EP293: Learning to Stay: Mindfulness, Healing, and Emotional Resilience with Derek Lakin

In this episode, I sit down with Derek Lakin, a mindfulness teacher and Awareness Guide whose journey from deep depression to emotional resilience is nothing short of powerful. Derek opens up about the moment he nearly ended his life, and how a last-minute suggestion from his therapist led him to try ketamine therapy. But what truly transformed his life wasn’t just the treatment—it was the years of mindfulness practice that allowed him to receive its lessons, integrate emotional tools, and slowly rebuild a sense of self-worth, presence, and purpose.

We explore what it really means to meet yourself where you are, especially when anxiety, shame, or disconnection make that feel nearly impossible. Derek shares how practical mindfulness practices helped him stay grounded, begin to trust life again, and ultimately teach others to do the same. If you’ve ever struggled to just “be” with your emotions, or you’re looking for tools that go deeper than surface-level advice, this conversation offers hope, honesty, and a way forward.

Three Key Takeaways

1.      The most powerful shifts often start with one uncomfortable moment of stillness.

2.      Healing isn’t about striving—it’s about learning to listen differently to what’s already inside you.

3.      There are tools that can help you feel grounded, even when life feels completely untethered.

The moment

we stop trying

to escape discomfort

 is the moment

 we start accessing

 real power.

To contact Derek:

 https://www.mindfulnesschangeslives.com/

Get your FREE Boundaries Ebook here!

If you're ready to find your voice, set healthy boundaries, and create more fulfilling relationships, this guide is your roadmap!

Need more?  Check out the Masterclass on Reclaiming Your Voice:

https://www.findyourvoicecourse.com/beyond-words

Hey! My signature course is live!  I am so excited to also offer a free upgrade to the group coaching program.  Be sure to click here to check it out:

https://findyourvoicecourse.com/

Need coaching? Sign up here for your Power Hour, where you and I can get you started on your confidence journey! 

https://findyourvoicecourse.com/power-hour

Resources:

Join the private Facebook group! It’s a great group of people working on themselves…and supporting each other.  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1212485642262143

Thank you for tuning in to this podcast. Please remember to leave a positive review on your podcast platform and let us know how this episode has been helpful. Also don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play or Spotify so you don’t miss a thing!