Calmer in 5

I will be working on becoming non-judgmental for the rest of my life. Not because I am horribly judgmental, but because I am able to see it when it appears. And I see it often…and I'm glad. I Love that I can (most times) transcend judgment. Let's talk about how that can lead to calm. Become a super-fan of ZEN commuter and 5 Minute mojo and receive bonuses exclusively for Patreon subscribers. THANK...

When you're sick, does resting come naturally, or do you find yourself feeling guilty about everything you aren't getting done? Today's episode invites you to set aside the pressure to be productive and listen kindly to what your body is asking for. Giving yourself permission to pause is an act of self-compassion. Let's explore how allowing yourself to rest, without judgment or a running tally of...

A moment in Michael's reminded me how much lighter life feels when I let go of judging others and allow them to be who they are. In today's episode, I share how that shift opened the door to greater ease and connection. When we loosen our expectations of how people should look or behave, we give ourselves a chance to see them more clearly—and enjoy the moment without needing to change anyone. Beco...

Boredom may not be the opposite of calm, but sometimes when we feel in a rut, we are not feeling our best. The good news is, that regardless of age, there is a remedy…try something new. Become a super-fan of ZEN commuter and 5 Minute mojo and receive bonuses exclusively for Patreon subscribers. THANKS FOR LISTENING! Thanks again for listening to the show! If it has helped you in any way, please sh...

The warmth of a mug in your hands, the sound of leaves beneath your feet, the taste of your first bite—your senses offer simple invitations to return to the present. In today's episode, we explore how noticing the sights, sounds, scents, tastes, and textures around us can interrupt a busy stream of thought and make room for calm. Join me as we discover how much there is to appreciate when we pause...

I hear all the time that the world is speeding up; that things seems more hurried than they were years ago. But I often wonder if that's true. A casual look says yes. But we don't do casual looks here; we dive in. Just because a pace is set, doesn't mean it needs to be kept. You get to determine your speed. Become a super-fan of ZEN commuter and 5 Minute mojo and receive bonuses exclusively for Pa...

With all that seems to be going on in the world, many times with think that things are chaotic, that there's no order to anything. One of the things that I enjoy about my meditation practice is its ability to show me order. Maybe a better word is interconnectedness. Today on my walk, a great example was shown to me by an acorn. Become a super-fan of ZEN commuter and 5 Minute mojo and receive bonus...

One more episode becomes three, and suddenly the evening has slipped away. Bingeing a favorite show can be a welcome pleasure, but it's helpful to pause and notice what's keeping us watching. Are we enjoying ourselves, following a habit, or putting off something we don't want to feel? Today, I invite you to bring gentle awareness to that next-episode decision, without judging yourself, so the way...

We all have commitments, but what do you do when you don't. Today I talk about the calm of doing…"whatever the hell you want to do" Become a super-fan of ZEN commuter and 5 Minute mojo and receive bonuses exclusively for Patreon subscribers. THANKS FOR LISTENING! Thanks again for listening to the show! If it has helped you in any way, please share it using the social media buttons you see on the p...

We all know that social media has been proven to contribute to poor mental health. I won't list the majority of ailments that it reportedly brings about or worsens. Suffice it to say, it's not good. To that end I limit my time with it, mainly Instagram. today I talk about a way that it adds to your level of uneasiness that might not be that apparent. But I also have a way to make things better. Be...

When a day gets disrupted or we lose our sense of calm, it can be tempting to write the whole thing off and promise ourselves we'll start fresh tomorrow. But beginning again doesn't require a clean slate. In today's episode of Calmer in 5, I talk about how one conscious breath and one intentional choice can change what happens next. You don't have to erase the day or start it over—you can simply c...

Your peace belongs to you. While you may not be able to control the noise, behavior, or circumstances around you, you can choose how much authority you give them over your inner world. Owning your calm doesn't mean ignoring frustration or pretending that everything is pleasant; it means recognizing that no person or situation can take your peace unless you surrender it. In today's episode, I talk...

Sanctuary sounds like such a heavy word, steeped in religiousness perhaps.  But it doesn't need to be so intense.  Today I talk about the benefit of finding your own place of stillness and solitude.  Come listen. Become a super-fan of ZEN commuter and 5 Minute mojo and receive bonuses exclusively for Patreon subscribers. THANKS FOR LISTENING! Thanks again for listening to the show! If it has helpe...

When a loved one passes on, they leave behind their belongings. What do you do with those things? Obviously the decision is up to you. But today I thought I would talk about how sentiment and minimalism sometimes are at odds with each other, and what other options exist. Thanks for Listening! If this episode helped you see your day in a different light, consider sharing it with someone who might b...

How much of your stress comes from everything you believe you should be doing—even when none of it needs to happen right now? In today's episode, I invite you to pause and ask one calming question: "What is actually required of me in this moment?" When we release the imaginary obligations our minds carry and give our full attention to the one thing before us, life immediately becomes more manageab...

Have you ever had one unsettling moment take over an otherwise beautiful day? This morning, while out for a walk, I overheard an interaction that stayed with me long after the people involved had gone in another direction. I found myself replaying it, growing angrier each time, until I realized that I had a choice: I could continue absorbing that energy and allow it to shape my day, or I could ack...

Have you ever noticed how much time you spend replaying old conversations, reliving regrets, or revisiting moments that have long since passed? In today's episode, Thom invites you to gently explore your relationship with the past. Reflection can be valuable, but when we spend too much time looking backward, we miss the beauty, opportunities, and connections available to us right now. Join Thom fo...

Did you know that the mind can only have one thought at a time? That's good news. Because, if you focus on anything in your environment right now, that means you can't worry about the future, or regret the past. Sounds like a win-win. Oh yeah, it is, especially since it helps you regain a sense of calm. Thanks for Listening! If this episode helped you see your day in a different light, consider sh...

I'm thankful I make friends easily. But the latest friend I made was one of the easiest. And I'll say this, "he" is one of the most supportive friends I have. He is kind about helping me see things I may have missed, and he knows how to cook like no one's business. The most important thing to note about "him" is that "he" is inanimate. Thanks for Listening! If this episode helped you see your day...

It's easy to smile when you are hanging out with people you Love. easy when you are watching a funny movie or listening to a joke. But what about in the quiet moments; when you are alone, no media in sight? Today I talk about being overcome with joy, and how that shows up on your face.. More to the point, what are some things that make that smile appear or broaden. Let's talk about it. Thanks for...

Welcome to  Calmer in 5 . Today's episode is a powerful reminder:  you are not broken. So often, we move through life believing there's something wrong with us—something that needs fixing. But the truth is, you are whole just as you are. When we begin to understand and embrace that truth, we stop fighting ourselves. And in that space of self-acceptance, calm naturally begins to rise. Links from th...

Today, I invite you to explore a different way of moving through your day—not by seizing it, but by gently holding it. The Latin phrase tene diem reminds us that life isn't something to chase or control, but something to experience with presence and care. When we stop gripping and start allowing, we create space for calm, clarity, and even joy to arise naturally. So today, instead of asking "How c...

One of the greatest gifts of a meditation practice is it's ability to allow us all to slow down enough to truly see what is going on. Specifically with our thoughts and how they sabotage us at any time. But here's the thing, thoughts are mutable. If we slow down, extract the drama, anger and judgment, then we can create anything, namely peace. Thanks for Listening! If this episode helped you see y...

Calm isn't something that needs to be chased or captured. It resides in each of us. It is our default. the only thing we need to do to feel it is peel away the veil that keeps it hidden. Today I talk about how that is done. Thanks for Listening! If this episode helped you see your day in a different light, consider sharing it with someone who might be needing a dose of calm. Let's Connect: Instagr...

We all have nights when sleep is elusive and the mind seems determined to wander everywhere except toward rest. When that happens, the next day can feel heavy before it even begins. In today's episode, I talk about how to meet those mornings with kindness rather than frustration. Instead of fighting the fatigue or judging ourselves for a restless night, we can approach the day with gentleness, pat...