Zen Commuter

Welcome to Zen Commuter and day five of Tricycle Week ! Today, we're exploring a challenge many meditators face— the uneasy relationship with the timer. Whether it's impatience, restlessness, or the feeling that the minutes are stretching endlessly, the ticking clock can sometimes feel like an obstacle rather than a guide. But what if we could change our perspective and learn to sit with that disc...

Welcome to Zen Commuter and day four of Tricycle Week ! Today, we're diving into a topic that challenges the way we see productivity and rest— laziness. Is laziness a real obstacle, or is it simply a rejection of society's constant push to always be moving? We'll explore the three aspects of laziness and question whether what we call "being lazy" is actually an intentional choice to be rather than...

Welcome to Zen Commuter and day three of Tricycle Week ! Today, we're tackling a challenge that tests even the most mindful among us— dealing with toxic people. Whether it's a difficult coworker, a critical family member, or someone who constantly drains your energy, these interactions can leave us feeling powerless and frustrated. But here's the truth: our inner peace doesn't have to be at their...

Welcome to Zen Commuter and day two of Tricycle Week ! Today, we dive into an important question: Is meditation truly beneficial for young students? Across the country, schools have introduced mindfulness programs with the hope of improving focus, reducing stress, and fostering emotional well-being. But do these programs actually deliver on their promise? We'll explore key research, including insi...

Welcome to Tricycle Week on Zen Commuter ! I'm kicking things off with a reading from Tricycle: The Buddhist Review , featuring Thich Nhat Hanh's insightful article, "Listening to Our Ancestors." In this episode, we explore how connecting with our spiritual and familial lineage can bring wisdom, healing, and a deeper sense of peace. Tune in to reflect on the presence of those who came before us an...

What if the key to peak performance and lasting well-being was as simple as stillness? In this episode of Ze Commuter, I sit down with Richard Earney, a leading expert in fitness and movement, to explore how meditation enhances physical and mental well-being. Richard shares his insights on the mind-body connection, explaining how mindfulness isn't just for relaxation—it's a powerful tool for focus...

What if the key to peak performance and lasting well-being was as simple as stillness? In this episode of Ze Commuter, I sit down with Richard Earney, a leading expert in fitness and movement, to explore how meditation enhances physical and mental well-being. Richard shares his insights on the mind-body connection, explaining how mindfulness isn't just for relaxation—it's a powerful tool for focus...

In this episode of Zen Commuter , actor Matt Drago shares how he stays grounded in the unpredictable world of Hollywood. From his experience on Somewhere in Montana to his personal mindfulness practices, Matt reveals how staying present has helped shape his career and personal life. Tune in to hear his insights on resilience, creativity, and inner peace. Topics Covered: ✅ How mindfulness helps ac...

Sonal is a certified meditation teacher and the founder of CONNECT Meditation. In her workshops and sessions, she blends ancient Eastern wisdom with modern science to make mindfulness accessible to today's practitioners. Raised in India and now based in Boston, Sonal's background in corporate human resources, learning and development, and life coaching allows her to connect deeply with both indivi...

Catherine is an integrative spiritual consultant, former trauma and hospice chaplain, and first time author of the book Everyday Awakening . In her book as well as her private practice, she counsels people on what it means to be alive, and how to awaken into their heart and soul. She has faced death twice and companioned hundreds of people as they died. The deep peace and sense of the other side s...

Jeff Patterson, from Portland, OR, USA, has over 36 years of experience, practicing and teaching the meditative and martial arts. As the founder of Northwest Fighting Arts/Portland Tai Chi Academy and The Yielding Warrior, where he emphasizes the transformative power of meditative and martial arts practices, particularly the yielding concept. He has published two books and hundreds on instructiona...

Visualizing is an important aspect of meditation, yet some people struggle with how to it. My Insight Timer friend Alberto asked if I could help him with becoming better at it, and to that end, I thought I would record an episode to help not just him, but anyone who could use some practice at becoming better at imagining. Enjoy. Meditation Coaching Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultati...

Some people fear being alone with their thoughts. those people understand the benefit of calm that a practice brings, the cost for getting there is too great; the cost of being alone with painful, denigrating. thoughts. Today I talk about how to become comfortable with 'troublesome" thoughts so that you can meditate if you think it would be beneficial (and it will be) ;0) Meditation Coaching Sched...

The last time we got together we had the joy of hanging out with Forrest Rivers, Author of tHumanity's Spiritual Rebirth. As is customary on ZC, when I interview an author, I like to read an excerpt from their book; and today is no exception. Meditation Coaching Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultation)   Connecting with Forrest: Website: https://forrestrivers.com/ Social Media Links: F...

Forrest Rivers has become a good friend of mine. So when his publicist sent me an email to have him on the show I jumped at the chance. He is a man who truly sees thing in such a wonderfully rich way. He drops the labels of good and bad, and helps us see every moment as an opportunity to grow, to understand "ourselves" on a deeper level. Yeah, you can imagine why I have love and respect for him. T...

I am very happy to be back on the air after a three week hiatus. The longest one in the 10 year history of Zen Commuter. So thank you all for your patience and understanding. I can't think of a better topic to talk about on my return, than Tonglen Meditation. Today I read an article that talks about how we can reduce our fear of suffering by engaging in a meditation practice that has us voluntaril...

For some people, a new year is approaching. That may mean that they are looking to start a meditation practice. Well, before you start, it may be a good idea to understand what meditation is a little better. Actually, it may be more beneficial to talk about what it isn't, or what it can't do. With this talked about, you won't have unrealistic expectations when you get to you cushion, chair or bed....

I have been fortunate enough to speak with a bounty of guests who are changing the world in a wonderful way. Sara Webb is one of those amazing people. The moment we connected on Zoom I felt her warmth and grace. As you will hear in our interview, she is wonderfully candid and vulnerable. As a resilience coach it is clear she knows what she is talking about. Per her own admission, she faced many ch...

Even though it isn't Tricycle week I thought I would share an article with you that I know you can relate to.  How do I know? Because you have a body. And if you have a body, that means at some time you have experienced pain. Vidyamala Burch takes us through a practice that helps us see pain with kindness, sympathy and compassion; a much better energy that resentment and anger. Come listen Meditat...

Enzo Dal Verme is a photographer; but not just any photographer. With a decades old meditation practice, he is able to use his mindfulness practice to fully bring himself into the moment, to exist within the creative process of portrait photography. Suffice it to say, because of this he is able to capture the essence of his subjects that might be lost with other artists. His transformative retreat...

Last week I introduced you to a wonderful guest who is helping us all connect to our divinity. Her name was Emma Rowena. Today I have a very special treat for us. I am going to read a few passages from her book, You. Me. And All That We Are. Meditation Coaching Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultation)   Connecting with Laura: You. Me. And All That We Are on Amazon   Become a Super-Fan...

Emma Rowena is a musician, performer, intuitive reader, healer, meditation guide, and emerging social entrepreneur, helping people find peace, purpose, and healing in their lives. Meditation Coaching Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultation)   Links from the Episode: www.emmarowena.no Become a Super-Fan of the Show Support ZEN commuter and get access to patron bonuses THANKS FOR LISTENI...

Cynthia Hauk, MFA (founder of Mindful Creative Muse), is passionate about sharing simple Mindfulness and Art activities to help busy people de-stress and express themselves creatively. She also trains and coaches Creative Entrepreneurs, Art and Yoga Teachers, and Expressive Art Therapists to move through creative blocks and share their unique vision and services in the world. Cynthia offers online...

What a great way to end Tricycle week; a story that talks about the joy you feeling when someone else is experiencing joy. Come listen. Meditation Coaching Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultation)   Become a Super-Fan of the Show Support ZEN commuter and get access to patron bonuses THANKS FOR LISTENING! Thanks again for listening to the show! If it has helped you in any way, please sh...

Today I share with you my interview with Josh Dippold. He is one of the hosts of the Integrating Presence Podcast along with Wendy Nash. Together they help us learn the benefits of a meditation practice. Which is something that Josh does on his own as well as an instructor on Insight Timer Meditation Coaching Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultation)   Links from the Episode: Josh Dippo...