In this (week late) Thanksgiving episode Chris continues to update listeners about his adventures in cancer treatment and tells a story about treatment. He also compares an MRI machine to the interior of an AT-AT from Star Wars . Also, a shout out to the tune Mantra - by Dave Grohl, Josh Homme and Trent Reznor . Burke discusses a recurring theme of Expectations v. Serenity (Se2, Ep12)...
Windows of Tolerance is a term coined by Dr. Dan Siegel to describe our abilities as humans to process strong emotions before we become overwhelmed. Chris and Burke discuss this topic in terms of both understanding and making practical use of that knowledge. For more on Dr. Siegel's work click here.
Spoiler alert, Chris discusses his cancer diagnosis with Burke, and reveals how mindfulness has helped him cope with a life changing diagnosis.
In this special interview episode Chris and Burke speak with Justin Mitchell and Wilton Carraway, Jr. of Ball Headz. Ball Headz is an organization dedicated to helping at-risk youth through athletics, mindfulness, mentorship and community service. Chris also announces the date of a charity golf tournament on August 27th, 2021 at Topstone Golf Club in South Windsor, CT to raise money for the organization. More info @ ballheadzgolf.com
Meditation is one of the best ways to increase and maintain your health in an increasingly chaotic world. Chris and Burke do their best to simplify the basics of mediation and give listeners a path to beginning or enhancing their practice. PLEASE NOTE THAT WE WILL BE TAKING A BREAK FOR THE MONTH OF JULY 2021 AND WILL BE BACK IN AUGUST. Thanks for listening!
Identification, it's not just a piece of plastic in your wallet. Humans identify with all manner of things, including their emotions, objects, and ideas. Chris and Burke explore what it means to have an identity and to identify with things outside of ourselves. The conversation spans from the dangers of identification to how we can identify less with external matters and more with who we are inside.
Chris and Burke take on the emotion of joy in this episode. Chris discusses how the term joy is used in psychological literature, as well as ways to use intentionality to find it. Burke gives the listener excellent, real life examples of what Chris is describing. Burke uses his personal experiences while recovering from addiction to enlighten and guide listeners into how practical it can be to search for joy in their lives, whether recovering or thriving.
Chris and Burke explore the topic of starting small when attempting change or accomplishing goals and tasks. The book that Chris mentions in the episode is Make Your Bed: Little Things Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World by Admiral William H. McRaven (US Navy Retired) The brain likes things in smaller, bite sized chunks, but our goals and tasks can seem overwhelming. Breaking things down helps our brains and our sense of accomplishment....
In the season three debut, Chris and Burke get the listeners caught up on events since the end of season two last April. The discussion centers around how the co-hosts have faired during the pandemic and the mindfulness practices that have helped in the year since the season two launch. And of course, we get some awesome movie analogies from Burke. Enjoy!
In this last episode of season two we discuss the usefulness of acknowledging impermanence as part of mindfulness practice. Death can be seen as a motivator and a teacher rather than something to fear. It has been our pleasure recording these past eighteen episodes of the Mindful Matters podcast and we appreciate all your feedback. Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season. We look forward to recording and releasing more episodes in 2021.
We conclude our podcast series on Don Miguel Ruiz’s book The Four Agreements by talking about the fourth and final agreement—always do your best. While this may seem to be a very straight forward agreement, it does have some subtle nuisances that we discuss. Spoiler alert … our best changes due to a variety of factors, it is not a static level. Over the weekend when you are searching for something to keep your attention, tune in and listen to this or any previous podcast. As always thank you for...
In this podcast we move on to discuss the third agreement in the Toltec Mastery of Transformation from Don Miguel Ruiz’s book The Four Agreements—don’t make assumptions. Following this agreement helps to center us in the reality of the present moment, a key component of mindfulness. By not making assumptions we are able to strengthen relationships with those around us, and also with ourselves.
We continue with our Podcast series focusing on Don Miguel Ruiz’s book The Four Agreements and explore the second agreement—don’t take anything personally. In this episode we discuss how following this agreement helps us to create space, gain perspective and live more mindfully.
After our many references to Don Miguel Ruiz’s book The Four Agreements over the last six months, we have decided to end this season of the Mindful Matters Podcast by devoting a podcast to each agreement. In this episode we discuss the first of the four agreements: to be impeccable with your word . The idea of being mindful with your speech, not only outwardly towards others, but inwards as well, especially with self-criticism, is a powerful one, especially since the concept of moderating one’s ...
On this week’s podcast, recorded in February of 2020, we discuss different ideas that we use to help us come back to the awareness of the present moment. Waking up to what is happening around us now rather than letting ourselves drift away in thoughts of the past or future is the aim of mindfulness practice. It doesn’t always happen instantaneously and we maintain the point of view that it is best to be compassionate with ourselves in the process so as not to create any negative associations wit...
In this podcast, recorded back in 2019, we discuss the pitfalls created by expectations. We demonstrate through our personal experiences how our mindfulness practice is put to the test when we are attached to a particular outcome. To combat the expectations that we set on ourselves, others, or a particular situation, we develop awareness. With this awareness we can work on our communication, lessen our attachment to the expectation, and be in the present moment. Perhaps this is something that yo...
This episode, recorded back in November 2019, deals with gratitude and its power to transform your life. By focusing more on the positive aspects of our lives, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, we can gain perspective in the moment and progress through some difficult obstacles. This has proven to be a powerful tool that we both apply to our own lives, and we encourage others to see if this process might also aid them in their daily lives. We hope that you enjoy it; if you have any ...
Chris and Burke engage in a discussion about the concept of awareness and its context within the practice of mindfulness. Both use personal examples and offer hints and help for those beginning and cultivating a mindfulness practice.
This is the second episode of the 2020 Racial Equality and Justice Bonus Series featuring activist Keren Prescott of Power Up Manchester CT. Keren takes the mic to discuss how Power Up came into existence and how the group has organized to fight injustice, not just in the City of Manchester, but in surrounding towns in CT. Keren also discusses her experience as a Back woman in America. If you would like more information about Power Up check out the Facebook group or Instagram feed @powerupct #bl...
Chris and Burke discuss the #metoo movement . This recording was done before the recent events of the pandemic and racial upheaval in America. It is interesting to look at how the Black Lives Matter movement has taken shape much as the #metoo movement has. Chris uses the fictional TV show The Morning Show as a framework for the discussion. Talk of “traditional masculinity” and family structure give way to “a new definition of masculinity” and how roles can change in society. Please join us next ...
We are releasing a podcast this week recorded back in the fall where we discuss the concept of vulnerability and openness. Chris references a Ted Talk by Brene Brown where she found that a key source of happiness was found in people’s ability to be open and vulnerable. We discuss how learning to be vulnerable acts as a cornerstone in developing a mindfulness practice. By breaking down our walls, we allow ourselves to be seen, and learn how to proceed in a healthy and positive way. Giving ourselv...
Honor Juneteenth!! Listen to returning guest, Kelvin Young—sound healer, recovery coach, and local activist—as he shares his take on the current situation facing our society. He discusses the triggering of intergenerational trauma that has been sparked once again by the murder of Black lives by police and others. He also touches on the disparities in communities of color that can begin being rectified with concentrated efforts to improve both physical and mental health. In particular, Kelvin dis...
Burke recites the "Serenity Prayer" to kick off a discussion about "the wisdom to know the difference" between change and acceptance. Chris mentions author Tara Brach and her essential book Radical Acceptance . The episode also discusses recovery from substance abuse, and programs that have moved online to continue to help. Tips are offered on how to utilize meditation and mindfulness skills to understand what can be changed and what needs acceptance, as well as processing things we cannot chang...
“If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete” Jack Kornfield This week we explore the concept of self compassion. Developing self compassion is a large part of any mindfulness practice, in being more and more aware of our actions, thoughts, and words it is important to not become overly critical. The development of self compassion is not only useful in dealing with ourselves, but it also is beneficial in softening our relationships with others. There are certainly well known m...
The underlying theme of this week’s podcast is finding balance in life, specifically through our communication with others and ourselves. Learning to create the space with our mindfulness practice - space from our feelings, emotions, and behaviors, as well as space from our egos and our points of view. No longer taking things personally and reacting, but truly listening to hear what the other person is saying, not just waiting for our chance to talk. By working on communication with ourselves, w...
This podcast recorded from our homes while sheltering in place focuses on the benefits of developing a mindful practice at this point in time. We touch on how the pandemic is redirecting our focus in everyday life. All of a sudden we have lost a lot of access to our healthy distractions and coping mechanism and are left with the decision of what to do now. With the application of mindfulness, this can be seen as a great opportunity to evolve. Learn to meditate for a minute or two and give yourse...
Season two of the Mindful Matters podcast kicks off with Chris introducing Burke Lewis as the new co-host. Burke discusses his sobriety, family and trip around the globe, all as part of his mindfulness journey.
Chris sits down with sound healer and addiction recovery expert Kelvin Young to discuss how holistic healing and mindfulness practices helped Kelvin overcome great odds and his addictive behaviors. A truly inspiring story.
Doug Worthen's second appearance on the podcast switches gears from his role as a mindfulness teacher and administrator to that of a more personal tone. Doug discusses his diagnosis and subsequent recovery from Lymphoma, the arduous treatment and ultimately the doctor who saved his life. Doug credits his mindfulness practice with allowing him to let the recovery happen, what Doug calls "unfolding" as opposed to the traditional term of "battling" cancer. He is also not afraid to have a frank and ...
Lisa and Chris discuss the roots of art therapy, who it is for and how it can help.
