In Your Right Mind with Monique Rhodes

My sister just called me, delighted by something I had done. It reminded me how important notes in the marshmallows are. 

What would change if you truly believed there was enough—for you, for others, for everyone? In this episode, I explore the quiet but powerful shift from scarcity to abundance. We'll talk about how to unlearn the fear that tells us we must compete to deserve, and begin to live from a place of trust, wonder, and possibility.

How do you find the right balance between relaxation and alertness in meditation—and in life? In this episode, I explore the idea of training the mind like tuning a guitar string: not too tight and not too loose. I'll share how this balanced approach helps deepen your practice, avoid burnout, and stay grounded and present. 

Why do the things we chase never seem to satisfy for long? In this episode, I explore the difference between fleeting happiness and lasting joy. I'll share how chasing achievements, possessions, or even relationships often leaves us empty—and why true fulfillment comes from within.

Why do we keep ourselves so busy—and what are we avoiding by doing so? In this episode, I explore how our constant busyness can become a distraction from truly knowing ourselves. I'll share how the ego resists stillness and why even just a few minutes of daily meditation can begin to shift everything.

You can change the world with small gestures. You can be a hero. You don't have to be an artist or a musician or an athlete. You don't have to be famous or powerful—you just need to do something that matters to you and your community. All it takes is one simple gesture that shows someone else how much they mean to you and how much value your life holds for them as well and then share it with someo...

How often do we chase new goals without realizing we're already living parts of our past dreams? In this episode, I explore the importance of remembering what we once hoped for and truly savoring the moments when those dreams come to life. I'll share why celebrating our progress is just as important as setting new goals.

What if every flaw or mistake didn't need to be corrected? In this episode, I explore how we often fall into the trap of over-fixing ourselves and why learning to accept some imperfections can bring more peace and happiness. I'll share how being practical, forgiving, and solution-focused helps us move forward without unnecessary self-criticism.

Why do I see courage as one of the essential qualities for you to nurture in yourself?

What if the greatest gift you could give the people you love isn't your time, your advice, or even your presence—but your happiness? In this episode, I explore why your own joy is the most powerful offering you can make to the world. I'll share how learning to be happy isn't selfish—it's deeply generous. And I'll show you how taking responsibility for your own wellbeing ripples out in ways that up...

What truly creates change—insight or action? In this episode, I explore the difference between understanding something intellectually and actually doing the work to shift your life. I'll share why experimenting with your own habits leads to real transformation, and how confidence and courage grow through consistent practice. 

The Dalai Lama just spoke on his 86th birthday message about compassion and non-violence. What does non-violence mean for most of us?

There are so many requests made of us to worry and care about things. It can become exhausting. How do we manage it?

What if healing didn't mean getting it right once and for all—but instead, learning how to return to yourself again and again with kindness? In this episode, I talk about the real process of change—how it's not linear, but layered. I'll share a powerful metaphor to help you understand why setbacks aren't failures, and how learning, relearning, and patience are the heart of transformation. Let's ex...

What does it really mean to love without limits? In this episode, I share why it's so important not to leave anybody out of our love—even the people who challenge us most. Whether it's someone with opposing views, a hardened stranger, or someone who's caused harm, our ability to extend compassion to them helps us grow. Through a story of two unexpected connections at a petrol station, I explore ho...

As life begins to open up in some countries, we face a new challenge - re-entry anxiety. 

Why is it so hard to keep our hearts open—especially when we're hurt or vulnerable? In this episode, I explore why we tend to close down and self-protect, and how building a loving relationship with ourselves can change everything. When we learn to meet our own confusion and fear with compassion, we become less afraid of others too. Let's talk about how self-understanding opens the door to deeper...

This week I was working with a group of close students. We did an exercise that was more powerful than any of us expected. 

When your success triggers someone you love, how do you handle it? In this episode, I respond to a listener whose partner is upset after she was offered a promotion he didn't get. We'll talk about the complex mix of ego, communication, and boundaries that can surface in relationships when one person's win feels like another's loss. I'll share how to navigate these moments with both compassion and...

I'm in the snow here in NZ. I struggle with the cold. I've never liked it. In fact, I've lived for 20 years without a winter as I have traveled the globe. But I'm loving the snow. Today I explain why. 

What if every challenge in your life was actually a sacred invitation to wake up? In this episode, I explore how the obstacles we face can be powerful teachers that help us shift from unconscious habits to conscious awareness. Discover how embracing your sacred inner space can bring clarity, reduce suffering, and foster transformation. Learn why waking up—moment by moment—is the key to lasting hap...

How does the media we consume shape our sense of safety and well-being? In this episode, I reflect on watching the TV show Sweet Tooth and how even subtle elements of fear or violence in entertainment can impact our nervous system—especially before sleep. I'll explore how being mindful about what we watch can help reduce anxiety, improve rest, and bring more gentleness into our lives.

What happens when your relationship with your mother feels painful or unresolved? In this episode, I explore how even strained mother-child relationships can be powerful teachers. I'll share why becoming conscious of what we've learned—and what we don't want to repeat—can help us grow, break old patterns, and step into greater peace.

How do we really show up for someone in pain—without trying to fix what can't be fixed? In this episode, I explore the gentle power of simply holding space for others. You'll hear why witnessing someone's grief or struggle—without rushing it away—can be one of the greatest gifts we offer. Let's talk about how being present, patient, and open allows others (and ourselves) to heal in their own time.

Today I tell an ancient story to help you see the importance of being present.