Artfully Mindful

A smoothie by a resort pool doesn’t sound like the start of a serious worldview check, but that’s exactly where our “Notes From The Field” reflections begin. After a break from regular podcasting, I’m back with a candid solo talk sparked by a Hawaii trip that felt like equal parts fun and retreat. Watching families, listening to the rhythm of vacation life, and staring out at the ocean’s vastness...

This is a REPLAY of a podcast from July 2024, and it seems to me to be pretty darn relevant today in the midst of the current conflict with Iran.  What if everything you believed to be true was merely an illusion? Inspired by the iconic line, "You can't handle the truth," from "A Few Good Men," we embark on a journey to unravel the complexities of truth. We explore the hum...

What if art’s real job is to translate life into something we can carry? Don Thompson takes us into a clear, honest exploration of what an artist is, why beauty matters, and how creative work helps us make sense of a noisy world. We follow the thread from paint to prose to film, seeing how each medium turns private perception into public form—and why that matters for anyone trying to understand th...

A quiet return turns into a brisk tour through a semester of teaching, a new research chapter, and a philosophical lens for a turbulent public square. We start with the energy of the classroom in Washington, where corporate social responsibility moved from buzzword to practice: people, planet, and profit in real institutions with real constraints. That momentum carries into a fresh ABD milestone a...

What happens when political power directly challenges academic freedom? Fresh from a six-month sabbatical from podcasting, I'm witnessing concerning parallels between McCarthyism and the current political climate's impact on American universities. The Trump administration's approach to higher education—slashing research funding and criticizing intellectual exploration—threatens to f...

Kicking off 2025 with a whirlwind of changes, I, Don Thompson, bring you a podcast episode filled with personal insights and professional shifts. As we usher in a new presidency, the potential impacts on our administrative state—especially for those of us with family ties to government—are unknown and intriguing. This episode takes on a special significance as I announce my sabbatical from the pod...

Ever wondered how a simple shift in language could transform your life? Join me, Don Thompson, as we kick off 2025 with an episode brimming with personal insights aimed at sparking positive change. We unravel the unsuspecting impact of the phrase "I don't care," unveiling its potential to lead to unwelcome outcomes. Experience the stirring world of classical music, with Tchaikovsky&...

Is the re-election of Donald Trump a threat to the values of mindfulness, compassion, and kindness, or could it be an unexpected catalyst for positive change? As we unpack the implications of Trump's surprising return to the presidency, we explore the stark contrast between his aggressive worldview and the values many of us hold dear. Drawing from Lisa Lehrer's insightful analysis in the...

Unlock the secrets of mindfulness and transform your relationship with your own body with Don Thompson's guided journey through the powerful practice of the body scan. Imagine experiencing each moment with heightened awareness and compassion, beginning with the simple act of noticing your left foot. This episode promises to equip you with the tools to cultivate a deeper connection with your p...

Discover the transformative power of mindful breathing with this episode of the podcast, where Don Thompson leads you through the art of "Breathing into Tension." What if you could unlock a simple technique to alleviate the burden of daily stress? Join us as we explore how the pressures of modern life manifest physically and mentally, and learn to harness the breath to release stored ten...

Have you ever wondered how truly understanding different perspectives could transform your worldview? Join me, Don Thompson, as I guide you through a powerful mindful exercise inspired by Sean Fargo. This episode promises to teach you practical steps to engage with opposing viewpoints meaningfully, from political and cultural differences to spiritual beliefs and even conspiracy theories. You'...

Curious to learn why expressing gratitude could be a game-changer for your mental health? Join me, Don Thompson, in an enlightening conversation where we uncover how the simple act of saying thank you can transform your well-being. Drawing inspiration from a compelling Harvard Medical School article published in August 2021, we'll explore the scientific studies that emphasize the positive eff...

What if you could assert your worth in a way that is both gentle and powerful? Join me, Don Thompson, as I explore the nuanced world of self-advocacy from a mindful perspective. You'll discover how to stand up for yourself without crossing the line into selfishness, and understand why advocating for fair treatment is a fundamental human right. We dive into the historical roots of self-advocac...

Can recognizing and combating common cognitive distortions really transform your life? Join me, Don Thompson, as we explore this intriguing question by diving into the teachings of acclaimed psychologists Aaron Beck and Dr. David Burns. Drawing from Dr. Burns' seminal work, "The Feeling Good Handbook," we'll break down the most pervasive cognitive distortions that can sabotage...

Can mindful personal choices really make a difference in combating climate change, or is it too little, too late? Join me, Don Thompson, as we navigate the intricacies of love, personal connection, and the political landscape during an election cycle in the United States. We take a deep dive into the importance of mindful engagement with politics and the need for a proactive government to address...

What if finding joy in meditation could transform your entire mindfulness practice? Discover the profound impact of joyful effort, or virya, as we explore how approaching meditation with a sense of joy and skillful effort can lead to greater happiness, clarity, and balance. In this episode, we emphasize the importance of setting the right intention—cultivating joy rather than simply aiming for eff...

Want to learn how mindfulness can revolutionize your life? Join us as we sit down with Debby Germino, an Emmy-winning editor turned mindfulness and somatic coach, who brings a unique perspective from her extensive background in the entertainment industry. Debby shares her incredible journey from editing hit TV shows like "Smallville" and "Agents of SHIELD" to her passion for mi...

What if the "self" you think you know is just another part you're playing? Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with Don, who draws from his rich theater background to challenge the notion of a fixed personal identity. Through the lens of his experience playing a demanding character in Simon Gray's "Butley," Don reveals the transformative power of losing onese...

Can the simple act of breathing transform your life? In this episode, we explore that profound possibility. Join me as I recount an enlightening meditation session with mindfulness coach Debby Germino, which led to a groundbreaking realization about the joy found in simplicity. Debby's guidance helped me connect with the fundamental happiness that lies in our breath, a basic but often overloo...

What does flowing water teach us about life? Join us as we uncover the profound lessons from a week spent by the Potomac River, reflecting on its symbolism of impermanence and continuous change. We delve into the unique rhythms of nature, distinct from human efforts to control the environment, and discuss how these natural patterns, especially observed in the early morning, reveal a deeper connect...

Can reality exist without an observer? Tune in to our latest episode where we unlock the mysteries of observer theory in philosophy. We'll take you on a journey through quantum mechanics with mind-bending concepts like the Copenhagen interpretation and Schrödinger's Cat, demonstrating how observation can alter quantum states. We'll also explore the perspectives of renowned philosoph...

Note: This was one of my favorite podcasts, so once in a while I like to replay it. I hope you enjoy. Ever felt stuck staring at a blank page, unsure of what to create? Discover how embracing the "mindful blank page" can turn obstacles into opportunities and infuse everyday moments with profound meaning. Join us as we reframe writer's block and mundane tasks through the lens of mind...

Can the stories you tell yourself about who you are shape your reality? Join me, Don Thompson, as I navigate the profound influence of self-narratives on our identities and behaviors, inspired by Sean Fargo's insightful worksheet. Through personal reflections, I reveal how these narratives often root in our backgrounds and parental influences, dictating our beliefs and actions. I'll shar...

Unlock the mysteries of Tibetan Buddhism and transform your understanding of reality with our latest episode. Join me, Don Thompson, as we navigate the profound concept of Mahamudra, or the Great Seal. Drawing on my experiences with esteemed Tibetan Lamas and Rinpoches, we explore the interconnected essence of all things and delve into the concept of interdependent origination. We'll also dis...

Can creativity be taught, or is it an innate gift that only a few possess? Discover how blending creative intuition with the rational mind can unlock unparalleled artistic expression and innovation. This episode features the groundbreaking research of Professor Teresa Jane Hardman, who delves into the concept of creative intuition as a bridge between our conscious and unconscious minds. We discuss...