Episode 237: Light Watkins

On the tortoise approach, the seven-day ask, the gift and truth of less being more, and the practice of no-complaints-whatsoever. 0:00 — Introduction and Overview of Light Watkins' Book 1:56 — The Tortoise Approach and Consistency 6:43 — Personal Experiences and Application of the Tortoise Approach 10:48 — Challenges and Practical Applications 17:53 — Addiction and Meditation Challenges 28:53 — Forgiveness and Purge Challenges 32:44 — Conclusion and Recommendations For over two decades, Light Watkins has helped leaders and teams embed presence into how they live, lead, and connect. His approach elevates performance not by pushing harder, but by helping audiences show up more fully. Light is the author of five bestselling books on happiness, mindfulness, minimalism, and transformation. His TEDx Talk on rethinking mindfulness is approaching a million views. Known as "The Presence Whisperer," Light delivers keynotes that are humorous, heartfelt, practical, unforgettable. https://www.lightwatkins.com/

On the practice of sitting, walking, becoming, and living as yourself, precisely where you are. (0:00) – Introduction and Guest Welcome (2:21) – Gru's Journey to Zen Practice (5:53) – Elena's Personal Reflections (12:18) – The Concept of "Becoming Yourself" (19:34) – The Role of Precepts and Ethical Practice (32:29) – The Importance of Confidence and Effort (37:46) – Conclusion and Gratitude This long-awaited new book from Shunryu Suzuki: Becoming Yourself: Teachings on the Zen Way of Life, edited by Jiryu Rutschman-Byler and Sojun Mel Weitsman, is one of my favorite books of 2025. Jiryu Rutschman-Byler is a Soto Zen Buddhist priest and teacher in the lineage of Shunryu Suzuki Roshi, with dharma transmission from Sojun Mel Weitsman. Jiryu has trained residentially in Zen temples since 1996, and currently serves as a co-Abbot of San Francisco Zen Center through his role as Abiding Abbot of Green Gulch Farm Zen Center. Shunryu Suzuki was one of the most influential spiritual teachers of the Twentieth Century and a founding father of Zen in America. Suzuki's Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind, first published in the U.S. in 1970, is considered one of the most important Buddhist books in modern history, and has been translated into more than thirty-five languages. A Japanese priest of the Sōtō lineage, Suzuki taught Buddhism in the United States from 1959 until his death in 1971. He was the founder of the San Francisco Zen Center and the Tassajara Zen Mountain Center. While contemporary Buddhist figures such as His Holiness The Dalai Lama, Thích Nhất Hạnh, and Pema Chödrön are more familiar to American audiences, Shunryu Suzuki was among the first Buddhist teachers with cultural influence in the West and was the first to establish a lasting practice community in the U.S. Importantly, the warmth, humor, and simplicity of Suzuki's teachings made Buddhism accessible. For decades, the San Francisco Zen Center has preserved an archive of Suzuki's original audio teachings, most of which have never been edited or published. Becoming Yourself: Teachings on the Zen Way of Life offers newly available teachings by Suzuki, exploring a practice he describes as fundamentally about "becoming yourself." Rather than offering a philosophy or even a set of techniques, Suzuki points to a way of being, and calls readers to the simple practice of zazen, or "just to sit," as the expression of a fulfilling life and grounded ethical orientation. Becoming Yourself is a result of the painstaking efforts of the Zen community over many years. Archiving, transcribing and interpreting Suzuki's intention clearly and accurately proved to be very challenging work. The final editor and compiler of the book is Jiryu Rutschman-Byler, a senior teacher and co-Abbot of the San Francisco Zen Center. As we learn in these pages, "becoming yourself" is not meant to be understood as an idea but rather tried out as a way of being. It is a practice of deeply connecting with how it feels to be alive in your surroundings, whether on a meditation cushion or not, and stepping forward from that connection. It is opening to your life, wherever you are, and finding right there a deep well of innate wisdom, compassion, and care.

On the Tao Te Ching as guide through recovery, allowing our process, and the generative medicine of stillness. (0:00) – Introduction (3:32) – Miguel's Journey and Inspiration (6:50) – Day 11: The Use of Emptiness (11:44) – Day 19: Empty Your Mind (15:16) – Day 25: That Which Cannot Be Named (21:00) – Day 60: Handle Life Gently (24:46) – Group Facilitation and Personal Reflections (26:55) – Final Thoughts and Contact Information Miguel Rios is an educator, writer, and recovery advocate. By day, he teaches 8th-grade English, helping young people find their voice through literature. By night—and often early morning—he writes poetry, reflections, and spiritual texts grounded in Taoist philosophy, sobriety, and presence. The Way Within Without was born from Miguel's personal journey through recovery. It's the book he wished he had in the beginning: something honest, non-dogmatic, and deeply gentle. Miguel believes healing happens quietly. In stillness, not striving. In simplicity, not performance. His work blends ancient wisdom with modern clarity, inviting readers to return to the calm already within them. He lives in New York and spends his free time walking, reading, and sipping coffee. https://www.thewaywithinwithout.com

On the power of letting go of numbing habit energies, aligning with our intrinsic wisdom, and living a clear life.  0:00 – Introduction and Guest Overview 1:55 – Discussion on the First Awareness: My Life is Better Clear 4:24 – Experimenting with Alcohol and Personal Growth 8:37 – The Concept of "Clear" and Personal Agency 10:33 – Connection Between Alcohol and Health Issues 19:03 – The Fourth Awareness: My Trauma is Not My Identity 21:02 – The Fifth Awareness: Forgiveness and Letting Go 29:58 – The Sixth Awareness: I Do Not Judge or Impose My Orientations Upon Others 34:01 – The Seventh Awareness: Our Most Precious Currency is Time 39:07 – The Eighth Awareness: I Seek Ways to Support Others Cecily is a mother, author, investor, and founder, the voice behind the ClearLife Movement, the ClearLife Reset, and host of the Undimmed podcast. A former attorney and Silicon Valley executive turned author and investor, she's also the co-founder of Wisdom Ventures. Cecily helps people create undimmed lives of presence and intention, free from the stigma of addiction and the patterns of avoidance that keep us from living fully. Her new book, released January 2026. Undimmed, The Eight Awarenesses for Freedom from Unwanted Habits - https://www.cecilymak.com/book-coming-soon Podcast, Undimmed; conversations with people on an undimming path: https://www.cecilymak.com/podcast ClearLife Reset Supplement (feel amazing as you take a break from drinking): https://www.clearlifereset.com/

Our annual session includes readings from Hold Nothing, emphasizing practice, respect, and structures of encouragement. Join me to sit briefly, address potent prompts intended to create intentionality and spaces of grace for you and yours as you proceed into this year.  (0:00) – Annual Planning Session Introduction (1:54) – Practice and Respect in Conscious Evolution (4:45) – Zen Meditation and the Practice of Zazen (7:20) – Aging and Letting Go of Caring About Others' Opinions (10:16) – Note of Gratitude from the Body (35:42) – Sitting Practice and Reflection on Encouragement (39:29) – Engaging in Relationships with Encouragement (47:58) – Final Reflections and Q&A Resources Planning Guidebook Feelings and Needs List Substacks Elena Brower – Hold Nothing Sierra Campbell – Choose Nurture | choosenurture.com Laurel Hayne-Miller – The Flowering Path Books Bookshop Everyday Zen — Charlotte Joko Beck Returning to Silence — Kōshō Uchiyama Silent Illumination — Guo Gu The Truth of This Life — Katherine Thanas Mountains and Rivers Sutra — Norman Fischer Better Apart — Gabrielle Hartley and Elena Brower What We Say Matters — Judith Lasater

For mothers, mothers-to-be and those supporting mothers: On matrescence as transformation; offering the Four Elements model as a map for the rite of passage that is motherhood. (0:00) – Introduction and Guest Welcome (1:16) – Importance of Rites of Passage (3:09) – The Four Elements of Radical Transformation (6:19) – The Earth Element: Grounding and Taking Stock (8:11) – The Water Element: Grief and Letting Go (15:19) – The Air Element: Liminality and Uncertainty (20:07) – The Fire Element: Exploration and New Beginnings (25:27) – Rituals and Practices for Self-Care (29:49) – The Mother Powers: Skills and Capacities (33:56) – Conclusion and Resources Jessie Harrold is a coach and doula who has been supporting women through radical life transformations and other rites of passage for over fifteen years. She works one-on-one with women and mothers, facilitates mentorship programs, women's circles and rituals, and hosts retreats and nature-based experiences. Jessie is the author of the Nautilus Gold Medal Award-winning book, Mothershift: Reclaiming Motherhood as a Rite of Passage (Shambhala 2024). She is also the host of The Becoming Podcast. Jessie lives on the east coast of Canada where she mothers her two children, writes, and stewards the land. Mothershift: Reclaiming Motherhood as a Rite of Passage  Jessie is also the founder of the internationally acclaimed matrescence support program MotherSHIFT, and its sister program for perinatal professionals, The Village.

On participating in your life by orienting to practice; befriending time to stabilize your mind, meditating polarities to map your world. (0:00) – Introduction to Nevine Michaan and Her Journey (2:26) – The Katonah Yoga Calendar (6:36) – The Concept of Mapping in Yoga (16:48) – The Magic House and Personal Responsibility (20:55) – Balancing Self-Actualization and Interbeing (36:15) – The Role of Numbers and Measurement in Yoga (39:03) – Practical Techniques for Maintaining Energy and Vitality (39:16) – The Importance of Personal Responsibility and Discipline (39:33) – The Role of Myths and Fairy Tales in Understanding Yoga (39:51) – Final Thoughts and Practical Advice Born in Egypt in 1954, Nevine moved to New York at the age of three. In her early 20's, while studying history and comparative religion at Vassar College, she discovered meditation. She understood that there is a function, a formality and a fit to the universe and that yoga is a tool, a technique – a practice with repetition which gives us the opportunity to participate in life with intelligence and joy. Nevine started a daily practice in NYC with renowned yoga instructor Allan Bateman in the 1970s and became fully immersed in what would become her life's work. She began teaching yoga in 1978, and founded the Katonah Yoga Center in Katonah, New York in 1986. Nevine seamlessly relates her approach to yoga through comparing it to the likes of a musician. Her artful use of metaphor is one of her most well honed techniques when articulating her teachings, which are empowered by her practical approach to integrating the mind, the body and the breath. Nevine continues to teach both online and in person through her studio, the Katonah Yoga Collective in Bedford Hills NY and others throughout the community. Number Magic, new 2026 Katonah Yoga Calendar Katonah Yoga practices and theory Katonah Yoga certifications and learn more about our Mentorship Program happening twice a year online: Practice online; Video Library:

On supportive friendship, persistence, practice, and what it means to hold nothing. (0:00) — Launch of Elena Brower's New Book "Hold Nothing" (1:44) — Evolution of the Book Project (6:47) — Personal Stories and Vulnerability (9:56) — Feedback and Reflections on the Book (15:12) — Storytelling and Relationships (20:37) — Prompts and Practical Insights (32:07) — Final Reflections and Gratitude Sara Bercholz is a second-generation book publisher. She is co-owner and Publisher of her family business, Shambhala Publications. She is a Buddhist practitioner, yogi, cook, and outdoorswoman. She lives in Boulder, Colorado with her two children, Milo and Dashiell.

On respecting the evolution of this life and consistently responding to the call of the brightest light of all.  (0:00) – Introduction and Welcome (3:01) – Experience of Performing Live (7:24) – Deva's Connection to Miten (11:01) – Life on the Road and Practices (14:01) – Evolution of Deva's Work (18:18) – Collaboration with India.Arie (23:55) – New Album and Favorite Tracks (27:05) – Upcoming Tours and Retreats Deva Premal is a world-renowned, Grammy-nominated mantra singer whose ethereal voice and sacred chant-based music have touched millions around the globe. Blending ancient Sanskrit mantras with contemporary melodies, her work creates a powerful space for inner peace, healing, and spiritual awakening. In collaboration with her partner, musician/composer Miten, she has played a key role in bringing mantra music to a worldwide audience through concerts, retreats, and acclaimed recordings. Deva and Miten's music is celebrated for its depth, purity, and universal resonance, making them beloved figures in the global yoga, wellness, and mindfulness communities. Deva's new album: The Inevitable Blossoming of the Heart

On practices of empowerment, support and the archetypes that instruct and inspire us to evolve. (0:00) — Introduction and Guest Overview (2:47) — Table of Contents and Initial Discussion (7:34) — Confidence Paradox and Internalized Patriarchy (11:08) — Archetypes and Inner Critic (21:47) — Motherhood Paradox and Reflection Questions (22:26) — Archetypes and Personal Growth (24:44) — Vision for Life and Financial Security (27:24) — Path of Purpose and Job Crafting (41:12) — Final Thoughts and Gratitude Megan Dalla-Camina is the founder of Women Rising, a global women's empowermentcompany supporting hundreds of thousands of women through leadership, education, and transformational growth. A PhD researcher in women's spirituality, she brings more than 30 years of experience in executive leadership and entrepreneurship into her work guiding women to reclaim their feminine power. Megan weaves ancient wisdom, embodied practice, and modern science to help women awaken to the truth of who you are. Megan is the best selling author of 4 books including Women Rising: The Forces That Hold Us Back, The Tools To Help Us Rise (Wiley), and Simple Soulful Sacred: A Woman's Guide To Clarity, Comfort and Coming Home To Herself (Hay House).