The Aware Mind

Send a text In this episode, Sarah and Jacob explore the circumstances when we need self-compassion the most.  Sarah also explains the mental component of compassion, since it is our own thinking that can get in the way of our compassion. Jacob and Sarah also talk about the work of Kristin Neff, lead researcher in the field of self-compassion, sharing the three pillars of a complete self-compassio...

Send a text This episode answers questions about whether mindfulness is a viable approach to addressing the problems of racism and implicit bias. Sarah shares much research on the negative consequences of implicit bias and the ways mindfulness helps us become aware of and reduce implicit bias. Learn what structural racism looks like in America and what groups and individuals can do to reduce these...

Send a text This episode is not one of our typical shows. We usually address topics such as anxiety, depression, and insight in relation to mindfulness. However, this episode was recorded in front of a live audience. Jacob and I tell our story of how we met and how The Aware Mind came to be. If you like “the making  of” shows or backstories, then this episode is for you. If not, you might want to...

Send a text We have fight or flight responses more than we think. And the science shows that people who do not have anxiety disorders get triggered into flight or flight just as often as people who have anxiety disorders. In this episode learn exactly what triggers us to go into fight or flight in a technological world.  Sarah and Jacob discuss the physical, cognitive and behavioral consequences t...

Send a text If you feel like you "can't meditate" this episode is for you. Sarah and Jacob talk about the feelings of powerlessness, hopelessness, and doubt that come up while we meditate. They explain these are all normal experiences and give some tips on how to ease into your practice with more surrender and understanding. Sarah and Jacob also talk about why our brains are not &qu...

Send a text Having insights as a result of a mindfulness practice is a subject rarely discussed in mindfulness communities. In this episode, Sarah highlights research that shows what determining factors set us up to have insights. Does the numbers of years you have practiced matter, does the length of time you sit play a role, and does how frequently you meditate have an affect? Sarah and Jacob al...

Send a text Many of us don't know the extent to which we are grieving the life we led before the pandemic. In this mindfulness podcast, Sarah and Jacob discuss how mindfulness can help identify whether you are experiencing depression, the blues or healthy sadness.  They also explore which mindfulness practices address these three states, including the brain science behind the practices.  This...

Send a text In this mindfulness podcast, Sarah and Jacob discuss how mindfulness positively affects the brain so we feel less stress when we are overwhelmed. They also explore the four driving forces that cause us to become over-worked, over scheduled and overwhelmed. These factors are sense of responsibility, fear, compulsion and aspiration. Mindfulness can be used to pinpoint when these driving...

Send a text In this mindfulness podcast, Sarah and Jacob discuss the possibility of mindfulness healing the world, nations and cities from crisis. They explore whether mindfulness is a viable option to address such a large problem. And if it is how would a nation go about implementing a mindfulness movement on a grand scale level. Sarah and Jacob look at what local governments are already doing to...

Send a text In this mindfulness podcast, Sarah and Jacob discuss the pros and cons of using meditation apps and why some users are turning to meditation teachers to learn how to practice mindfulness. They explore whether or not meditation apps support users to have deep meditation experiences and if learning mindfulness on your phone strengthens your attachment to your practice and your phone. The...

Send a text In this mindfulness podcast, Sarah and Jacob discuss how to identify common thought patterns and why these types of thinking often lead to stress. Patterns include overthinking, rumination, worry and cognitive elaboration. They also explain how to use re-direction and self-compassion to bring yourself out of this type of thinking. A self-compassion practice is one of the most effective...