Artfully Mindful

Can a simple body scan meditation transform your connection with yourself? Join me, Don Thompson, as I guide you through a full-body scan meditation inspired by the teachings of Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield. This episode promises to enhance your body awareness and bring a compassionate focus to each part of your being. Whether you're new to mindfulness or looking to deepen your practice, thi...

What do Greek democracy and the meditative state of samadhi have in common? Embark on a journey with me, Don Thompson, where we unravel the intriguing connections between ancient Western philosophies and Indian yogic traditions. In this episode, we trace the evolution of Greek concepts like democracy and representative government, from their roots in ancient Greece, through Rome, and into the fabr...

What if you could unlock your full potential by simply believing in yourself? Discover the remarkable impact self-confidence can have on every aspect of your life, from career success to personal relationships. Join me, Don Thompson, as I guide you through the transformative power of confidence. In this episode, we’ll explore the vital role that confidence plays in achieving greatness, whether you...

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'...

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 human craving for certainty and how it leads to conflict and war. Through the lens of Buddhism and mindfulness, we discuss the concept of truth as an...

Can American politics find equilibrium amidst the pendulum swings between conservatism and progressivism? Today, we reflect on the seismic shifts since Nixon, scrutinizing how Trump has dismantled longstanding liberal precedents, including Roe v. Wade, and what the ambitions of Project 2025 mean for the future. We also explore the delicate balancing act of maintaining a robust military presence wh...

What if your constant urge to click on that flashy headline is more than just curiosity? Could it be reshaping the very way you think and interact with the world? Join me, Don Thompson, as we explore the magnetic pull of clickbait and its profound impact on modern media and our attention spans. From the evolution of traditional TV commercials to the rapid churn of social media content on platforms...

As I taught an art history course related to movies, captivated by Barry Jenkins' "Moonlight," a realization washed over me: the profound layers of African-American and LGBTQ experiences portrayed on screen echo universal themes of identity and vulnerability. Let's navigate together through the nuanced depictions of identity and masculinity in this Oscar-winning film, as I draw...

What if achieving global harmony was as simple as finding peace within ourselves? Join me as I recount an enlightening experience from the Dalai Lama's Global Vision Summit with Professor Bob Thurman. Bob, who has been a great supporter of my play "Tibet Does Not Exist," shares his profound insights on how inner peace can ripple out to create world peace. Drawing from neurobiology a...

Prepare to discover how the gentle flow of mindfulness can unlock the torrents of your creativity. I'm your host, Don Thompson, and we're taking a journey with scholars and innovative educators in the United States. Together, we'll explore the intricate dance between focused attention and the wild, free realm of mind wandering—a key, yet often neglected, aspect of the creative proce...

Note: This podcast is a recording of a talk I gave recently to a group of Mindfulness Teachers and Coaches. There is mention of 'breakout sessions' that you can use as an opportunity to consider the ideas mentioned in the podcast. You can read more about the 1972 MIT Study mentioned in the talk by Googling: "Club of Rome Limits to Growth Update". Can the practice of mindfulness...

Emerging from the cocoon of sabbatical, I'm thrilled to reconnect with you all, this time sharing a treasure trove of experiences garnered from my latest foray into the intersection of film and art history at a Maryland university. My journey wasn't just about taking a breather but rather an immersive dive into the role of an educator and cinematic explorer. As I unfold these tales, you&...

Embark on a transformative journey with us as we reveal the symbiotic dance of gratitude and generosity—how recognizing the miracles in our everyday existence, like the simple act of breathing, can fuel a boundless spirit of giving. Drawing on the expansive perspective astronauts witness of our planet, we dissect how a shift in viewpoint can dramatically increase our appreciation for life. Through...

Embark on a transformative exploration with me, Don Thompson, as we unlock the potent strategy of celebrating our personal milestones to enhance well-being. I'm here to guide you through a series of reflective exercises that will not only help you honor your previous victories, no matter how large or small, but also allow you to revel in the accomplishments that are currently shaping your lif...

First published on February 6th, 2023, this is the final talk in a replay of a series of four mindfulness talks by Don Thompson.  We hope you enjoy. Embark on an enlightening expedition through the winding paths of your own mind as we uncover the elusive nature of thoughts. Grasp the profound realization that our thoughts are mere suggestions, not the concrete facts we often mistake them for. Thro...

First published on January 30, 2023, this is the third talk in a replay of a series of four mindfulness talks by Don Thompson.  There will be one more talk in this series: Mindfulness of Thoughts. Embark on a transformative expedition into the heart of your emotional landscape, uncovering the subtle nuances between primary and secondary emotions, and learning the art of emotional mindfulness. As y...

First published on January 23, 2023, this is the second talk in a replay of a series of four mindfulness talks by Don Thompson.  There will be two more talks in this series over the next two weeks: Mindfulness of Emotions and Mindfulness of Thoughts. This mindfulness session is a transformative odyssey into the essence of our physical being, as we uncover the silent wisdom of our bodies with the p...

Originally published on January 16th, 2023, this is the first in a series of four mindfulness talks by Don Thompson. The talks will be re-published in the same order as in 2023, so you can follow along week by week for the next few weeks.  This series of talks is a transformative excursion designed to uncover the serene wisdom of mindfulness meditation. Imagine the bliss of being grounded in the n...

Ever feel like the quest for enlightenment is just another task on your to-do list? Let's flip that notion on its head together. Join me, Don Thompson, for a profound exploration into Do Nothing Meditation, a liberating practice inspired by Sean Fargo. We'll uncover the radical simplicity behind the idea that enlightenment isn't a distant goal, but an inherent state that's avai...

Embark on an intimate exploration of meditation's transformative journey with us, where deepening awareness and presence reveal a life beyond competition. As your guide, I share the subtle beginnings of overcoming inertia and the pivotal role of breath as a conduit for focus. Meditation, as we uncover, is not just about sitting in silence; it's about the blossoming of joy, compassion, an...

When resilience meets creativity, extraordinary tales emerge, and none is quite as compelling as Chris Jones's journey from tech entrepreneur to master storyteller and philanthropist. He steps into our podcast with a treasure trove of experiences, sharing how his ventures weathered the storm of economic downturns and how he later turned his formidable focus towards the craft of writing. Chris...

Embark on a journey of self-discovery with me, Don Thompson, as we navigate the intricate landscapes of meditation practices and their myriad purposes. We'll be wading through the philosophical depths of Buddhism, contrasting its analytical traditions with the nurturing simplicity of mindfulness and loving-kindness. This episode is a contemplative odyssey, examining the crux of why we exist,...

In this podcast, I contemplate the question 'Why are we alive?' Moreover, is there a purpose in life? It's one of those questions most of us don't attempt to consider, although thinking about it can lead to some sense of resolution. Music by Michael Vignola - 'Purpose'. Support the show Website: www.nextpixprods.com PLEASE READ - Terms of Use: https://www.nextpixprods...

Unlock the profound impact of mindfulness in the corporate sphere with Steve Kaplan, a seasoned mindfulness practitioner, teacher, and coach who guides us through his transformation from truth seeker to dedicated Buddhist. His journey, rich with experiences from Transcendental Meditation to Tibetan Buddhism under mentor John Churchill, illustrates the potent antidote mindfulness provides against t...

Note: This is a replay of a talk given by Don Thompson in 2022.  Embark on a serene journey as we uncover the secrets of maintaining a tranquil heart even amid life's storms, guided by the profound insights of mindfulness experts Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield. In an intimate conversation, we discuss the subtle art of equanimity, learning to embrace the ebbs and flows of existence with grace....