In Your Right Mind with Monique Rhodes

Have you ever wished you had started this work earlier? In this episode, I share why growth happens right on time—not a moment too soon or too late. I'll explore the Tibetan idea of tendrel, and how every challenge and experience prepares you perfectly for the transformation that's now possible.

What if happiness isn't something to chase, but something you were born with? In this episode, I explore the idea that your essential nature is already happy—and that the journey to a joyful life is about unlearning what blocks that truth. We'll talk about how our conditioning distances us from love, and how returning to your innate purity and light can guide you back to yourself. If you'd like to go deeper into this work, visit iintendtobehappy.com—it's a wonderful place to begin your journey with me.

My sister just called me, delighted by something I had done. It reminded me how important notes in the marshmallows are.

What would change if you truly believed there was enough—for you, for others, for everyone? In this episode, I explore the quiet but powerful shift from scarcity to abundance. We'll talk about how to unlearn the fear that tells us we must compete to deserve, and begin to live from a place of trust, wonder, and possibility.

How do you find the right balance between relaxation and alertness in meditation—and in life? In this episode, I explore the idea of training the mind like tuning a guitar string: not too tight and not too loose. I'll share how this balanced approach helps deepen your practice, avoid burnout, and stay grounded and present.

Why do the things we chase never seem to satisfy for long? In this episode, I explore the difference between fleeting happiness and lasting joy. I'll share how chasing achievements, possessions, or even relationships often leaves us empty—and why true fulfillment comes from within.

Why do we keep ourselves so busy—and what are we avoiding by doing so? In this episode, I explore how our constant busyness can become a distraction from truly knowing ourselves. I'll share how the ego resists stillness and why even just a few minutes of daily meditation can begin to shift everything.

You can change the world with small gestures. You can be a hero. You don't have to be an artist or a musician or an athlete. You don't have to be famous or powerful—you just need to do something that matters to you and your community. All it takes is one simple gesture that shows someone else how much they mean to you and how much value your life holds for them as well and then share it with someone else. If you can't remember anything else, remember that small gestures can change lives forever (and maybe even save them), so let's show ourselves by making those gestures count! In this episode, we will discuss how you can make change the world even with the "smallest" gestures.

How often do we chase new goals without realizing we're already living parts of our past dreams? In this episode, I explore the importance of remembering what we once hoped for and truly savoring the moments when those dreams come to life. I'll share why celebrating our progress is just as important as setting new goals.

What if every flaw or mistake didn't need to be corrected? In this episode, I explore how we often fall into the trap of over-fixing ourselves and why learning to accept some imperfections can bring more peace and happiness. I'll share how being practical, forgiving, and solution-focused helps us move forward without unnecessary self-criticism.

Why do I see courage as one of the essential qualities for you to nurture in yourself?

What if the greatest gift you could give the people you love isn't your time, your advice, or even your presence—but your happiness? In this episode, I explore why your own joy is the most powerful offering you can make to the world. I'll share how learning to be happy isn't selfish—it's deeply generous. And I'll show you how taking responsibility for your own wellbeing ripples out in ways that uplift everyone around you. If you'd like to go deeper into this work, visit iintendtobehappy.com—it's a wonderful place to begin your journey with me.

What truly creates change—insight or action? In this episode, I explore the difference between understanding something intellectually and actually doing the work to shift your life. I'll share why experimenting with your own habits leads to real transformation, and how confidence and courage grow through consistent practice.

The Dalai Lama just spoke on his 86th birthday message about compassion and non-violence. What does non-violence mean for most of us?

There are so many requests made of us to worry and care about things. It can become exhausting. How do we manage it?

What if healing didn't mean getting it right once and for all—but instead, learning how to return to yourself again and again with kindness? In this episode, I talk about the real process of change—how it's not linear, but layered. I'll share a powerful metaphor to help you understand why setbacks aren't failures, and how learning, relearning, and patience are the heart of transformation. Let's explore what it really takes to walk a new path, and why being gentle with yourself is the bravest thing you can do.

What does it really mean to love without limits? In this episode, I share why it's so important not to leave anybody out of our love—even the people who challenge us most. Whether it's someone with opposing views, a hardened stranger, or someone who's caused harm, our ability to extend compassion to them helps us grow. Through a story of two unexpected connections at a petrol station, I explore how simple acts of kindness can open hearts and plant seeds of change. Discover how loving without exception expands your own capacity for joy and makes the world a softer place.

As life begins to open up in some countries, we face a new challenge - re-entry anxiety.

Why is it so hard to keep our hearts open—especially when we're hurt or vulnerable? In this episode, I explore why we tend to close down and self-protect, and how building a loving relationship with ourselves can change everything. When we learn to meet our own confusion and fear with compassion, we become less afraid of others too. Let's talk about how self-understanding opens the door to deeper connection, courage, and love.

This week I was working with a group of close students. We did an exercise that was more powerful than any of us expected.

When your success triggers someone you love, how do you handle it? In this episode, I respond to a listener whose partner is upset after she was offered a promotion he didn't get. We'll talk about the complex mix of ego, communication, and boundaries that can surface in relationships when one person's win feels like another's loss. I'll share how to navigate these moments with both compassion and clarity—so you can celebrate your achievements without making yourself small to keep the peace.

I'm in the snow here in NZ. I struggle with the cold. I've never liked it. In fact, I've lived for 20 years without a winter as I have traveled the globe. But I'm loving the snow. Today I explain why.

What if every challenge in your life was actually a sacred invitation to wake up? In this episode, I explore how the obstacles we face can be powerful teachers that help us shift from unconscious habits to conscious awareness. Discover how embracing your sacred inner space can bring clarity, reduce suffering, and foster transformation. Learn why waking up—moment by moment—is the key to lasting happiness, and how mindfulness empowers you to meet life with presence and grace.

How does the media we consume shape our sense of safety and well-being? In this episode, I reflect on watching the TV show Sweet Tooth and how even subtle elements of fear or violence in entertainment can impact our nervous system—especially before sleep. I'll explore how being mindful about what we watch can help reduce anxiety, improve rest, and bring more gentleness into our lives.

What happens when your relationship with your mother feels painful or unresolved? In this episode, I explore how even strained mother-child relationships can be powerful teachers. I'll share why becoming conscious of what we've learned—and what we don't want to repeat—can help us grow, break old patterns, and step into greater peace.

How do we really show up for someone in pain—without trying to fix what can't be fixed? In this episode, I explore the gentle power of simply holding space for others. You'll hear why witnessing someone's grief or struggle—without rushing it away—can be one of the greatest gifts we offer. Let's talk about how being present, patient, and open allows others (and ourselves) to heal in their own time.

Today I tell an ancient story to help you see the importance of being present.

With some parts of the world opening up once again, many of you are around people whose views and opinions are problematic. In today's podcast, I answer a question from one of my students on managing her family dynamic with a brother in law whose views she finds difficult.

We can tend to want to run away from our pain. However, there is something so powerful that lies behind it if we can just stay.

What really lies beneath our anger? In this episode, I explore how anger often masks deeper emotions like fear, sadness, or hurt—and how understanding this can transform the way we respond to others and to ourselves. We'll look at how to sit with anger instead of reacting to it, how to uncover its true source, and how to see the humanity in those who have upset us. When we begin to recognize that anger is a signal rather than an identity, we can start to meet it with awareness and compassion. Let's explore how you can work with your anger in a way that brings greater understanding, peace, and emotional freedom.

How do I let people in without losing myself? In this episode, I explore the courage it takes to drop the "superhuman" armor, ask for help, and allow others to love and support me. I share why vulnerability deepens intimacy, why no one can save us (but many can stand with us), and how opening just a little can soften the tightness we carry and strengthen our relationships. Let's practice letting others be there for us—gently, honestly, and with care.

What do we do when the people we most want love from can't give it to us? In this episode, I explore the pain of not feeling loved or accepted by those closest to us—particularly family—and why that longing runs so deep. I'll unpack how our early relationships shape our sense of worth, and offer guidance on how to heal when the love we crave isn't available. You'll learn why true belonging begins with self-love, and how to shift your focus toward the people and practices that support your well-being now. This is a powerful reflection on learning to let go, find peace, and choose love even when it's not returned in the way we hope. Let's talk about how we begin to love ourselves when others struggle to.

It can be challenging for us to recognise the effects that technology has on our well-being. So who better to talk with than a hugely successful ex-influencer who is now part of driving the conversation around our relationship with tech. Here is her website: https://whitneylauritsen.com/

What really lies beneath our anger? In this episode, I explore how anger often masks deeper emotions like fear, sadness, or hurt—and how understanding this can transform the way we respond to others and to ourselves. We'll look at how to sit with anger instead of reacting to it, how to uncover its true source, and how to see the humanity in those who have upset us. When we begin to recognize that anger is a signal rather than an identity, we can start to meet it with awareness and compassion. Let's explore how you can work with your anger in a way that brings greater understanding, peace, and emotional freedom.

What if saying "thank you" could completely transform your relationships? In this episode, I explore how expressing genuine gratitude—out loud and from the heart—can shift your connection with others in profound ways. You'll learn a simple but powerful daily practice to strengthen your relationships, lift your mood, and help the people you love feel truly seen and valued. It's not just about feeling grateful—it's about saying it like you mean it.

When I was growing up, I was taught that money creates happiness. But over time, and especially through my years living simply in India, I discovered that isn't true. Money can bring comfort, but comfort doesn't last. In this episode, I share what I learned about the fleeting nature of material wealth, and why love, gratitude, and connection are what really transform our lives.

What really happens when we measure ourselves against others? In this episode, I explore the subtle ways comparison keeps us trapped — constantly chasing what we think we "should" have or who we "should" be — and how that cycle robs us of peace and self-acceptance. We'll look at why the urge to keep up with the Joneses is so compelling, how it feeds feelings of lack and inadequacy, and what happens when we turn inward instead. Let's discover how releasing comparison can free you to live with more contentment, clarity, and a sense of your own enough-ness.

What happens when the fear of loss takes over our minds? In this episode, I respond to a listener who feels overwhelmed by thoughts of losing her children and explore how our worries about the future can keep us stuck in pain we may never actually experience. We'll talk about why impermanence is the foundation of life, how meditation helps slow and soften anxious thoughts, and ways to ground yourself so you're more present and resilient. Let's look at how you can loosen fear's grip and live with more spaciousness, trust, and love in the moment you're in.

How much peace could you create by simply minding your own business? In this episode, I explore the gentle yet transformative practice of focusing on your own mind, rather than the drama of others. I'll share why our constant urge to comment, compare, and critique can leave us drained—and how pulling back from what isn't ours to manage can create space for greater clarity, presence, and freedom. Let's talk about the art of letting go of what doesn't belong to you, and the calm that comes when you tend to what does.

Our thoughts, words and actions have consequences. We often forget this. If we can start to become conscious, then we can turn ourselves into a creator of positive rather than negative consequences.

Have you ever wondered what truly happens when you meditate—not just in your mind, but in your heart? In this episode, I explore how meditation is not only about calming the mind but also about awakening the goodness that already lives within us. When we learn to quiet our inner noise, our natural kindness, compassion, and peace rise to the surface. Together, we'll discover how this simple practice can disarm aggression, nurture love, and help create a more peaceful world.

It can be challenging for us to understand that everything changes. The low becomes high, and the high becomes low. However, if we can understand this, we get insight into why we suffer and how to let go of the cycle of suffering.

There is a lot of talk about the new royal baby. There are endless opinions on what Harry and Meghan are doing wrong. I want to talk about what they are doing right.

What if the key to moving forward isn't a giant leap—but a tiny shift in momentum? In this episode, I share a muddy adventure that became a powerful metaphor for life. You'll discover how just one piece of insight and a small, repeated action can lift you out of stuckness and set you back in motion toward happiness and freedom.

My niece was telling me a few days ago that I had the words to a song wrong. Interestingly, it was her that was mistaken. However, it's easy for us to get stuck on what we think is right and what we believe is wrong.

Many of us are living in a prison that we are not even aware of. Right now, it could be time to break free.

People in our life often tell us that we need to be realistic about things. We need to be realistic about aspects of our lives like our careers, our relationships in our dreams. But what does realistic actually mean?

Today I answer a question from one of my students who works as a hostage negotiator. The advice that I give her is relevant for all of us.

When I first started learning to work with my mind, I was very excited at the thought that I would have no more negative emotions. That hasn't quite been the case!

I received an email from one of my students talking about how she hides how she is really feeling. I think many of us do. We don't want the vulnerability of people seeing what is going on.