Zen Commuter

In this episode, we sit down with multi-hyphenate storyteller Christopher Rivas — actor, writer, Buddhist practitioner, and host of the  Brown Enough  podcast. We dive deep into themes of identity, race, belonging, and what it means to "live in the middle space." Christopher shares his journeys into Buddhism, the stories behind his creative work (including  Brown Enough  and  Rubirosa ), and how l...

In today's episode, I share a thoughtful piece from Tricycle: The Buddhist Review titled Silent Underground by Aryavandana. It's a gentle yet powerful reflection on the unseen roots of our practice—the quiet, often unnoticed ways that mindfulness and compassion take hold beneath the surface of our daily lives. Much like roots growing in the dark, our practice doesn't always announce itself, but ov...

Today I want to talk about the comfort that comes from knowing that in every situation you are completely safe. You might be thinking…"Thom, that is a nice thought, but not a real one…Have you seen the world lately?" I have, and I'm sticking by my premise. And hopefully, if it serves you, you might do the same. THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the Show If this conversation inspired you,...

In today's Tricycle Tuesday , we explore the article The Economy of Grace , a reflection on the quiet abundance that arises when we shift from striving to allowing. Rather than measuring life through effort and achievement, this piece invites us to recognize the grace that is already present—flowing through our relationships, our practice, and the simple moments we often overlook. Join me as we co...

Today I bring you along to my meditation chair, when I get ready to practice. Specifically, I let you in on how I decide to practice each day. There are three questions I ask myself once I sit down that determine the path of my practice for that day. THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the Show If this conversation inspired you, please share it using the social media buttons on the page. B...

If you sit quietly for even a few moments, you'll notice that your mind is rarely silent. Thoughts arise, opinions appear, and sometimes it feels like there's an entire panel discussion happening inside your head. But not every voice carries the same wisdom. In today's episode, we explore how to discern the difference between ordinary mental chatter and the quieter, steadier voice of deeper unders...

Hey, my friend. It's been a while since we have had an actual meditation. So today I thought I would combine the best of two worlds; meditation and Tricycle Tuesday. :0) This one was written by Ayya Santacitta, and is a perfect session for helping us cultivate stillness and the ability to slow down. THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the Show If this conversation inspired you, please shar...

My guest today is Manal El-Ramly, author of Transcending Anxiety: From Fear to Freedom, TEDx speaker ('Why You Don't Need to Search for Your Purpose'), creator of the Mattain Method, and a beloved teacher on Insight Timer. Manal helps individuals overcome anxiety, limiting beliefs, and overwhelm by understanding and aligning their four bodies – physical, emotional, mental, and egoic. What You'll D...

In this episode of Zen Commuter , I share reflections inspired by a recent Tricycle article on connecting with the root of our being. Lately, I've been reminded that the places, roles, and things we associate with "home" are only temporary expressions of something much deeper. The real root isn't somewhere outside of us—it's the quiet, steady presence that's always been there, beneath our thoughts...

Many people feel that low energy is something to be conquered. If you're feeling a little lackluster, something must be off, or wrong. Guess what? I used to think that too. As recently as today. Thankfully, a trip to the cushion set me straight. So let's learn a lesson together.   THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the Show If this conversation inspired you, please share it using the soci...

Drawing inspiration from a recent Tricycle magazine article, this episode explores the powerful metaphors we unconsciously use to describe our lives—and how they influence the way we suffer, grow, and find freedom. When we examine the stories and images we live by, we discover new ways to relate to challenge, identity, and change. By choosing more liberating metaphors, we loosen old constraints an...

One of the most common meditation frustrations is the belief that something is wrong when the mind keeps thinking. In this episode, we gently bust one of the biggest myths about meditation: that a quiet mind is the goal. You'll learn why thoughts are not a sign of failure, what meditation is actually training us to notice, and how changing your relationship to thinking—not eliminating it—brings ea...

In today's episode of Zen Commuter , we explore how meditation naturally builds confidence—not through positive thinking or self-improvement, but through familiarity with ourselves. As we sit and observe the mind, we begin to see thoughts for what they are rather than who we are. Over time, this creates a quiet trust: trust in our ability to stay present, to meet discomfort without being overwhelm...

It is a new year, meaning there are plenty of people reworking their current practice, or starting one fresh. Regarding both of these groups, it's going to be helpful to wipe away any misperceptions and myths. To that end, I am going to answer a question I get asked by almost every student I have; Am I meditating right? Stick around to hear the answer.   THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of...

Hey my good friend, thanks for coming back to another episode of Zen Commuter. Today, upon returning from a hiatus, I thought it would be a perfect day to talk about Right Speech. And the best way to do that is with an article from Tricycle magazine. Sensei Dhara Kowal wrote a perfect article that talks about what tricycle does best; putting ancient context into a modern light. Come listen and lea...

As we say farewell to another year, I'm reminded that there are many times in our lives when we must say goodbye.  Many of those moments are unplanned, like the loss of a loved one, a dear pet, or even a job.  Today, I invite you to join me as I talk about how a meditation practice can help you navigate the losses you experience in your lives.  Since grief is such an individual process there's no...

Today I continue my warm and wonderful chat with Jen Kalawur. In this segment, we talk about the importance of listening to your intuition when it let's know what your body and mind truly need. To that end, we also talk about the importance of a healthy diet: not food, but information. And finally, Jen talks about the important work she does in helping her clients see their lives in a fuller, more...

On today's episode, I sit down with Jennifer Kalawur, a mindful leadership coach whose work blends emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and grounded presence. Together, we explore how mindfulness reshapes the way we lead, communicate, and care for ourselves in a world that often pulls us in every direction. Jennifer shares her own journey, the practices that keep her anchored, and the powerful...

In today's episode, I sit down with author and meditator Dean Patrick for a meaningful conversation about meditation, self-care, and redefining what success really means. Dean shares how his own inner practice has shaped his life, and we explore the shift from striving to aligning — from doing to being. We also talk about his latest book, which opens powerful doorways into a more intentional and p...

In this episode, we sit down with multi-hyphenate storyteller Christopher Rivas — actor, writer, Buddhist practitioner, and host of the Brown Enough podcast. We dive deep into themes of identity, race, belonging, and what it means to "live in the middle space." Christopher shares his journeys into Buddhism, the stories behind his creative work (including Brown Enough and Rubirosa ), and how life,...

Believe it or not, consistency is one of the hardest parts of a meditation practice; setting time each day to sit in stillness. As a single man, it's easier for me, than say, a parent with young children. However, Tricycle would have you believe it's still possible for parents to keep up with their practice, as long as they adapt how they meditate. Thankfully, Sumi Loundon Kim has some great ideas...

While I don't know the exact demographic of Zen Commuter listeners, I have confidence in saying that many of you are my chronological peers. To that end, today's article from Tricycle will resonate with you as well. Even though I don't fully embrace all the sentiments of the article, it did resonate on the major points. What is the obfuscated topic for today? Aging. Come listen.   THANKS FOR LISTE...

In this episode of Zen Commuter, I read Mark Unno's essay "Blind Passions," a powerful reflection on how unseen desires shape our lives and our practice. Together, we'll explore how passion can cloud our vision, but also how, when understood, it can become a doorway to deeper awareness and compassion.   THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the Show If this conversation inspired you, please...

While the days have yet to capture that wonderfully crisp Autumn breeze, my mailbox tells me that it is indeed Fall. Well, at least it's on its way; as evidenced by the latest edition of Tricycle Magazine. Without checking the author first, I selected the article that piqued my interest the most. What a wonderful surprise to know it was a familiar name, Christopher Rivas. He is a writer, actor, po...

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Steve Olsen, a retired dentist who shares his powerful journey of healing and resilience. After facing a life-altering cancer diagnosis, Steve turned to meditation and the neuroacoustic app nuCalm as vital tools in his recovery. His story is a testament to the power of inner calm, mindset, and the body's ability to heal when supported by intention and pre...