How Death Teaches Us to Live; Lee Warren

Lee Warren is a death and tantra educator, somatic guide, writer, mystic, community builder, and author of *Dying Together: The Art of Community Death Care*. With approximately 30 years of community-living experience, her work explores death education, grief literacy, conscious dying, mindfulness, end-of-life planning, and re-villaging. Lee lived at Earthaven Ecovillage near Asheville, North Carolina, where community-led vigils, green burials, home funerals, and grieving practices shaped her approach to helping people embrace mortality and awaken to greater aliveness. Contact Info - Website: QueenOfDeath.org - Promo / Offer: Lee’s fully online, 12-week Preparing for Death course Most Influential Person - Sobonfu Somé Effect on Emotions - “Mindfulness has helped me learn to ride the waves.” - It helps me experience strong emotions without repressing or minimizing them. - It also keeps me from accelerating, exaggerating, or accentuating those emotions. Thoughts on Breathing - “Every exhale is a death. Every letting go is a death.” - “I really love the biological breath, which is letting the breath breathe me.” - I allow the breath to arrive wherever, however, and at whatever pace it wants, helping me open and enter a flow state. Suggested Resources - Book: Dying Together: The Art of Community Death Care by Lee Warren - Book: Die Wise by Stephen Jenkinson - Book: Trembling Still by Stephen Jenkinson - Book: Being Mortal by Atul Gawande - App: Insight Timer   Bullying Story - Lee described othering as the root of bullying: treating another person as fundamentally separate or unacceptable. - A presentation associated with Daniel Foor’s ancestral medicine work about fat people’s experiences helped her recognize how people project discomfort and their shadows onto marginalized bodies. - She connected this insight to death: people can attempt to “other” many groups and experiences, but no one can ultimately escape or other the death process.

What If You Already Have Enough? Have you ever reached a goal, bought something you really wanted, or achieved something important, only to find yourself thinking about what comes next? We spend a lot of our lives working toward more. More money, more success, more possessions, more accomplishments. And while there's nothing wrong with having goals, it's worth asking ourselves a simple question: How do we know when we have enough? In this solo episode of Mindfulness Mode, Bruce explores our relationship with wanting more and how mindfulness can help us recognize when we're already satisfied with what we have. You'll hear why the finish line for success often keeps moving, how other people's expectations can influence our goals, and why the pursuit of more sometimes comes at the expense of our time, energy, and personal interests. Bruce also shares how our definition of enough can change throughout life and why it's worth occasionally reconsidering goals we've been pursuing for years. In This Episode, You'll Discover Why reaching a goal doesn't always bring lasting satisfaction How to recognize when you're constantly moving the finish line Why other people's definitions of success may influence your decisions How to consider the hidden costs of always wanting more Why your priorities and definition of enough can change over time How to identify what enough means in different areas of your life Simple questions to help you make more mindful decisions about what you pursue A Simple Mindfulness Experiment Think about one area of your life where you continually find yourself wanting more. Maybe it's money, possessions, professional success, recognition, or the number of things you accomplish. Ask yourself: "What would enough actually look like for me?" Try to be specific. Then, the next time you find yourself wanting something new, consider a few questions: Do I genuinely want or need this? Will it improve my life in a meaningful way? What will it cost me in time, energy, or attention? What would happen if I decided I already had enough? You may discover that some of your goals are still important to you. Others may have been influenced by expectations that no longer fit your life. There's value in recognizing when something is already enough. You can continue growing, learning, and accomplishing new things while allowing yourself to feel satisfied with what you've achieved. Sometimes, what you already have is exactly what you need.

Shakir “Dyce” Gilkes is an indie founder, creative, actor, photographer, and father of two with a passion for love and meaningful human connection. Born in Barbados, he moved to Canada on his own in 2016, bringing with him a background in music, acting, and storytelling. Now based in Mississauga, Dyce taught himself how to build an app from scratch, without outside funding or previous development experience. His creation, OurLoveLyfe, offers couples and singles a more mindful space to celebrate love, relationships, and self-worth without the distractions of traditional social media. His journey is one of creativity, determination, and building something meaningful with intention. Contact Info - Website: OurLoveLyfe.com - Promo / Offer: The core OurLoveLyfe app is free, with an optional subscription offering expanded usage limits. Most Influential Person - One of Dyce’s sisters Effect on Emotions - Mindfulness helps him understand his emotions and distinguish anxiety from depression. - He considers what he can control and what he cannot. - “You don’t have to keep tolerating” an uncomfortable or harmful situation; removing yourself is something you can control. - His guiding motto is to “stay in the moment.” Thoughts on Breathing - Breathing helps calm his heartbeat when he experiences anxiety. - He closes his eyes and takes several breaths until he feels his heartbeat settle. - “I cannot focus” when stressed or highly anxious, so breathing helps him calm himself and regain focus. - When his sister is unavailable, breathing is his primary way to bring himself down independently. Suggested Resources - Book: *The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living* by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman - App: I Am - App: OurLoveLyfe Bullying Story - Dyce grew up in a poor family in Barbados and was repeatedly bullied during his first two years of secondary school because his uniform did not fit properly. - Other students picked on him daily and sometimes took his money. - Determined not to endure the same treatment again, he worked throughout the summer, saved his money, and bought brand-new uniforms. - When he returned to school, his changed appearance and growing recognition by his nickname meant his former bullies did not recognize him. - “Dyce kinda changed my life in a way,” he said, reflecting on how his nickname and new confidence helped transform his experience.

How do you spend the first few minutes after you wake up? For many of us, the day begins almost automatically. We reach for the phone, think about our schedule, check messages, or start running through everything that needs to get done. In this solo episode of Mindfulness Mode, Bruce shares five simple ways to bring more awareness into your morning. You don't need an elaborate morning routine or a long meditation practice. Small changes can help you experience those first moments of the day instead of rushing through them. You'll discover why it can be helpful to give yourself a little time before checking your phone, how something as simple as noticing your feet on the floor can bring you into the moment, and why enjoying an ordinary part of your morning can make a difference. Bruce also explores the difference between what's urgent and what truly matters, along with the value of leaving a little empty space in a world where almost every quiet moment gets filled. In This Episode, You'll Discover Why the first few minutes of your morning matter How to begin your day before letting the outside world grab your attention A simple way to become more aware of your body when you wake up How to enjoy the ordinary parts of your morning Why choosing one thing that matters can give your day direction How a few minutes of empty space can change the feeling of your morning Why mindfulness doesn't require adding another complicated habit to your routine Try This Tomorrow You don't have to change your entire morning routine. Choose one or two things to try. Wait a minute before reaching for your phone. Notice your feet when they touch the floor. Really enjoy your coffee, tea, shower, morning walk, or another part of the morning you usually take for granted. Ask yourself, “What is one thing that matters today?” And somewhere in your morning, leave a little space. You may still have the same schedule, responsibilities, and things to get done. The difference is that you're giving yourself a chance to actually experience the beginning of your day. Tomorrow morning is a morning you've never lived before. See if you can be there for it.

Sanjay Sabnani is an author, former public-company founder, and the creator of ActualizationOS. He is an independent researcher in Causal Neuro-Symbolic AI and serves as a senior executive and board member at a private-equity-owned technology company. His work focuses on integrating ancient wisdom from various traditions with modern neuroscience to create a diagnostic system for inner change, which he describes as a "system of inner architecture". Sabnani's book, ActualizationOS, explores the principles of stillness, alignment, and the process of transformation, drawing from Stoic philosophy, Buddhist psychology, and neuroscience. He has also authored a chapter in a Wiley medical textbook and holds two U.S. patents.  Contact Info Website: SanjaySabnani.com Most Influential Person Buddha and his teachings have had a profound influence on Sanjay’s understanding of mindfulness. Earlier in life, Sanjay found Buddhist teachings too abstract, but his perspective changed as he experienced their insights firsthand. He now sees tremendous value in teachings that have endured for thousands of years. Effect on Emotions Sanjay says mindfulness has helped him stop suffering from the lingering effects of negative experiences. Difficult things still happen and painful emotions still arise, but rumination and downward thought spirals no longer have the same hold. He has learned to separate the feeling that something bothers him from the impulse to immediately react. Thoughts on Breathing Sanjay views the breath as a subtle object of attention that can lead into deeper mindfulness. Breath watching became an important part of his meditation journey. When he needs to calm himself, he may use a physiological sigh with two sharp inhales through the nose followed by a sighing exhale through the mouth. He also watches his breath while falling asleep. Suggested Resources Sanjay’s Book: Actualization OS: A System of Inner Architecture Book: The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle Book: The Surrender Experiment by Michael A. Singer App: Youtube Bullying Story Growing up in Hong Kong as an Indian student at a British Anglican school, Sanjay experienced significant bullying. He was bookish, chubby, short, and not athletic, so he developed sharp wit and cutting humor as a defense mechanism. Mindfulness later helped him recognize the difference between feeling triggered and needing to react. Today, he measures his progress partly by how little everyday frustrations disturb his inner state.

Have you ever had an entire conversation with someone who wasn’t even there? Maybe you’re driving, walking, or trying to fall asleep when you suddenly find yourself rehearsing a conversation in your mind. You imagine what the other person will say, plan your response, and before long you’re defending yourself in an argument that hasn’t even happened. These imaginary conversations can create very real tension, worry, and frustration. In this solo episode of Mindfulness Mode, Bruce explores how mindfulness can help you recognize mental rehearsals and return your attention to what’s actually happening right now. You’ll learn how to notice when your mind starts scripting future conversations, become curious about what may be driving those thoughts, and enter real conversations with more presence and less expectation. Bruce also shares how his inner bully, Jasper, can sometimes take over these imaginary conversations and why listening may be more valuable than trying to prepare the perfect response. In This Episode, You’ll Discover Why we rehearse conversations that haven’t happened How imaginary conversations can affect your emotions and body A simple way to catch yourself in a mental rehearsal How mindfulness can bring you back to the present Why scripting another person’s response can interfere with listening How to approach difficult conversations with greater curiosity What repeated imaginary conversations may be telling you A simple three-step grounding exercise you can use today A Simple Mindfulness Practice The next time you notice yourself rehearsing a conversation, pause and remind yourself: “This conversation hasn’t happened.” Take a slow breath and notice three things: Something you can see. Something you can hear. Something you can feel. Then gently return your attention to what you were doing. If the imaginary conversation comes back, notice it again and return again. Each time you recognize where your mind has gone and bring your attention back to the present, you’re practicing mindfulness. You don’t need to know exactly what someone is going to say. You don’t need to prepare every response. Let the real conversation happen when it happens. Listen to the person who is actually in front of you. And until then, come back to now. Stay in the mode.

Bio Kiran Dhaliwal and Neil Haran are the co-founders of SolOS, a web-based personal intelligence operating system designed to help people better understand themselves. Kiran brings decades of experience optimizing complex systems, along with her work as a consultant, exit planner, and value builder. Neil brings technology and AI expertise, combined with a growing passion for mindfulness and personal development. Together, they explore how technology, self-awareness, and personal insight can help us recognize our patterns, appreciate our individual strengths, and make choices that feel more aligned with who we are. Mindfulness and Purpose For Kiran, mindfulness is closely connected with purpose. She considers whether her daily choices are aligned with her larger vision and uses moments of misalignment as opportunities to reground herself. Neil describes mindfulness as being present, observing emotional reactions, and learning to accept his natural patterns rather than constantly trying to change them. AI and Personal Intelligence Neil explains how AI can act as a mirror when it is provided with meaningful context. Rather than simply telling us what we want to hear, he believes AI can help surface patterns that may otherwise be difficult to recognize. SolOS applies this idea to personal intelligence and self-exploration. SolOS and Self Discovery SolOS combines several modalities, including human design and numerology, to create personalized insights. Users can explore questions about their patterns, purpose, strengths, and challenges. Kiran emphasizes that the platform is not intended to predict the future or make decisions for users. Instead, its goal is to provide insights that support personal reflection and reduce decision fatigue. Mindfulness, Bullying and Self Acceptance Neil shares his experience of being physically bullied in high school and explains why mindfulness can be valuable without being the entire solution. Kiran discusses responding to hurtful behavior by considering what she can learn and what she can release. Both emphasize accepting our differences and recognizing the unique strengths each person brings. Contact SolOS: soulos.ca

Bio Pratibha Gannavarapu is a technology leader, entrepreneur, and founder of Glow Theory, an AI powered skincare platform focused on personalized, science backed skin health. After more than 20 years in technology, including senior leadership roles at Yahoo and Amazon, Pratibha turned her own self care transformation into a new mission. As a mother, founder, and wellness advocate, she believes prioritizing yourself can improve how you show up as a parent, leader, and human being. Mindful Self Care and Skincare After years of putting work and family first, Pratibha realized she needed to prioritize herself. A simple five minute skincare routine became meaningful personal time. She discovered that caring for herself helped her feel happier and become more present as a mother, leader, and human being. AI Powered Personalized Skincare Glow Theory uses AI to analyze hundreds of points on a user’s face and create a personalized skincare routine. Users can also photograph products they already own so the platform can incorporate them into their routine. Pratibha’s goal is effective, science backed skincare that reduces confusion, unnecessary purchases, and product waste. Grief, Mindfulness, and Personal Transformation Losing her mother to a brain tumor deeply affected Pratibha and eventually became a catalyst for change. Her grief taught her the importance of accepting emotions rather than denying them. This experience inspired her to care for herself physically and emotionally while recognizing that difficult feelings must first be acknowledged before they can be managed. Meditation, Breathing, and Inner Wellness Pratibha incorporates five minutes of meditation into her morning routine several times a week. She focuses on silence and breathing, which helps her reach a peaceful state. For Pratibha, skincare, meditation, and mindful breathing are connected parts of a larger commitment to self care and personal wellness. Contact Website and Web App: GlowTheory.app

Bio: Justin Li is a first-time founder, billiards enthusiast, and CEO of EVO Sports, a sports-streaming platform that grew from a community project into a broader infrastructure for athletes and venues. His experience in competitive pool taught him the value of concentration, emotional control, and staying present under pressure. Today, Justin applies those same principles to entrepreneurship, using mindfulness and meditation to manage stress, respond thoughtfully to challenges, and keep moving forward one step at a time. EVO Sports combines professional-quality streaming, player analytics, and opportunities for athletes to monetize their content. In this episode you'll learn: Why Justin considers billiards one of the ultimate games for developing mindfulness, focus, patience, and emotional control. How he built a meditation practice by starting with just two minutes a day and gradually working up to ten minutes. Why learning from a mistake—and then letting it go—is essential in both competitive pool and entrepreneurship. How mindfulness helps Justin manage frustration, communicate calmly with customers, and handle the pressures of being a first-time founder. Why Justin believes relying too heavily on AI may cause younger generations to “outsource their thinking” and become less connected with their individual selves. Meditation: One Step at a Time Justin turned to meditation when constant context-switching left his focus scattered. He began with only two minutes per day, gradually building to ten. His practice became an evening reset, supported by a personal mantra centered on being enough and taking life one step at a time. Mindfulness, Emotions, and Resilience For Justin, mindfulness is strongly connected to understanding and regulating emotions. When pride, frustration, or anger surfaces, he tries to identify its source, take a breath, wait several seconds, and then respond. This approach helps him stay composed in business, relationships, and competitive situations. Contact EVO Sports: evosports.live YouTube: EVO Sports / EVO Sports Streaming Justin explains that EVO Sports serves athletes and venues with professional streaming, analytics, and a developing model that allows athletes to participate in advertising revenue. The platform has locations across the United States and Canada, as well as Hong Kong, Japan, and Taiwan.

Bio Tim Lee is a Vancouver-based technology professional, food adventurer, and YouTube creator who shares restaurant experiences from around the world. With a background in computer science and financial technology, Tim has spent decades working alongside mathematicians, physicists, traders, and software professionals. Outside of work, his passion for food, travel, running, and connecting with people evolved into a growing YouTube presence. Tim approaches life with curiosity, positivity, humor, and an appreciation for embracing the unexpected. Mindful Eating and Food Experiences For Tim, dining is about much more than what’s on the plate. Food creates opportunities to appreciate the people who prepare and serve a meal while connecting with friends, colleagues, and strangers. He considers food a universal language that can build relationships and bring people together. Mindfulness, Teamwork, and Finding Joy Tim’s career in financial technology can involve long hours and stressful projects, but teamwork keeps him grounded. He has observed that highly successful people often share an important quality: they find fun and joy in what they’re doing while remaining present in the experience. Going With the Flow Tim has learned that unexpected experiences often make life, and his YouTube videos, more interesting. A missed flight, challenging interaction, or change of plans doesn’t have to ruin the experience. By keeping events in perspective and going with the flow, he can embrace imperfections rather than allowing them to create unnecessary stress. Technology, AI, and Mindful Living Tim sees tremendous potential in AI for software development, video editing, travel planning, and content creation. Yet technology can also become overwhelming. His advice for greater mindfulness is surprisingly simple: sometimes turn off the apps and put the phone away. Even health-tracking technology can create stress when it becomes excessive. Contact YouTube: Tim Lee Food Reviews