Wanter Dynamics & The Love We Are

What if the moments when someone is hardest to love are the moments they need love the most? In this episode, Mitch explores the profound simplicity of what he calls The Wisdom of the Pillow —a short, anonymous phrase that beautifully captures one of the greatest invitations of a human life: Love me when I deserve it the least, because that's when I need it the most. Through the lens of The Wanter...

In this episode, Mitch explores the difference between seeking answers from the outside and discovering the wisdom that has always been available within. Through a series of touching stories—from a reluctant first-time visitor to a call center transformed by compassion—he reveals what can happen when we stop trying to control outcomes and instead let love become our compass. Rather than offering f...

In this episode, Mitch introduces the ancient practice of Shiva Bhavana —a contemplative invitation to experience reality beyond the illusion of separation. Drawing from the teachings he received at the ashram, he explores what becomes possible when we begin to see every person, every tree, every emotion, every breath, and every moment as expressions of the same Divine essence. Rather than dividin...

In this episode, Mitch reflects on the very first people who invited him to explore the nature of reality with them—and the unexpected lesson that forever transformed the way he serves others. After a difficult early session left him questioning himself, he discovered a subtle identity he calls The Great Helper : the part of us that needs others to be okay before we can be okay ourselves. Through...

In this episode, Mitch explores the profound meaning of Ganapati through the lens of the ancient Sanskrit teachings he received while living at the ashram. Using simple, everyday examples, he unpacks the words Gana —the countless forms and expressions of the one flowing Source energy—and Pati —the one who lovingly tends to and cares for them all. From marble and water to trees, animals, planets, a...

In this episode, Mitch shares a simple story from his childhood working on a farmer's potato fields that became a profound metaphor for the way we each move through life. Reflecting on the farm's "water sharers"—the irrigation tubes that carried life-giving water from the canal to the waiting seeds—he invites us to consider how each of us has our own natural way of sharing the wisdom, compassion,...

In this episode, Mitch explores one of the most powerful identities he has encountered in decades of sitting with people: the Mom Wanter . With deep gratitude and compassion for mothers everywhere, he examines the part of us that believes, "I don't get to be okay unless they're okay." While this impulse is essential for nurturing and protecting new life, it can quietly evolve into a lifelong patte...

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...