Pause To Elevate With Dr. Kasim Al-Mashat

******* Note:  Apologies for my mic quality in this episode due to a technical issue. We'll be back to our usual sound next time. In the meantime, enjoy the great content and wisdom shared by my guest, Dr. Eric Loucks. Thank you for listening! *******   Is it worthwhile to take the time out of your busy day to establish or continue a meditation practice?  In this candid conversation with Dr....

In today’s fast-paced world, many of us feel deeply disconnected—from ourselves and from others. This disconnection often leads to anxiety, depression, and mental health struggles. In this episode of Pause to Elevate, we explore how losing touch with our inner selves fuels emotional pain and how mindfulness offers a path back to peace and fulfillment. By practicing self-compassion, embracing our t...

How can the right perspective transform your experience in sports and life? In this episode, we explore the power of mental fortitude, mindfulness, and a shift in mindset. Instead of tying satisfaction to winning—something out of our control—we focus on the empowering idea of "doing your best" as the key to fulfillment. Learn how this perspective not only improves performance but also nu...

What if you could benefit from some new goals? How about exercise related goals? Certain mindsets help people start exercising and excel in it.  Mindsets of high performances are different from those who get stuck and fade away. What can help you in taking things to the next level in exercise and life? Listen to this conversation with Dr. Rashmeen Nirmal about sports psychology, mental health, exe...

In this episode, discover how mindfulness is more than just a meditation practice. Learn how incorporating mindfulness into your daily life can foster self-awareness, kindness, and a deeper connection with those around you. Mindfulness isn’t just about sitting quietly for a few minutes – it’s about being present in the moment, paying attention to your thoughts and feelings, and responding to yours...

Sometimes with the intent to excel at work, life, relationships, we may end up becoming perfectionists! While perfectionism can lead to some success towards your goals, it has a negative effect on mental health and even a deadly hidden side!  Listen to this open-hearted conversation with the Mindful Dentist, Dr. Sally Safa.  She is a board-certified Periodontist who’s panic attacks led her to a jo...

What if failure is an unavoidable part of success? Facing challenges and setbacks can be heartbreaking.  With the right mindset, however, these challenges can the fuel for positive action.  Watch this episode showcasing the inspiring journey of Jennifer Conryod, the founder of the revolutionary Fluid Running system.  Her most painful moments in life led her to develop this innovative water-based f...

Modern medicine has saved lives and extended our lifespan over the centuries.  However, what can be done medicine does not respond to human suffering? How can we deal with pain and illness when it can’t be fixed?  Watch this inspiring conversation with Dr. Dzung Vo, MD.  He is a pediatrician specializing in Adolescent Medicine, and founding Director of the BC Children’s Hospital Centre for Mindful...

You perhaps have had moments where you felt someone’s “good” or “bad” energy, but is there science behind that?     If so, how can we make use of energy for healing?  Listen to this mind opening conversation with Dr. Anne Marie Chiasson, MD, Director of the Fellowship Program at Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine.   Dr. Chiasson shares insights on energy healing, mindfulness, as well as t...

Life challenges can be discouraging and can put a dent in our sense of hope about life, career, and relationships.  How can we get hope back?  Listen to this insightful conversation with Dr. Norm Amundson that uncovers the surprising way hope can be developed, and it is not just about positive thinking! Dr. Norman Amundson, is a professor Emeritus from the University of British Columbia. He has wo...

Explore the deep connection between mindfulness and Indigenous practices in this enlightening podcast episode featuring Michael Yellow Bird. Discover how mindfulness has been a core element of Indigenous traditions, passed down through generations, as a way of life, healing, and connection to the world. Michael Yellow Bird, a thought leader in integrating Indigenous knowledge with mindfulness, sha...

Getting caught in stress and overwhelm?  What if it is possible to transform life to better way of meeting challenges? Joanna Gyurkovics shares touching stories of transformation with the power of pausing and skills learned using mindfulness and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR).  MBSR is a well respected and researched program for working with stress, illness, thoughts/emotions, and deman...

There seems to be so much turmoil happening in the world from wars, to climate change, human right violations, and poverty amongst many other challenges.  If you then add these to our daily stressors and worries, we end up with a very distressed and cluttered mind!   How can the practice of mindfulness help at this time in the world? In this episode, we dive deep into the true essence of mindfulne...

Cold exposure therapy has remarkable mental and physical benefits. However, it can also be dangerous when done wrong, and there are many common myths about it.  Watch as cold exposure expert, Jesse Coomer, debunks the myths and explore what really works.  Discover how exposing yourself to cold not only enhances your immune function and reduces inflammation but also builds psychological resilience...

How many times have you heard yourself or someone say "I just want to be happy"? We all yearn for it but happiness can be elusive!  In this Pause to Elevate Podcast, we explore how mindfulness and nature became a transformative practice during a battle with cancer, turning adversity into an opportunity for personal growth.  We delve into how staying present and embracing mindfulness help...

Dealing with physical pain, whether it's chronic or acute, can be a discouraging experience. Not only does pain effect our physical well-being, but it also has a significant impact on our emotional and mental states. However, there is growing evidence that mindfulness can play a crucial role in breaking the negative cycle of pain and effectively managing it. Dr. Fadel Zeidan, PhD, is an Assoc...

Your mindset shapes how you experience life. A strong, positive mindset not only helps you overcome challenges but also nurtures personal growth and well-being. Running can be a powerful tool to cultivate this mindset, offering a space to care for yourself both mentally and physically. By embracing the right mindset, you can turn running into a practice of self-care and a path toward flourishing a...

What if there is wholeness in all of us despite painful childhood experiences and trauma or the horrible life challenges that comes after?  We sometimes learn with life’s circumstances to avoid looking into certain parts of ourselves. Listen to this conversation with Lynn Koerbel, as shares how healing, growth and thriving is possible regardless of life’s conditions.  Lynn Koerbel is the Assistant...

This episode is not just for healthcare providers but anyone who is interested in learning how to thrive and flourish, how to meet suffering in life with compassion and avoid burnout!  📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒 Mindful Practice in Medicine co-founder Dr. Ron Epstein, MD, is an internationally recognized physician, educator, researcher and writer.  He has over 300 scholarly articles. You can c...

In this episode, we sit down with a Zen teacher to explore the timeless wisdom of Zen and mindfulness. Discover how mindfulness can lead to inner peace, greater self-awareness, and a balanced life. Whether you're new to Zen or looking to deepen your mindfulness practice, this conversation is packed with practical insights and ancient teachings. Join us as we dive into the transformative power...

In this episode, we dive deep into the practice of being present with unwanted emotions, exploring how mindfulness can help us accept and transform difficult feelings. Learn how to sit with negative emotions without judgment, and discover the power of mindfulness in navigating life's emotional challenges. Whether you're dealing with stress, anxiety, or other unwanted emotions, this podca...

Many things can happen in life that causes us to suffer whether from unexpected negative events, illness, to things not going our way. Listen to this moving conversation with Elana Rosenbaum, a pioneer in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) who embodies what is means to find resilience and thriving amidst life's challenges, including facing cancer and death.  Discover what helped her fi...

We explore the powerful connection between COVID recovery and managing anxiety through the practice of mindfulness. Listen to a personal journey of healing, where mindfulness played a crucial role in regaining health and mental peace.  Discover how the challenges of COVID and anxiety were met with resilience and strength, leading to an empowered recovery and regaining sense of self and identity. T...

Relationships can be such a source of pleasure, connection, and joy.  However, we often have a fairy-tale idea that healthy relationships have no challenges!  What if relationship problems can contribute to transformation and healthy growth?  Listen to this conversation with Bruce Tift, MA, as he sheds light on this important topic.   📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒 Bruce Tift was a Licensed Marria...

This episode is a MUST if you are interested in improving your breathing, regulating your nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety, and living a healthier life!   We take it for granted, but most of us are not breathing properly.  📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒 Jesse Coomer is as a leading authority in the realm of breathwork, and he is renowned for his contributions to the field. He is also an...