Wanter Dynamics & The Love We Are

What if some of the things we call love aren't actually love at all? In this episode, Mitch shares a powerful conversation with his son that led to a profound realization about generosity, self-sacrifice, and the nature of authentic care. After agreeing to an early morning appointment that left him exhausted, frustrated, and quietly resentful, his son found himself confronting an uncomfortable tru...

What happens when being liked becomes more important than being honest? In this episode, Mitch explores the deeply human tendency to shape ourselves around the expectations of others in order to gain approval, avoid conflict, and feel secure. What begins as a reflection on our ancient survival instincts unfolds into a powerful examination of people-pleasing, identity, and the hidden cost of always...

How can we care deeply about others without becoming overwhelmed by what they're experiencing? In this episode, Mitch shares a pivotal lesson from his training as a therapist at Naropa University—one that completely transformed the way he learned to be with people. After being told by a professor that his tendency to absorb others' emotions would eventually lead to burnout, he was invited to disco...

What if there were not one path to awakening, but 127 different doorways into the same Truth? In this episode, Mitch shares a remarkable experience from more than two decades ago when he was invited to study the ancient Sanskrit text Vijñāna Bhairava with a scholar from India. Gathered in a small circle inside a Shiva temple, participants were guided through a series of direct contemplative practi...

Who are you beneath all the roles, identities, accomplishments, struggles, and stories you've gathered throughout your life? In this episode, Mitch explores the ancient practice of Nan Yar —a Tamil phrase meaning "Who am I?"—and its Sanskrit counterpart, Atma Vichara , the inquiry into our true nature. Drawing from a powerful story about the young sage who would become known as Ramana Maharshi, Mi...

What if home isn't a place we return to, but something we've never actually left? In this episode, Mitch shares two profound teachings that emerged through unexpected moments of stillness—a snail moving across a rock and a simple gesture learned from a spiritual teacher in the Rocky Mountains. What begins with a sweet video of someone lovingly chanting to a snail unfolds into a deeper exploration...

What if silence isn't the absence of sound, but the presence that exists within all sound? In this episode, Mitch explores Mauna , a Sanskrit word often translated as "abide in silence." What begins as a search for quiet places and peaceful settings gradually unfolds into a much deeper realization—one that transforms the meaning of silence entirely. Drawing from a year-long contemplation given by...

How do we make choices without turning them into another story of right and wrong? In this episode, Mitch explores Viveka , a Sanskrit word that can be understood as refined discernment. Rather than approaching choice through judgment, guilt, or moralizing, Viveka invites us to notice the ripples that naturally follow every decision we make. Through the ancient distinction between Shreyas and Prey...

What if a single almond could reveal the nature of reality? In this episode, Mitch shares a transformative teaching from his years at the ashram—an experience that revealed the true essence of tantra in a way he would never forget. Armed with nothing more than an almond and a willingness to slow down, he and his fellow students were invited into an extraordinary exploration of attention, intimacy,...

What if the way we see reality shapes the reality we experience? In this episode, Mitch introduces a simple yet profound contemplative practice called Soft Gazing—an invitation to move beyond the mind's habitual focus and into a more expansive way of perceiving the world. Rather than concentrating on a single object, listeners are guided to soften their gaze and become available to the entire fiel...

What if the awareness that you are has no edge? In this guided meditation, Mitch shares an ancient practice from the yogic tradition known as Madhya Vikāsa , or Central Light Expansion. Beginning with conscious breathing and deep physical relaxation, listeners are gently guided into an experiential exploration of the central light channel—the luminous current of awareness that runs through the cen...

What if the awareness that you are has no edge? In this guided meditation, Mitch shares an ancient practice from the yogic tradition known as Madhya Vikāsa , or Central Light Expansion. Beginning with conscious breathing and deep physical relaxation, listeners are gently guided into an experiential exploration of the central light channel—the luminous current of awareness that runs through the cen...

What if a single breath could remind you of who you truly are? In this guided meditation, Mitch introduces a simple yet profound pranayama practice—long, slow breathing that calms the nervous system, relaxes the body, and opens the door to a deeper awareness of being. Beginning with the natural rhythm of the breath, listeners are invited to soften into each inhale and exhale, allowing the body to...

What becomes possible when we simply slow down and breathe? In this episode, Mitch guides listeners through a deeply restorative practice of relaxation, awareness, and remembrance. Beginning with the simple invitation of a long, slow breath, the body is gently guided into greater ease—releasing tension, softening resistance, and allowing every part of the body to relax and let go. As awareness exp...

What if the greatest obstacle to love isn't what someone else has done—but our attachment to being right about it? In this episode, Mitch explores a powerful lesson inspired by a total solar eclipse: even when the sun appears to disappear, it is still shining. In the same way, the love that we are never leaves us, even when it seems temporarily obscured by resentment, judgment, or grievance. Drawi...

What would it take to remain rooted in love and compassion toward those who have caused the deepest harm? In this episode, Mitch shares a powerful story from the Tibetan Buddhist tradition about the young Dalai Lama and his beloved teacher, a Rinpoche—literally translated as "Precious One." After foreseeing the Chinese invasion of Tibet, the Rinpoche helped the future Dalai Lama escape to safety b...

What happens when spiritual gifts become spiritual identities? In this episode, Mitch shares a powerful teaching story about siddhis—the natural intuitive and mystical abilities that can emerge as consciousness expands through spiritual practice. From synchronicities and inner knowing to visions and profound experiences of connection, these gifts can arise naturally on the path. Yet with them come...

What happens when the things we thought would bring fulfillment begin to lose their grip—and we're left wondering what the point of any of it is? In this episode, Mitch shares a profound exploration with a longtime spiritual practitioner who found himself facing what he called "existential acceptance"—the realization that achievement, acquisition, and accomplishment cannot deliver the lasting cont...

What happens when stillness is so complete that even the sense of being a separate self begins to dissolve? In this episode, Mitch shares a profound experience from his years at the ashram—an unexpected invitation from his teacher that revealed a deeper truth about awakening, spiritual practice, and the nature of reality itself. Called from deep meditation to rise and walk, Mitch discovered firsth...

What happens when we stop protecting ourselves and become completely vulnerable? In this episode, Mitch shares a powerful story from his early years at the ashram and an experience that transformed his understanding of spirituality, worthiness, and Divine connection. Inspired by the ancient teaching that "there's great power in the invitation," he devoted himself to practices designed to invite Gr...

What happens when a wave returns to the ocean? In this deeply moving episode, Mitch shares a profound story about life, death, love, and the mystery of what remains when a human life comes to completion. Drawing from a simple observation of ocean waves rising and falling upon the shore, he explores a timeless question: Are we merely the wave, or are we also the ocean? The episode weaves together r...

For this episode, Mitch shares a profound story of despair, surrender, Grace, and the surprising way love can arrive when we need it most. After experiencing several days of living in what felt like pure Oneness—an all-pervasive state of love, compassion, and connection—the experience suddenly vanished. What followed was a painful descent into longing, hopelessness, and what Mitch calls "Ick World...

For this episode, Mitch shares one of the most vulnerable and transformative stories of his spiritual journey—a story about fear, failure, perfectionism, and the surprising freedom that can be found when we stop running. When a beloved teacher invites him to lead chanting at a week-long retreat, Mitch says yes before fully realizing what he has agreed to. What follows is a cascade of anxiety, self...

What if our relationship to pain is not quite what we think it is? In this episode, Mitch shares an extraordinary experience that began with an ordinary breakfast and a cracked tooth. What followed was more than twenty-four hours of intense physical sensation, no immediate relief, and an unexpected invitation into one of the deepest explorations of consciousness he had ever encountered. Unable to...

What if there is no such thing as ordinary work? In this episode, Mitch shares one of the most transformative lessons from his years at the ashram through the ancient practice of seva —selfless service. What begins as a sincere desire to serve in the beautiful temple quickly turns into something he never expected: years of cleaning toilets, scrubbing bird droppings, and confronting every part of h...