Mental Health & Addiction Podcast: Mind Matters by Gordon Bruin

In this podcast, we'll discuss the concept of focus. I recently read a fascinating book called Stolen Focus by Yohan Hari. It explores how our attention is manipulated by social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, leading to an increase in anxiety and superficial thinking among younger generations. The book encourages deeper thought processes for finding purpose and self-creation. This...

In this podcast, we'll discuss learned helplessness, a concept coined by psychologist Martin Seligman in 1965. Through his research with dogs, Seligman discovered that conditioning can lead to a sense of helplessness. Seligman conducted experiments with three dogs. The first dog was mildly shocked but could escape the shock. The second dog received the same shock but was confined and couldn&#3...

In this episode, I'll discuss the mind versus the brain and how to navigate hardwiring issues. The brain is our physical organ, shaped by experiences, while the mind represents our life force or spirit. I witnessed my father's passing at 86; his energy departed from his body, leaving only a shell - illustrating that we're more than just our brains. Our minds encompass an energy beyond...

In today's podcast, I'll discuss how minor changes can lead to significant impacts. Just yesterday, while helping my son-in-law build a house—his area of expertise—we encountered an issue with the nail gun I was using. Despite my usual ineptitude with tools, which is a running family joke, he insisted I try it. After some struggle and his guidance on releasing the trigger fully...

I came across a scripture the other day in the Bible that has caused me to wonder and reflect. Let me just read it to you. It's in Matthew 21 verses 18 through 22. And I want you to think about the word "immediately" as it relates to what you might be struggling with right now. If you've been struggling with an addiction, perhaps you've heard year after year that this is goin...

If you're lacking self confidence, the answer to strengthen strengthening it comes from intentional actions that you hold yourself accountable for. That's how confidence truly grows. that you succeed at doing things and then you gain more, self belief. One of the most dangerous things we can do to people is constantly build them up when they're not accomplishing anything. like, partici...

I love the following statement in the book, The Gift of Fear by Gavin De Becker. There is no straight talk for crooked people. In this podcast, I wanna focus on those who find themselves stuck in unhealthy relationships slash abusive relationships and encourage them to find the strength and power within themselves to realize they do not have to stay there. You really can change. I I go back to the...

I love the quote by Henry Miller that says one's destination is never a place but a new way of seeing things. You know, if you think about it, there really are no destinations. They're just There's just a journey and sometimes a lot of emotional suffering is created by always trying to reach some place as if when we get there, everything's gonna be fixed and solved, and this place...

Would it make a difference if you chose to look at the very thing that you're struggling with right now, the very challenge that's facing you, was orchestrated for your benefit? Consider the following statements by the Greek philosopher Epictetus, where he says, do not seek to have events happen as you wish, but wish them to happen as they do happen, and all will be well with you. Or event...

Victor Frankel, a World War II concentration camp survivor, emphasized the importance of looking towards the future for survival. He shared a story about a fellow prisoner who had a dream that he would be liberated on March 30th, 1945. Initially hopeful, as the date approached and liberation seemed unlikely, his hope faded. On March 29th he fell ill; by March 31st he was dead from typhus. It's...

 I'm deeply thankful for a mentor who once asked, "Where will you be in five years if you don't return to school?" This question had a profound impact on me. Another significant influence was a retiring doctor I met at a methadone clinic. He worked there not for financial gain, but to help others.  He advised me early in my career to take full advantage of the 401(k) ma...

 There are countless potential versions of ourselves in the future. When we concentrate on one version, such as a strong or confident self, all other possibilities fade away due to our focused attention. This is where the concept of faith comes into play; it's an intelligent force that shapes reality based on what we pay attention to. However, creation requires patience. People often stru...

Life is a journey of constant change and movement. Many people, however, are stuck in the past, haunted by traumas or negative experiences. The key to overcoming this is focusing on the future and finding purpose in your suffering. Commit to ensuring that past mistakes won't repeat themselves; live powerfully as you move forward. I've seen many individuals trapped by their circumstances, e...

The past is history, and the future lies ahead. I was deeply moved by a story from Dr. Joe Dispenza about an accident he had during a triathlon in California years ago. He suffered severe injuries, including six broken vertebrae, after being hit and dragged by a car. Upon hospitalization, doctors recommended surgery to implant a Harrington rod to contain bone fragments on his spinal cord. Despite...

We are constantly faced with choices that can steer our lives in different directions. For instance, after my early morning workout at home in Florida, I find myself contemplating various options: jumping into the pool, taking an ice bath, walking my dog or recording a podcast. These decisions confront me and prompt me to consider which path I should take. This brings up an intriguing notion I&#39...

Plato's statement about the ideal citizen being a scholar athlete resonates with me. I've always sought a role model who embodies this balance of thought and action, embodying both physical prowess and intellectual depth.  An influential figure for me has been Admiral William McCraven, who delivered an impactful commencement address at the University of Texas in 2014. His credibility...

The following statement is by M. Scott Peck. Distinguishing what we are and what we are not responsible for in this life is one of the greatest problems of human existence. It is never completely solved. For the entirety of our lives we must continually assess and reassess where our responsibilities lie in an ever-changing course of events. One of the challenges that is common with the clients tha...

Article: Finding Purpose and Overcoming Challenges Introduction Michelangelo's Perspective on Setting Goals The Dangers of Setting Sights Too Low Consider the following statement from Michelangelo. The greater danger lies in not setting our sights too high and falling short but in setting our sights too low and achieving our mark. Embracing a Leap of Faith The Challenge of Believing in Ourselv...

The Sound of Freedom One of the Operation Underground Railroad agents said he had to get out of it. He was worried about his own family. I praise these guys for what they’re doing, bringing light to this issue, but it’s just a part of the problem. There is no consistent long-term aftercare program for these individuals who come from sex slavery. We are sorely underfunded. The company I...

It’s important to constantly learn and study to be a mindful warrior: Can do attitude. Healthy sense of humor.  Zero victim mentality.  Don’t focus on the negative.   Willing to pivot. Believe the best is yet to come. Don’t compare yourself to others. Continue to learn more an look around my site and subscribe at https://gordonbruin.com

One of the books that I pulled up my shelf, I don't know how many times, during the last 20 years. It's made a profound impact on me. I go back to some of the concepts in there over and over again. It's a book called the Mind and the Brain Doctor Jeffrey Schwartz. I love the subtitle neuroplasticity and the power of mental force. He's the first guy that I came across that, talked a...

So today, I want to focus on the power of relationships in psychotherapy. One of another book one of my favorite books is called The Road List Travel by M. Scott Peck. He wrote this book way back in 1978.It's been on my shelf for years, and I've pulled it off so many times. So many times, though, that it's actually fallen apart, bindings. But I love something that he says that I agree...