Navigating Trauma Responses with Mindfulness - A Guided Exploration

In this episode, we explore the delicate interplay between belonging and becoming, using my recent experience of starting a public Facebook group as a launching point for discussing how we navigate fear, intuition, and personal transformation. Key Topics: The relationship between fear and intuition in decision-making How early experiences of unworthiness can shape our life choices Different approaches to mindfulness practice and why gentleness matters The role of curiosity, compassion, and gentleness in personal transformation Core Concepts Discussed: Three Pillars of Mindfulness Practice: Curiosity - Gives the mind something constructive to do instead of creating stories about who we are Compassion - Opens our heart to the felt sense that we're all in this together Gentleness - Brings the whole practice together, allowing us to approach our experience without force Mindfulness as a Lens: Functions like "goggles" that allow us to simulate awareness before it becomes natural Defined as non-judgmental awareness of the present moment in service of self-knowledge Practical Applications: Using mindfulness in daily activities (driving, washing dishes, walking) Working with resistance and unworthiness Building a supportive community for personal growth Moving beyond the mind-identified sense of self Resources Mentioned: New Facebook Group: "Awaken Your Myth, A Journey to Belonging and Becoming" Main Takeaway: True belonging and becoming emerge not from pushing away our fears or trying to be perfect, but through bringing gentle curiosity and compassion to our present moment experience. This approach allows us to move beyond our conditioned patterns and connect with our authentic nature. Join our community at the Awaken Your Myth Facebook group for ongoing discussions about mindfulness, personal mythology, and the hero's journey. https://www.facebook.com/groups/awakenyourmyth

In this reflective guided meditation and talk, you'll immerse yourself in a practice of gentle curiosity and present-moment awareness where you'll learn to: Tap into the sensations of your body with mindfulness Develop a keen awareness of your senses including smell, sight, hearing, taste, and thought Differentiate between 'what' and 'who' inquiries from 'why' and 'how' to unlock deeper insights Maintain a sense of beingness and consciousness that transcends sensory experiences Approach life's challenges and discomfort with an open and non-conceptual attitude Gain valuable insights into observing your thoughts, emotions, and sensations without attachment. Integrate these practices into your daily life for a more profound connection with your true self. Explore the power of being present and the transformative effects of curiosity and awareness. For a deeper dive into mindfulness and personal growth, join The Cabin, our vibrant online community at https://awakenyourmyth.com.

In this transformative guided meditation, you'll embark on a journey of self-inquiry and present-moment awareness, discovering how to: Calm your mind through simple breath-counting techniques Explore the nature of your thoughts and their relationship to your sense of self Use inquiry as a tool to deepen your understanding of your true nature Cultivate a sense of open awareness that embraces all aspects of your experience Access a state of gentle curiosity towards your thoughts, emotions, and sensations If you've ever felt trapped by your personal narrative, struggled to find peace amidst mental chatter, or yearned for a deeper connection with your authentic self, this meditation offers a path forward. By learning to observe your thoughts with compassionate curiosity and ask questions about your identity, you can unlock the transformative power of self-inquiry and present-moment awareness. I guide you to connect with your breath, thoughts, and the spaciousness of open awareness. You'll gain valuable tools and perspectives for: Distinguishing between thoughts about yourself and your true nature Recognizing the ever-present awareness that exists beyond your personal story Embracing the unknown and allowing your experience to unfold naturally Integrating self-inquiry into your daily life for greater peace and clarity Cultivating a deeper sense of connection with your authentic self Remember, developing a strong practice of self-inquiry is a gradual process of learning to rest in the simplicity of what is, beyond the stories we tell about ourselves. By approaching this exploration with gentleness, curiosity, and compassion, we create the conditions for profound insight and transformation. This meditation is an excerpt from a recent live Campfire Gathering, where we dive deep into the hero's journey of personal growth and self-discovery through mindfulness and awakening our personal myths. If you feel called to explore the depths of your inner wisdom and unlock your potential for presence and authenticity, I welcome you to join our vibrant online community. In this safe and supportive space, you'll find the tools and guidance to navigate your own hero's journey and transform your life from the inside out. To learn more, visit https://awakenyourmyth.com

In this powerful guided meditation, you'll embark on a journey into the present moment, discovering how to: Connect with the simplicity of your immediate experience, free from the mind's constant chatter Explore the nature of awareness and its relationship to sensory perceptions Use the breath as an anchor to deepen your connection with consciousness Cultivate a sense of equanimity by embracing all aspects of your experience Access a state of loving-kindness towards your thoughts, body, and sense of self If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the complexity of life, struggled to find peace in the present moment, or yearned for a deeper connection with your authentic self, this meditation offers a path forward. By learning to settle into the simplicity of your immediate experience with compassionate awareness, you can unlock the transformative power of present-moment consciousness and self-acceptance. I guide you connect with your body's wisdom and the spaciousness of awareness. You'll gain valuable tools and perspectives for: Distinguishing between direct experience and the stories we tell about it Recognizing the ever-present nature of awareness amidst changing sensations and thoughts Embracing the unknown and allowing your experience to unfold naturally Integrating mindfulness into your daily life for greater peace and clarity Cultivating a deeper sense of connection with yourself and the world around you Remember, developing a strong connection to present-moment awareness is a gradual process of learning to rest in the simplicity of what is. By approaching this exploration with openness and patience, we create the conditions for profound insight and transformation. This meditation is an excerpt from a recent live gathering in The Cabin, where we dive deep into the hero's journey of personal growth and self-discovery through mindfulness and awakening our personal myths. If you feel called to explore the depths of your inner wisdom and unlock your potential for presence and authenticity, I welcome you to join our vibrant online community. In this safe and supportive space, you'll find the tools and guidance to navigate your own hero's journey and transform your life from the inside out. To learn more, visit https://awakenyourmyth.com

In this powerful episode, we explore the intersection of trauma and mindfulness, offering both insight and practical tools for healing. I share a personal experiences and guide listeners through the landscape of trauma responses and how mindfulness can help. We end with a guided meditation practice that you can use when you're facing a trauma response in your own life. Key points covered: Understanding trauma events vs. trauma reactions The concept of "window of tolerance" in trauma work How mindfulness can navigate intense emotional responses A guided "5-4-3-2-1" sensory awareness meditation Practical tools for grounding during trauma responses Join us for this transformative journey into mindfulness and trauma, and discover how to find calm amidst the storm of past experiences. For more support, join us at The Cabin, our online community with the tools and support to help you awaken to your full potential: https://awakenyourmyth.com

Join us as we dive into the theme of overthinking and explore how mindfulness can help us break free from the cycle of constant mental chatter. In this excerpt from a live gathering in The Peace & Prosperity Circle at https://awakenyourmyth.com, you'll discover how to: • Understand the somatic and cognitive aspects of overthinking • Greet your thoughts with curiosity and gentleness • Use mindfulness to ground yourself in the present moment • Shift from mind identification to a holistic awareness of your experience If you've ever felt trapped by your thoughts, struggled with anxiety, or found it challenging to stay present, this video offers practical insights and techniques to help you navigate these experiences. By learning to greet your overthinking with compassionate awareness, you can start to break the cycle and find greater peace and clarity. I also lead a mindfulness meditation designed to help you connect with your body and bring awareness to your thoughts. You'll gain valuable tools and perspectives for: • Recognizing the physical sensations that accompany overthinking • Using mindful awareness to shift out of the overthinking loop • Embracing the present moment with all its sensations and experiences • Developing a more compassionate relationship with your mind Remember, overcoming overthinking is a journey, and each step you take towards mindful awareness helps you build a more peaceful and present life. By approaching this practice with openness and patience, you create the conditions for deep insight and transformation. This video is also part of the Overthinking Challenge, which you can dive into at https://challenges.awakenyourmyth.com. It’s a self-guided journey designed to help you break free from the cycle of overthinking at your own pace, unlocking a gateway to mental clarity and inner peace. If you feel called to delve deeper into mindfulness and learn how to navigate your inner landscape with greater ease, I invite you to join our supportive online community. In this safe and nurturing space, you'll find the tools and guidance to embark on your own hero's journey and transform your life from within. To learn more, go to https://awakenyourmyth.com.

Join us as we explore the concept of intuition and how it can help you access your inner wisdom for greater clarity and alignment. Through a guided meditation and heartfelt talk, you'll discover how to: Distinguish true intuition from the mind's fears, doubts, and desires Connect with your whole being, not just your thoughts, to access deeper knowing Practice the "Focusing" technique to sense into your body's felt experience and allow intuitive insights to arise Navigate the cycle of creation, flowing from intuition to intention to surrender Release attachment to outcomes and trust in the unfolding of your path If you've ever struggled with making decisions, felt disconnected from your inner guidance, or found yourself caught in cycles of overthinking and doubt, this video offers a path forward. By learning to trust your intuition with compassionate awareness, you can unlock the transformative power of inner knowing and self-trust. I share insights from philosopher Eugene Gendlin's work on "Focusing" and guide you through a powerful meditation to connect with your body's wisdom. You'll gain valuable tools and perspectives for: Accessing your intuition even amidst the mind's chatter and distractions Distinguishing between intuitive guidance and conditioned responses rooted in fear or desire Embracing the unknown and allowing your path to unfold naturally Integrating your intuition with practical action and grounded intention Cultivating a deeper sense of trust in yourself and the journey of life Remember, building a strong connection to your intuition is a gradual process of learning to listen deeply to your own inner knowing. By approaching this exploration with openness and patience, we create the conditions for profound insight and transformation. This video is an excerpt from a recent live gathering in The Peace & Prosperity Circle, where we dive deep into the hero's journey of personal growth and self-discovery. If you feel called to explore the depths of your inner wisdom and unlock your intuitive potential, I welcome you to join our vibrant online community. In this safe and supportive space, you'll find the tools and guidance to navigate your own hero's journey and transform your life from the inside out. To learn more, go to https://awakenyourmyth.com.

In this episode, we explore the concept of shadow work and how it can help you integrate the hidden aspects of your psyche for greater wholeness and healing. Through a guided meditation and heartfelt talk, you'll discover how to: Sense into your own shadow self with curiosity and compassion Meet the unconscious parts of your ego that have been repressed or pushed away Approach your shadow with gentleness and patience, rather than trying to fix or change it Bring mindful awareness to your triggers and unconscious patterns Create space for healing and wholeness to naturally arise If you've ever struggled with confronting the darker aspects of your psyche, felt overwhelmed by unresolved wounds from the past, or found yourself caught in cycles of reactivity and suffering, this video offers a path forward. By learning to embrace your shadow with compassionate awareness, you can unlock the transformative power of integration and self-acceptance. I share insights from Carl Jung's work on the shadow and guide you through a powerful meditation to connect with the hidden aspects of your being. You'll gain valuable tools and perspectives for: Recognizing when your shadow is being triggered by external events or relationships Meeting your inner child's unmet needs with love and understanding Releasing rigid expectations of how things "should" be and accepting reality as it is Breaking generational cycles of wounding by bringing compassion to your own journey Allowing old parts of yourself to be seen, embraced, and integrated Remember, shadow work is a gradual process of revealing and accepting all parts of ourselves. By approaching this inner exploration with gentleness and patience, we create the conditions for deep healing and transformation. This video is an excerpt from a recent live gathering in the Peace & Prosperity Circle, where we dive deep into the hero's journey of personal growth and self-discovery. You'll notice the power of witnessing each other's journeys and finding resonance in our shared human struggles. While shadow work can feel like a solitary undertaking, this gathering reminds us that we are truly all in this together. If you feel called to explore the depths of your psyche and unlock your inner wisdom, I welcome you to join our vibrant online community. In this safe and supportive space, you'll find the tools and guidance to navigate your own hero's journey and transform your life from the inside out. To learn more, go to https://awakenyourmyth.com.

Find out how mindfulness can help you bring greater presence, compassion, and authenticity to your conversations with yourself and others. Through a guided meditation and heartfelt talk, you'll discover how to: Find the gap between your sense of self and the stories that arise in your mind Listen deeply to your own experience and the stories of others with gentleness and curiosity Communicate from a place of openness and compassion rather than reactivity Navigate challenging interactions by staying present with raw sensations and emotions Cultivate the compassionate awareness that we are all in this together If you've ever struggled with communicating mindfully, getting carried away by thoughts and stories, or meeting conflict with presence, this video offers a path forward. By learning to rest in the space between your stories and who you truly are, you can bring peace to any narrative and authentically express the fullness of the present moment. I share my own journey of untangling the conditioned patterns that kept me locked in cycles of doing, thinking, and reacting. Through mindfulness practice, I discovered how to ground myself in compassionate awareness and curiosity, even in the midst of life's challenges. You'll gain valuable tools and insights for: Noticing when you're caught up in stories of the past or future Tuning into the raw sensations and feelings beneath your thoughts Staying present with experiences of anger, sadness, and unjust accusations Approaching difficult conversations with the intention to understand Speaking your truth from a place of nonjudgmental awareness Remember, mindful communication isn't about perfection - it's about making progress one interaction at a time. By bringing this spirit of compassionate presence to your self-talk and relationships, you can deepen your connection to who you truly are and awaken to the transformative power of the present moment. I invite you to explore the Mindful Communication Challenge in The Peace & Prosperity Circle to put these teachings into practice over the next few weeks. Notice how your conversations shift when you communicate from the gap between story and self. Embrace the challenges that arise with gentleness. And celebrate each moment of authentic connection as a triumph of your awakened personal myth. If you feel called to dive deeper into the art of mindfully approaching life as a hero's journey, I welcome you to join our vibrant online community at https://awakenyourmyth.com. In this safe and supportive space, we gather regularly to share our experiences and cultivate the compassionate awareness that is our truest nature.

In this powerful 30-minute video from our Peace & Prosperity Circle ( https://awakenyourmyth.com ) gathering, I invite you to explore how mindfulness can help you awaken your personal myth and transform your relationship with the stories you tell yourself. Through a guided meditation and heartfelt talk, I share my own journey of untangling shame-based narratives and learning to respond from a place of presence rather than reactivity. Together, we'll discover how to: Observe the interplay between bodily sensations, thoughts, and the stories that arise Break free from habitual patterns by staying present with raw experience Navigate the evolution of your personal myth from unconscious conditioning to authentic expression Meet even your most painful stories with compassionate awareness to uncover the seeds of healing within them If you've ever struggled with challenges in relationships, major life transitions, or the fear of the unknown, this video offers a path forward. By courageously facing our shadows and bringing mindful awareness to our stories, we can awaken the peaceful presence and compassionate heart that is our truest nature. I hope these insights resonate with your own journey of personal myth-making and inspire you to keep showing up for yourself with openness and curiosity. Remember, the path isn't always easy, but it's through embracing the full spectrum of our human experience that we discover the transformative power of presence. You can take the Seeing Through Our Stories Mindfulness Challenge at https://challenges.awakenyourmyth.com. If you feel called to dive deeper into this work, I invite you to join me and our vibrant online community in the Peace & Prosperity Circle. In this safe and supportive space, we gather regularly to explore the art of mindful living, share our challenges and triumphs, and cultivate a deeper sense of connection and purpose. Through our live discussions, guided practices, and ongoing support, you'll gain valuable tools for navigating your own hero's journey with greater ease and grace. To learn more about the Peace & Prosperity Circle and how you can get involved, go to https://awakenyourmyth.com. We'd be honored to have you join us on this path of awakening to your most authentic, joyful, and peaceful self.