple competing interests. The BIG conflicts of our day—climate change and environmental issues, public health policy, social justice, and political extremism, among others require a really big tent under which mindful dialogue can happen. And, yet, the way forward is one conversation and one engagement at a time.

Bring mindfulness to the conversation. Bring awareness and deep listening. Equanimity and non-judgment, loving kindness and compassion for yourself and all beings.

I hope you enjoyed the show today and I hope you’ll try out theses practices when conflict arises. Let me know how it goes by contacting me here.

As always I am grateful to you, my listeners, and for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible.

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

May you be well. May you be mindful.

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> When conflict arises how does it feel inside? Do emotions erupt? Do you run away or run headlong into it?

Hello and welcome everyone. My name is Mary Slocum and today’s podcast is about working with conflict.
Whether you are a new or regular listener, I hope you find the podcast meaningful and will be moved to support it. Subscribe or follow where you listen; download the episodes; share it with your friends; review it on Apple Podcasts, and become a member by going here to Patreon.

Life is not always harmonious—it is often disagreeable and full of conflict. How we move through conflict can define how we move in the world. Rather than rush in or run away, we can engage conflict mindfully.

In the episode today we explore mindfulness practices to help show us the way: equanimity, lovingkindness, enquiry, and paying attention fully in the moment so we can listen, understand, and open to new perspectives.

Conflict is not just between two people. Conflict manifests among interconnected individuals and groups, with multiple competing interests. The BIG conflicts of our day—climate change and environmental issues, public health policy, social justice, and political extremism, among others require a really big tent under which mindful dialogue can happen. And, yet, the way forward is one conversation and one engagement at a time.

Bring mindfulness to the conversation. Bring awareness and deep listening. Equanimity and non-judgment, loving kindness and compassion for yourself and all beings.

I hope you enjoyed the show today and I hope you’ll try out theses practices when conflict arises. Let me know how it goes by contacting me here.

As always I am grateful to you, my listeners, and for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible.

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

May you be well. May you be mindful.

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-11826826 Thu, 08 Dec 2022 08:00:00 -0800 1133 mindfulness, conflict,equanimity,lovingkindness,enquiry 1 42 full false Ep. 41 - Our Uncertain Lives Ep. 41 - Our Uncertain Lives When things don’t turn out as you expect, how is this for you? How comfortable do you feel with change?

Today on the podcast we are exploring uncertainty and how through mindfulness we can feel more comfortable with change, especially change that is unexpected.

Whether you are new or a regular listener, I hope that you find the podcast meaningful and will be moved to support it. Subscribe or follow where you listen; download the episodes; share it with your friends; review it on Apple Podcasts, and become a member by going here. 

We don’t like uncertainty even though uncertainty and change is part of life. There’s no way around it.

Everyone reacts differently to uncertainty and it is known that uncertainty increases stress. Often we aren’t aware of our reactions to uncertainty and yet these reactions impact our relationship to how we are and move in the world.  

Through mindfulness practices we can get in touch with how our mind and body responds so that we can more easily be with uncertainty and even become curious about it and change our relationship to it.

I hope you enjoy the show today and I hope you’ll try out the practices and let me know how it goes by sending me a note here.

As always I am grateful to you, my listeners, and I am also grateful for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible.

All of you who are members of the podcast on Patreon;

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

CREDITS/RESOURCES

University College London. "Uncertainty can cause more stress than inevitable pain: Knowing that there is a small chance of getting a painful electric shock can lead to significantly more stress than knowing that you will definitely be shocked." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/03/160329101037.htm (accessed February 9, 2022).

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> When things don’t turn out as you expect, how is this for you? How comfortable do you feel with change?

Today on the podcast we are exploring uncertainty and how through mindfulness we can feel more comfortable with change, especially change that is unexpected.

Whether you are new or a regular listener, I hope that you find the podcast meaningful and will be moved to support it. Subscribe or follow where you listen; download the episodes; share it with your friends; review it on Apple Podcasts, and become a member by going here. 

We don’t like uncertainty even though uncertainty and change is part of life. There’s no way around it.

Everyone reacts differently to uncertainty and it is known that uncertainty increases stress. Often we aren’t aware of our reactions to uncertainty and yet these reactions impact our relationship to how we are and move in the world.  

Through mindfulness practices we can get in touch with how our mind and body responds so that we can more easily be with uncertainty and even become curious about it and change our relationship to it.

I hope you enjoy the show today and I hope you’ll try out the practices and let me know how it goes by sending me a note here.

As always I am grateful to you, my listeners, and I am also grateful for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible.

All of you who are members of the podcast on Patreon;

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

CREDITS/RESOURCES

University College London. "Uncertainty can cause more stress than inevitable pain: Knowing that there is a small chance of getting a painful electric shock can lead to significantly more stress than knowing that you will definitely be shocked." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/03/160329101037.htm (accessed February 9, 2022).

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-11783467 Thu, 01 Dec 2022 08:00:00 -0800 1285 uncertainty-and-mindfulness, mindfulness, body_scan_meditation,uncertainty 1 41 full false Ep. 40 - Mindfulness of Bias Ep. 40 - Mindfulness of Bias Does bias ever pop up and suddenly you are asking yourself, “Why did I say that?” “Why did I do that?”

Today on the podcast we are exploring bias and how mindfulness can help us become aware of automatic bias responses and give us the space and time to change the ones that don’t serve us.

Whether you are new or a regular listener, I hope that you find the podcast meaningful and will be moved to support it. Subscribe or follow where you listen; download the episodes; share it with your friends; review it on Apple Podcasts, and become a member by going to Patreon.com/yourmindfullife. 

Neuroscientists and psychologists tell us, “If you have a brain, you have bias.” Much of the bias that we experience is unconscious bias, a process that occurs outside of our conscious awareness and allows us to make quick decisions. 

The act of bias is an adaptive process that allow us to use prior knowledge and experiences to inform decisions and actions in the present. Our minds are shaped by what we see most often. Through our senses we perceive our world and we know that the brain categorizes our experience. All the red objects go here; all the purple objects go there. This sounds benign and helpful; often it is. But what happens when we categorize along judgmental lines. This is good; that is bad. This is safe; that is scary. This person is smart. That person is lazy. That person looks different from me and so is no good.

Our socialization and conditioning teaches us how to respond; it’s not just family that conditions how we think, it’s the media, school, church, politics, and all aspects of our society.

Implicit bias is a kind of distorting lens, says Professor Eberhardt, that is both a product of our brains and societal conditioning. It keeps us from experiencing the world as it really is. 

Research shows that we are more accepting of people that look, sound, and feel like ourselves. This limits us from the possibilities of life because it cuts out the newness of adventure and exploration of unknown and different persons and places. 

Three mindfulness practices help us to respond appropriately rather than with bias. These are the pausing with equanimity, noticing the feeling tone of experience, and lovingkindness. In the podcast I take you through how these practices work and how you can apply them to bias—even unconscious bias.

This week I invite you to practice these mindfulness practices and see what difference it begins to make in your biased responses. It might just bring your attention to bias that you have not been aware of and open you to acceptance. Let me know how it goes.

Thank you for listening today. I am grateful you are here and I’m grateful for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible. 

All of you who are members of the podcast on Patreon;

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

RESOURCES/CREDITS

An Introduction to Biased by Stanford Professor Jennifer Eberhardt, Nest Big Idea Club, YouTube, https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pD5a3-v9KZs

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Does bias ever pop up and suddenly you are asking yourself, “Why did I say that?” “Why did I do that?”

Today on the podcast we are exploring bias and how mindfulness can help us become aware of automatic bias responses and give us the space and time to change the ones that don’t serve us.

Whether you are new or a regular listener, I hope that you find the podcast meaningful and will be moved to support it. Subscribe or follow where you listen; download the episodes; share it with your friends; review it on Apple Podcasts, and become a member by going to Patreon.com/yourmindfullife. 

Neuroscientists and psychologists tell us, “If you have a brain, you have bias.” Much of the bias that we experience is unconscious bias, a process that occurs outside of our conscious awareness and allows us to make quick decisions. 

The act of bias is an adaptive process that allow us to use prior knowledge and experiences to inform decisions and actions in the present. Our minds are shaped by what we see most often. Through our senses we perceive our world and we know that the brain categorizes our experience. All the red objects go here; all the purple objects go there. This sounds benign and helpful; often it is. But what happens when we categorize along judgmental lines. This is good; that is bad. This is safe; that is scary. This person is smart. That person is lazy. That person looks different from me and so is no good.

Our socialization and conditioning teaches us how to respond; it’s not just family that conditions how we think, it’s the media, school, church, politics, and all aspects of our society.

Implicit bias is a kind of distorting lens, says Professor Eberhardt, that is both a product of our brains and societal conditioning. It keeps us from experiencing the world as it really is. 

Research shows that we are more accepting of people that look, sound, and feel like ourselves. This limits us from the possibilities of life because it cuts out the newness of adventure and exploration of unknown and different persons and places. 

Three mindfulness practices help us to respond appropriately rather than with bias. These are the pausing with equanimity, noticing the feeling tone of experience, and lovingkindness. In the podcast I take you through how these practices work and how you can apply them to bias—even unconscious bias.

This week I invite you to practice these mindfulness practices and see what difference it begins to make in your biased responses. It might just bring your attention to bias that you have not been aware of and open you to acceptance. Let me know how it goes.

Thank you for listening today. I am grateful you are here and I’m grateful for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible. 

All of you who are members of the podcast on Patreon;

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

RESOURCES/CREDITS

An Introduction to Biased by Stanford Professor Jennifer Eberhardt, Nest Big Idea Club, YouTube, https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pD5a3-v9KZs

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-11752784 Thu, 24 Nov 2022 08:00:00 -0800 1115 bias, unconscious bias, mindfulness 1 40 full false Ep. 39 - Free To Say No Ep. 39 - Free To Say No Do you ever find yourself saying, “Yes,” when you mean “No?” Do you ever worry that if you say “No” that you will hurt someone’s feelings or will be judged by others?

Today on the podcast we are talking about how to feel comfortable saying “No.”

If you find something meaningful in the podcast and feel moved to support it, you can do this in three ways:

(1) by following or subscribing to the podcast where you listen 

(2) by downloading the episodes 

(3) by becoming a member by clicking here.

Has this ever happened to you? As the word, “Yes,” leaves your mouth, something inside you tightens and contracts. Your mouth is saying, “Yes,” and your body is saying, “No.”  I’m sure it has. It has to me.

We’re conditioned to say “Yes,” to be agreeable and helpful. Women, especially, are conditioned to say, “Yes.” Taking a pause and taking the request inside is the first step in breaking the habit of always saying, “Yes.” Once we take a request inside, we can get a handle on it. How does it feel? How does it sit with us? Does the appropriate response come clearly? Or is there confusion? We can ask the little question, “Why am I saying “Yes?” And, I share with you some of my experiences and how difficult it can be to honestly and clearly say, “No.”

I offer some guidance on how to investigate a request, to help you to clearly decide whether “No,” is the appropriate answer. Saying “No” is a mindfulness practice. It asks us to pay attention in the moment; it asks us come from a place of equanimity; it asks us to be self-compassionate and true to our core values.

This week, practice feeling comfortable saying, “No” from the heart. When you are tempted to say “Yes,” because it is what you usually do, notice how it feels inside. Check to see how it fits next to your values. Check to see if you are pausing long enough to fully consider saying “No.” Say “No” with surety and kindness. And, after you say “No” sense how that feels in your body and let me know how it goes. You can leave me a note here.

Thanks for tuning in today. I am grateful you are here and I’m grateful for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible.

Everyone who is a member of the podcast on Patreon;

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support;

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.


Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Do you ever find yourself saying, “Yes,” when you mean “No?” Do you ever worry that if you say “No” that you will hurt someone’s feelings or will be judged by others?

Today on the podcast we are talking about how to feel comfortable saying “No.”

If you find something meaningful in the podcast and feel moved to support it, you can do this in three ways:

(1) by following or subscribing to the podcast where you listen 

(2) by downloading the episodes 

(3) by becoming a member by clicking here.

Has this ever happened to you? As the word, “Yes,” leaves your mouth, something inside you tightens and contracts. Your mouth is saying, “Yes,” and your body is saying, “No.”  I’m sure it has. It has to me.

We’re conditioned to say “Yes,” to be agreeable and helpful. Women, especially, are conditioned to say, “Yes.” Taking a pause and taking the request inside is the first step in breaking the habit of always saying, “Yes.” Once we take a request inside, we can get a handle on it. How does it feel? How does it sit with us? Does the appropriate response come clearly? Or is there confusion? We can ask the little question, “Why am I saying “Yes?” And, I share with you some of my experiences and how difficult it can be to honestly and clearly say, “No.”

I offer some guidance on how to investigate a request, to help you to clearly decide whether “No,” is the appropriate answer. Saying “No” is a mindfulness practice. It asks us to pay attention in the moment; it asks us come from a place of equanimity; it asks us to be self-compassionate and true to our core values.

This week, practice feeling comfortable saying, “No” from the heart. When you are tempted to say “Yes,” because it is what you usually do, notice how it feels inside. Check to see how it fits next to your values. Check to see if you are pausing long enough to fully consider saying “No.” Say “No” with surety and kindness. And, after you say “No” sense how that feels in your body and let me know how it goes. You can leave me a note here.

Thanks for tuning in today. I am grateful you are here and I’m grateful for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible.

Everyone who is a member of the podcast on Patreon;

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support;

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.


Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-11641294 Thu, 17 Nov 2022 08:00:00 -0800 1154 saying no,mindfulness,equanimity,say no 1 39 full false Ep. 38 - Just Right Boundaries Ep. 38 - Just Right Boundaries What do you think about when you think about boundaries? Do you think they restrict you or hem you in? That they are helpful? Or, are you unsure?

Today the topic is boundaries, what they do for us, and how we can nurture them so that we can navigate our worlds with comfort and integrity.

First though… Maybe this is your first time listening or perhaps you are a regular. If something here inspires you and you feel moved to support the show, here are three ways to support it: 

(1) Follow or subscribe where you listen 

(2) Download the episodes  

(3) Become a member by clicking here. 

Your support matters and we are grateful for it.

Healthy physical and emotional boundaries are a good thing. When aligned with our core values, intentions, speech, and actions healthy boundaries allow us to freely give and receive and to connect with others with respect and dignity.  Poor boundaries lead to distress and suffering.

Today, we explore how to notice what kind of boundary is in front of us. And, how our behavior with respect to that boundary causes an effect. We look at invisible boundaries and how they may be invisible to some but create insurmountable obstacles for others. 

Finding the just rightness of a boundary is important—not too solid and not too porous; not too high and not too low; not too rigid and not too flexible. We talk about how being mindful of the feeling tone  of experience—that feeling of pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral— is an early warning system—allowing us to pause, ask what’s happening in the moment, sensing inwardly how it feels, and inquiring what runs through it, underneath it, and on top of it.

This week I invite you to take some time to explore your boundaries. Do you take advantage of others’ boundaries? Do others take advantage of your boundaries? Choose one boundary that you would like to build, nurture, or lessen. 

Write down two or three actions you can take to improve the boundary so that it feels right—not too porous and not too rigid. Right down some actions that give you and the others an appropriate amount of space, that respect everyone’s autonomy, and that feel right inside of you—not too constricting and not too loose. These actions might take the form when “this” happens, I will do “that.” Here’s an example, “When my friend invites herself over to eat tonight, I will let her know that tonight isn’t a good night for me, but that next week will work fine.”

As you practice, notice what changes. Notice how emotions flow through you without you putting up a wall or getting all hung up in them. And, notice the clarity of your thinking—how you can say “Yes” and say “No” and how that feels just right.

Thank you for listening today. I am grateful you are here and I’m grateful for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible. 

All the members of the podcast on Patreon;

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

RESOURCES/CREDITS 

Wilkerson, Isabel, Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, Random House, New York, 2020

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.


Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> What do you think about when you think about boundaries? Do you think they restrict you or hem you in? That they are helpful? Or, are you unsure?

Today the topic is boundaries, what they do for us, and how we can nurture them so that we can navigate our worlds with comfort and integrity.

First though… Maybe this is your first time listening or perhaps you are a regular. If something here inspires you and you feel moved to support the show, here are three ways to support it: 

(1) Follow or subscribe where you listen 

(2) Download the episodes  

(3) Become a member by clicking here. 

Your support matters and we are grateful for it.

Healthy physical and emotional boundaries are a good thing. When aligned with our core values, intentions, speech, and actions healthy boundaries allow us to freely give and receive and to connect with others with respect and dignity.  Poor boundaries lead to distress and suffering.

Today, we explore how to notice what kind of boundary is in front of us. And, how our behavior with respect to that boundary causes an effect. We look at invisible boundaries and how they may be invisible to some but create insurmountable obstacles for others. 

Finding the just rightness of a boundary is important—not too solid and not too porous; not too high and not too low; not too rigid and not too flexible. We talk about how being mindful of the feeling tone  of experience—that feeling of pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral— is an early warning system—allowing us to pause, ask what’s happening in the moment, sensing inwardly how it feels, and inquiring what runs through it, underneath it, and on top of it.

This week I invite you to take some time to explore your boundaries. Do you take advantage of others’ boundaries? Do others take advantage of your boundaries? Choose one boundary that you would like to build, nurture, or lessen. 

Write down two or three actions you can take to improve the boundary so that it feels right—not too porous and not too rigid. Right down some actions that give you and the others an appropriate amount of space, that respect everyone’s autonomy, and that feel right inside of you—not too constricting and not too loose. These actions might take the form when “this” happens, I will do “that.” Here’s an example, “When my friend invites herself over to eat tonight, I will let her know that tonight isn’t a good night for me, but that next week will work fine.”

As you practice, notice what changes. Notice how emotions flow through you without you putting up a wall or getting all hung up in them. And, notice the clarity of your thinking—how you can say “Yes” and say “No” and how that feels just right.

Thank you for listening today. I am grateful you are here and I’m grateful for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible. 

All the members of the podcast on Patreon;

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

RESOURCES/CREDITS 

Wilkerson, Isabel, Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, Random House, New York, 2020

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.


Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-11625607 Thu, 10 Nov 2022 08:00:00 -0800 917 boundaries, healthy boundaries, mindfulness, emotions, trespassing and entanglement, clear thinking 1 38 full false Ep. 37 - Just Listen Ep. 37 - Just Listen Do you ever have a hard time listening? Do you easily get distracted? When someone is talking are you busy thinking what you will say in reply? Today on the podcast, we’re exploring listening—listening deeply.

First though, an invitation to support the podcast. Maybe this is your first time listening or perhaps you are a regular. Either way, if the podcast inspires you or helps you to live a happier life, we hope you support it by following or subscribing to it where you listen, by downloading the episodes and by becoming a member by clicking here.  Your support matters and we are grateful for it.

You might be surprised how hard it is to listen fully, to listen mindfully—fully present without judgement or an agenda—and from a place of equanimity and compassion.

Listening is active. It requires energy and effort. It requires us to set aside what we think, how we feel, and what we would and to totally give all our attention to listening—taking in the words and feeling how they feel inside.

Deep listening is for all times—when we are experiencing difficulty or happiness with strangers, friends, family, or partners.  Deep listening is about deep connection.

But how do we listen deeply? What’s the how? When we are suffering ourselves or are grieving, we first attend to our own suffering and grief mindfully. We know how to do this. It’s like putting on our oxygen mask first before helping others put on theirs.

We bring compassion. We listen fully so that we can relieve suffering, not by doing something but by listening fully. It’s amazing how often people will say, “I just needed someone to listen.”

And, we learn how to listen deeply using reflection—reflecting back what the speaker has said, so the speaker can take it inside and check and see how it fits. Reflecting is a powerful listening device that I invite you to practice often.

This week I invite you to set the intention to listen deeply. Give listening your full attention. And, notice how it deepens understanding, connection, and caring. You might try it on the fly with anyone. Simply be in mindful presence and take in the other person’s words and body language with curiosity and without judgment. Don’t think up an answer. Let the person know. After awhile when there is a pause reflect back to the person what you have heard.” See how it goes and let me know here.

Thanks to you and and all the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible. 

Everyone who are members of the podcast on Patreon;

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

CREDITS/RESOURCES

Augsburger, D., Caring Enough to Hear and be Heard, Baker Publishing Group, 1982. Accessed on https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/search?utf8=✓&q=David+Augsburger&commit=Search

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Do you ever have a hard time listening? Do you easily get distracted? When someone is talking are you busy thinking what you will say in reply? Today on the podcast, we’re exploring listening—listening deeply.

First though, an invitation to support the podcast. Maybe this is your first time listening or perhaps you are a regular. Either way, if the podcast inspires you or helps you to live a happier life, we hope you support it by following or subscribing to it where you listen, by downloading the episodes and by becoming a member by clicking here.  Your support matters and we are grateful for it.

You might be surprised how hard it is to listen fully, to listen mindfully—fully present without judgement or an agenda—and from a place of equanimity and compassion.

Listening is active. It requires energy and effort. It requires us to set aside what we think, how we feel, and what we would and to totally give all our attention to listening—taking in the words and feeling how they feel inside.

Deep listening is for all times—when we are experiencing difficulty or happiness with strangers, friends, family, or partners.  Deep listening is about deep connection.

But how do we listen deeply? What’s the how? When we are suffering ourselves or are grieving, we first attend to our own suffering and grief mindfully. We know how to do this. It’s like putting on our oxygen mask first before helping others put on theirs.

We bring compassion. We listen fully so that we can relieve suffering, not by doing something but by listening fully. It’s amazing how often people will say, “I just needed someone to listen.”

And, we learn how to listen deeply using reflection—reflecting back what the speaker has said, so the speaker can take it inside and check and see how it fits. Reflecting is a powerful listening device that I invite you to practice often.

This week I invite you to set the intention to listen deeply. Give listening your full attention. And, notice how it deepens understanding, connection, and caring. You might try it on the fly with anyone. Simply be in mindful presence and take in the other person’s words and body language with curiosity and without judgment. Don’t think up an answer. Let the person know. After awhile when there is a pause reflect back to the person what you have heard.” See how it goes and let me know here.

Thanks to you and and all the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible. 

Everyone who are members of the podcast on Patreon;

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

CREDITS/RESOURCES

Augsburger, D., Caring Enough to Hear and be Heard, Baker Publishing Group, 1982. Accessed on https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/search?utf8=✓&q=David+Augsburger&commit=Search

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-11614359 Thu, 03 Nov 2022 08:00:00 -0700 1541 listening, deep listening, mindfulness, compassion, 1 37 full false Ep. 36 - Letting Go Ep. 36 - Letting Go Today in Episode 36 of the podcast, we’re exploring Letting go. Letting go can be hard to do even when we know we’re not in control of an outcome. And sometimes, it is the hardest when we are doing a compassionate act—when we are purposely trying to alleviate unease, distress, or suffering.

To show how clinging and letting go work in relationship to Compassion, I tell my own story, and how mindfulness helped me to simply let go.

I hope you enjoy the show. And, if you do, I hope you’ll support the podcast by subscribing or following it where you listen, downloading the episodes, sharing it with friends, and by becoming a podcast member by clicking here.

Today I’d like to once again give gratitude to the people behind the scenes that make this podcast possible.

Everyone who are members of the podcast;

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.


Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Today in Episode 36 of the podcast, we’re exploring Letting go. Letting go can be hard to do even when we know we’re not in control of an outcome. And sometimes, it is the hardest when we are doing a compassionate act—when we are purposely trying to alleviate unease, distress, or suffering.

To show how clinging and letting go work in relationship to Compassion, I tell my own story, and how mindfulness helped me to simply let go.

I hope you enjoy the show. And, if you do, I hope you’ll support the podcast by subscribing or following it where you listen, downloading the episodes, sharing it with friends, and by becoming a podcast member by clicking here.

Today I’d like to once again give gratitude to the people behind the scenes that make this podcast possible.

Everyone who are members of the podcast;

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.


Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-11518659 Thu, 27 Oct 2022 08:00:00 -0700 757 compassion, letting go, clinging, mindfulness 1 36 full false Ep. 35 - Forgiving Frees Us Ep. 35 - Forgiving Frees Us When someone wrongs or hurts you in some way, how does it feel inside?  When you wrong or hurt someone, how does it feel? And, how does it feel to forgive another? Or, ask for forgiveness? 

In this week’s episode we are diving into forgiveness. In our Western culture people who forgive are often seen as soft and weak. I’ve grown to understand and appreciate that people who forgive are brave, strong, and loving.

To set the stage, I share how forgiveness changed my life. It wasn’t easy at first and it took me a long time. Forgiveness is facing the truth of our  suffering, opening to it, and putting it out where we can see it clearly. Hiding from the hurt that we have suffered only perpetuates it.

Being willing to forgive—to see that forgiveness is here inside of us—opens the heart and allows compassion to flow — for ourselves and for whomever has hurt us.

Sometimes, forgiveness allows us to re-establish relationship with whomever has hurt us and at other times not.  After forgiveness, letting go of relationship can allow us to live our lives forward.

What happens when we don’t forgive? We keep ourselves in prison—ever tormented by some past action that caused us pain. We cling to harmful emotions like judgment, revenge, and hate. We keep ourselves from living our lives because forever stuck in the past, we are not present in the now.

We also talk about asking for forgiveness when we have hurt someone. The reality is that we have all hurt someone at one time or another. And, we can ask for forgiveness and show in our speech and actions that we are truly sorry and commit to living a life of alignment with our values.

Here’s what is true. There is nothing that cannot be forgiven and there is no one undeserving of forgiveness.

Forgiveness ends our suffering. It aligns us with our dignity and creates harmony in our lives. It allows us to let go of the pain we carry. 

This week I invite you to both forgive and seek forgiveness to lighten your burden and let joy flow.

I’m grateful that you stopped by to listen and I am also grateful for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible. 

Everyone who are members of the podcast;

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; 

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Resources/Credits:
Jack Kornfield, 12 Principles of Forgiveness, The Greater Good Science Center, a video located at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-RBTd23RN0

DISCLAIMER:
The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.



Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> When someone wrongs or hurts you in some way, how does it feel inside?  When you wrong or hurt someone, how does it feel? And, how does it feel to forgive another? Or, ask for forgiveness? 

In this week’s episode we are diving into forgiveness. In our Western culture people who forgive are often seen as soft and weak. I’ve grown to understand and appreciate that people who forgive are brave, strong, and loving.

To set the stage, I share how forgiveness changed my life. It wasn’t easy at first and it took me a long time. Forgiveness is facing the truth of our  suffering, opening to it, and putting it out where we can see it clearly. Hiding from the hurt that we have suffered only perpetuates it.

Being willing to forgive—to see that forgiveness is here inside of us—opens the heart and allows compassion to flow — for ourselves and for whomever has hurt us.

Sometimes, forgiveness allows us to re-establish relationship with whomever has hurt us and at other times not.  After forgiveness, letting go of relationship can allow us to live our lives forward.

What happens when we don’t forgive? We keep ourselves in prison—ever tormented by some past action that caused us pain. We cling to harmful emotions like judgment, revenge, and hate. We keep ourselves from living our lives because forever stuck in the past, we are not present in the now.

We also talk about asking for forgiveness when we have hurt someone. The reality is that we have all hurt someone at one time or another. And, we can ask for forgiveness and show in our speech and actions that we are truly sorry and commit to living a life of alignment with our values.

Here’s what is true. There is nothing that cannot be forgiven and there is no one undeserving of forgiveness.

Forgiveness ends our suffering. It aligns us with our dignity and creates harmony in our lives. It allows us to let go of the pain we carry. 

This week I invite you to both forgive and seek forgiveness to lighten your burden and let joy flow.

I’m grateful that you stopped by to listen and I am also grateful for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible. 

Everyone who are members of the podcast;

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; 

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Resources/Credits:
Jack Kornfield, 12 Principles of Forgiveness, The Greater Good Science Center, a video located at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-RBTd23RN0

DISCLAIMER:
The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.



Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-11510428 Thu, 20 Oct 2022 08:00:00 -0700 1362 forgiveness, judging, mindfulness, compassion, dignity, harmony, 1 35 full false Ep. 34 - The Wanting Mind Ep. 34 - The Wanting Mind First, a question… Do you you feel moved to support the podcast?  I hope you do and  I hope you will by clicking here to go over to Patreon.com to become a member. As a member you not only support the show but also receive member-only content created especially for you. Become a member today.

Hello everyone. Today we’re exploring desire or wanting. There are different kinds of wanting. Some are motivational and help us to meet our basic needs.  Others lead us to states of unease and distress and to a continuous merry-go-round of seeking to feel better, only to feel worse again.

When we are wanting to do something, it may be motivational and wise. The desire to study hard so that we can get a good job that allows us to take care of ourselves and our families. Or, the desire to provide for our basic needs like food, shelter, and relationship. This kind of wanting empowers us to act according to our basic human necessities and our values.

On the other hand, if we desire to earn as much money as we can to enrich ourselves through possessions and to garner entitlement without regard for the needs of others, then this motivational desire is not wise. It may bring momentary satisfaction and feed our ego but ultimately it causes us unease and suffering. Why? Because whatever we have is never enough. I’m sure you’ve heard this. Having stuff doesn’t bring happiness. No matter how much you have, you always need more or you need something different—the wanting never stops.

The kind of desire that brings distress is like an unquenchable thirst or wanting that can never be satisfied. It is a strong and powerful conditioned force in our minds.

The wanting mind runs the gamut from addiction to subtle nagging. We don’t just become addicted to nicotine, and drugs, and alcohol. We can become addicted to all kinds of things--relationships, clothes, social media or tech gear.

The wanting mind wants things to be as we want them and not something else.  How do you feel when your plans get dashed? Or something that you counted on goes awry? Can you simply let go or is the wanting mind in turmoil because it must have what it is wanting.

So what do we do? We bring mindfulness to the wanting mind. We follow the thread... maybe we become aware of the effect... that feeling ... this feels good and then it  doesn't. Or, maybe we become aware of the cause... the repetitive thought, speech, or action.  

In this way, we can release the wanting mind, we can let go of suffering, and we can rest in the possibilities of life.

I’m grateful that you stopped by to listen and I am also grateful for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible. 

All of you who are members of the podcast;

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; 

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

Resources/Credits.

Tolle, Eckhart, “Addiction to Thinking,” Essential Teachings, Oprah and Eckhart Tolle, Nov 24, 2021, podcast accessed on Apple Podcasts.

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> First, a question… Do you you feel moved to support the podcast?  I hope you do and  I hope you will by clicking here to go over to Patreon.com to become a member. As a member you not only support the show but also receive member-only content created especially for you. Become a member today.

Hello everyone. Today we’re exploring desire or wanting. There are different kinds of wanting. Some are motivational and help us to meet our basic needs.  Others lead us to states of unease and distress and to a continuous merry-go-round of seeking to feel better, only to feel worse again.

When we are wanting to do something, it may be motivational and wise. The desire to study hard so that we can get a good job that allows us to take care of ourselves and our families. Or, the desire to provide for our basic needs like food, shelter, and relationship. This kind of wanting empowers us to act according to our basic human necessities and our values.

On the other hand, if we desire to earn as much money as we can to enrich ourselves through possessions and to garner entitlement without regard for the needs of others, then this motivational desire is not wise. It may bring momentary satisfaction and feed our ego but ultimately it causes us unease and suffering. Why? Because whatever we have is never enough. I’m sure you’ve heard this. Having stuff doesn’t bring happiness. No matter how much you have, you always need more or you need something different—the wanting never stops.

The kind of desire that brings distress is like an unquenchable thirst or wanting that can never be satisfied. It is a strong and powerful conditioned force in our minds.

The wanting mind runs the gamut from addiction to subtle nagging. We don’t just become addicted to nicotine, and drugs, and alcohol. We can become addicted to all kinds of things--relationships, clothes, social media or tech gear.

The wanting mind wants things to be as we want them and not something else.  How do you feel when your plans get dashed? Or something that you counted on goes awry? Can you simply let go or is the wanting mind in turmoil because it must have what it is wanting.

So what do we do? We bring mindfulness to the wanting mind. We follow the thread... maybe we become aware of the effect... that feeling ... this feels good and then it  doesn't. Or, maybe we become aware of the cause... the repetitive thought, speech, or action.  

In this way, we can release the wanting mind, we can let go of suffering, and we can rest in the possibilities of life.

I’m grateful that you stopped by to listen and I am also grateful for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible. 

All of you who are members of the podcast;

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; 

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

Resources/Credits.

Tolle, Eckhart, “Addiction to Thinking,” Essential Teachings, Oprah and Eckhart Tolle, Nov 24, 2021, podcast accessed on Apple Podcasts.

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-11485537 Thu, 13 Oct 2022 07:00:00 -0700 1208 wanting mind, mindfulness, addiction 1 34 full false Ep. 33 - Trusting in Trust Ep. 33 - Trusting in Trust Hello everyone! Do you you feel moved to support the podcast? I hope you do and  I hope you will by clicking here to go over to Patreon.com to become a member. As a member you not only support the show but also receive member-only content created especially for you. Become a member today.

And, announcing a new online mindfulness meditation class starting October 12th. Are you wanting to practice mindfulness meditation with others? Are you wanting to evolve your practice? Join my new 10-class Mindfulness Meditation series which begins on October 12, 2022. Go here to my website for details and to sign up.  

In today’s episode we explore trust. The everyday trust we rely on to get things done and the trust we put into all kinds of strangers to do the right thing from the farm worker who picks our vegetables to the doctor who gives us a prescription. This includes the trust we have in the people with whom we have relationships—our friends, families, and partners. This trust is based on mutuality—I take care of you and you take care of me— and involves acting according to common agreement. We cannot live without this kind of trust. This kind of trust comes from the members of the community. It requires intention and discipline and connects us in a web of community sharing. It requires honesty, generosity, gratitude, compassion. and forgiveness.

Trust is fundamental to community. It is also fragile. It is often broken.

And there is another kind of trust—inner trust—that holds even when our everyday trust is broken to pieces. It is the trust that we rely on to know that life will unfold in the most harmonious way possible. That we will be OK, even when everything falls apart. It springs from the ground of being will holds us in communion in the great web of life no matter what. And, we can access it by letting go of all the content of life—the thoughts, emotions, feelings, and actions—and shifting into the essence of who we are— spacious awake awareness—and being present there and accessing the love, wisdom, care, and grounding that allows us to go forward in life no matter what.

Inner trust, trusts the core goodness of others and accepts that transactional trust will be broken from time to time. Whatever happens in the future, right now, we accept unconditional trust in our goodness and in the ground of being that is more than us and holds us all.

I hope you enjoy the show, and as always, I am grateful to you, my audience, and I am also grateful for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible. 

All of you who are members of the podcast;

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; 

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.


Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Hello everyone! Do you you feel moved to support the podcast? I hope you do and  I hope you will by clicking here to go over to Patreon.com to become a member. As a member you not only support the show but also receive member-only content created especially for you. Become a member today.

And, announcing a new online mindfulness meditation class starting October 12th. Are you wanting to practice mindfulness meditation with others? Are you wanting to evolve your practice? Join my new 10-class Mindfulness Meditation series which begins on October 12, 2022. Go here to my website for details and to sign up.  

In today’s episode we explore trust. The everyday trust we rely on to get things done and the trust we put into all kinds of strangers to do the right thing from the farm worker who picks our vegetables to the doctor who gives us a prescription. This includes the trust we have in the people with whom we have relationships—our friends, families, and partners. This trust is based on mutuality—I take care of you and you take care of me— and involves acting according to common agreement. We cannot live without this kind of trust. This kind of trust comes from the members of the community. It requires intention and discipline and connects us in a web of community sharing. It requires honesty, generosity, gratitude, compassion. and forgiveness.

Trust is fundamental to community. It is also fragile. It is often broken.

And there is another kind of trust—inner trust—that holds even when our everyday trust is broken to pieces. It is the trust that we rely on to know that life will unfold in the most harmonious way possible. That we will be OK, even when everything falls apart. It springs from the ground of being will holds us in communion in the great web of life no matter what. And, we can access it by letting go of all the content of life—the thoughts, emotions, feelings, and actions—and shifting into the essence of who we are— spacious awake awareness—and being present there and accessing the love, wisdom, care, and grounding that allows us to go forward in life no matter what.

Inner trust, trusts the core goodness of others and accepts that transactional trust will be broken from time to time. Whatever happens in the future, right now, we accept unconditional trust in our goodness and in the ground of being that is more than us and holds us all.

I hope you enjoy the show, and as always, I am grateful to you, my audience, and I am also grateful for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible. 

All of you who are members of the podcast;

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; 

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.


Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-11419320 Thu, 06 Oct 2022 08:00:00 -0700 1210 trust, transactional trust, inner trust, mindfully, spacious awareness, awake awareness 1 33 full false Ep. 32 - When The Full Plate Overflows Ep. 32 - When The Full Plate Overflows Are you curious? Are you looking for a group to meditate with, to share with, and to deepen your practice with? Join the 10-class meditation class starting October 12th. Sign up here. 

You’re here and I’m grateful. Do you you feel moved to support the podcast? I hope you do and I hope you will by clicking here to go over to Patreon and becoming a member. As a member you not only keep the podcast going, you also receive member-only content created especially for you. Become a member today.

Are you in that place I am now? Is your plate full too? Is it over-flowing? Are the words, “I am so busy” or “how am I going to do all of this?” coming out of your mouth?

Today on the podcast we are exploring how mindfulness helps when we are juggling what feel like too many obligations and activities. It’s the time of year. Everything is in full swing. Work, school, family, and the holidays are appearing on the horizon. My plate is full and over-flowing and maybe yours is too.

So, in the podcast I take you through a practice that allows you to shift out of the worry-mind and into the empty mind—that awareness that holds all of it but isn’t involved in the content and rests simply in the context. The benefit of this practice is that it opens you to your healing place, to your place of freedom, and to your inner embodied knowing that doesn’t require thinking. Before beginning the practice I was worried and anxious about what was on and falling off my plate; by the end everything was still there overflowing but my relationship to it had changed and I felt at peace with it all.

Want to do the practice? Contact me here and I’ll send you the practice that I do in the podcast today.

Do this, “Don’t worry about it. Do it. Rest in spaciousness and the knowing will spring forward.”  I am grateful for this time and space with you sharing with you what I am directly experiencing so that it can be a lamplight for your experience.

This week, I invite you to rest in spacious awareness and see what happens. And, Contact me for the practice.

I hope you enjoy the show, and as always, I am grateful to you, my audience, and I am also grateful for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible. 

All of you who are members of the podcast;

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; 

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.


Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Are you curious? Are you looking for a group to meditate with, to share with, and to deepen your practice with? Join the 10-class meditation class starting October 12th. Sign up here. 

You’re here and I’m grateful. Do you you feel moved to support the podcast? I hope you do and I hope you will by clicking here to go over to Patreon and becoming a member. As a member you not only keep the podcast going, you also receive member-only content created especially for you. Become a member today.

Are you in that place I am now? Is your plate full too? Is it over-flowing? Are the words, “I am so busy” or “how am I going to do all of this?” coming out of your mouth?

Today on the podcast we are exploring how mindfulness helps when we are juggling what feel like too many obligations and activities. It’s the time of year. Everything is in full swing. Work, school, family, and the holidays are appearing on the horizon. My plate is full and over-flowing and maybe yours is too.

So, in the podcast I take you through a practice that allows you to shift out of the worry-mind and into the empty mind—that awareness that holds all of it but isn’t involved in the content and rests simply in the context. The benefit of this practice is that it opens you to your healing place, to your place of freedom, and to your inner embodied knowing that doesn’t require thinking. Before beginning the practice I was worried and anxious about what was on and falling off my plate; by the end everything was still there overflowing but my relationship to it had changed and I felt at peace with it all.

Want to do the practice? Contact me here and I’ll send you the practice that I do in the podcast today.

Do this, “Don’t worry about it. Do it. Rest in spaciousness and the knowing will spring forward.”  I am grateful for this time and space with you sharing with you what I am directly experiencing so that it can be a lamplight for your experience.

This week, I invite you to rest in spacious awareness and see what happens. And, Contact me for the practice.

I hope you enjoy the show, and as always, I am grateful to you, my audience, and I am also grateful for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible. 

All of you who are members of the podcast;

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; 

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.


Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-11388281 Thu, 29 Sep 2022 08:00:00 -0700 851 embodied knowing, mindfulness,inner knowing 1 32 full false Ep. 31 - Living Our Values Ep. 31 - Living Our Values How do you respond when someone asks you, “What are your core values?” Does it feel too big and complex a question? Do you begin to stutter? Or perhaps race through a long list of descriptors? Or, maybe you have a one word answer ready to go? Or maybe something else.

Welcome to this week's episode.  We’re delving into the subject of core vales. What’s a useful way to approach them? And, how do they guide us to away from dissatisfaction and suffering and to satisfaction in our lives?

First, though, do you you feel moved to support the podcast? I hope you do and I hope you will by becoming a member at Patreon by  clicking here. As a member you not only support the podcast to keep it going and also receive member-only content created especially for you. Become a member today.

Often in the podcast I invite you to bring your attention to your core values. Today I offer a way to do that. And how to use them to live a life of satisfaction.

Core values are often defined as beliefs that we live our lives by. Thinking about core values as beliefs can be problematic because beliefs can be limiting, dogmatic, and judging Our beliefs are formed and altered by our social, physical, and cultural conditioning and so may simply reflect our conditioning rather than true values.

Instead we talk about core values as guideposts which keep us on the path of satisfaction, kindness, and happiness. 

We're not going to Google core values and peruse lists of hundreds of descriptive words. Rather, we're going to look at core values through mindfulness. 

We'll talk about how first accepting how things are,  just as they are, is important. Then we'll discover how just by looking at the basics of living we find our guideposts: right speech, right action, right work. From this we'll see how mindfulness and meditation support our path. 

I hope you enjoy the show, and as always, I am grateful to you, my audience, and I am also grateful for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible. 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; 

Gorgias Romero for composing the original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> How do you respond when someone asks you, “What are your core values?” Does it feel too big and complex a question? Do you begin to stutter? Or perhaps race through a long list of descriptors? Or, maybe you have a one word answer ready to go? Or maybe something else.

Welcome to this week's episode.  We’re delving into the subject of core vales. What’s a useful way to approach them? And, how do they guide us to away from dissatisfaction and suffering and to satisfaction in our lives?

First, though, do you you feel moved to support the podcast? I hope you do and I hope you will by becoming a member at Patreon by  clicking here. As a member you not only support the podcast to keep it going and also receive member-only content created especially for you. Become a member today.

Often in the podcast I invite you to bring your attention to your core values. Today I offer a way to do that. And how to use them to live a life of satisfaction.

Core values are often defined as beliefs that we live our lives by. Thinking about core values as beliefs can be problematic because beliefs can be limiting, dogmatic, and judging Our beliefs are formed and altered by our social, physical, and cultural conditioning and so may simply reflect our conditioning rather than true values.

Instead we talk about core values as guideposts which keep us on the path of satisfaction, kindness, and happiness. 

We're not going to Google core values and peruse lists of hundreds of descriptive words. Rather, we're going to look at core values through mindfulness. 

We'll talk about how first accepting how things are,  just as they are, is important. Then we'll discover how just by looking at the basics of living we find our guideposts: right speech, right action, right work. From this we'll see how mindfulness and meditation support our path. 

I hope you enjoy the show, and as always, I am grateful to you, my audience, and I am also grateful for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible. 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; 

Gorgias Romero for composing the original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-11361595 Thu, 22 Sep 2022 08:00:00 -0700 1000 mindfulness, core values, right speech, right action, right work, meditation 1 31 full false Ep.30 - Conflict Arising Ep.30 - Conflict Arising When conflict arises and is there right in front of you, what happens?  How do you feel? What do you do?

Today, we’re talking about conflict and how to be with it. How to not push it away or jump into the middle of it but how to approach and enter it mindfully with equanimity and lovingkindness.

First, though, an invitation. Do you you feel moved to support the podcast? I hope you do and I hope you will by clicking here to go over to Patreon to become a member. As a member you not only support the podcast but also receive member-only content created especially for you. Become a member today.

And, now, Let’s look at conflict. We all strive for comfort and harmony in our relationships with ourselves and others. But often the edges of our relationships and sometimes the very fabric of our relationships are ragged, torn, and sharp. When conflict arises, we either try to push it away (aversion) or go head-to-head with it  (Clinging/grasping). Both os these create enormous suffering in us because resolution isn’t possible unless we are willing to accept and open to what is here.

Engaging in an open, kind, and equanimous way,  is just the way that we can best meet conflict and resolve it. Asking ourselves little questions about our motivations, intentions, and about what's at stake for us help us know where we stand. This is a good place to start --giving ourselves space and time--because often we are so full of emotion that we actually don’t know where we are standing.

But, even now we are not quite ready to engage. Two more practices  are needed. The first is to practice lovingkindness. I know it is hard to believe but the formal practice of lovingkindness (See Episode 7) takes the bite out and is a salve for hurt feelings and emotional upset because just like me the other person wants to be safe, be happy, and be at peace. I can't tell you how many times people have reported back to me saying, "I didn't believe it until I tried it. Lovingkindness practice really does  takes the stick out and opens the heart."

The second is to sit in meditative enquiry. To sit in a place of equanimity—balanced, open, and neutral. To sense our mental attitude: are we stuck in the “it’s all about me” cycle of clinging? Are we open to understanding what lies beneath the conflict. Can we look at all sides and feel what feels true?  We can step away from our viewpoint and take the other person’s or take an altogether new perspective? Can we ask "What's happening now?" Be with what's happening and  feel how it feels in our body. 

This is the power of mindfulness and lovingkindness to take us out of ourselves—the I identity and allow us to be with what is here right now in a place of equanimity. From here we are ready to engage in an open and heartfelt way to have that conversation to resolve the conflict. 

I hope you enjoy the show. As always, I am grateful to you, my audience, and I am also grateful for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible. 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; 

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.


DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.


Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> When conflict arises and is there right in front of you, what happens?  How do you feel? What do you do?

Today, we’re talking about conflict and how to be with it. How to not push it away or jump into the middle of it but how to approach and enter it mindfully with equanimity and lovingkindness.

First, though, an invitation. Do you you feel moved to support the podcast? I hope you do and I hope you will by clicking here to go over to Patreon to become a member. As a member you not only support the podcast but also receive member-only content created especially for you. Become a member today.

And, now, Let’s look at conflict. We all strive for comfort and harmony in our relationships with ourselves and others. But often the edges of our relationships and sometimes the very fabric of our relationships are ragged, torn, and sharp. When conflict arises, we either try to push it away (aversion) or go head-to-head with it  (Clinging/grasping). Both os these create enormous suffering in us because resolution isn’t possible unless we are willing to accept and open to what is here.

Engaging in an open, kind, and equanimous way,  is just the way that we can best meet conflict and resolve it. Asking ourselves little questions about our motivations, intentions, and about what's at stake for us help us know where we stand. This is a good place to start --giving ourselves space and time--because often we are so full of emotion that we actually don’t know where we are standing.

But, even now we are not quite ready to engage. Two more practices  are needed. The first is to practice lovingkindness. I know it is hard to believe but the formal practice of lovingkindness (See Episode 7) takes the bite out and is a salve for hurt feelings and emotional upset because just like me the other person wants to be safe, be happy, and be at peace. I can't tell you how many times people have reported back to me saying, "I didn't believe it until I tried it. Lovingkindness practice really does  takes the stick out and opens the heart."

The second is to sit in meditative enquiry. To sit in a place of equanimity—balanced, open, and neutral. To sense our mental attitude: are we stuck in the “it’s all about me” cycle of clinging? Are we open to understanding what lies beneath the conflict. Can we look at all sides and feel what feels true?  We can step away from our viewpoint and take the other person’s or take an altogether new perspective? Can we ask "What's happening now?" Be with what's happening and  feel how it feels in our body. 

This is the power of mindfulness and lovingkindness to take us out of ourselves—the I identity and allow us to be with what is here right now in a place of equanimity. From here we are ready to engage in an open and heartfelt way to have that conversation to resolve the conflict. 

I hope you enjoy the show. As always, I am grateful to you, my audience, and I am also grateful for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible. 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; 

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.


DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.


Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-11312432 Thu, 15 Sep 2022 08:00:00 -0700 1124 conflict, equanimity,lovingkindness,mindful, mindfulness 1 30 full false Ep.29 - The Comparing Mind Ep.29 - The Comparing Mind Have you noticed? There’s no advertising on the podcast. If you are moved to support the show become a member here via Patreon. Your membership helps us to keep going with podcast and also gives you access to member-only content—musings on mindfulness, audio talks and guided meditations. So, go on over, check it out, and become a member today.

Do you ever find yourself worrying  "Am I better than that person over there? Am I worse? Am I just as good? " Or do you find yourself cooperating with someone because you believe it gives you an advantage of some kind?

Today we’re exploring the comparing mind. Why are we always comparing? And how does the comparing mind make us feel dissatisfied?

We go back to our evolutionary roots and trace how we have evolved using both competition and cooperation and how Darwin discovered that groups that expressed compassion and cooperation thrived more than groups rooted in competition.

Intentions matter as do ethics. This ability to choose gives us an immense advantage. The intentions we set—whether to help or harm and whether to compete of cooperate—either align or diverge from our moral core. 

We test assumptions about competition. Athletes, who are thought to be very competitive, actually don’t compete in the way that we might expect. Rather than go against the competition, they train to be the best they can and when in competition, let their training take the lead. They are not thinking about the competitor next to them.

The comparing mind? It comes on line when we are caught up in the ego-mind. The ego-mind can be fragile—always grasping and holding on. We want to be adulated, flattered, praised, loved, valued and admired. We may not want to admit this to anyone, not even ourselves, and we do it in subtle and not so subtle ways. In college I share how my ego mind got caught up in comparing mind until I woke up.

So, what do we do when we find ourselves getting caught up in comparing mind? Be mindful. Notice, allow, and feel how it feels. Make soft mental notes to keep us present with what comes “tight, tight,” “Unworthy, unworthy.” And, as a way to remember write down what we have experienced as we have been present with comparing mind.

Finally, we remind ourselves to nurture ourselves and that lovingkindness and self-compassion is the antidote to comparing mind.

When we step back, put space around it, and recognize it, just as it is right now, we clearly see the comparing mind.  Thank it for trying to protect us. And, then call upon our moral compass to guide our speech, actions, and livelihood. 

I hope you enjoy the show, and as always, I am grateful to you, my audience, and I am also grateful for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible. 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; 

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

CREDITS/RESOUCES

Dixon, Thomas, “Forget Cut-Throat Competition: To Survive, Try a Little Selflessness”, The Guardian, July 25, 2016  https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jul/25/altruism-secret-evolution-charles-darwin  Accessed August 29, 2022

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.


Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Have you noticed? There’s no advertising on the podcast. If you are moved to support the show become a member here via Patreon. Your membership helps us to keep going with podcast and also gives you access to member-only content—musings on mindfulness, audio talks and guided meditations. So, go on over, check it out, and become a member today.

Do you ever find yourself worrying  "Am I better than that person over there? Am I worse? Am I just as good? " Or do you find yourself cooperating with someone because you believe it gives you an advantage of some kind?

Today we’re exploring the comparing mind. Why are we always comparing? And how does the comparing mind make us feel dissatisfied?

We go back to our evolutionary roots and trace how we have evolved using both competition and cooperation and how Darwin discovered that groups that expressed compassion and cooperation thrived more than groups rooted in competition.

Intentions matter as do ethics. This ability to choose gives us an immense advantage. The intentions we set—whether to help or harm and whether to compete of cooperate—either align or diverge from our moral core. 

We test assumptions about competition. Athletes, who are thought to be very competitive, actually don’t compete in the way that we might expect. Rather than go against the competition, they train to be the best they can and when in competition, let their training take the lead. They are not thinking about the competitor next to them.

The comparing mind? It comes on line when we are caught up in the ego-mind. The ego-mind can be fragile—always grasping and holding on. We want to be adulated, flattered, praised, loved, valued and admired. We may not want to admit this to anyone, not even ourselves, and we do it in subtle and not so subtle ways. In college I share how my ego mind got caught up in comparing mind until I woke up.

So, what do we do when we find ourselves getting caught up in comparing mind? Be mindful. Notice, allow, and feel how it feels. Make soft mental notes to keep us present with what comes “tight, tight,” “Unworthy, unworthy.” And, as a way to remember write down what we have experienced as we have been present with comparing mind.

Finally, we remind ourselves to nurture ourselves and that lovingkindness and self-compassion is the antidote to comparing mind.

When we step back, put space around it, and recognize it, just as it is right now, we clearly see the comparing mind.  Thank it for trying to protect us. And, then call upon our moral compass to guide our speech, actions, and livelihood. 

I hope you enjoy the show, and as always, I am grateful to you, my audience, and I am also grateful for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible. 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; 

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

CREDITS/RESOUCES

Dixon, Thomas, “Forget Cut-Throat Competition: To Survive, Try a Little Selflessness”, The Guardian, July 25, 2016  https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jul/25/altruism-secret-evolution-charles-darwin  Accessed August 29, 2022

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.


Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-11232299 Thu, 08 Sep 2022 08:00:00 -0700 914 comparing mind, mindfulness, equanimity, lovingkindness 1 29 full false Ep.28 - What's Happening Now Ep.28 - What's Happening Now Something is here right now that I would like to share. You might have noticed that “Your Mindful Life” is not supported by advertising. Rather than accept advertising, we offer memberships to keep the podcast rolling forward, producing, and online.   If you are moved to support the podcast, become a member today by clicking here. Your support is important and as a thank you, you will receive member-only content such as musings and little audio talks about mindfulness and guided meditations. So, pop over now, have look, choose your membership level, and join today.

Do you ever have a feeling of unease? Or feel that things are not quite right? Or, maybe it just feels bad inside?  Today on the podcast we’re exploring how to practice mindfulness by inviting what’s happening now to be present in our awareness.

When we are mindful we are present—we are aware of our feelings and actions in each moment. But, even when we intend to be mindful, sometimes we are and sometimes we are not. We might have a faint feeling that everything is NOT OK. but are unsure about what’s going on. Or, we might feel in the thick of it. Or we may feel like we’re in a fog and not really here at all. So, the question arises, “How can we open ourselves to this feeling and discover what’s here now?

First, we hold an imaginary little box in our hand and open its tiny doors into the different mind states. We learn to not get into or caught up in anything that we find, rather we learn to simply allow—to give permission to be with what is here right now.

We learn about the power of the little question, “What’s happening now,” and how to use it to help us to be present, to allow, acknowledge, and allow the unfolding of what is here right now. And, we learn other little questions, too.

Much is revealed.  We see the transient and impermanent nature of everything—how nothing stays the same; how everything changes.  We experience healing—our suffering drops away. Our hearts open—lovingkindness and compassion flows. Our minds clear—clarity emerges. We feel energized and creative. We feel the wholeness and aliveness that we are.

I hope you enjoy the show. As always, I am grateful to you, my audience for listening.  And I am also grateful for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible. 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; 

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.


Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Something is here right now that I would like to share. You might have noticed that “Your Mindful Life” is not supported by advertising. Rather than accept advertising, we offer memberships to keep the podcast rolling forward, producing, and online.   If you are moved to support the podcast, become a member today by clicking here. Your support is important and as a thank you, you will receive member-only content such as musings and little audio talks about mindfulness and guided meditations. So, pop over now, have look, choose your membership level, and join today.

Do you ever have a feeling of unease? Or feel that things are not quite right? Or, maybe it just feels bad inside?  Today on the podcast we’re exploring how to practice mindfulness by inviting what’s happening now to be present in our awareness.

When we are mindful we are present—we are aware of our feelings and actions in each moment. But, even when we intend to be mindful, sometimes we are and sometimes we are not. We might have a faint feeling that everything is NOT OK. but are unsure about what’s going on. Or, we might feel in the thick of it. Or we may feel like we’re in a fog and not really here at all. So, the question arises, “How can we open ourselves to this feeling and discover what’s here now?

First, we hold an imaginary little box in our hand and open its tiny doors into the different mind states. We learn to not get into or caught up in anything that we find, rather we learn to simply allow—to give permission to be with what is here right now.

We learn about the power of the little question, “What’s happening now,” and how to use it to help us to be present, to allow, acknowledge, and allow the unfolding of what is here right now. And, we learn other little questions, too.

Much is revealed.  We see the transient and impermanent nature of everything—how nothing stays the same; how everything changes.  We experience healing—our suffering drops away. Our hearts open—lovingkindness and compassion flows. Our minds clear—clarity emerges. We feel energized and creative. We feel the wholeness and aliveness that we are.

I hope you enjoy the show. As always, I am grateful to you, my audience for listening.  And I am also grateful for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible. 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; 

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.


Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-11224282 Thu, 01 Sep 2022 08:00:00 -0700 1096 aware, mindful,what's happening now, lovingkindness,compassion 1 28 full false Ep.27 - Start Where You Are Ep.27 - Start Where You Are Maybe you’re thinking, “I want to live more mindfully but I am going through a lot right now. My plate is full. I don’t have time or space now so maybe later on when things are better.” Or perhaps you feel like this, “My family needs me right now; I don’t have time for meditation.” Or maybe you feel you can’t do anything that is new, scary, or unknown. 

Today we’re exploring how to begin living mindfully.

First, before we dive in, if you are moved to support the podcast, I  invite you to become a member right here at Patreon. Choose among three levels of membership. To thank you, each level comes with member-only content that I have created especially for you.

How do we start to live mindfully? One minute at a time. We start with being aware—being present with the breath. What people don’t realize about mindfulness is that we already have everything we need to be mindful.  We have all the time we need and we have everything we need right now. We know how to be aware. We are already breathing. We know how to sit and how to walk. And, I also hear you possibly saying, “She’s crazy. It’s just not so.” 

In today’s podcast I take you through how it is so.. how right now, you can start where you are. This is not to say that is is always easy.  As my teacher Joseph Goldstein reminds us, “It’s simple but not always easy.”  It’s not always easy because the brain loves repetition. We think what we think over and over. We do what we do do over and over.  Even when these don’t feel good, we do them again and again. They are familiar, we know them, and we already know how they feel.

Starting where we are allows us to start with what’s getting in the way. There is no use trying to be present with the breath if something else is there taking up all the space. So, what do we do, we turn towards that and we are present with that. There’s no use starting sitting with the breath if the body wants to move. There is use in pausing and experiencing what's happening right now. There is use in asking little mindful questions. I’ll show you how.

Be present with your breath now. You have this one minute. It is yours each day. Savor it by simply being present with the breath. Remember you don’t even need to close your eyes.  Sit down and feel the body sitting. Walk and feel the body walking. Now feel the body breathing. Be present with each breath—it is here whether or not your are aware of it. Simply be aware of it. See how it goes and let me know. You have the time and space. You have everything you need.

I hope you enjoy the show. As always, I am grateful to you, my audience, for showing up, for listening, and for living a mindful life, one breath at a time. And I am also grateful for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible. 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; 

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.


Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Maybe you’re thinking, “I want to live more mindfully but I am going through a lot right now. My plate is full. I don’t have time or space now so maybe later on when things are better.” Or perhaps you feel like this, “My family needs me right now; I don’t have time for meditation.” Or maybe you feel you can’t do anything that is new, scary, or unknown. 

Today we’re exploring how to begin living mindfully.

First, before we dive in, if you are moved to support the podcast, I  invite you to become a member right here at Patreon. Choose among three levels of membership. To thank you, each level comes with member-only content that I have created especially for you.

How do we start to live mindfully? One minute at a time. We start with being aware—being present with the breath. What people don’t realize about mindfulness is that we already have everything we need to be mindful.  We have all the time we need and we have everything we need right now. We know how to be aware. We are already breathing. We know how to sit and how to walk. And, I also hear you possibly saying, “She’s crazy. It’s just not so.” 

In today’s podcast I take you through how it is so.. how right now, you can start where you are. This is not to say that is is always easy.  As my teacher Joseph Goldstein reminds us, “It’s simple but not always easy.”  It’s not always easy because the brain loves repetition. We think what we think over and over. We do what we do do over and over.  Even when these don’t feel good, we do them again and again. They are familiar, we know them, and we already know how they feel.

Starting where we are allows us to start with what’s getting in the way. There is no use trying to be present with the breath if something else is there taking up all the space. So, what do we do, we turn towards that and we are present with that. There’s no use starting sitting with the breath if the body wants to move. There is use in pausing and experiencing what's happening right now. There is use in asking little mindful questions. I’ll show you how.

Be present with your breath now. You have this one minute. It is yours each day. Savor it by simply being present with the breath. Remember you don’t even need to close your eyes.  Sit down and feel the body sitting. Walk and feel the body walking. Now feel the body breathing. Be present with each breath—it is here whether or not your are aware of it. Simply be aware of it. See how it goes and let me know. You have the time and space. You have everything you need.

I hope you enjoy the show. As always, I am grateful to you, my audience, for showing up, for listening, and for living a mindful life, one breath at a time. And I am also grateful for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible. 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; 

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.


Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-11194207 Thu, 25 Aug 2022 08:00:00 -0700 1096 breath, mindfully,meditation,be present 1 27 full false Ep.26 - Letting Go of Judgment Ep.26 - Letting Go of Judgment How does it feel when you meet someone and what comes immediately to you is, “I don’t like this person.”  Are you then able to listen to this person and hear what they have to say? When your mind is made up about someone or something, do you feel everything is black and white, and it can’t be any other way?

Hello everyone and welcome, my name is Mary Slocum. Today we’re talking about letting go of judgment.

First, though, I’d like to invite you to support the podcast by becoming a member via Patreon. Your support will allow us to continue our work on the podcast. And, as a thank you will receive member-only content —musings and little talks about mindfulness and guided meditations. Join here. And, thank you.

Judging. We all do it. We judge whether something is helpful or harmful and whether we like it or not. We judge others’ characters and whether they are good or bad. We judge whether someone is worthy of our attention. We judge whether we  approve or disapprove of another’s actions. We judge ourselves—many of us caught in the endless rumination of the inner critic. We do a lot of judging.

We judge from that place of conditioning that has created mind habits, attitudes and perspectives. These are narrow and partial. The judging mind is trying to keep us safe. It is trying to keep us from making mistakes and being taken advantage of. It’s doing the only thing that it knows. And, it causes suffering. Sometimes it shames, blames, and belittles. Sometimes it closes down so that only one angle—one way of thinking— is visible and available to us.   The judges mind can make us miss out because we simply don’t see or understand.

And, when we step back and out and drop down into our clear, open, spacious, loving, grounded and curious essential nature, judging drops away. We can still make decisions about what feels right for us—what aligns with our inner values, but we do it from a clear and open perspective. We do it by choosing among alternatives. We do it with wisdom and compassion.

I hope you enjoy the show, and as always, I am grateful to you, my audience, and I am also grateful for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible.

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design;

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; and

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

RESOURCES/CREDITS

Dass, Ram, “Ram Dass on Self-Judgment,” https://www.ramdass.org/ram-dass-on-self-judgement/ Accessed on August 10, 2022

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.


Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> How does it feel when you meet someone and what comes immediately to you is, “I don’t like this person.”  Are you then able to listen to this person and hear what they have to say? When your mind is made up about someone or something, do you feel everything is black and white, and it can’t be any other way?

Hello everyone and welcome, my name is Mary Slocum. Today we’re talking about letting go of judgment.

First, though, I’d like to invite you to support the podcast by becoming a member via Patreon. Your support will allow us to continue our work on the podcast. And, as a thank you will receive member-only content —musings and little talks about mindfulness and guided meditations. Join here. And, thank you.

Judging. We all do it. We judge whether something is helpful or harmful and whether we like it or not. We judge others’ characters and whether they are good or bad. We judge whether someone is worthy of our attention. We judge whether we  approve or disapprove of another’s actions. We judge ourselves—many of us caught in the endless rumination of the inner critic. We do a lot of judging.

We judge from that place of conditioning that has created mind habits, attitudes and perspectives. These are narrow and partial. The judging mind is trying to keep us safe. It is trying to keep us from making mistakes and being taken advantage of. It’s doing the only thing that it knows. And, it causes suffering. Sometimes it shames, blames, and belittles. Sometimes it closes down so that only one angle—one way of thinking— is visible and available to us.   The judges mind can make us miss out because we simply don’t see or understand.

And, when we step back and out and drop down into our clear, open, spacious, loving, grounded and curious essential nature, judging drops away. We can still make decisions about what feels right for us—what aligns with our inner values, but we do it from a clear and open perspective. We do it by choosing among alternatives. We do it with wisdom and compassion.

I hope you enjoy the show, and as always, I am grateful to you, my audience, and I am also grateful for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible.

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design;

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; and

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

RESOURCES/CREDITS

Dass, Ram, “Ram Dass on Self-Judgment,” https://www.ramdass.org/ram-dass-on-self-judgement/ Accessed on August 10, 2022

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.


Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-11145757 Thu, 18 Aug 2022 08:00:00 -0700 1130 judging, mindfulness,inner critic,non-judgment 1 26 full false Ep.25 - Beneath Your Anger Ep.25 - Beneath Your Anger Have you ever felt justified in holding on to anger? Or felt that you can’t shake it? Or, maybe you’ve  been unaware of anger smoldering inside but notice that you are constantly feeling irritated and dissatisfied with everything?

Hello everyone and welcome, my name is Mary Slocum. Today we’re diving into the emotion of anger and what may lie beneath it.

First, though, if you are moved to support the podcast I invite you to become a member via Patreon. Members not only support the show but also receive member-only content. Become a member here.

And, now—about anger. There is nothing intrinsically bad about anger.  Anger is a natural emotion.  In simple terms, emotions are simply “feeling messengers” that alert us to something that’s happening in the moment.

Healthy anger moves us to action. When we see injustice, anger arises and moves us to act to remove the injustice. Notice how compassion underlies this anger… we see injustice and we are moved to act to relieve it. We don’t direct anger at other people, we aim it at removing the injustice--at relieving the suffering.

Sometimes anger gets stuck in us. We feel that we have no agency to act, or that cultural taboos prohibit us from acting, or we fear for our safety if we act. The outward expression of stuck anger is habitual aggression, hostility, or other destructive behaviors. At other times, stuck anger can go inward and express itself as resignation, hopelessness, and despair.  In either case, the stickiness is actually our clinging to the anger—unable to act appropriately to relieve the suffering, it sticks in us.

When we can be with our anger, we discover that there is a lot going on underneath the anger. I discovered this in my own personal experience and share with you what happened and how with mindfulness I could investigate the anger and what lay beneath it allowing me to set myself free from it. My experience led me to understand that noticing, acknowledging, and being present with anger are the first steps to allowing anger to move. So now when anger arises, I turn to it and invite it to let me know what it is wanting while knowing that its wanting will unwind like the layers of a juicy onion. At first as we cut the onion, it brings tears to our eyes. Then as we slowly cook it, it releases its sweetness. So, too, with anger.

I invite you to be with your anger without judgment and with curiosity and love.

I hope you enjoy the show, and as always, I am grateful to you, my audience, and I am also grateful for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible. 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; 

Gorgias Romero for composing the original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

RESOURCES/CREDITS

His Holiness The Dalai Lama, Be Angry: As Told to Noriyuki Ueda, Hampton Roads Publishing, Charlottesville, Virginia USA, 2019

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.


Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Have you ever felt justified in holding on to anger? Or felt that you can’t shake it? Or, maybe you’ve  been unaware of anger smoldering inside but notice that you are constantly feeling irritated and dissatisfied with everything?

Hello everyone and welcome, my name is Mary Slocum. Today we’re diving into the emotion of anger and what may lie beneath it.

First, though, if you are moved to support the podcast I invite you to become a member via Patreon. Members not only support the show but also receive member-only content. Become a member here.

And, now—about anger. There is nothing intrinsically bad about anger.  Anger is a natural emotion.  In simple terms, emotions are simply “feeling messengers” that alert us to something that’s happening in the moment.

Healthy anger moves us to action. When we see injustice, anger arises and moves us to act to remove the injustice. Notice how compassion underlies this anger… we see injustice and we are moved to act to relieve it. We don’t direct anger at other people, we aim it at removing the injustice--at relieving the suffering.

Sometimes anger gets stuck in us. We feel that we have no agency to act, or that cultural taboos prohibit us from acting, or we fear for our safety if we act. The outward expression of stuck anger is habitual aggression, hostility, or other destructive behaviors. At other times, stuck anger can go inward and express itself as resignation, hopelessness, and despair.  In either case, the stickiness is actually our clinging to the anger—unable to act appropriately to relieve the suffering, it sticks in us.

When we can be with our anger, we discover that there is a lot going on underneath the anger. I discovered this in my own personal experience and share with you what happened and how with mindfulness I could investigate the anger and what lay beneath it allowing me to set myself free from it. My experience led me to understand that noticing, acknowledging, and being present with anger are the first steps to allowing anger to move. So now when anger arises, I turn to it and invite it to let me know what it is wanting while knowing that its wanting will unwind like the layers of a juicy onion. At first as we cut the onion, it brings tears to our eyes. Then as we slowly cook it, it releases its sweetness. So, too, with anger.

I invite you to be with your anger without judgment and with curiosity and love.

I hope you enjoy the show, and as always, I am grateful to you, my audience, and I am also grateful for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible. 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; 

Gorgias Romero for composing the original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

RESOURCES/CREDITS

His Holiness The Dalai Lama, Be Angry: As Told to Noriyuki Ueda, Hampton Roads Publishing, Charlottesville, Virginia USA, 2019

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.


Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-11117631 Thu, 11 Aug 2022 08:00:00 -0700 950 anger, mindfulness 1 25 full false Ep.24 - Who Am I Really? Part 2 Ep.24 - Who Am I Really? Part 2 Have you ever wondered, “Who am I really?” Am I just a bunch of thoughts, emotions, behaviors, parts and structures? Or am I something more? Something different? This week on the podcast we’re getting curious about our true nature—who we truly are.

First, though, I’d like to invite you to become a member of the podcast via Patreon, right here.  As a member not only do you support our work on the podcast but you also receive special member-only content such as musing and little talks about mindfulness and guided meditations. I look forward to meeting you, not only here on the podcast, but also in the member space on Patreon. Thank you for your love and support.

We already know that our thoughts are not who we are. Our emotions are not who we are. Our bodily sensations are not who we are. These are all fleeting phenomena passing through us like weather systems—cloudy one minute; stormy another, and sunny the next. So, if we aren’t our thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations, then who are we? What’s our true nature?

We are open, spacious, and alive awareness that has an innate knowing that moves us forward in our lives, that is loving and compassionate, that is trusted, safe, and grounded.

Our true nature is always with us but most of the time we are not present in it; it’s like we’re driving through life with a muddied windshield. The windshield is clear and spacious but we’re focused on the mud that clouds it.

There are many doors that open into our true nature, we just have to find the one that works for us. How we find it is through our curiosity that opens to possibilities, through our meditation practice— doing different practices and doing our same practices differently— and through doing the things we love to do in which we feel “in the zone,” or in “flow.”

So, I invite you to explore and find the door that opens you to your true nature. Be curious. Be daring. And experience for yourself the feeling of flowing, spacious aliveness.

We can live our lives from this open, clear space of awake and loving awareness. Enough said. Let’s do it. Let’s practice.

I hope you enjoy the show, and as always, I am grateful to you, my audience, and I am also grateful for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible. 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; 

Gorgias Romero for composing the original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

RESOURCES/CREDITS
Suzuki, Shunryu, Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind, John Weatherhill, Inc, New York and Tokyo, 1970.
Kelly, Loch, The Way of Effortless Mindfulness: A Revolutionary Guide for Living an Awakened Life, Sounds True, Boulder, Colorado, 2019.

DISCLAIMER
The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.


Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Have you ever wondered, “Who am I really?” Am I just a bunch of thoughts, emotions, behaviors, parts and structures? Or am I something more? Something different? This week on the podcast we’re getting curious about our true nature—who we truly are.

First, though, I’d like to invite you to become a member of the podcast via Patreon, right here.  As a member not only do you support our work on the podcast but you also receive special member-only content such as musing and little talks about mindfulness and guided meditations. I look forward to meeting you, not only here on the podcast, but also in the member space on Patreon. Thank you for your love and support.

We already know that our thoughts are not who we are. Our emotions are not who we are. Our bodily sensations are not who we are. These are all fleeting phenomena passing through us like weather systems—cloudy one minute; stormy another, and sunny the next. So, if we aren’t our thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations, then who are we? What’s our true nature?

We are open, spacious, and alive awareness that has an innate knowing that moves us forward in our lives, that is loving and compassionate, that is trusted, safe, and grounded.

Our true nature is always with us but most of the time we are not present in it; it’s like we’re driving through life with a muddied windshield. The windshield is clear and spacious but we’re focused on the mud that clouds it.

There are many doors that open into our true nature, we just have to find the one that works for us. How we find it is through our curiosity that opens to possibilities, through our meditation practice— doing different practices and doing our same practices differently— and through doing the things we love to do in which we feel “in the zone,” or in “flow.”

So, I invite you to explore and find the door that opens you to your true nature. Be curious. Be daring. And experience for yourself the feeling of flowing, spacious aliveness.

We can live our lives from this open, clear space of awake and loving awareness. Enough said. Let’s do it. Let’s practice.

I hope you enjoy the show, and as always, I am grateful to you, my audience, and I am also grateful for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible. 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; 

Gorgias Romero for composing the original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

RESOURCES/CREDITS
Suzuki, Shunryu, Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind, John Weatherhill, Inc, New York and Tokyo, 1970.
Kelly, Loch, The Way of Effortless Mindfulness: A Revolutionary Guide for Living an Awakened Life, Sounds True, Boulder, Colorado, 2019.

DISCLAIMER
The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.


Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-11071092 Thu, 04 Aug 2022 08:00:00 -0700 1199 true nature,mindfulness,awake awareness,pure awareness, the ground of being,loving awareness 1 24 full false Ep.23 - Speech That Frees Ep.23 - Speech That Frees In the heat of the moment, have you  ever used speech like an arrow—to hurt someone? How does it feel when someone uses that speech arrow on you?  How does it feel to speak honestly, truthfully without the arrow?

Hello and welcome everyone. In today’s podcast we are investigating speech—and how speech can make us free or not.

But, first. Are you moved to support the podcast so we can continue doing what we are doing every week? If you are, Become a member via Patreon here.  As a member you not only support the podcast but also get access to member-only content including musings and little talks on mindfulness, and guided meditations.

Speech— that amazing human capacity for expressing ourselves—what we are feeling and thinking. Speech can be used in all kinds of ways—to exchange information, to teach, to entertain, to persuade, to humiliate, reprimand, and congratulate; it can be used to express pleasure and displeasure, and to express kindness, love, and gratitude.

Some speech is skillful and some is not.  Skillful speech is speech that does not harm and that aligns with our core values. It is true and heartfelt. It’s open and daring. It promotes harmony among people. It is kind and balanced. Skillful speech is speech that frees us because when speech is true, harmonious and kind, it leaves no residue. It passes through us leaving no bad feelings, no difficult emotions, no inner sense of contraction; and no stickiness—we’re not rehashing or regretting what we have said. We feel open and spacious.

On the other hand, unskillful speech is false, malicious, or harsh speech. It is idle chatter or gossip. It creates discord among people. Have you noticed how many people today are using speech to tear people apart; to create suspicion, discord and hostility?  Have you noticed how lies and cynicism proliferate?

This is not to imply that skillful speech doesn’t deal with difficult issues, it does. But, we can always be balanced, truthful, and kind. We focus our speech on facts, truth, and describing and analyzing situations rather than focusing on personalities. What someone says or does may be harmful and cause us to speak out, not against the person, but against the actions. Skillful speech requires us ask questions rather than assume that we have all the answers.

We examine how important our intention and attitude is to skillful speech. We explore how to notice when unskillful speech takes over; and how to right ourselves through the practice of mindfulness. We notice the power of speech that frees.

Come and learn how to practice skillful speech and free your heart and mind.

I hope you enjoy the show, and as always, I am grateful to you, my audience, and I am also grateful for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible. 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; 

Gorgias Romero for composing the original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

DISCLAIMER:
The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> In the heat of the moment, have you  ever used speech like an arrow—to hurt someone? How does it feel when someone uses that speech arrow on you?  How does it feel to speak honestly, truthfully without the arrow?

Hello and welcome everyone. In today’s podcast we are investigating speech—and how speech can make us free or not.

But, first. Are you moved to support the podcast so we can continue doing what we are doing every week? If you are, Become a member via Patreon here.  As a member you not only support the podcast but also get access to member-only content including musings and little talks on mindfulness, and guided meditations.

Speech— that amazing human capacity for expressing ourselves—what we are feeling and thinking. Speech can be used in all kinds of ways—to exchange information, to teach, to entertain, to persuade, to humiliate, reprimand, and congratulate; it can be used to express pleasure and displeasure, and to express kindness, love, and gratitude.

Some speech is skillful and some is not.  Skillful speech is speech that does not harm and that aligns with our core values. It is true and heartfelt. It’s open and daring. It promotes harmony among people. It is kind and balanced. Skillful speech is speech that frees us because when speech is true, harmonious and kind, it leaves no residue. It passes through us leaving no bad feelings, no difficult emotions, no inner sense of contraction; and no stickiness—we’re not rehashing or regretting what we have said. We feel open and spacious.

On the other hand, unskillful speech is false, malicious, or harsh speech. It is idle chatter or gossip. It creates discord among people. Have you noticed how many people today are using speech to tear people apart; to create suspicion, discord and hostility?  Have you noticed how lies and cynicism proliferate?

This is not to imply that skillful speech doesn’t deal with difficult issues, it does. But, we can always be balanced, truthful, and kind. We focus our speech on facts, truth, and describing and analyzing situations rather than focusing on personalities. What someone says or does may be harmful and cause us to speak out, not against the person, but against the actions. Skillful speech requires us ask questions rather than assume that we have all the answers.

We examine how important our intention and attitude is to skillful speech. We explore how to notice when unskillful speech takes over; and how to right ourselves through the practice of mindfulness. We notice the power of speech that frees.

Come and learn how to practice skillful speech and free your heart and mind.

I hope you enjoy the show, and as always, I am grateful to you, my audience, and I am also grateful for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible. 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; 

Gorgias Romero for composing the original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

DISCLAIMER:
The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-11028141 Thu, 28 Jul 2022 08:00:00 -0700 1240 skillful speech, unskillful speech, mindfulness, 1 23 full true The Gift of Gratitude The Gift of Gratitude How does it feel to be bogged down by stress, anxiety, and the angst of the world? And, how does it feel when you express gratitude to someone, for something?

Today we’re exploring gratitude. But first,

Do you enjoy the podcast? Would you like to support it? Become a member here on Patreon. Becoming a member not only supports the podcast so we can keep on doing what we are doing but also gives you access to member-only content including musings and little talks on mindfulness and guided meditations. Check it out and become a member today.

Gratitude. Why is it so important to our well-being? It’s simple. Expressing gratitude makes us happy. Social scientists like Brené Brown, religious figures like David Stendhal Rast, and all of us through our direct experience have discovered that expressing gratitude brings us happiness. And, what is more, making expressing gratitude a daily habit,  as part of our mindfulness  practice, fortifies our inner peace and joy, and our well-being. 

Even in times of difficulty, loss, illness, hurt, violence, and strife expressing gratitude lifts our hearts and lets happiness in. I’m not talking about giddy happiness, I’m talking about that that kind of solid happiness which expresses itself inwardly with flow and outwardly with just the hint of a smile. For even in the midst of our suffering, in every moment, someone or something is here for which we are grateful.  Waiting for some big thing before expressing gratitude is not necessary; when we are living mindfully, we discover every day all the little things for which we are grateful. Once we discover gratitude we learn how to express it and make it part of our daily lives.

I invite you to express gratitude, not once in a while, but every day, for every moment we are alive is a moment in which we can be grateful.

Enjoy the show, and as always, I am grateful to you, my audience, and I am also grateful for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible. 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; 

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

RESOURCES/CREDITS

Ralph Waldo Emerson quote: https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/14132-cultivate-the-habit-of-being-grateful-for-every-good-thing, Accessed July 12, 2022

UMNCSH, Welling Being Series, (2012, November 28), Brené Brown on the Relationship between Joy and Gratitude [video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/2IjSHUc7TXM, Timestamp 0.17 - 0.32.

TedTalk, Ted Global 2013, David Steindl Rast, Want to be Happy? Be Grateful [video] https://www.ted.com/talks/david_steindl_rast_want_to_be_happy_be_grateful/ Accessed July 17, 2022.

TedTalk, TEDxSF, Louie Schwartzberg,, Nature. Beauty. Gratitude. [video],  https://www.ted.com/talks/louie_schwartzberg_nature_beauty_gatitude, Accessed July 17, 2022.

Allen, S., PhD., The Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley, The Science of Gratitude, A Write paper prepared for the John Templeton Foundation, May 2018, https://ggsc.berkeley.edu/images/uploads/GGSC-JTF_White_Paper-Gratitude-FINAL.pdf, Accessed July 14, 2022.

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and g

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> How does it feel to be bogged down by stress, anxiety, and the angst of the world? And, how does it feel when you express gratitude to someone, for something?

Today we’re exploring gratitude. But first,

Do you enjoy the podcast? Would you like to support it? Become a member here on Patreon. Becoming a member not only supports the podcast so we can keep on doing what we are doing but also gives you access to member-only content including musings and little talks on mindfulness and guided meditations. Check it out and become a member today.

Gratitude. Why is it so important to our well-being? It’s simple. Expressing gratitude makes us happy. Social scientists like Brené Brown, religious figures like David Stendhal Rast, and all of us through our direct experience have discovered that expressing gratitude brings us happiness. And, what is more, making expressing gratitude a daily habit,  as part of our mindfulness  practice, fortifies our inner peace and joy, and our well-being. 

Even in times of difficulty, loss, illness, hurt, violence, and strife expressing gratitude lifts our hearts and lets happiness in. I’m not talking about giddy happiness, I’m talking about that that kind of solid happiness which expresses itself inwardly with flow and outwardly with just the hint of a smile. For even in the midst of our suffering, in every moment, someone or something is here for which we are grateful.  Waiting for some big thing before expressing gratitude is not necessary; when we are living mindfully, we discover every day all the little things for which we are grateful. Once we discover gratitude we learn how to express it and make it part of our daily lives.

I invite you to express gratitude, not once in a while, but every day, for every moment we are alive is a moment in which we can be grateful.

Enjoy the show, and as always, I am grateful to you, my audience, and I am also grateful for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible. 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; 

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

RESOURCES/CREDITS

Ralph Waldo Emerson quote: https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/14132-cultivate-the-habit-of-being-grateful-for-every-good-thing, Accessed July 12, 2022

UMNCSH, Welling Being Series, (2012, November 28), Brené Brown on the Relationship between Joy and Gratitude [video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/2IjSHUc7TXM, Timestamp 0.17 - 0.32.

TedTalk, Ted Global 2013, David Steindl Rast, Want to be Happy? Be Grateful [video] https://www.ted.com/talks/david_steindl_rast_want_to_be_happy_be_grateful/ Accessed July 17, 2022.

TedTalk, TEDxSF, Louie Schwartzberg,, Nature. Beauty. Gratitude. [video],  https://www.ted.com/talks/louie_schwartzberg_nature_beauty_gatitude, Accessed July 17, 2022.

Allen, S., PhD., The Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley, The Science of Gratitude, A Write paper prepared for the John Templeton Foundation, May 2018, https://ggsc.berkeley.edu/images/uploads/GGSC-JTF_White_Paper-Gratitude-FINAL.pdf, Accessed July 14, 2022.

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and g

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-11000488 Thu, 21 Jul 2022 08:00:00 -0700 1257 happy, happiness,gratitude 1 22 full false Ep.21 - Opening To Doubt Ep.21 - Opening To Doubt Have you ever wondered, “Would I be any good at that?” “Is that for me?” or have you doubted yourself? Your worthiness, ability or goodness? At one time or another we have all doubted. Doubted ourselves. Doubted our abilities and our intrinsic goodness and worthiness. We mistrust who we are because we have mistaken beliefs about who we are and what we can do. We have doubted what other people do or say. We have also at one time or another, become captive to doubt, letting it turn into belief about ourselves and others.

Doubt can either close us down into something smaller than who we are and able to do or it can open us up by arousing our curiosity and our willingness to take a chance at something new or unknown. Closed doubt is like the wagging finger—you can’t do that; who do you think you are, anyway? Open doubt feels like there is space to move around and it moves us to be curious; investigate, open to the possibilities, see new perspectives and learn new ways of being and doing.

When we doubt the truth about something, we can open our curiosity and investigate, “What is this really all about.” When we are mindful we are aware of what is present right now; this doesn’t mean that we believe it. It simply means that we recognize and acknowledge it without judging it. The experience of someone saying something about something is not our direct experience of the something itself; it is only direct experience of someone saying something. Doubt is always welcome.

When doubt arises, welcome it. Ask,  “Am I open to exploring this?” If yes, then welcome doubt as the harbinger of possibilities. Dip your toes into the possibilities and feel how it feels. If it feels right, carry on, if it doesn’t step back and change perspective, take another tack, explore another avenue. This is beginners’ mind at work.

I hope you enjoy the show.  If you are moved to support the podcast, become a member today by going to Patreon.  And, please subscribe/follow and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or wherever you listen.

As always, I am grateful to you, my audience, and I am also grateful for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible.

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; 

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

RESOURCES/CREDITS

Krista Tippett, Becoming Wise Deluxe: An Inquiry into the Mystery and Art of Living, Penguin Press, 2016.  https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/7639044-i-can-disagree-with-your-opinion-it-turns-out-but Accessed July 12, 2022

DISCLAIMER:

 The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.


Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Have you ever wondered, “Would I be any good at that?” “Is that for me?” or have you doubted yourself? Your worthiness, ability or goodness? At one time or another we have all doubted. Doubted ourselves. Doubted our abilities and our intrinsic goodness and worthiness. We mistrust who we are because we have mistaken beliefs about who we are and what we can do. We have doubted what other people do or say. We have also at one time or another, become captive to doubt, letting it turn into belief about ourselves and others.

Doubt can either close us down into something smaller than who we are and able to do or it can open us up by arousing our curiosity and our willingness to take a chance at something new or unknown. Closed doubt is like the wagging finger—you can’t do that; who do you think you are, anyway? Open doubt feels like there is space to move around and it moves us to be curious; investigate, open to the possibilities, see new perspectives and learn new ways of being and doing.

When we doubt the truth about something, we can open our curiosity and investigate, “What is this really all about.” When we are mindful we are aware of what is present right now; this doesn’t mean that we believe it. It simply means that we recognize and acknowledge it without judging it. The experience of someone saying something about something is not our direct experience of the something itself; it is only direct experience of someone saying something. Doubt is always welcome.

When doubt arises, welcome it. Ask,  “Am I open to exploring this?” If yes, then welcome doubt as the harbinger of possibilities. Dip your toes into the possibilities and feel how it feels. If it feels right, carry on, if it doesn’t step back and change perspective, take another tack, explore another avenue. This is beginners’ mind at work.

I hope you enjoy the show.  If you are moved to support the podcast, become a member today by going to Patreon.  And, please subscribe/follow and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or wherever you listen.

As always, I am grateful to you, my audience, and I am also grateful for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible.

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; 

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

RESOURCES/CREDITS

Krista Tippett, Becoming Wise Deluxe: An Inquiry into the Mystery and Art of Living, Penguin Press, 2016.  https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/7639044-i-can-disagree-with-your-opinion-it-turns-out-but Accessed July 12, 2022

DISCLAIMER:

 The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.


Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-10949126 Thu, 14 Jul 2022 08:00:00 -0700 957 doubt, mindful, beginner mind, distrust 1 21 full false Ep.20 - Actions Matter Ep.20 - Actions Matter Have you ever wondered,  “Why do my actions lead in the opposite direction to where I want to go?” or “How does this action serve me?” “Why aren’t outcomes aligning with my intentions?”

Today we’re diving into the subject of Karma. What it is and what it isn’t. Karma is a Sanskrit word that means action.  When we are mindful, we become aware of the nature of Karma. Karma can be described as the cycle of cause—the actions we take— and effect—the outcomes they produce. In each present moment we can be aware of the working of Karma.

We can choose how we are going to be with our actions—of body, speech, and mind. We can do something, say something, or even think something and it has an effect. How our actions align with our intentions and outcomes is important to how we are in the world—satisfied and happy or unsatisfied and in pain. It’s up to us.

So, I invite you to mindfully explore your intentions and actions and the outcomes that spring from them.

I hope you enjoy the show.  If you are moved to support the podcast, become a member today using Patreon.  And, please subscribe/follow and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or wherever you listen.
 
As always, I am grateful to you, my audience, and I am also grateful for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible. 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; 

Gorgias Romero for composing the original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

DISCLAIMER:

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Have you ever wondered,  “Why do my actions lead in the opposite direction to where I want to go?” or “How does this action serve me?” “Why aren’t outcomes aligning with my intentions?”

Today we’re diving into the subject of Karma. What it is and what it isn’t. Karma is a Sanskrit word that means action.  When we are mindful, we become aware of the nature of Karma. Karma can be described as the cycle of cause—the actions we take— and effect—the outcomes they produce. In each present moment we can be aware of the working of Karma.

We can choose how we are going to be with our actions—of body, speech, and mind. We can do something, say something, or even think something and it has an effect. How our actions align with our intentions and outcomes is important to how we are in the world—satisfied and happy or unsatisfied and in pain. It’s up to us.

So, I invite you to mindfully explore your intentions and actions and the outcomes that spring from them.

I hope you enjoy the show.  If you are moved to support the podcast, become a member today using Patreon.  And, please subscribe/follow and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or wherever you listen.
 
As always, I am grateful to you, my audience, and I am also grateful for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible. 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; 

Gorgias Romero for composing the original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

DISCLAIMER:

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-10918000 Thu, 07 Jul 2022 08:00:00 -0700 1104 mindful, mindfulness,Karma,disatifaction,happy,happiness,intention,action and outcome,cause and effect 1 20 full false Ep.19 - Cultivating Authenticity Ep.19 - Cultivating Authenticity Do you ever worry about not fitting in and then try hard to fit in only to discover that it doesn’t feel that great after all?

Today on the podcast I’m talking about authenticity. About how we want to be authentic but find ourselves caught in pretense. And, about how mindfulness can guide us to our authentic selves.

We all want to be seen and we are very good at not showing who we really are because we’re afraid that if we do, others will reject us or find us not pleasing.  Rather, we whittle ourselves into some shape or size that’s inauthentic in the hopes that we’ll be seen and accepted.

Who we think we are goes through filters. Our own filters and the filters of those around us.  These filters distort and obscure. We obscure who we are with pretense, exaggeration, the need-to-please, story-telling to create image, judgment to justify, shame and other kinds of conditioning.

We get lost in conditioned behaviors or beliefs that we have learned. It’s a paradox. We want to be seen. We want to be authentic. And yet, we habitually act in ways that hide who we really are.

Attempting to be who we truly are, we may try to push away inauthentic behaviors and beliefs. This is futile. Pushing away what we want to change only makes it stronger. So, how do we change? We change by befriending our inauthenticities by recognizing what is here, allowing, investigating, noting and finally being compassionate with ourselves. This allows them to unwind and let go.  Only then can we cultivate our authentic selves.

And, before diving head first into investigation but first it is important to cultivate a mind that is focused and concentrated, steady and balanced. Practicing mindful meditation of the breath, or of sounds, or of some other object will cultivate these qualities of mind. Only then will your investigation will be fruitful.

To support the podcast, become a member through Patreon.  And, please subscribe/follow and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or wherever you listen.

As always, I am grateful to you, my audience, and I am also grateful for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible. 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; 

Gorgias Romero for composing the original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.


RESOURCES/CREDITS:

Dr Rangan Chattergee, Feel better, Live More podcast, Jay Shetty on How to Think Like a Monk and Train Your Mind for Peace and Purpose (Re-Release)

https://drchatterjee.com/jay-shetty-on-how-to-think-like-a-monk-and-train-your-mind-for-peace-and-purpose-re-release/, Accessed on June 26, 2022.

Walt Whitman, "Song of Myself" from Leaves of Grass (: Norton, 1973). From  https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/45477/song-of-myself-1892-version, Accessed June 25, 2022.

DISCLAIMER: 

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Do you ever worry about not fitting in and then try hard to fit in only to discover that it doesn’t feel that great after all?

Today on the podcast I’m talking about authenticity. About how we want to be authentic but find ourselves caught in pretense. And, about how mindfulness can guide us to our authentic selves.

We all want to be seen and we are very good at not showing who we really are because we’re afraid that if we do, others will reject us or find us not pleasing.  Rather, we whittle ourselves into some shape or size that’s inauthentic in the hopes that we’ll be seen and accepted.

Who we think we are goes through filters. Our own filters and the filters of those around us.  These filters distort and obscure. We obscure who we are with pretense, exaggeration, the need-to-please, story-telling to create image, judgment to justify, shame and other kinds of conditioning.

We get lost in conditioned behaviors or beliefs that we have learned. It’s a paradox. We want to be seen. We want to be authentic. And yet, we habitually act in ways that hide who we really are.

Attempting to be who we truly are, we may try to push away inauthentic behaviors and beliefs. This is futile. Pushing away what we want to change only makes it stronger. So, how do we change? We change by befriending our inauthenticities by recognizing what is here, allowing, investigating, noting and finally being compassionate with ourselves. This allows them to unwind and let go.  Only then can we cultivate our authentic selves.

And, before diving head first into investigation but first it is important to cultivate a mind that is focused and concentrated, steady and balanced. Practicing mindful meditation of the breath, or of sounds, or of some other object will cultivate these qualities of mind. Only then will your investigation will be fruitful.

To support the podcast, become a member through Patreon.  And, please subscribe/follow and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or wherever you listen.

As always, I am grateful to you, my audience, and I am also grateful for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible. 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; 

Gorgias Romero for composing the original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.


RESOURCES/CREDITS:

Dr Rangan Chattergee, Feel better, Live More podcast, Jay Shetty on How to Think Like a Monk and Train Your Mind for Peace and Purpose (Re-Release)

https://drchatterjee.com/jay-shetty-on-how-to-think-like-a-monk-and-train-your-mind-for-peace-and-purpose-re-release/, Accessed on June 26, 2022.

Walt Whitman, "Song of Myself" from Leaves of Grass (: Norton, 1973). From  https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/45477/song-of-myself-1892-version, Accessed June 25, 2022.

DISCLAIMER: 

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-10863631 Thu, 30 Jun 2022 08:00:00 -0700 1256 mindful, mindfulness,authenticity 1 19 full false Ep.18 - When Anger Is in the World Ep.18 - When Anger Is in the World How are you when someone is angry and in your face? Do you react in anger? How can we be with someone else’s and our own anger?

Hello everyone and welcome. This week we’re exploring how to be mindful in an angry world. How to be when others are angry; and how to be when we’re angry. How do we process someone getting in our face and saying, “You’re my enemy.” Anger often arises in a group because someone feels either powerful or weak. Under that anger is always some kind of vulnerability. How do we skillfully reach under the cover of anger to reach that vulnerability so we can uncover our common ground? How can we be with those who feel that they don’t belong or that their identity is being threatened? How do we reach those who feel excluded? How do we process a situation in which someone is in our face saying, “You’re my enemy?” How do we respond rather than react?

The how is with mindfulness, equanimity, deep listening, and lovingkindness. It sounds simple and perhaps a bit slick to say, “Be mindful.” Being mindful requires intention, energy, and focus especially when someone is in your face. Now more than ever, mindfulness is what we need to navigate all the anger in the world, on social media, in the news, and in our faces.

 Equanimity is like the roots of the tree that nourish us and hold us steady even when the winds of anger blow. Equanimity is that balanced and clear state of mind that is neither of nor against and sees from all sides without judgment. It is from a place of equanimity that our mindfulness grows, our listening opens, and our lovingkindness blossoms.

 I hope you enjoy the show—that you learn how your mind responds to anger—the anger of others and your own. And, that you bring the angry man who gets in your face and says, “You’re my enemy,” into your lovingkindness practice. Express phrases of lovingkindness to him, “May you be safe. May you be free from suffering. May you live life with ease. May you know you belong just as all of us belong to each other.”

This week, I am excited to announce that you can now become a member of the podcast through Patreon. To support the show, become a member by joining here.  And, please subscribe/follow and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or wherever you listen.

As always, I am grateful to you, my listeners, and I am also grateful for the people behind the scenes that make this podcast possible. 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; 

Gorgias Romero for composing the original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional. 


Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> How are you when someone is angry and in your face? Do you react in anger? How can we be with someone else’s and our own anger?

Hello everyone and welcome. This week we’re exploring how to be mindful in an angry world. How to be when others are angry; and how to be when we’re angry. How do we process someone getting in our face and saying, “You’re my enemy.” Anger often arises in a group because someone feels either powerful or weak. Under that anger is always some kind of vulnerability. How do we skillfully reach under the cover of anger to reach that vulnerability so we can uncover our common ground? How can we be with those who feel that they don’t belong or that their identity is being threatened? How do we reach those who feel excluded? How do we process a situation in which someone is in our face saying, “You’re my enemy?” How do we respond rather than react?

The how is with mindfulness, equanimity, deep listening, and lovingkindness. It sounds simple and perhaps a bit slick to say, “Be mindful.” Being mindful requires intention, energy, and focus especially when someone is in your face. Now more than ever, mindfulness is what we need to navigate all the anger in the world, on social media, in the news, and in our faces.

 Equanimity is like the roots of the tree that nourish us and hold us steady even when the winds of anger blow. Equanimity is that balanced and clear state of mind that is neither of nor against and sees from all sides without judgment. It is from a place of equanimity that our mindfulness grows, our listening opens, and our lovingkindness blossoms.

 I hope you enjoy the show—that you learn how your mind responds to anger—the anger of others and your own. And, that you bring the angry man who gets in your face and says, “You’re my enemy,” into your lovingkindness practice. Express phrases of lovingkindness to him, “May you be safe. May you be free from suffering. May you live life with ease. May you know you belong just as all of us belong to each other.”

This week, I am excited to announce that you can now become a member of the podcast through Patreon. To support the show, become a member by joining here.  And, please subscribe/follow and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or wherever you listen.

As always, I am grateful to you, my listeners, and I am also grateful for the people behind the scenes that make this podcast possible. 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; 

Gorgias Romero for composing the original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional. 


Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-10825824 Thu, 23 Jun 2022 08:00:00 -0700 1005 mindfulness, equanimity, lovingkindness, anger, threat 1 18 full false Ep.17 - Who Am I Really? Ep.17 - Who Am I Really? Do you ever wonder, “Who am I really?” What’s my true nature? And, how do I find out?  This week, we explore inquiry and insight. To know what our true nature is and who we truly are, our mindfulness practice turns to inquiry. Inquiry is the process by which we uncover the truth. Insight is the truth of who we really are. We all cling to stories, beliefs, judgments, and interpretations about who we are. What we cling to is not who we are. Through inquiry, we can befriend all these as they arise, listen deeply to them, and allow them to unwind and let go so that who we are shines through.

The mind is constantly judging, classifying, and interpreting everything it sees and this gets us headlong into suffering because we believe it all! The mind is also good at making up stories about ourselves and other people. Often, the stories about others are, also, stories about ourselves. And, the mind is exceptionally good at faulty interpretation. We interpret incorrectly because our minds are muddied; we don’t see clearly. It is as though we have blinders on; or that we are only seeing one dimension or aspect. With Inquiry we clear our muddied windshields so that who we are shines through.

Learning how to be with these thoughts, stories, judgments, beliefs, and interpretations is important to gaining insight. First steps are knowing we can be with what is here; that we have the right amount of space around us and what is here, and that we have a relationship with what is here, and that we notice the bodily feel of what is here and where we feel it in or around the body.  Recognizing and being with our bodily sensations is important because the mind shows itself through the body. Mindfulness of bodily sensations is skillful. Feeling how we bodily feel, being with the feelings, and making soft mental notes describing the feelings is a mindfulness practice all of its own.

I invite you to the practice of inquiry. Uncover and befriend your beliefs, expectations, emotions and stories.  Once you sit down with them in a friendly and curious way; the truth will unfold; they will let go; and your generous heart will open more and more.

Socrates said, “An unexamined life is not worth living.” We might say, “A mind that is unmet and unquestioned is a dissatisfied and suffering mind.”

Thank you for listening.

If you are moved to support the show please subscribe/follow and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or wherever you listen.

There is still time to attend a live, online Mindfulness Meditation class. But, sign up now. Drop in by booking a single class here.  And while you are there, go here and sign up for the newsletter using the link in the footer.
As always, I am grateful to you, my listeners, and I am also grateful for the people behind the scenes that make this podcast possible. 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; 

Gorgias Romero for composing the original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health pr

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Do you ever wonder, “Who am I really?” What’s my true nature? And, how do I find out?  This week, we explore inquiry and insight. To know what our true nature is and who we truly are, our mindfulness practice turns to inquiry. Inquiry is the process by which we uncover the truth. Insight is the truth of who we really are. We all cling to stories, beliefs, judgments, and interpretations about who we are. What we cling to is not who we are. Through inquiry, we can befriend all these as they arise, listen deeply to them, and allow them to unwind and let go so that who we are shines through.

The mind is constantly judging, classifying, and interpreting everything it sees and this gets us headlong into suffering because we believe it all! The mind is also good at making up stories about ourselves and other people. Often, the stories about others are, also, stories about ourselves. And, the mind is exceptionally good at faulty interpretation. We interpret incorrectly because our minds are muddied; we don’t see clearly. It is as though we have blinders on; or that we are only seeing one dimension or aspect. With Inquiry we clear our muddied windshields so that who we are shines through.

Learning how to be with these thoughts, stories, judgments, beliefs, and interpretations is important to gaining insight. First steps are knowing we can be with what is here; that we have the right amount of space around us and what is here, and that we have a relationship with what is here, and that we notice the bodily feel of what is here and where we feel it in or around the body.  Recognizing and being with our bodily sensations is important because the mind shows itself through the body. Mindfulness of bodily sensations is skillful. Feeling how we bodily feel, being with the feelings, and making soft mental notes describing the feelings is a mindfulness practice all of its own.

I invite you to the practice of inquiry. Uncover and befriend your beliefs, expectations, emotions and stories.  Once you sit down with them in a friendly and curious way; the truth will unfold; they will let go; and your generous heart will open more and more.

Socrates said, “An unexamined life is not worth living.” We might say, “A mind that is unmet and unquestioned is a dissatisfied and suffering mind.”

Thank you for listening.

If you are moved to support the show please subscribe/follow and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or wherever you listen.

There is still time to attend a live, online Mindfulness Meditation class. But, sign up now. Drop in by booking a single class here.  And while you are there, go here and sign up for the newsletter using the link in the footer.
As always, I am grateful to you, my listeners, and I am also grateful for the people behind the scenes that make this podcast possible. 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; 

Gorgias Romero for composing the original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health pr

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-10787290 Thu, 16 Jun 2022 08:00:00 -0700 1511 inquiry, insight,truth,mindfulness,mindfulness of the body, true nature 1 17 full false Ep.16 - Are You Happy? Ep.16 - Are You Happy? There are two kinds of happiness. The first kind is worldly happiness linked to changing conditions and the ways our senses experience pleasure. Something causes happiness.--a beautiful blue sky or the kindness of another.  

The second kind is happiness without a cause. It isn’t dependent on anything. This happiness springs from our whole Self that is boundless, spacious, grounded, loving, safe and free. This happiness is the freedom to be with everything just as it is.

The brain’s negativity bias and other kinds of blocks get in the way of happiness.  Using our mindfulness practices to be with the things that block us from happiness is the first step. We can actually get so used to being unhappy, that that is where we always go. Or, life situations can feel so pressing that we feel identified with them--like sticky glue. We can’t seem to separate ourselves from what is happening. It feels all consuming with no ability to step outside of it.

Through mindfulness practices we can be aware and we can choose happiness. Through inquiry we get to know what is true.  Through lovingkindness practice we extend kindness allowing everything to open.  Through activity--running or dancing to music-- we wake up the happiness circuits in the brain. By giving gratitude our happiness flows.

Lastly, through the practice of worldly happiness, we can access the happiness that is already here—the happiness that our whole Selves know. The freedom to be with everything as it is. 

I am grateful for you. Thanks for listening.

If you are moved to support the show please subscribe/follow and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or wherever you listen.

Live, online Mindfulness Meditation class is happening now. Drop in by booking a single class here.  And while you are there, go here and sign up for the newsletter using the link in the footer.

As always, I am also grateful for the people behind the scenes that make this podcast possible. 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; 

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

RESOURCES/CREDITS:
Henri Nouwen, a Catholic mystic and writer, on joy (what we call the second kind of happiness.) Nouwen, Henri, https://henrinouwen.org/meditations/joy/ Accessed June 6, 2022

Nepo, Mark, “Adrift,” from Inside The Miracle: Enduring Suffering, Approaching Wholeness, Sounds true, 2016. https://gratefulness.org/resource/adrift/  Accessed June 6, 2022.

Daniel Steindle Rast, “Want to Be Happy, Be Grateful,” TED Talk, TEDGlobal, June 2013, https://www.ted.com/talks/david_steindl_rast_want_to_be_happy_be_grateful?utm_source=tedcomshare&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=tedspreadAccessed on May 5, 2022. 

See also, Episode 11: "Feeling Tone — What Happens Before Emotion and Story" AND Episode 12: “What Attitude Am I Bringing To This?”

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and gui

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> There are two kinds of happiness. The first kind is worldly happiness linked to changing conditions and the ways our senses experience pleasure. Something causes happiness.--a beautiful blue sky or the kindness of another.  

The second kind is happiness without a cause. It isn’t dependent on anything. This happiness springs from our whole Self that is boundless, spacious, grounded, loving, safe and free. This happiness is the freedom to be with everything just as it is.

The brain’s negativity bias and other kinds of blocks get in the way of happiness.  Using our mindfulness practices to be with the things that block us from happiness is the first step. We can actually get so used to being unhappy, that that is where we always go. Or, life situations can feel so pressing that we feel identified with them--like sticky glue. We can’t seem to separate ourselves from what is happening. It feels all consuming with no ability to step outside of it.

Through mindfulness practices we can be aware and we can choose happiness. Through inquiry we get to know what is true.  Through lovingkindness practice we extend kindness allowing everything to open.  Through activity--running or dancing to music-- we wake up the happiness circuits in the brain. By giving gratitude our happiness flows.

Lastly, through the practice of worldly happiness, we can access the happiness that is already here—the happiness that our whole Selves know. The freedom to be with everything as it is. 

I am grateful for you. Thanks for listening.

If you are moved to support the show please subscribe/follow and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or wherever you listen.

Live, online Mindfulness Meditation class is happening now. Drop in by booking a single class here.  And while you are there, go here and sign up for the newsletter using the link in the footer.

As always, I am also grateful for the people behind the scenes that make this podcast possible. 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; 

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

RESOURCES/CREDITS:
Henri Nouwen, a Catholic mystic and writer, on joy (what we call the second kind of happiness.) Nouwen, Henri, https://henrinouwen.org/meditations/joy/ Accessed June 6, 2022

Nepo, Mark, “Adrift,” from Inside The Miracle: Enduring Suffering, Approaching Wholeness, Sounds true, 2016. https://gratefulness.org/resource/adrift/  Accessed June 6, 2022.

Daniel Steindle Rast, “Want to Be Happy, Be Grateful,” TED Talk, TEDGlobal, June 2013, https://www.ted.com/talks/david_steindl_rast_want_to_be_happy_be_grateful?utm_source=tedcomshare&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=tedspreadAccessed on May 5, 2022. 

See also, Episode 11: "Feeling Tone — What Happens Before Emotion and Story" AND Episode 12: “What Attitude Am I Bringing To This?”

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and gui

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-10756377 Thu, 09 Jun 2022 08:00:00 -0700 946 happiness, mindfulness 1 16 full false Ep.15 - Accepting Things As They Are Ep.15 - Accepting Things As They Are What happens when things aren’t going your way? When what you expect to happen doesn’t? When what is happening is unpleasant, worrying, or devastating?  How are you with it? Can you be with it?

In this week’s podcast we explore how bringing mindfulness allows us to accept things just as they are. When we don’t resist and we don’t hold on, we can allow what is here to be here. The judging mind wants to grab hold of or push away experience, the allowing mind, receives what is here with equanimity. (Check out Episode 10 -- The Wisdom of Equanimity.) When we allow experience to be here, we see more clearly. We realize that we don’t have to like or dislike what is happening. We realize that we are part of the web of the universe. We’re not the center, we’re just part of it like everything else. When the wasp buzzes us, we can be still rather than react. By being still, we recognize the wasp’s beneficial nature as well as, how by reacting—by swatting—we stir up its potentially harmful nature.

We explore how when we are caught in reaction, by being with it—however it manifests— mindfully, we can dissipate the power, influence, and the dissatisfaction we feel when we are in the throes of reactivity.  It’s interesting how by turning mindfully towards all the things we are afraid of, the things we don’t like, and our judgements, we discover that these are just parts of us that are asking for our help.

I hope you enjoy the show.  Listen, subscribe, and please review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or wherever you listen.

Live, online Mindfulness Meditation class is happening now, and you are welcome to drop-in. Book a single class here.  And while you are there, go here and sign up for the newsletter using the link in the footer.

As always I am grateful for you, my audience, for your awareness, openness, and curiosity. And, I am grateful for the people behind the scenes that make this podcast possible. 

Allie Allen in San Francisco, California for logo and podcast cover design; 

Gorgias Romero in Santiago, Chile for original music, audio engineering, and production; 

Bill Rafferty in Sydney, Australia for technical web support and 

Margaret Haas in Los Angeles, California for announcing the show.


Be well. Be mindful.


RESOURCES/CREDITS

Rilke, Rainer Maria, Letters to a Young Poet, translated by M.D. Heater Norton, W. W. Norton  & Company, 1954, Letter of August 12th, 1904, p. 69

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional. 


Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> What happens when things aren’t going your way? When what you expect to happen doesn’t? When what is happening is unpleasant, worrying, or devastating?  How are you with it? Can you be with it?

In this week’s podcast we explore how bringing mindfulness allows us to accept things just as they are. When we don’t resist and we don’t hold on, we can allow what is here to be here. The judging mind wants to grab hold of or push away experience, the allowing mind, receives what is here with equanimity. (Check out Episode 10 -- The Wisdom of Equanimity.) When we allow experience to be here, we see more clearly. We realize that we don’t have to like or dislike what is happening. We realize that we are part of the web of the universe. We’re not the center, we’re just part of it like everything else. When the wasp buzzes us, we can be still rather than react. By being still, we recognize the wasp’s beneficial nature as well as, how by reacting—by swatting—we stir up its potentially harmful nature.

We explore how when we are caught in reaction, by being with it—however it manifests— mindfully, we can dissipate the power, influence, and the dissatisfaction we feel when we are in the throes of reactivity.  It’s interesting how by turning mindfully towards all the things we are afraid of, the things we don’t like, and our judgements, we discover that these are just parts of us that are asking for our help.

I hope you enjoy the show.  Listen, subscribe, and please review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or wherever you listen.

Live, online Mindfulness Meditation class is happening now, and you are welcome to drop-in. Book a single class here.  And while you are there, go here and sign up for the newsletter using the link in the footer.

As always I am grateful for you, my audience, for your awareness, openness, and curiosity. And, I am grateful for the people behind the scenes that make this podcast possible. 

Allie Allen in San Francisco, California for logo and podcast cover design; 

Gorgias Romero in Santiago, Chile for original music, audio engineering, and production; 

Bill Rafferty in Sydney, Australia for technical web support and 

Margaret Haas in Los Angeles, California for announcing the show.


Be well. Be mindful.


RESOURCES/CREDITS

Rilke, Rainer Maria, Letters to a Young Poet, translated by M.D. Heater Norton, W. W. Norton  & Company, 1954, Letter of August 12th, 1904, p. 69

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional. 


Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-10702172 Thu, 02 Jun 2022 07:00:00 -0700 755 Mindfulness, equanimity, letting go, resistance, acceptance 1 15 full false Ep.14 - When in Pain, Be Mindful Ep.14 - When in Pain, Be Mindful What goes through your mind when you feel pain? When you hurt yourself? Do you run away from it, hoping that it will go away? Do you fight against it? Or do you approach it mindfully, befriending it and caring for it?

In today’s podcast, we explore pain, the suffering we experience from it, and how being mindfulness alleviates the suffering.  Our conditioning teaches us to push pain away, to be afraid of it, and to treat it as an enemy with which we do battle. We create stories and beliefs around the pain that only make the suffering  deeper and stronger.  With mindfulness we can befriend pain. We can be with it, investigate it, and extend compassion to it. 

I share a personal story of pain and how mindfulness and compassion was a way of being with the pain and alleviating the suffering. We all experience pain and discomfort. It is part of life. Pain is a concept; it is the sensations of pain that we react to.  These are simply messages that there is something in the body/mind we need to pay attention to. 

Bringing our mindful attention to the sensations of pain is our doorway to being with pain. We learn that we can approach painful sensations little by little from the anchor of a bodily place that feels pleasant or neutral. We learn that expressing kindness and compassion to the part of us that is hurting is healing and liberating.   

I hope you enjoy the show.  I invite you to listen and subscribe, and please review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or wherever you listen.

Live, online Mindfulness Meditation class is happening now. In this class, I guide you in meditation, give a little talk, and answer your questions. You are welcome to drop-in. To book go here here and select single class.  And, while you are there go here and sign up for the newsletter using the link in the footer.

As always I am grateful for you, my listeners, for your attention, curiosity, and willingness to explore Mindfulness. And, I am grateful for the people behind the scenes that make this podcast possible. 

Allie Allen in San Francisco, California for logo and podcast cover design; 

Gorgias Romero in Santiago, Chile for original music, audio engineering, and production; 

Bill Rafferty in Sydney, Australia for technical web support and 

Margaret Haas in Los Angeles, California for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

RESOURCES/CREDITS:

Chцgyam Trungpa Rinpoche quote excerpted from Ray, Reginald, “What’s The use of Suffering?” Lion’s Roar, November 1, 2001. https://www.lionsroar.com/whats-the-use-of-suffering/ Accessed May 19, 2022.

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional. 

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> What goes through your mind when you feel pain? When you hurt yourself? Do you run away from it, hoping that it will go away? Do you fight against it? Or do you approach it mindfully, befriending it and caring for it?

In today’s podcast, we explore pain, the suffering we experience from it, and how being mindfulness alleviates the suffering.  Our conditioning teaches us to push pain away, to be afraid of it, and to treat it as an enemy with which we do battle. We create stories and beliefs around the pain that only make the suffering  deeper and stronger.  With mindfulness we can befriend pain. We can be with it, investigate it, and extend compassion to it. 

I share a personal story of pain and how mindfulness and compassion was a way of being with the pain and alleviating the suffering. We all experience pain and discomfort. It is part of life. Pain is a concept; it is the sensations of pain that we react to.  These are simply messages that there is something in the body/mind we need to pay attention to. 

Bringing our mindful attention to the sensations of pain is our doorway to being with pain. We learn that we can approach painful sensations little by little from the anchor of a bodily place that feels pleasant or neutral. We learn that expressing kindness and compassion to the part of us that is hurting is healing and liberating.   

I hope you enjoy the show.  I invite you to listen and subscribe, and please review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or wherever you listen.

Live, online Mindfulness Meditation class is happening now. In this class, I guide you in meditation, give a little talk, and answer your questions. You are welcome to drop-in. To book go here here and select single class.  And, while you are there go here and sign up for the newsletter using the link in the footer.

As always I am grateful for you, my listeners, for your attention, curiosity, and willingness to explore Mindfulness. And, I am grateful for the people behind the scenes that make this podcast possible. 

Allie Allen in San Francisco, California for logo and podcast cover design; 

Gorgias Romero in Santiago, Chile for original music, audio engineering, and production; 

Bill Rafferty in Sydney, Australia for technical web support and 

Margaret Haas in Los Angeles, California for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

RESOURCES/CREDITS:

Chцgyam Trungpa Rinpoche quote excerpted from Ray, Reginald, “What’s The use of Suffering?” Lion’s Roar, November 1, 2001. https://www.lionsroar.com/whats-the-use-of-suffering/ Accessed May 19, 2022.

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional. 

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-10682281 Thu, 26 May 2022 08:00:00 -0700 1258 pain,mindfulness, compassion,suffering 1 14 full false Ep.13 - The Mindful Choice Ep.13 - The Mindful Choice What does it mean to choose? Do you often feel you have no choice? Or, that you have too many choices? When you make a choice do you feel satisfied and happy? Or not?

Hello and welcome everyone. Today we are exploring choice. Choosing has to do with selecting among alternatives. What happens when we think we have no alternatives, and then realize that we do? We investigate how rather than reacting in situations when we think that we don't have a choice, by being mindful and open to possibilities, we can respond.  Then, we explore what happens when we have many alternatives and how endless choosing saps our attention and energy. Having a plethora of choices leads to wanting, and wanting more and how that doesn’t make for a happy or satisfying life. Giving ourselves a respite from the seeming imperative of choice makes life more alive, creative, happy, and satisfying.

Bringing Mindfulness to whatever context is in front of us, helps us curate and pare down the number of alternatives at our disposal, make wise choices or forgo choosing all together.

This week, I invite you to eliminate or pare down your choices. Perhaps start with social media and your To Do List. Restrict the amount of time you spend each day with social media. Put a timer on and keep to it. Pare down your To Do List. Avoid the socially conditioned "busyness" trap.  Ask yourself little questions: Is this really important right now? Can I put this on the back burner? How will doing this now serve me? How will I feel before doing tis? While doing this? After doing this? Happy, exhausted, satisfied or not. Open yourself to knowing that how you respond to choice has everything to do with how alive, creative, satisfied and happy you feel.

Enjoy the show.  Listen, subscribe, and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or wherever you listen.

Live, online Mindfulness Meditation class is in full swing, but you can still drop-in. Book a single class here.  And while you are there go here and sign up for the newsletter using the link in the footer.

I am grateful for you, my listeners, for your attention, curiosity, and willingness to explore Mindfulness. And, I am grateful for the people behind the scenes that make this podcast possible. 

Allie Allen in San Francisco, California for logo and podcast cover design;
Gorgias Romero in Santiago, Chile for original music, audio engineering, and production; 
Bill Rafferty in Sydney, Australia for technical web support; and 
Margaret Haas in Los Angeles, California for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

Resources/Credits:
Williams, Alex, “Why Self-Help Guru James Altucher Only Owns 15 Things," The New York Times, August 6, 2016, https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/07/fashion/james-altucher-self-help-guru.html Accessed May 13, 2022

Hansen, Phil, “Embrace the Shake,” TED Talk, February 2013. https://www.ted.com/talks/phil_hansen_embrace_the_shake?utm_source=tedcomshare&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=tedspread Accessed May 13, 2022. 

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> What does it mean to choose? Do you often feel you have no choice? Or, that you have too many choices? When you make a choice do you feel satisfied and happy? Or not?

Hello and welcome everyone. Today we are exploring choice. Choosing has to do with selecting among alternatives. What happens when we think we have no alternatives, and then realize that we do? We investigate how rather than reacting in situations when we think that we don't have a choice, by being mindful and open to possibilities, we can respond.  Then, we explore what happens when we have many alternatives and how endless choosing saps our attention and energy. Having a plethora of choices leads to wanting, and wanting more and how that doesn’t make for a happy or satisfying life. Giving ourselves a respite from the seeming imperative of choice makes life more alive, creative, happy, and satisfying.

Bringing Mindfulness to whatever context is in front of us, helps us curate and pare down the number of alternatives at our disposal, make wise choices or forgo choosing all together.

This week, I invite you to eliminate or pare down your choices. Perhaps start with social media and your To Do List. Restrict the amount of time you spend each day with social media. Put a timer on and keep to it. Pare down your To Do List. Avoid the socially conditioned "busyness" trap.  Ask yourself little questions: Is this really important right now? Can I put this on the back burner? How will doing this now serve me? How will I feel before doing tis? While doing this? After doing this? Happy, exhausted, satisfied or not. Open yourself to knowing that how you respond to choice has everything to do with how alive, creative, satisfied and happy you feel.

Enjoy the show.  Listen, subscribe, and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or wherever you listen.

Live, online Mindfulness Meditation class is in full swing, but you can still drop-in. Book a single class here.  And while you are there go here and sign up for the newsletter using the link in the footer.

I am grateful for you, my listeners, for your attention, curiosity, and willingness to explore Mindfulness. And, I am grateful for the people behind the scenes that make this podcast possible. 

Allie Allen in San Francisco, California for logo and podcast cover design;
Gorgias Romero in Santiago, Chile for original music, audio engineering, and production; 
Bill Rafferty in Sydney, Australia for technical web support; and 
Margaret Haas in Los Angeles, California for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

Resources/Credits:
Williams, Alex, “Why Self-Help Guru James Altucher Only Owns 15 Things," The New York Times, August 6, 2016, https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/07/fashion/james-altucher-self-help-guru.html Accessed May 13, 2022

Hansen, Phil, “Embrace the Shake,” TED Talk, February 2013. https://www.ted.com/talks/phil_hansen_embrace_the_shake?utm_source=tedcomshare&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=tedspread Accessed May 13, 2022. 

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-10626195 Thu, 19 May 2022 08:00:00 -0700 1298 mindful,mindful of choice,choice,mindfulness 1 13 full false Ep.12 - What Attitude Am I Bringing To This? Ep.12 - What Attitude Am I Bringing To This? This week we dive into attitude—that way of thinking or feeling we have about something or someone that shows through in our behavior. By investigating our attitude(s) in mindfulness meditation, we see how we can get to know our minds better and how this can lead us to gratitude. Our direct experience is our teacher and so I share what happened when I sat with the attitude of "I have to,” an attitude weighted down by a sense of obligation and drudgery and held up by a childhood experience. By bringing mindfulness to our uncomfortable attitudes, we discover and allow what’s happening and this leads to release. Then we can assume an attitude that serves us and leads us to appreciation and gratitude. 

I hope you enjoy the show.  I invite you to listen, subscribe, and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or wherever you listen.

Live, online Mindfulness Meditation class is in full swing, but you can still drop-in. You can book a single class here.  And while you are there go here and sign up for the newsletter using the link in the footer.

As always I am grateful for you, my listeners, for your attention, curiosity, and open-heartedness. And, I am grateful for the people behind the scenes that make this podcast possible. 

Allie Allen in San Francisco, California for logo and podcast cover design; 

Gorgias Romero in Santiago, Chile for original music, audio engineering, and production; 

Bill Rafferty in Sydney, Australia for technical web support and 

Margaret Haas in Los Angeles, California for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

Resources:

Daniel Steindle Rast, “Want to Be Happy, Be Grateful,” TED Talk, TEDGlobal, June 2013, https://www.ted.com/talks/david_steindl_rast_want_to_be_happy_be_grateful?utm_source=tedcomshare&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=tedspread Accessed on May 5, 2022

Louie Schwartzberg, “Nature. Beauty. Gratitude.” TED Talk, TEDxSF, June 2011 https://www.ted.com/talks/louie_schwartzberg_nature_beauty_gratitude?utm_source=tedcomshare&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=tedspread  Accessed May 5, 2022

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> This week we dive into attitude—that way of thinking or feeling we have about something or someone that shows through in our behavior. By investigating our attitude(s) in mindfulness meditation, we see how we can get to know our minds better and how this can lead us to gratitude. Our direct experience is our teacher and so I share what happened when I sat with the attitude of "I have to,” an attitude weighted down by a sense of obligation and drudgery and held up by a childhood experience. By bringing mindfulness to our uncomfortable attitudes, we discover and allow what’s happening and this leads to release. Then we can assume an attitude that serves us and leads us to appreciation and gratitude. 

I hope you enjoy the show.  I invite you to listen, subscribe, and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or wherever you listen.

Live, online Mindfulness Meditation class is in full swing, but you can still drop-in. You can book a single class here.  And while you are there go here and sign up for the newsletter using the link in the footer.

As always I am grateful for you, my listeners, for your attention, curiosity, and open-heartedness. And, I am grateful for the people behind the scenes that make this podcast possible. 

Allie Allen in San Francisco, California for logo and podcast cover design; 

Gorgias Romero in Santiago, Chile for original music, audio engineering, and production; 

Bill Rafferty in Sydney, Australia for technical web support and 

Margaret Haas in Los Angeles, California for announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

Resources:

Daniel Steindle Rast, “Want to Be Happy, Be Grateful,” TED Talk, TEDGlobal, June 2013, https://www.ted.com/talks/david_steindl_rast_want_to_be_happy_be_grateful?utm_source=tedcomshare&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=tedspread Accessed on May 5, 2022

Louie Schwartzberg, “Nature. Beauty. Gratitude.” TED Talk, TEDxSF, June 2011 https://www.ted.com/talks/louie_schwartzberg_nature_beauty_gratitude?utm_source=tedcomshare&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=tedspread  Accessed May 5, 2022

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-10587082 Thu, 12 May 2022 09:00:00 -0700 768 attitude,mindfulness,gratitude,appreciation 1 12 full false Ep.11 - Feeling Tone -- What Happens Before Emotion and Story Ep.11 - Feeling Tone -- What Happens Before Emotion and Story It is a startling truth that each time we come into contact with something through sight, sound, smell, touch, taste or thought a feeling tone registers. And, feeling tone has only three flavors: Pleasant, unpleasant, or neither pleasant nor unpleasant (neither/nor). That’s it.

Feeling tone precedes emotion and thought. We commonly use the word feeling to describe emotional state; in this instance, we use feeling tone to describe the quality of valence that arises before emotion. When we are aware of feeling tone, we have the opportunity to allow it  to be as it is. This  pausing allows us to consider what a wise action might be. Most often that wise action is no action.

Feeling tone arises before we construct a story around our contact with experience. Many stories that we construct are self-absorbed—are about injustices and misunderstandings. Or they are about opinions and beliefs about ourselves and others. When we’re in the middle of a story running around in our head, we might discover that it actually doesn’t feel very good and is not satisfying. Being with the feeling tone gives us the opportunity to just be with each  moment  of experience without creating a story around it.  

Feeling tone arises the moment we come into contact with something through the senses of sight, sound, touch, smell, taste, and thought. In the context of mindfulness, thought is a sense. We sense thoughts just as we sense smells, sounds, tastes, sights or touch. Whenever we come into contact with a thought—we’re aware of it— and a feeling tone arises. 

Feeling tone is not implicit in the thing with which we come into contact; it is in us; and it is always changing given the context of experience. Eating a spoon of ice cream is pleasant if it is the first and unpleasant if it is the twentieth and we are full.

I invite you to  know the feeling tone of each moment—pleasant, unpleasant, or neither/nor.

Then to be aware of how you react—the instantaneous not liking it like and pushing it away or liking it and wanting more of it or becoming indifferent or bored. 

Rather than react, just let it be. If it is pleasant let it be there; if it is unpleasant just let it be there. If neither/nor let it be there.

I hope you enjoyed the show.  I invite you to listen, subscribe, and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or wherever you listen.

Mindfulness meditation class is now underway. Want to drop-in to a single class. Book it here.  And while you are there, go here and sign up for the newsletter using the link in the footer.

As always I am grateful for you, my listeners.  And, I am grateful for the people behind the scenes that make this podcast possible.

Allie Allen in San Francisco, California for logo and podcast cover design;
Gorgias Romero in Santiago, Chile for original music, audio engineering, and production; 
Bill Rafferty in Sydney, Australia for technical web support, and 
Margaret Haas in Los Angeles, California for announcing the show.
 
May you enjoy exploring the feeling tone of each moment of experience. 
 
Be well. Be mindful.


DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagn

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> It is a startling truth that each time we come into contact with something through sight, sound, smell, touch, taste or thought a feeling tone registers. And, feeling tone has only three flavors: Pleasant, unpleasant, or neither pleasant nor unpleasant (neither/nor). That’s it.

Feeling tone precedes emotion and thought. We commonly use the word feeling to describe emotional state; in this instance, we use feeling tone to describe the quality of valence that arises before emotion. When we are aware of feeling tone, we have the opportunity to allow it  to be as it is. This  pausing allows us to consider what a wise action might be. Most often that wise action is no action.

Feeling tone arises before we construct a story around our contact with experience. Many stories that we construct are self-absorbed—are about injustices and misunderstandings. Or they are about opinions and beliefs about ourselves and others. When we’re in the middle of a story running around in our head, we might discover that it actually doesn’t feel very good and is not satisfying. Being with the feeling tone gives us the opportunity to just be with each  moment  of experience without creating a story around it.  

Feeling tone arises the moment we come into contact with something through the senses of sight, sound, touch, smell, taste, and thought. In the context of mindfulness, thought is a sense. We sense thoughts just as we sense smells, sounds, tastes, sights or touch. Whenever we come into contact with a thought—we’re aware of it— and a feeling tone arises. 

Feeling tone is not implicit in the thing with which we come into contact; it is in us; and it is always changing given the context of experience. Eating a spoon of ice cream is pleasant if it is the first and unpleasant if it is the twentieth and we are full.

I invite you to  know the feeling tone of each moment—pleasant, unpleasant, or neither/nor.

Then to be aware of how you react—the instantaneous not liking it like and pushing it away or liking it and wanting more of it or becoming indifferent or bored. 

Rather than react, just let it be. If it is pleasant let it be there; if it is unpleasant just let it be there. If neither/nor let it be there.

I hope you enjoyed the show.  I invite you to listen, subscribe, and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or wherever you listen.

Mindfulness meditation class is now underway. Want to drop-in to a single class. Book it here.  And while you are there, go here and sign up for the newsletter using the link in the footer.

As always I am grateful for you, my listeners.  And, I am grateful for the people behind the scenes that make this podcast possible.

Allie Allen in San Francisco, California for logo and podcast cover design;
Gorgias Romero in Santiago, Chile for original music, audio engineering, and production; 
Bill Rafferty in Sydney, Australia for technical web support, and 
Margaret Haas in Los Angeles, California for announcing the show.
 
May you enjoy exploring the feeling tone of each moment of experience. 
 
Be well. Be mindful.


DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagn

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-10544178 Thu, 05 May 2022 07:00:00 -0700 1287 feeling tone, 1 11 full false Ep.10 - The Wisdom of Equanimity -- The Fourth Face of Love Ep.10 - The Wisdom of Equanimity -- The Fourth Face of Love Does the mind state of impartiality feel familiar to you? Or does your mind go or want to go to reactivity or indifference? 

How does it feel knowing that each of us are owners of our own actions and that the happiness or unhappiness of another depends on their actions and not our well wishes?

Today, we’re exploring equanimity, that quality of mind that is impartial, calm, and even. That quality of mind that knows that each of us owns our actions and whether we suffer or are happy and that the well wishes of others do not change that. The equanimous mind sees clearly and receives without reacting what is right here, right now. Equanimity is the ballast that lovingness, compassion, and appreciative joy share and is the fourth Face of Love, or the fourth of the Brahma Viharas. The equanimous mind doesn’t cling to anything and doesn’t push anything away.

It might feel difficult to see the wisdom of equanimity, especially when we are attached to the notion of “I” , the “me” that acts. Equanimity flourishes in a mind that is spacious and non-attached to the" I" or "me." Experience flows through the spacious, equanimous mind.

Two doors to equanimity that are particularly helpful are these. First, to practice not owning or trying to control outcomes. Trying to control everything is futile and only agitates the mind. We can see this most clearly in compassionate acts. When we see suffering, concern and a desire to relieve the suffering arises in us. We ask, “How can I help?” and we act in some way to relieve the suffering. And, then, we step away. We do not attach ourselves to the outcome. We can’t control it and we don’t own it. But, we can give freely and calmly knowing this. Maybe it will do good or maybe not. There is freedom in knowing that no matter how we might wish things to be otherwise, things are as they are.

It may also sound cold-hearted, but it is anything but. This wisdom doesn’t say don’t express wishes of kindness, do acts of compassion, or feel another’s joy, it says allow the unfolding of what is happening without trying to control it. In this way, the heart opens fully.

The second door is to practice receiving experience as it unfolds with impartiality. We receive what is unpleasant and what is pleasant equally. Our minds remain calm and balanced. We don’t react by pushing away what is unpleasant and clinging to what is pleasant. We receive all experiences equally without reaction. We pause. We allow. In this way, we train our minds let go of story, difficult emotions, and knee-jerk reactions. In tis way we can step back and see the big picture that experience is laying out in front of us. 

We also talk about what equanimity is not. It is not reaction. The reactive mind, that pushes some experiences away or grabs hold of others, is the opposite of an equanimous mind, that receives all experiences equally. The reactive mind grabs hold of stories, emotions, and actions. And, when you become mindful of it, you notice that it is a mind out of control. 

And, equanimity is not indifference. Indifference might look like equanimity but it is not. When we are indifferent, we see experience and we choose to ignore it; we choose to turn our backs to it and walk away. And, even then, we carry the experience with us; it is attached to us even though we turn our backs on it. You pass by a homeless person lying on the sidewalk; you don’t physically push the person aside, but mentally you do in the hopes that you aren’t seeing what is there in front of your eyes. You might say, or another person might say walking by that you are indifferent to the homeless person; but are you? Do you see how indifference is a turning away from; a pushing away?

Equanimity shows us how everyth

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Does the mind state of impartiality feel familiar to you? Or does your mind go or want to go to reactivity or indifference? 

How does it feel knowing that each of us are owners of our own actions and that the happiness or unhappiness of another depends on their actions and not our well wishes?

Today, we’re exploring equanimity, that quality of mind that is impartial, calm, and even. That quality of mind that knows that each of us owns our actions and whether we suffer or are happy and that the well wishes of others do not change that. The equanimous mind sees clearly and receives without reacting what is right here, right now. Equanimity is the ballast that lovingness, compassion, and appreciative joy share and is the fourth Face of Love, or the fourth of the Brahma Viharas. The equanimous mind doesn’t cling to anything and doesn’t push anything away.

It might feel difficult to see the wisdom of equanimity, especially when we are attached to the notion of “I” , the “me” that acts. Equanimity flourishes in a mind that is spacious and non-attached to the" I" or "me." Experience flows through the spacious, equanimous mind.

Two doors to equanimity that are particularly helpful are these. First, to practice not owning or trying to control outcomes. Trying to control everything is futile and only agitates the mind. We can see this most clearly in compassionate acts. When we see suffering, concern and a desire to relieve the suffering arises in us. We ask, “How can I help?” and we act in some way to relieve the suffering. And, then, we step away. We do not attach ourselves to the outcome. We can’t control it and we don’t own it. But, we can give freely and calmly knowing this. Maybe it will do good or maybe not. There is freedom in knowing that no matter how we might wish things to be otherwise, things are as they are.

It may also sound cold-hearted, but it is anything but. This wisdom doesn’t say don’t express wishes of kindness, do acts of compassion, or feel another’s joy, it says allow the unfolding of what is happening without trying to control it. In this way, the heart opens fully.

The second door is to practice receiving experience as it unfolds with impartiality. We receive what is unpleasant and what is pleasant equally. Our minds remain calm and balanced. We don’t react by pushing away what is unpleasant and clinging to what is pleasant. We receive all experiences equally without reaction. We pause. We allow. In this way, we train our minds let go of story, difficult emotions, and knee-jerk reactions. In tis way we can step back and see the big picture that experience is laying out in front of us. 

We also talk about what equanimity is not. It is not reaction. The reactive mind, that pushes some experiences away or grabs hold of others, is the opposite of an equanimous mind, that receives all experiences equally. The reactive mind grabs hold of stories, emotions, and actions. And, when you become mindful of it, you notice that it is a mind out of control. 

And, equanimity is not indifference. Indifference might look like equanimity but it is not. When we are indifferent, we see experience and we choose to ignore it; we choose to turn our backs to it and walk away. And, even then, we carry the experience with us; it is attached to us even though we turn our backs on it. You pass by a homeless person lying on the sidewalk; you don’t physically push the person aside, but mentally you do in the hopes that you aren’t seeing what is there in front of your eyes. You might say, or another person might say walking by that you are indifferent to the homeless person; but are you? Do you see how indifference is a turning away from; a pushing away?

Equanimity shows us how everyth

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Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-10499677 Thu, 28 Apr 2022 09:00:00 -0700 1236 equanimity, mindfulness, brahma viharas, 1 10 full false Ep.9 - Appreciative Love, The Third Face of Love Ep.9 - Appreciative Love, The Third Face of Love How do you feel when a friend has a success? Or see someone celebrating good fortune? What feelings arise in you? 

This week, we’ll explore the third face of love—Appreciative Joy, or as it is also called sympathetic joy or mudita, in the ancient language of Pali. 

Appreciative joy is the delight that springs from an open heart for our own or someone else’s joy and good fortune. You just feel good without thinking about it. When we are mindful and our hearts are open, our appreciative joy grows. Appreciative joy is the other side of the coin from compassion. With compassion, we recognize our or another’s suffering. With appreciative joy, we recognize our or someone else’s joy.

Simply feeling joy for someone else’s good fortune opens us to our humanity and our connectedness to all beings. It settles the mind, increases our happiness and well-being, and breaks down barriers that cause unhappiness. 

Appreciative joy is contagious. When you see someone who is joyous, it is hard to have a scowl on your face; from somewhere deep inside a smile and that visceral feeling of joy emerges.

We'll also investigate how feelings of envy, jealousy, and unworthiness obstruct feelings of appreciative joy. We'll see how, instead of pushing these mind states  away, being mindful of and observing them without getting caught up in them allows them to release. We'll see how by doing this this, we open our hearts to appreciative joy.

As always there's an invitation to practice.  First by amping up our appreciative joy in our daily lives by rejoicing in our good qualities and expressing gratitude for the kinds acts of those around us. And, second by practicing appreciative joy in our formal meditation practice.

I hope you enjoy the show.  I invite you to listen, subscribe, and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or wherever you listen.

And, if you’d like to join a mindfulness meditation class, new morning and evening classes begin the first week in May 2022. To register go here.  And while you are there go here and sign up for the newsletter using the link in the footer.

As always I am grateful for you, my listeners, and I am grateful for the people behind the scenes that make this podcast possible. 

Allie Allen in San Francisco, California for logo and podcast cover design; 

Gorgias Romero in Santiago Chile for original music, audio engineering, and production; 

Bill Rafferty in Sydney Australia for technical web support and 

Margaret Haas in Los Angeles, California for announcing the show.

Have a joyful week. 

Be well. Be mindful.


Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> How do you feel when a friend has a success? Or see someone celebrating good fortune? What feelings arise in you? 

This week, we’ll explore the third face of love—Appreciative Joy, or as it is also called sympathetic joy or mudita, in the ancient language of Pali. 

Appreciative joy is the delight that springs from an open heart for our own or someone else’s joy and good fortune. You just feel good without thinking about it. When we are mindful and our hearts are open, our appreciative joy grows. Appreciative joy is the other side of the coin from compassion. With compassion, we recognize our or another’s suffering. With appreciative joy, we recognize our or someone else’s joy.

Simply feeling joy for someone else’s good fortune opens us to our humanity and our connectedness to all beings. It settles the mind, increases our happiness and well-being, and breaks down barriers that cause unhappiness. 

Appreciative joy is contagious. When you see someone who is joyous, it is hard to have a scowl on your face; from somewhere deep inside a smile and that visceral feeling of joy emerges.

We'll also investigate how feelings of envy, jealousy, and unworthiness obstruct feelings of appreciative joy. We'll see how, instead of pushing these mind states  away, being mindful of and observing them without getting caught up in them allows them to release. We'll see how by doing this this, we open our hearts to appreciative joy.

As always there's an invitation to practice.  First by amping up our appreciative joy in our daily lives by rejoicing in our good qualities and expressing gratitude for the kinds acts of those around us. And, second by practicing appreciative joy in our formal meditation practice.

I hope you enjoy the show.  I invite you to listen, subscribe, and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or wherever you listen.

And, if you’d like to join a mindfulness meditation class, new morning and evening classes begin the first week in May 2022. To register go here.  And while you are there go here and sign up for the newsletter using the link in the footer.

As always I am grateful for you, my listeners, and I am grateful for the people behind the scenes that make this podcast possible. 

Allie Allen in San Francisco, California for logo and podcast cover design; 

Gorgias Romero in Santiago Chile for original music, audio engineering, and production; 

Bill Rafferty in Sydney Australia for technical web support and 

Margaret Haas in Los Angeles, California for announcing the show.

Have a joyful week. 

Be well. Be mindful.


Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> https://www.yourmindfulpractice.com/podcast Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-10450647 Thu, 21 Apr 2022 07:00:00 -0700 1142 appreciative joy, sympathetic joy, mudita,envy,jealousy,unworthiness, appreciation, gratitude 1 9 full false Ep.8 - Compassion, The Second Face of Love Ep.8 - Compassion, The Second Face of Love How does it feel when you see someone who is having a hard time, who is suffering, or who is lost? What’s your response?

In this episode we’ll explore Compassion, the Second Face of Love. Compassion builds on lovingkindness, our capacity to feel friendliness and caring for ourselves and others. Compassion is not for softees. Compassion requires strength, character, and honesty. Compassion says, “Look here.” “Feel here.” “Act and step aside.” 

Compassion says see suffering without shirking. Feel what it feels like without grabbing onto it or trying to fix it. Feel the desire to alleviate it from a place of non-judgment. And, act skillfully to relieve it without any attachment to the outcome.

Compassion by its very nature requires open-heartedness. If your body is tight, tense, or contracted, it is asking you to be present with it; to listen deeply, and bathe it with your compassionate heart.

Compassion says small acts are great acts. And, open hearts are great hearts. 

I hope you enjoy the show. and will tell your friends. To read more and listen click here. And, to support the podcast subscribe or follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Don’t forget to review the podcast. Let me know what you think and how it makes you feel. 

And, if you’d like to learn Mindfulness meditation or take a live online meditation class, a new Mindfulness Meditation class begins on May 4th. To book the class, click here. And while you are there sign up for the newsletter using the link in the footer.

As always I am grateful for you, my listeners, and I am grateful for the people behind the scenes that make this podcast possible. Allie Allen in San Francisco, for logo and podcast cover design; Gorgias Romero in Santiago Chile for original music, audio engineering, and production; Bill Rafferty in Sydney Australia for technical web support and Margaret Haas in Los Angeles California for announcing the show.

Have a compassionate week. 

Be well. Be mindful.

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional. 

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> How does it feel when you see someone who is having a hard time, who is suffering, or who is lost? What’s your response?

In this episode we’ll explore Compassion, the Second Face of Love. Compassion builds on lovingkindness, our capacity to feel friendliness and caring for ourselves and others. Compassion is not for softees. Compassion requires strength, character, and honesty. Compassion says, “Look here.” “Feel here.” “Act and step aside.” 

Compassion says see suffering without shirking. Feel what it feels like without grabbing onto it or trying to fix it. Feel the desire to alleviate it from a place of non-judgment. And, act skillfully to relieve it without any attachment to the outcome.

Compassion by its very nature requires open-heartedness. If your body is tight, tense, or contracted, it is asking you to be present with it; to listen deeply, and bathe it with your compassionate heart.

Compassion says small acts are great acts. And, open hearts are great hearts. 

I hope you enjoy the show. and will tell your friends. To read more and listen click here. And, to support the podcast subscribe or follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Don’t forget to review the podcast. Let me know what you think and how it makes you feel. 

And, if you’d like to learn Mindfulness meditation or take a live online meditation class, a new Mindfulness Meditation class begins on May 4th. To book the class, click here. And while you are there sign up for the newsletter using the link in the footer.

As always I am grateful for you, my listeners, and I am grateful for the people behind the scenes that make this podcast possible. Allie Allen in San Francisco, for logo and podcast cover design; Gorgias Romero in Santiago Chile for original music, audio engineering, and production; Bill Rafferty in Sydney Australia for technical web support and Margaret Haas in Los Angeles California for announcing the show.

Have a compassionate week. 

Be well. Be mindful.

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional. 

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> https://www.yourmindfulpractice.com/podcast Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-10421840 Thu, 14 Apr 2022 07:00:00 -0700 1287 compassion, karuna, the four immeasurables, mindfulness meditation, mindfulness, four faces of love, Brahman Viharas 1 8 full false Ep. 7 - Lovingkindness, The First Face of Love Ep. 7 - Lovingkindness, The First Face of Love How connected to you feel to yourself and others? Do feelings of friendliness and kindness arise in you often? Or do feelings of judgment or indifference take center stage? How do you feel after wishing someone well? Maybe someone with whom you have disagreements?

In this episode we explore Lovingkindness—the first Face of Love. Lovingkindness is simply the wishing well for ourselves and others. It anchors our connection with ourselves and others through heart-felt friendliness. It breaks through even when anger and conflict arise. It helps us to see the whole person—not just the parts or aspects that we don’t like. 

Lovingkindness can be practiced anywhere—practice it walking down the street—with a smile or a hello that says, “I see you.” 

Practice it formally in meditation. I’ll walk you through how to do the meditation. As always, start where you are. Start small. You might begin by sending well wishes to yourself and a friendly person. Or, you might start by wishing well a neutral person—someone you don’t know but whom you meet from time to time. This person could be a gardener, a passerby on the street, a clerk, or a mail carrier.

The lovingkindness meditation begins by extending well-wishes to yourself, followed by:

—a benefactor : Someone who has given you something important in your life—a teacher, mentor, boss, or other person

—a friendly person: Someone you love unconditionally and with whom you might ave occasional conflicts

—a neutral person: Someone you don’t know but have contact with from time to time

—a difficult person: Someone with whom you have ongoing conflicts

—all beings everywhere: Everyone, everywhere

To each person, we extend wishes of well-being by repeating phrases four, five or more times. Typical phrases are:

May I/you/all beings be safe.

May I/you/all beings be happy.

May I/you/all beings live life with ease.

May I/you/all beings be full of peace.

Use these phrases or others that resonate with you.

I hope you enjoy the show.  Tell your friends and listen, subscribe, and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

And, if you’d like to learn Mindfulness meditation or take a live online meditation class, check out the classes on my website: https:// yourmindfulpractice.com. And while you are there sign up for the newsletter using the link in the footer.

As always I am grateful for you, my listeners, and I am grateful for the people behind the scenes that make this podcast possible. Allie Allen in San Francisco, for logo and podcast cover design; Gorgias Romero in Santiago Chile for original music, audio engineering, and production; Bill Rafferty in Sydney Australia for technical web support and Margaret Haas in Los Angeles California for announcing the show.

May your week flow with wishes of friendliness and kindness to all around you. 

Be well. Be mindful.

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your health professional. 



Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> How connected to you feel to yourself and others? Do feelings of friendliness and kindness arise in you often? Or do feelings of judgment or indifference take center stage? How do you feel after wishing someone well? Maybe someone with whom you have disagreements?

In this episode we explore Lovingkindness—the first Face of Love. Lovingkindness is simply the wishing well for ourselves and others. It anchors our connection with ourselves and others through heart-felt friendliness. It breaks through even when anger and conflict arise. It helps us to see the whole person—not just the parts or aspects that we don’t like. 

Lovingkindness can be practiced anywhere—practice it walking down the street—with a smile or a hello that says, “I see you.” 

Practice it formally in meditation. I’ll walk you through how to do the meditation. As always, start where you are. Start small. You might begin by sending well wishes to yourself and a friendly person. Or, you might start by wishing well a neutral person—someone you don’t know but whom you meet from time to time. This person could be a gardener, a passerby on the street, a clerk, or a mail carrier.

The lovingkindness meditation begins by extending well-wishes to yourself, followed by:

—a benefactor : Someone who has given you something important in your life—a teacher, mentor, boss, or other person

—a friendly person: Someone you love unconditionally and with whom you might ave occasional conflicts

—a neutral person: Someone you don’t know but have contact with from time to time

—a difficult person: Someone with whom you have ongoing conflicts

—all beings everywhere: Everyone, everywhere

To each person, we extend wishes of well-being by repeating phrases four, five or more times. Typical phrases are:

May I/you/all beings be safe.

May I/you/all beings be happy.

May I/you/all beings live life with ease.

May I/you/all beings be full of peace.

Use these phrases or others that resonate with you.

I hope you enjoy the show.  Tell your friends and listen, subscribe, and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

And, if you’d like to learn Mindfulness meditation or take a live online meditation class, check out the classes on my website: https:// yourmindfulpractice.com. And while you are there sign up for the newsletter using the link in the footer.

As always I am grateful for you, my listeners, and I am grateful for the people behind the scenes that make this podcast possible. Allie Allen in San Francisco, for logo and podcast cover design; Gorgias Romero in Santiago Chile for original music, audio engineering, and production; Bill Rafferty in Sydney Australia for technical web support and Margaret Haas in Los Angeles California for announcing the show.

May your week flow with wishes of friendliness and kindness to all around you. 

Be well. Be mindful.

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your health professional. 



Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> https://www.yourmindfulpractice.com/podcast Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-10331225 Thu, 07 Apr 2022 08:00:00 -0700 1536 lovingkindness, metta, lovingkindness meditation 1 7 full false Ep.6 - The Four Faces Of Love Ep.6 - The Four Faces Of Love When you think of love, what comes to mind? How do you practice open-heartedness in your life? What does it bring you? 

In this episode we explore the heart practices of Mindfulness—what I call the four faces of love: Lovingkindness (Metta in the ancient language of Pali); Compassion (Karuna in Pali); Appreciative Joy (Mudita in Pali) and Equanimity (Ipekkha in Pali). These aspects of universal love point to our built-in and shared spiritual nature from which spring feelings of our interconnectedness. These practices light our path and lead us to acting with friendliness, kindness, and balance rather than acting from ugliness, hate, or indifference to ourselves and all others.

It might feel daunting to open your heart to those with whom you have conflict and that’s why starting with the formal practices associated with these four aspects of universal love are so powerful. Formal practice gives us a foundation that we can build on in our daily lives. In later shows we’ll explore each one of the formal practices.  

I started my Mindfulness practice by opening my heart with compassion. In my first year of practice, every day, I practiced the compassion meditation I had learned in a class called the Science of Compassion. It fundamentally changed how I experience both my interior as well as my exterior life.  It taught me something more, too. I learned that we each need to start where we are.  Most people begin by practicing the Mindfulness of Breath meditation, but in my case, I started practicing the Compassion meditation and then moved to Mindfulness of Breath and other forms of formal practice. 

I hope you enjoy the show.  Tell your friends and listen, subscribe, and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

And, if you’d like to learn Mindfulness meditation or take a live online meditation class, check out the classes on my website: https:// yourmindfulpractice.com. And while you are there sign up for the newsletter using the link in the footer.

As always I am grateful for you, my listeners, and I am grateful for the people behind the scenes that make this podcast possible. Allie Allen in San Francisco, for logo and podcast cover design; Gorgias Romero in Santiago Chile for original music, audio engineering, and production; Bill Rafferty in Sydney Australia for technical web support and Margaret Haas in Los Angeles California for announcing the show.

Have a loving week. 

Be well. be mindful.

Credits and Resources:

King, Jr., Martin Luther, Strength to Love, 1963.

Research and Education Institute, Stanford University, https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/encyclopedia/strength-love, accessed March 12, 2022

Miller, PhD, Lisa, The Awakened Brain: the New Science of Spirituality and Our Quest for an Inspired Life, Random House, 2021, p. 41 (Kindle Edition)

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your health professional. 

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> When you think of love, what comes to mind? How do you practice open-heartedness in your life? What does it bring you? 

In this episode we explore the heart practices of Mindfulness—what I call the four faces of love: Lovingkindness (Metta in the ancient language of Pali); Compassion (Karuna in Pali); Appreciative Joy (Mudita in Pali) and Equanimity (Ipekkha in Pali). These aspects of universal love point to our built-in and shared spiritual nature from which spring feelings of our interconnectedness. These practices light our path and lead us to acting with friendliness, kindness, and balance rather than acting from ugliness, hate, or indifference to ourselves and all others.

It might feel daunting to open your heart to those with whom you have conflict and that’s why starting with the formal practices associated with these four aspects of universal love are so powerful. Formal practice gives us a foundation that we can build on in our daily lives. In later shows we’ll explore each one of the formal practices.  

I started my Mindfulness practice by opening my heart with compassion. In my first year of practice, every day, I practiced the compassion meditation I had learned in a class called the Science of Compassion. It fundamentally changed how I experience both my interior as well as my exterior life.  It taught me something more, too. I learned that we each need to start where we are.  Most people begin by practicing the Mindfulness of Breath meditation, but in my case, I started practicing the Compassion meditation and then moved to Mindfulness of Breath and other forms of formal practice. 

I hope you enjoy the show.  Tell your friends and listen, subscribe, and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

And, if you’d like to learn Mindfulness meditation or take a live online meditation class, check out the classes on my website: https:// yourmindfulpractice.com. And while you are there sign up for the newsletter using the link in the footer.

As always I am grateful for you, my listeners, and I am grateful for the people behind the scenes that make this podcast possible. Allie Allen in San Francisco, for logo and podcast cover design; Gorgias Romero in Santiago Chile for original music, audio engineering, and production; Bill Rafferty in Sydney Australia for technical web support and Margaret Haas in Los Angeles California for announcing the show.

Have a loving week. 

Be well. be mindful.

Credits and Resources:

King, Jr., Martin Luther, Strength to Love, 1963.

Research and Education Institute, Stanford University, https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/encyclopedia/strength-love, accessed March 12, 2022

Miller, PhD, Lisa, The Awakened Brain: the New Science of Spirituality and Our Quest for an Inspired Life, Random House, 2021, p. 41 (Kindle Edition)

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your health professional. 

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> https://www.yourmindfulpractice.com/podcast Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-10325504 Thu, 31 Mar 2022 06:00:00 -0700 909 Four faces of love, Brahman Viharas, Four Immeasurables, Lovingkindness, Metta, Compassion, Karuna, Appreciative joy, mudita, equanimity, Ipekkha 1 6 full false Ep.5 - Be a Compassionate Investigator -- Mindfulness of Thoughts Ep.5 - Be a Compassionate Investigator -- Mindfulness of Thoughts Does your mind often wander? Do you suddenly notice and wonder, “Where have I been?” Have you ever struggled to separate what a thought says from whom you are? Have you ever just watched your thoughts like a curious observer?
 
 This week, we explore mindfulness of thoughts. Getting to know how your mind works is powerful.  When we pay attention to our thoughts and explore them like compassionate investigators, we get a lot of information. We see our conditioning--the patterns and habits--we have acquired over time. We see our biases, judgments, and criticisms. We see what stirs us. We see how thoughts sit in our bodies and what emotions ride alongside of them. We see how thoughts can trip us up and how they can free us.  Thoughts come and go.  By observing our thoughts we get to know ourselves better and better. 
 
 Enjoy the show.  Tell your friends, subscribe, and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. 

Want to learn how to do mindfulness meditation? Or want to join a live online mindfulness meditation class? Check out my website for inspiration and classes. 
 
  And while you are there, sign up for the newsletter in the footer.

I am grateful to you for listening.  I am also grateful for the people who make this podcast possible: Allie Allen for logo and cover design, Gorgias Romero for original music, audio editing and production support, Bill Rafferty for technical web support, and Margaret Haas announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Does your mind often wander? Do you suddenly notice and wonder, “Where have I been?” Have you ever struggled to separate what a thought says from whom you are? Have you ever just watched your thoughts like a curious observer?
 
 This week, we explore mindfulness of thoughts. Getting to know how your mind works is powerful.  When we pay attention to our thoughts and explore them like compassionate investigators, we get a lot of information. We see our conditioning--the patterns and habits--we have acquired over time. We see our biases, judgments, and criticisms. We see what stirs us. We see how thoughts sit in our bodies and what emotions ride alongside of them. We see how thoughts can trip us up and how they can free us.  Thoughts come and go.  By observing our thoughts we get to know ourselves better and better. 
 
 Enjoy the show.  Tell your friends, subscribe, and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. 

Want to learn how to do mindfulness meditation? Or want to join a live online mindfulness meditation class? Check out my website for inspiration and classes. 
 
  And while you are there, sign up for the newsletter in the footer.

I am grateful to you for listening.  I am also grateful for the people who make this podcast possible: Allie Allen for logo and cover design, Gorgias Romero for original music, audio editing and production support, Bill Rafferty for technical web support, and Margaret Haas announcing the show.

Be well. Be mindful.

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> https://www.yourmindfulpractice.com/podcast Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-10290677 Wed, 23 Mar 2022 16:00:00 -0700 1346 mindfulness, mindfulness of thoughts, curiosity 1 5 full false Ep.4 - Getting To Know Your Emotions Mindfully Ep.4 - Getting To Know Your Emotions Mindfully How does it feel inside your body when an emotion arises? How would you describe how it feels? What’s your relationship to emotions? Are there some emotions that you push away?  Are there some emotions that arise habitually in reaction to your experience? 

This week, we explore mindfulness and emotions. Getting to know how emotions manifest in you, and how you react or respond emotionally is a useful exploration. Mindfulness allows you to recognize, allow, and investigate emotions. Mindfulness allows you to change how you behave when emotions arise and to change your habits. 

Emotions are simply messengers. They are not you. Learning how to receive their messages in a way that serves you and aligns with your core values is freeing. 

Enjoy the show.  

I hope you’ll tell your friends and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. 

Want to learn how to do mindfulness meditation? Or want to join a live online mindfulness meditation class? Check out my website: https://yourmindfulpractice.com for inspiration and classes. 
 
 And while you are there, sign up for the newsletter in the footer.

I am grateful to you for listening.  I am also grateful for the people who make this podcast possible: Allie Allen for logo and cover design, Gorgias Romero for music and audio editing and production support, and Bill Rafferty for technical web support. 

Until we meet again,

Be well. Be mindful.

Resources for this episode:

Brown, Patricia Leigh, “In The Classroom, a New Focus on Quieting,” The New York Times, 16 June 2007. Accessed on the NY Times app on March 1, 2022.

Brewer, Judson, Unwinding Anxiety: New Science Show How to Break Cycles of Worry and Fear to heal Your Mind, Avery, an imprint of Penguin Random House, New York, March 2021

Brewer, Judson, The Craving Mind: from Cigarettes to Smartphones to Love — Why we get hooked and How We Can Break Bad Habits, Yale University Press, February 2018


 Disclaimer: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment.


Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> How does it feel inside your body when an emotion arises? How would you describe how it feels? What’s your relationship to emotions? Are there some emotions that you push away?  Are there some emotions that arise habitually in reaction to your experience? 

This week, we explore mindfulness and emotions. Getting to know how emotions manifest in you, and how you react or respond emotionally is a useful exploration. Mindfulness allows you to recognize, allow, and investigate emotions. Mindfulness allows you to change how you behave when emotions arise and to change your habits. 

Emotions are simply messengers. They are not you. Learning how to receive their messages in a way that serves you and aligns with your core values is freeing. 

Enjoy the show.  

I hope you’ll tell your friends and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. 

Want to learn how to do mindfulness meditation? Or want to join a live online mindfulness meditation class? Check out my website: https://yourmindfulpractice.com for inspiration and classes. 
 
 And while you are there, sign up for the newsletter in the footer.

I am grateful to you for listening.  I am also grateful for the people who make this podcast possible: Allie Allen for logo and cover design, Gorgias Romero for music and audio editing and production support, and Bill Rafferty for technical web support. 

Until we meet again,

Be well. Be mindful.

Resources for this episode:

Brown, Patricia Leigh, “In The Classroom, a New Focus on Quieting,” The New York Times, 16 June 2007. Accessed on the NY Times app on March 1, 2022.

Brewer, Judson, Unwinding Anxiety: New Science Show How to Break Cycles of Worry and Fear to heal Your Mind, Avery, an imprint of Penguin Random House, New York, March 2021

Brewer, Judson, The Craving Mind: from Cigarettes to Smartphones to Love — Why we get hooked and How We Can Break Bad Habits, Yale University Press, February 2018


 Disclaimer: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment.


Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> https://www.yourmindfulpractice.com/podcast Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-10206537 Thu, 17 Mar 2022 08:00:00 -0700 1262 mindfulness, emotions, difficult emotions, habitual emotions 1 4 full false Ep.3 - Breath - The Life Force Ep.3 - Breath - The Life Force The breath is our life force. Today we’ll explore why we use the breath as the object of our attention when we meditate. We’ll take a look at its characteristics and how they make it an excellent choice for the focus of our attention.  Its quality of portability points to its practicality while its subtleness points to its exquisite fit for our purpose.

Although automatic and requiring no thinking, the breath is always changing and on the move from one breath to another letting us know that we need not linger, but rather, just let it go.  

We’ll notice how it connects us intimately with the living world of which we are a part. And, we’ll explore how bringing qualities of friendliness and gentleness help us to stay with the breath and our practice.

Mechanics are also important, so we’ll explore what kind of breathing is best for meditation. 

We’ll also look at how the breath can help us to concentrate, is the perfect training tool to steady your mind, and how it helps us to collect and direct our energy to our center.

It is a joy for me to be here with you. If you enjoy the show, tell your friends and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. 

Want to learn how to do mindfulness meditation? Or want to join a live online mindfulness meditation class? Check out my website: https://yourmindfulpractice.com for inspiration and classes. 

 And while you are there, sign up for the newsletter in the footer.

I am grateful for the attention of you, my listeners. I am also grateful for the people who make this podcast possible: Allie Allen for logo and cover design, Gorgias Romero for music and audio editing and production support, and Bill Rafferty for technical web support. 

Until next time,

Be well. Be mindful.
 
 Disclaimer: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment.


Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> The breath is our life force. Today we’ll explore why we use the breath as the object of our attention when we meditate. We’ll take a look at its characteristics and how they make it an excellent choice for the focus of our attention.  Its quality of portability points to its practicality while its subtleness points to its exquisite fit for our purpose.

Although automatic and requiring no thinking, the breath is always changing and on the move from one breath to another letting us know that we need not linger, but rather, just let it go.  

We’ll notice how it connects us intimately with the living world of which we are a part. And, we’ll explore how bringing qualities of friendliness and gentleness help us to stay with the breath and our practice.

Mechanics are also important, so we’ll explore what kind of breathing is best for meditation. 

We’ll also look at how the breath can help us to concentrate, is the perfect training tool to steady your mind, and how it helps us to collect and direct our energy to our center.

It is a joy for me to be here with you. If you enjoy the show, tell your friends and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. 

Want to learn how to do mindfulness meditation? Or want to join a live online mindfulness meditation class? Check out my website: https://yourmindfulpractice.com for inspiration and classes. 

 And while you are there, sign up for the newsletter in the footer.

I am grateful for the attention of you, my listeners. I am also grateful for the people who make this podcast possible: Allie Allen for logo and cover design, Gorgias Romero for music and audio editing and production support, and Bill Rafferty for technical web support. 

Until next time,

Be well. Be mindful.
 
 Disclaimer: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment.


Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> https://www.yourmindfulpractice.com/podcast Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-10153517 Thu, 10 Mar 2022 09:00:00 -0800 1123 breath, breathing, mindfulness of breath, breath meditation, concentration 1 3 full false Ep.2 - What Is Mindfulness Anyway? Ep.2 - What Is Mindfulness Anyway? Today we’ll explore mindfulness and what it is. We’ll take a look at where the English term came from and the meaning underneath it.  We’ll look at the essential meditation practice— mindfulness of breath— and how this cornerstone practice works--including its essential steps.

We’ll also talk about how to bring openness and curiosity bring to our practice and what to do when the thought, “I’m too busy,” arises.

It is amazing to be here with you. If you enjoy the show, tell your friends and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. 

Want to learn how to do mindfulness meditation? Or want to join a live online mindfulness meditation class? Check out my website: https://yourmindfulpractice.com for inspiration and classes. And while you are there, sign up for the newsletter in the footer.

I am grateful for the curiosity of you, my listeners. I am also grateful for the people who make this podcast possible: Allie Allen for logo and cover design, Gorgias Romero for music and audio editing and production support, and Bill Rafferty for technical web support. 

You will find me here weekly. 

Be well. Be mindful.


Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Today we’ll explore mindfulness and what it is. We’ll take a look at where the English term came from and the meaning underneath it.  We’ll look at the essential meditation practice— mindfulness of breath— and how this cornerstone practice works--including its essential steps.

We’ll also talk about how to bring openness and curiosity bring to our practice and what to do when the thought, “I’m too busy,” arises.

It is amazing to be here with you. If you enjoy the show, tell your friends and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. 

Want to learn how to do mindfulness meditation? Or want to join a live online mindfulness meditation class? Check out my website: https://yourmindfulpractice.com for inspiration and classes. And while you are there, sign up for the newsletter in the footer.

I am grateful for the curiosity of you, my listeners. I am also grateful for the people who make this podcast possible: Allie Allen for logo and cover design, Gorgias Romero for music and audio editing and production support, and Bill Rafferty for technical web support. 

You will find me here weekly. 

Be well. Be mindful.


Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> https://www.yourmindfulpractice.com/podcast Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-10152799 Thu, 03 Mar 2022 07:00:00 -0800 1388 mindfulness, mindfulness meditation, mind, heart, curiosity, presence, mindful 1 2 full false Welcome To Your Mindful Life Welcome To Your Mindful Life Welcome to my podcast, Your Mindful Life, hosted by me, Mary Slocum. In this, my very first episode, I share my story with you. How I got into Mindfulness and how it helps me navigate life with more ease and joy. I’ll share the background to how the podcast came into being. And, I’ll share my hopes for you, my listeners. I see this podcast as more than a destination, as more than just talk, as more than a way to while away the time. It offers you the chance to discover mindfulness practices that resonate with you, the opportunity to open to new possibilities, and build inner strength that brings you more ease and joy in your life. 

I am grateful for the curiosity of you, my listeners, and for the people who make this podcast possible: Allie Allen for logo and cover design, Gorgias Romero for music and audio editing and production support, and Bill Rafferty for technical web support. 

It has been amazing to be with you today. If you enjoy the show, tell your friends and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. 

Want to learn how to do mindfulness meditation? Or want to join a live online mindfulness meditation class? Check out my website: https://yourmindfulpractice.com for inspiration and classes. And while you are there, sign up for my newsletter in the footer.

You will find me here weekly. Enjoy!

Be well. Be mindful.


Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Welcome to my podcast, Your Mindful Life, hosted by me, Mary Slocum. In this, my very first episode, I share my story with you. How I got into Mindfulness and how it helps me navigate life with more ease and joy. I’ll share the background to how the podcast came into being. And, I’ll share my hopes for you, my listeners. I see this podcast as more than a destination, as more than just talk, as more than a way to while away the time. It offers you the chance to discover mindfulness practices that resonate with you, the opportunity to open to new possibilities, and build inner strength that brings you more ease and joy in your life. 

I am grateful for the curiosity of you, my listeners, and for the people who make this podcast possible: Allie Allen for logo and cover design, Gorgias Romero for music and audio editing and production support, and Bill Rafferty for technical web support. 

It has been amazing to be with you today. If you enjoy the show, tell your friends and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. 

Want to learn how to do mindfulness meditation? Or want to join a live online mindfulness meditation class? Check out my website: https://yourmindfulpractice.com for inspiration and classes. And while you are there, sign up for my newsletter in the footer.

You will find me here weekly. Enjoy!

Be well. Be mindful.


Support the show


Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful. 



]]> Mary Slocum Buzzsprout-10081765 Wed, 16 Feb 2022 10:00:00 -0800 828 mindfulness, meditation, wellbeing, mindfulness meditation 1 1 full false