Viral Mindfulness the Podcast

Maria Papova paints with words: "The life of a garden (wise circle, podcast) is a vivid reminder that anything of beauty and radiance takes time, takes care, takes devotion to seed and sprout and bloom." Thank you for being a part of my podcast! If you'd like to go deeper with me, in a small group setting, I just opened enrollment for my Spring Wise Circle(s). Choose from two different circles. Le...

Question from Tara: "Dear Alexander, How do I witness a loved one's pain and be supportive without becoming overcome with their pain myself?" Welcome to Dear Alexander! Share insight, beauty and aha's. Ask me a question: viralmindfulness.com/dear-alexander.

Winter's Edge 13 The Practice of Writing, Learn from it, write from it, teach from it! by Alexander Smith | Mindfulness Teacher

Winter's Edge (Guided Meditation) Tend to the Waves of Mind by Alexander Smith | Mindfulness Teacher

The ultimate guided meditation starter kit. An affordable (must have) mindfulness resource for the beginning meditator and those with courage to 'begin again' and trust a fresh field guide (that's me). Make sit happen now → viralmindfulness.com/meditate

Winter's Edge 11 (Spring Equinox) Stop and Notice and Thaw and Melt and Soften by Alexander Smith | Mindfulness Teacher

In this 24-minute guided meditation we'll DRAW compassion for yourself and others. I know it's a long one, but it's juicy! Inspired and read from the REFUGE RECOVERY (book) and appendix. With additional "drawing" metaphors added throughout the meditation by Yours Bluely.

Winter's Edge 09 The Practice of Drawing, "Everything is better when you draw together!" (Wendy Mac) by Alexander Smith | Mindfulness Teacher

In this ten-minute guided meditation we'll focus on the melody that lives deep within you.

I wrote this song and it's traveled with me for decades. At 13 I started this composition in the mountains of Salt Lake City, Utah, and finished it at age 16 in sunny Southern California. I remained 'Untitled' until recently when I officially named it BECOMING BLUE.

Winter's Edge 07 The Practice of Music, Become the Song of Your Heart by Alexander Smith | Mindfulness Teacher

Inspired by the words of John O'Donohue, we'll relax into the body, and imagine a light all around you (the soul light) and with your breath draw that light (love, energy, i.e.) into your body. "The soul is not within the body as a little light or white spirit somewhere but the body is actually in the soul."

Practice is essential to my path, and I always start with movement of body. "Your body is a community of organs, all living with consciousness, that work together to house you in this story (Joy Harjo, 'Poet Warrior')." Move your body. Offer loving attention to your body today. It sounds simple and yet we struggle. You're not alone. I'll share some of my body struggle and how I'm moving gently on...

I typed this in a note on my phone: Ditch perfection, be gentle with progress, indulge in practice and demand playfulness. The episode I wanted to call: A Mouthful of P's. We're talking progress, perfection, practice, playfulness, politics, pedestals, pretending and pretension.

Short phrases that invite you into this moment. With background water sounds from a small creek in Bryce Canyon. I like to call them Viral Mindfulness Invitations or VMI's. Drop into your own being or presence. Even into silence or stillness. You’re welcome to sit, or to make this a moving meditation. Carry me with you as you gently walk. Access the full list over at my website: viralmindfulness.c...

Do you ever catch yourself wondering what the hell your friend is talking about when she says: "I just got back from a silent retreat." Musing from Alexander on how to wrap your mind around a mini spiritual retreat (at home); even a silent retreat!

Winter's Edge 01 Spiritual and Soul Solutions by Alexander Smith | Mindfulness Teacher

Feeling dissatisfaction is a natural part of the human experience. I believe it's connected to depression, anxiety and stress. What you do with your dissatisfaction is an invitation. In today's episode I'll share my best solution to combat your Midwinter's dissatisfaction. "We are smothered and saturated without being in the least satisfied" (John O'Donohue)

Let me sing 'Every Breath You Take' by The Police. In this episode we'll explore the truth about therapists and counselors. We don't know what you should do! For decades we've gotten it all wrong. We're not hear to empathize, feel your pain and walk in your shoes. We need to listen, trust, believe you, and help you write the map -- you are the mapmaker with the next steps. We need to be better abo...

Weather check! It's midwinter... How's your emotional weather? Welcome back to the podcast with my first episode of 2023. Let's start at my piano with a gorgeous song written by Alexandra Stréliski. I'll talk about a tender experience Harvey Rose and I shared while playing make believe during our last weekend together. Viral Mindfulness Academy presents "A Midwinter's Wise Circle." Explore details...

Harvey Rose and I sing the Christmas carol, 'O Christmas Tree.' Let's talk about cravings! I'm uncovering why I reach for technology, chocolate, and "I must buy one more cashmere sweater!" Using a few paragraphs from the Recovery Dharma book, I'll walk you through my normal desires and how they move into stronger cravings, even an unsettled and agitated mind. I'll share the strategies I'm using to...

Do go chasing waterfalls baby... Sit next to this waterfall and practice for five minutes. Use the sound of water-only for a five-minute guided meditation. Explore my guided meditation starter kit. It's an affordable **Must Have** mindfulness resource for the beginning meditator and those with courage to “begin again” and trust a rresh field guide (that’s me). Get instant access now → virlamindful...

Sit for five minutes next to this lovely creek run-off from Mossy Cave Waterfall in Bryce Canyon, Utah.

Inspired by the words of Chögyam Trungpa. Book: 'Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior
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Take a scroll through my new online home at viralmindfulness.com. Buy an original piece of art in my online gallery.