In Your Right Mind with Monique Rhodes

As you may know, stress is a constant in life. Whether it's work, family obligations, or other factors, we all experience stress from time to time. But how do friendships affect our stress levels? How does friendship affect our brains? When we're stressed, the last thing we want to do is be around other people. We just want to be left alone in our quiet rooms with a tub of ice cream, right? Wrong!...

A few hours ago, my aunt passed away. When you're young, the future seems so far away that you don't think about it. But as we get older, and as we see our friends and loved one's age, death becomes an inescapable reality. Sometimes we are too busy going through the motions of our daily lives that we do not stop to think about the "what if". What if someone I love is gone tomorrow? What if I am go...

It's important to see people in real life - not just over our devices. Let me explain why. 

Do you ever think of having time apart from your relationship? Does the thought fill you with dread?  It can be a healthy thing to do. 

There is no intro music in today's episode, thanks to Scamp the Dog, who ate an essential cord in our podcast production kit last night.  In today's podcast, I answer a question from a student struggling with her relationship. 

As Easter Sunday approaches I wanted to discuss the importance of this time - even if you are not a follower of Christianity. 

When we learn new things, 2 attitudes can be a powerful combination in our process. You'll see faster results if you apply these to anything new you want to master. 

In a world filled with distractions, how do we take control of our focus? In this episode, I explore the impact of our cluttered environments on attention and share practical tips for managing where we place our limited mental energy. Let's discover how being intentional with our focus can help us navigate life's constant demands more effectively!

For us to help others, we need to heal ourselves simultaneously. If we don't, it's a bit like the blind leading the blind. 

What is a mantra? What is an intention? What is the difference? 

I spoke with one of my students the other day about the difficulties of seeing her mother suffering. It could be easy to take on those emotional states as our own. However, it's not really very helpful. 

It can be easy to fall into the mentality of shopping around when looking for strategies to help us feel happier. That can be problematic. 

Today I am replying to a question from one of my students struggling with connecting with others again as she emerges from the pandemic isolation. It's a reminder of why our social connections are vital to our wellbeing. 

Being kind to ourselves is not something we're taught. 75% of people who find it easy to be kind to others find it hard to be kind to themselves. 

For 13 years, I travelled the world living out of one bag. These are the lessons I learned from having so little. 

How do you handle negative emotions without letting them control you? In this episode, I explore a concept called "wise generosity" when dealing with difficult feelings. Instead of resisting or chasing after your emotions, I share how to hold them with spaciousness and curiosity, allowing them to naturally dissolve. Discover how giving your emotions room to breathe, without getting caught in stori...

What if a simple shift in mindset could transform your relationships? In this episode, I explore how moving from judgment to concern can dissolve barriers and open the door to loving-kindness. I'll share how asking, "What might they be going through?" can change how you interact with others, even in challenging moments. Let's dive into how cultivating genuine concern for others can deepen connecti...

There are some new studies out from the University of Cambridge showing that there is a difference in the age that social media affects girls and boys. I would love to know your thoughts on how to address keeping a healthy relationship with technology and your kids. 

What if clarity and peace are already within you, waiting for the chance to emerge? In this episode, I explore a profound Tibetan saying: "Water, if you don't stir it, becomes clear." I'll share how our constant mental stirring—through stress, drama, and distractions—clouds our minds and how allowing stillness can reveal clarity.

Why do we suffer when things change? In this episode, I explore the fundamental law of impermanence and how our attempts to hold onto things—whether relationships, places, or moments—lead to suffering. I'll discuss how embracing the truth that everything is always changing can transform the way we approach life. Learn how letting go, rather than resisting change, allows us to navigate life's waves...

What would change if we shifted our focus from ourselves to how we can truly benefit others? In this episode, I explore what it means to live as a vessel of love—not from self-sacrifice, but from deep connection and awareness. I'll share how stepping out of self-protection and into service can bring greater freedom, joy, and purpose.

I watched the Academy Awards. I was hoping to delight in honouring only the 3rd female director to win an Oscar. Instead, it was a lesson in toxic masculinity. 

How do you set the tone for your day and reflect on your progress? In this episode, I share the transformative power of starting and ending each day with intention. I'll explore how setting daily aspirations and reflecting on them at night can bring more consciousness, clarity, and kindness into your life.