Artfully Mindful

Ever wondered where that sudden spark of genius comes from? In this podcast, host and producer Don Thompson unlocks the enigma of creative intuition as we uncover the symbiotic relationship between those elusive moments of inspiration and the structured pathways of our rational mind. Referencing the work of Professor Theresa Jane Hardman, we bring to light four key facets of creative intuition – f...

Ever wondered what it would be like to step off the relentless treadmill of daily routines and habitual reactions, especially under stress? Peel back the layers of your day-to-day existence with me, Don Thompson, as we confront the autopilot mode that often dictates our actions. This week's podcast is a deep dive into the inner workings of our minds, scrutinizing the patterns that control us...

Unlock the hidden language of your soul as we journey through the expressive world of art therapy—a sanctuary where your innermost thoughts find their canvas. This isn't about crafting masterpieces destined for the hallowed halls of galleries; it's about the pure, therapeutic delight in the act of creation itself. Whether you're scribbling with a simple pencil or weaving magic with...

Discover how to harness the power of your breath to combat the stresses of daily life in our latest podcast, where I, Don Thompson, walk you through the profound practice of breath awareness meditation. This isn't just about taking a moment to breathe; it's about embracing a centuries-old technique that can lower cortisol levels and improve your overall well-being. We'll explore how...

Note: this is a replay of a talk given by Don Thompson in 2023 titled 'The Mindful Blank Page'. Ever found yourself paralyzed by the sheer potential of a blank page? This episode unveils the Mindful Blank Page concept, transforming the dread of starting anew into an embracing of the present's endless possibilities. I share my personal evolution through mindfulness certification and...

This podcast talks about love -- the concept of love and the felt experience of it. I talk about different aspects of love including parental love, love of family, and love of abstract ideals. Music by Simon Wester - 'Always Loved'. Support the show Website: www.nextpixprods.com PLEASE READ - Terms of Use: https://www.nextpixprods.com/terms-of-use.html Note that Don Thompson is now avail...

This podcast talks about how to develop a sense of wonder. By developing a sense of childlike wonder, we can look at the world with new eyes.  Based on the work of Sean Fargo. Music by Clemens Ruh - 'Days of Wonder'.  Support the show Website: www.nextpixprods.com PLEASE READ - Terms of Use: https://www.nextpixprods.com/terms-of-use.html Note that Don Thompson is now available as a coach...

In this podcast, I interview mindfulness coach and mentor Sunil Joseph. Sunil has a long and interesting background as a coach, teacher, and facilitator. He specializes in engendering and facilitating nonviolent communication (NVC) and has brought these teachings to imprisoned inmates in the Bay Area, California, who are often grieving over mistakes they have made in their lives. Sunil brings a me...

In this podcast, I talk about the nature of time and how that relates to the human ego. I guarantee it's an interesting topic that can help you deal with suffering in the here and now.  Music by Angel Salazar - 'The Sounds of Silence'. Support the show Website: www.nextpixprods.com PLEASE READ - Terms of Use: https://www.nextpixprods.com/terms-of-use.html Note that Don Thompson is n...

This podcast deals with the topic of suffering. Why do we suffer? What is the root cause? I take a look at what Mindfulness and Buddhism have to say related to the subject, with some thoughts of my own mixed in here and there. I hope you enjoy!  Music: Dear Gravity - 'No More Suffering'. Support the show Website: www.nextpixprods.com PLEASE READ - Terms of Use: https://www.nextpixprods.c...

In this podcast, I talk about 'Virtue Theory' as discussed by philosophers going back to the Greeks and how an interest in virtue has been re-ignited in our modern era. The podcast uses the book 'Ethics: Discovering Right and Wrong' by Louis Pojman and James Fieser as its source material. Music by Simon Wester, 'Goodness'.  Support the show Website: www.nextpixprods.c...

In this podcast, I talk about building confidence and the importance of having a sense of self-esteem. I talk about my own personal issues with self-confidence and how I've been able to build more self-confidence over the years. We'll then step through a mindful visualization based on the work of mindfulness teacher and coach Sean Fargo. Music by Marshall Usinger - 'Gardens We Are&a...

This podcast discusses how to deal with your 'shadow side'. Keying off of an article by Jude Paler based on the teachings of Rudá Iandé, I'll go over some strategies and techniques you can use to accept and work with what might be considered negative aspects of your personality. I also reference some of the initial episodes of this podcast below; these may be useful for people just...

In this podcast interview, I talk with Cynde Denson, a Colorado-based mindfulness coach, yoga teacher, facilitator, and leadership expert. Cynde talks about her background, the evolution of her practice and how she's been able to work with many clients--both corporate and individual--to grapple with specific challenges and move to a place of mindful balance, centeredness, and awareness. If yo...

This podcast steps through some suggestions around how to be more mindfully grounded in the body, and  includes both  a discusson and meditation. This information is useful for bringing us back to body awareness in the present moment when our mind  wanders in various directions. Based on the work of Sean Fargo.  Music by Flint: 'Experience Sonder'. Support the show Website: www.nextpixpr...

This is my 2nd interview with Heather Gwaltney, where we do a little deeper dive into the Center for Mindful Business and what Heather's vision is for changing the world, one business at a time. Heather is a fountain of ideas - I'm sure you'll enjoy this new interview as a result! Website: www.centerformindfulbusiness.com Subscribe to Newsletter: www.centerformindfulbusiness.com/sub...

This podcast discusses how each of us is on a path, and how to consider the path of our life mindfully. We each walk down our individual path, a step at a time, toward what it is we want. And yet, we can also just notice what's in front of us, and the simplicity of that. Music: 'The Path' by Patrick Usser. Support the show Website: www.nextpixprods.com PLEASE READ - Terms of Use: ht...

This podcast features a talk introduced by Heather Gwaltney, CEO of the Center for Mindful Business, and given by Jennifer Hannum, environmental scientist,  mindfulness teacher, and CEO of Blue Heron Environmental. Jennifer speaks to how we as individuals can change our behaviors to help the environment in very real ways.  Music by Piotr Hummel: 'One'. Support the show Website: www.nextp...

In this podcast, I step through a practice to help you release tension in the body. Essentially, the practice involves simple breathing, focus, and visualization exercise that while easy to do, is quite effective and powerful. The practice is based on the work of Sean Fargo. Music by Adi Goldstein: 'Ocean Voyage'. Support the show Website: www.nextpixprods.com PLEASE READ - Terms of Use:...

In this Random Podcast Thought, I talk a little bit about Artificial Intelligence, Transhumanism, Humanism, and the Yogic Tradition in an attempt to put a frame around the question: 'Are human beings still relevant?'  Music by Renar Blesvid: 'Free'. Support the show Website: www.nextpixprods.com PLEASE READ - Terms of Use: https://www.nextpixprods.com/terms-of-use.html Note tha...

This podcast prompts us to ask ourselves about our deepest longing and to look underneath the surface of our desires to find the core of what we want. This talk is inspired by the teachings of Tara Brach. Music by Borrtex - 'Desire'. Support the show Website: www.nextpixprods.com PLEASE READ - Terms of Use: https://www.nextpixprods.com/terms-of-use.html Note that Don Thompson is now avai...

In this podcast, I interview long-time meditator Dr. Jerome Freedman as he details his extraordinary journey from his first spontaneous meditation experience at age five all the way through his studies with illumined teachers such as Swami Rama, Shri Rajneesh, Father Eli, Thich Nhat Hanh, Gabriel Roth, and Helen Palmer. This eventually led to his recent studies in mindfulness with Jack Kornfield a...

This podcast deals with impermanence - how everything in life is constantly changing. By being aware of impermanence, we can be more alive in the present moment. The podcast includes a guided meditation and reflections, and is based on the work of Sean Fargo. Music: by Master Minded - 'Surrender'. A complementary podcast to this episode is 'The Upside of Impermanence' (March 20...

In this podcast, I discuss some great ideas from Western Philosophy that have had an impact on my thinking.  Many of these ideas came from my adventures in academics.  I feel it is important to look at our Western philosophical ideas and traditions in order to find solutions to some of today's pressing issues. Support the show Website: www.nextpixprods.com PLEASE READ - Terms of Use: https://...

This podcast discusses how doing one thing at a time, with focus and mindfulness, can be an effective and beneficial tool for daily life. The talk includes a practice and some reflections and is based on the work of Sean Fargo. Music by Yehezkel Raz, 'A Journey's Epilogue'. Support the show Website: www.nextpixprods.com PLEASE READ - Terms of Use: https://www.nextpixprods.com/terms-...