The Mindful Classroom

Summary In this conversation, TJ Belasco shares a frustrating experience with customer service and reflects on the importance of allowing oneself to feel and process emotions. He also discusses a poem by Mary Oliver called 'Wild Geese' and how it resonates with him. TJ emphasizes the idea that life goes on even in the midst of personal struggles and highlights the importance of not attachi...

I apologize for the audio on this one. SummaryThe conversation explores the theme of unity and finding common ground despite differences. It begins with a discussion of an episode of Northern Exposure that highlights the idea of community and togetherness. The conversation then delves into the concept of looking beyond differences and finding commonalities, using examples such as the work of Senat...

Summary In this conversation, TJ Belasco discusses the book 'Untangled' by Koshin Pali Ellison, which explores the Eightfold Path and mindfulness. He shares a favorite story and leads a guided meditation practice, emphasizing the importance of being present and mindful in everyday life. Keywords Untangled, Koshin Pali Ellison, Eightfold Path, mindfulness, meditation, guided practice, being...

Takeaways Unification of projects under the mindful classroom label Exploration of attention and compassion Impact of preconceptions and judgments on perception of others Importance of paying attention and finding common ground Influence of media and the need for quiet reflection Exploring Attention and Compassion The Importance of Paying Attention "Attention is a place of practice." &qu...

Ryan Holiday: The Dailystoic Marcus Aurelius: Meditations This was the book that I blanked on. The minute I got out and into the shower, it came to me: Thinking Body; Dancing Mind I am using Square Space to design my website: Mindfulclassroom.com If any of you have tips and pointers, reach out. I will also be launching a weekly Newsletter next week.

What is "Your Top Story?" #liveagreatstory #chooseyourfuture

Back into the cold plunge to contemplate how we can see people for who they are and not who we think they should be. " I honestly have never been so touched that someone took the time to notice me and see me for who I am." #seepeople #becurious #enjoythemoment

Ted Forgives Rebecca https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nhf5QSc0oZI We need to look at the pain holding anger and resentment inflicts on us, and eventually as we internalize that anger, who it makes us become. Eventually, it doesn't just eat us alive, it attacks those around us from our behavior, mood, and attitude. Free your self. #forgiveness #loveoverhate #stoicism

Welcome back to what I will call season three of The Mindful Classroom Podcast. This season will be much more freeform with one episode that delves deeper into books I am reading. The other episodes will explore topics in a quicker session ranging from 5 to 15 minutes. Starting next week, the longer episodes will be released on Saturdays, since we have more time to listen on the weekends. Today, e...

Summary In this episode, TJ Belasco explores the theme of unity and the importance of connecting with others. He discusses the beauty of Zen and the concept of losing the self to realize our interconnectedness. TJ emphasizes the need to listen and understand others, even those with whom we disagree. He highlights the common thread of compassion and love in various religions and expresses his disap...

Today's episode explores two nooks. Ikigai, The Japanese Secret to a Long and Healthy Life ( https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/549469/ikigai-by-hector-garcia-and-francesc-miralles/) and The 5AM Club ( https://www.amazon.com/AM-Club-Morning-Elevate-Life/dp/1443460710) 10 Principles of Ikigai:https://ikigaitribe.com/blogpost/the-10-rules-of-ikigai/

Mary Oliver's "The Sun "http://www.phys.unm.edu/~tw/fas/yits/archive/oliver_thesun.html The Parable of the River:https://landiscenter.lafayette.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/69/2015/01/SaveBabies.pdf Tara Brach "Radical Compassion" https://www.tarabrach.com/books/radical-compassion/

SummaryIn this conversation, TJ Belasco discusses the power of focus, stepping out of comfort zones, and the regrets of the dying. He also explores the concept of the monkey mind and leads a meditation on the thinking mind. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding and connecting with our thoughts and emotions. The session concludes with a reflection on gratitude. Takeaways Medit...

Summary In this conversation, Thomas discusses the concept of stoicism and the power of not having an opinion. He then explores the dichotomy of control and the importance of focusing on what we can control. Thomas also reviews two books he has been reading: '100 Things We've Lost to the Internet' and 'Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow'. He highlights the chapter on patience f...

Summary In this episode, TJ Belasco discusses the story of the two wolves, which represents the battle between good and evil within us. He emphasizes the importance of feeding the good wolf by cultivating positive qualities and being mindful of our thoughts and actions. TJ explores the concept of karma and how our energy attracts similar energy from the world. He also highlights the influence of n...

The Daily Stoic: https://store.dailystoic.com/collections/signed-books/products/the-daily-stoic-signed-edition Catalog of unabashed gratitude: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/58762/catalog-of-unabashed-gratitude Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow : https://www.amazon.com/Tomorrow-novel-Gabrielle-Zevin/dp/0593321200 Groundhog day https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/amzn1.dv.gti.6aa9f790...

Today we explore square breathing and then end with a visualization (Mountain Meditation) Square Breathing Example: https://youtu.be/bF_1ZiFta-E?si=_4zCyUMzd5ow_BODThe Zen Monkey and Lotus Flower : https://www.amazon.com/Zen-Monkey-Lotus-Flower-Happiness/dp/B0CGCBM1FM

This episodes explores a Metta (Lovingkindness) meditation followed by a discussion of the ending of The Art of Solitude by Stephen Batchelor. I then explore my takeaways and realizations from the book.

Opens up with the poem "Kindness" by Naomi Shihab Nye followed by a body scan meditation.

Stephen Batchelor The Art of Solitude: https://www.amazon.com/Art-Solitude-Stephen-Batchelor/dp/0300250932 Vipassanna Meditation: https://www.dhamma.org/en/index

This week's focus will be on better editing and cleaning up the new episodes I post. However, I wanted to get the back episodes up so I am up to date. Thanks for your patience. Also, sorry about the dog's visits. I learned today that early morning recording will work much better. The podcast I mentioned was Coastal Creations (I am on episode 3) Also, some great meditation apps are: 1. 10%...

Discussion of Rick Rubin's A Creative Act (book) with some other recommendations thrown in at the end for good measure.

Episode two explores meditation ( mindfulness). This examines meditation on the breath. I learned quite a bit recording this, so excuse my dog begging for attention. As mentioned, if you want guidance continuing along your meditation journey you can look for apps like 10% Happier, Calm, Headspace, and Waking Up. You can also download the Insight Timer for free. Over the course of the next year, we...

A reintroduction to The Mindful Classroom. A short episode exploring where we will go and focusing on doing over perfection. As Nike said, “Just Do It.”

This episode offers a meditation for stressful times. Sometimes it is best to ask ourselves, Is this useful. If we can maintain a healthy perspective of what is in our control and what is not, we will be better equipped to handle what the world throws our way.  So, get comfortable and work on equanimity.