Exercises / Practices

By Alex Tzelnic, guest contributor

According to the most recent Chapman University Survey on American Fears, 29.3% of those polled were very afraid or afraid of death while 29% said the same about public speaking. The fact that ceasing to exist ranks just a hair above standing in front of people and making legible noises is hardly surprising: dying is a tough concept to grasp, but anyone who has ever felt their pulse thump, their throat go dry, or their knees knock during a presentation can rel…

By Mark Coleman, guest contributor

Spring is now upon us. Where would we be without the infinite joys of nature? 

The first time I hiked in late spring in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, I couldn’t believe the vast oceans of wildflowers that carpeted the hillsides. Every color imaginable stretched as far as I could see. I suddenly understood the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson: “The earth laughs in flowers.”  Walking amidst such bounty, I began to feel the fruits of practice, since being mindful ou…

Here are a selection of new guided meditation practices from our Certified MBSR instructors. 

Access Free Guided Meditations

By The Mindful Leader Team

With so many meditation and wellness apps that focus on mindfulness available, how do you decide which one to use? Ultimately, the best mindfulness app for you is the one that encourages you to get started with a regular mindfulness practice, or effectively supplements the individual practice that you already have. 

We want to acknowledge that there are valid concerns with app-based mental training. From privacy concerns to addictive gamified elements to monetization…

By Joy Reichart, New Ventures West, guest contributor

A few weeks ago I had the privilege of witnessing the certification of a new group of Integral Coaches: a powerful rite of passage that is the culmination of a year of hard work, dedicated practice, and profound growth. At the close of the session, one new graduate checked out with these words: 

I am not me without you.

Though I know this person to be profoundly wise, spiritually connected, and relationally skillful, it nevertheless seemed…

By Priscilla Szneke, guest contributor 

Mindfulness meditation is often thought of as an activity that requires one to stop the mind from thinking while sitting absolutely still, usually cross-legged on the floor with the eyes closed for 20 minutes to an hour. This couldn’t be further from the truth. First, thinking is always happening and trying to stop the mind from thinking is like trying to stop the heart from beating. Good luck with that! The creator of MBSR, Jon Kabat-Zinn, explains “mind…

By Dr. Gus Castellanos, guest contributor 

The holidays are stressful and full of distractions, making it easy to neglect your mindfulness practice. Travel, parties, time constraints, fluctuating energy and mood can interfere with practicing. It's not surprising that many "fall off the practice bandwagon" during the holidays. Notwithstanding the challenges you might have, it is essential to keep your practice going to reduce stress and other negative feelings. And without mindful awareness, we …

By John J. Murphy, guest contributor

What better time of year to practice mindful leadership than during the year-end and year-beginning holidays? Of course, there are a variety of cultures and traditions celebrating this season, and many involve the practices of traveling, reuniting with family and friends, and exchanging gifts. There are also many people who struggle during this time of year with anxiety, stress, loneliness, and the feeling of being overwhelmed. Navigating crowded parking lot…

By Joy Reichart, New Ventures West, guest contributor 

“If you want to improve the world, start by helping people feel safer.” —Stephen Porges

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Can you recall a moment in your life when you felt truly supported? Perhaps it was a session with a therapist, bodyworker, coach, or teacher. Maybe it was a good conversation with a trusted friend. Or maybe someone came to your aid following a disturbing event.

What was that person’s bearing, and what sort of effect did it have on you? 

Regardle…

By Steven M. Cohen, guest contributor 

Thanksgiving has been a special holiday, a day where both sides of our family and some friends gathered together for a feast.  The more the merrier, and without the entanglement of religious significance. In 2020 and 2021, COVID-19 changes everything. What once brought only joy now brings fear, particularly with respect to our elderly parents. Likely, it will be too cold to gather and eat outside, and likely too dangerous to bring everyone together to eat …