Radio Headspace

Learn how to connect with the world to transform the ways in which we feel, think, act, and speak. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s podcast, we learn about a skillful approach rooted in love, patience, and acceptance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we learn about this paradox and how to become comfortable with its relevance in our lives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s podcast, we discuss why we avoid challenges and how facing them can be beneficial in our lives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are only humans, and humans experience strong emotions. No matter how long you’ve been practicing meditation, you will always experience strong feelings. Meditation simply helps us process these emotions and shift to a mindful space where we can better respond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When figuring out your life’s purpose, two concepts come to mind: patience and observation. By having patience, you’re allowing things to develop in their own time and learning to enjoy the journey. By observing life, you’re opening yourself to the present moment and noticing the signs that will guide you to your purpose. And what helps with patience and observation? Meditation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Racist encounters, directly or indirectly, can cause strong emotions and trauma. Daily meditation can help lessen the intensity of these feelings and help build stress resilience, but if you’re just beginning your meditation journey, you may need more support. Pay attention to your body if you’re holding onto racial trauma, and seek out a therapist or counselor if you need to. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In life, we encounter certain people, places, or things that bring us joy. Maybe it’s a person who raises your mood with their positive energy, or a daily activity that makes you feel good. We encourage you to intentionally give attention to all the pleasant things around you and reflect on how they make you feel. Try it out! You’ll start to notice all the positive things in your life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sometimes making friends can be easy, and sometimes it’s hard. Desiring connection and deep interpersonal relationships makes us human, but remember to avoid compromising our authentic self for someone else. Forcing relationships rarely work, so take time to learn when potential connections can be made and cultivate them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There’s been a tremendous amount of loss during the pandemic. Loss of loved ones and the way we live our lives. It’s okay to feel what you’re feeling. The pandemic has taken a toll on us all, so remember to be gentle with yourself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Not all workplaces are the same. Some work environments can be toxic, leading workers to feel pressure or anxiety. A way to counter an unhealthy workplace is by promoting wellness at your job. We all have to work, but wouldn’t it be nice if we could do so in a happy and healthy environment? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’d like to believe that things are always either black or white, but that’s simply not the case with emotions. Having conflicting emotions all at once can be confusing, but it’s perfectly okay to sit with our different emotions and find ourselves within that gray space. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s common to feel like you aren’t making visible progress in your meditation practice. We often like to see results right away, but meditation is actually something you grow with over time. When you hit this learning plateau, take time to reflect on why you started meditating in the first place and what progress looks to you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We can’t avoid hard times. In moments of stress, you can always lean on your meditation practice and use intention-setting to guide your decisions on how to respond to challenging situations. Hardships are inevitable, but we can equip ourselves with the awareness to find solutions in the present moment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everyone deals with issues differently and in their own way. A particular solution might work for one person, but it might not be appropriate for another. And that’s totally okay. Mindfulness encourages us to notice what is happening in the present moment and adapt to our needs. Try to reflect on what works for you and what doesn’t. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We can sometimes underestimate our influence on the people around us — positive and negative. As you begin your meditation journey, think about how your mindfulness practice will affect your nearest and dearest. You might notice a shift in your personal relationships. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are moments in life that require serious attention. But sometimes we get so caught up in this attitude that we forget to enjoy the present. Try not to take life so seriously and learn how to make space for laughter. You might be surprised at how good it can feel to smile. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Practicing a “beginner’s mind” asks us to drop expectations and other assumptions we formed through past experiences. Essentially, approach every moment as if we’re experiencing it for the very first time. Try it out and apply a “beginner’s mind” to every area of your life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Holding on to negative or even positive experiences can often lead us to feel stuck. When ruminating on these thoughts or experiences, we’re closing ourselves off from the present moment. In situations like these, it’s best to practice mindfulness and gently let go of the thoughts we’re holding onto and bring ourselves back to the present moment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When fixated on the end goal, we often lose sight of the present moment. We can easily get wrapped up in our ambitions, which can cause stress, anxiety, and depression in our lives. How about we appreciate the present and the journey we’re on? As we wrap up this week, remember that all of the concepts we learned so far are interrelated: non-judging, patience, acceptance, trust, and non-striving. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn to listen and trust your inner voice. It’s easy to fall into a space of judgment when deciding if you should follow your intuition or not. Fears of making mistakes arise, but remember that mistakes are just lessons learned. It takes time to learn to trust yourself, and you can cultivate this trust through meditation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When deciding to make a change in your life, it’s best to first accept where you're at in the present moment. You don't have to like where you are, but there's a difference between not liking something and harshly judging something. Learning this distinction is crucial when trying to make meaningful changes in your life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s world, we expect everything in an instant, including accomplishing our New Year’s resolutions. We’re so used to immediate gratification that practicing patience can feel uneasy. Don’t be afraid to let things unfold in their own time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sticking to New Year’s resolutions is tough. Oftentimes we set unrealistic expectations and then judge ourselves for not meeting them. But what if we used mindfulness to help us accomplish our goals? For the next eight days, Kessonga will focus on one of eight concepts of mindfulness and discuss how incorporating these practices can help us successfully execute our goals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The freedom to express and be creative is often challenged by the restrictions we place on ourselves. It is important to nurture our childlike ability to freely express our creativity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everyone has a legacy. It may not be one that impacts the masses, but you are impacting someone, whether you realize it or not. How will you be remembered? How do you show up in the world? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Experiences, sights, sounds, and emotions are all things our brain consciously and unconsciously processes. The more information we consume, the more energy we use. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We move through life making choices with anticipation for an expected result. Sometimes, this can lead to disappointment that stops us from living in the moment and letting life just be what it is. Learn to feel comfortable with letting go of your anticipations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There may be someone who is capable of making something you love look effortless. And when we’re beginning to learn something new, we can get discouraged by the amount of effort we have to put in. This is common in learning. Don’t judge your progress by someone else’s mastery. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Think of the last event you went to. Now recall if everyone had their phones out. How much of our experiences are actually being experienced in the moment, and how often are we trying to capture moments to share at some future date? It’s the tension of all great photography — moments can only be captured when we are fully present, but by capturing them we disrupt the present. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mindfulness is a non-judgmental state, but when we have an intellectual understanding of mindfulness, but not the experiential knowledge, we can use it to judge others. Today, focus on your experiences to empathize and be a source of compassion, not judgment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when you want to go off the Headspace app and be more spiritual in the world? This was a new one for us. But the essence of the mind is the same in all scenarios, spiritual or not. The goal is to be present. That’s it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Entering a flow state through physical activity is meditative and focusing on our physical well-being is essential for living a long and happy life, but these things cannot replace the quality of mind cultivated by formal meditation training. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you were to line a bunch of babies up, you’d notice that there’s a difference in their nature. We’re born with these qualities. But our personalities develop over time, with our experiences. Don’t get so caught up in these surface-level traits that you don’t notice who you really are. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Part 5 of “The Funtervention”. Today is the last day of our amazing “Funtervention” with Catherine Price. Look, adulting is hard. We have bills, work, kids, relationships, and somewhere in all of that we’re supposed to look after ourselves! Well we need to put it on the calendar! That’s right, we need to schedule fun and we need to do it now. You can learn more about Catherine’s work at HowtoHaveFun.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Part 4 of “The Funtervention”. Today Catherine discusses the surprising effects fun can have on your health. Fun reduces stress, and spoiler alert, stress is pretty bad for you. But by focusing on three key things, you can reduce stress, increase your health, and learn to feel joy again. You can learn more about Catherine’s work at HowtoHaveFun.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Part 3 of “The Funtervention”. Today Catherine distinguishes “true fun” from “fake fun”. We learn how to identify both and why “true fun” makes our lives exhilarating. These are the things that bring a smile to our face and warmth to our heart. It’s the good stuff and Catherine wants you to have more of it. You can learn more about Catherine’s work at HowtoHaveFun.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Part 2 of “The Funtervention”. Today Catherine discusses the motivation to write her book and why she thinks fun is necessary. She talks about the surprising results from her research, and the one activity that brought fun back into her life. You can learn more about Catherine’s work at HowtoHaveFun.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Radio Headspace we have a very special guest host, Catherine Price. Catherine is an award winning science journalist and author of the new book The Power of Fun. Over the last few years Catherine has been researching and writing about our relationship to fun. She wants to know what it is, why we need it, and why it’s often elusive. Her conclusions were so fascinating we decided it would be perfect for our listeners. For the next 5 days, Catherine is staging a, “Funtervention”. Each day she’ll break down what she’s learned and share how we can all live a happier, healthier, and more enjoyable life. You can learn more about Catherine’s work at HowtoHaveFun.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Life can be really serious. And those serious issues demand serious attention. But for a lot of the everyday stuff, why not try to smile instead? Life is a lot more fun if you can laugh at it. This weekend try to play, and see what happens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re excellent at noticing when we start to feel angry, or sad, or happy, but when’s the last time you noticed when a mood ended or changed? Remember, emotion is temporary, and feeling is finite. The more often we notice the end of a feeling that challenges us, the easier we can find a place of peace and a calm mind. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mindfulness is good for many things, but we tend to look at it differently depending on where we’ve learned it. Western mindfulness centers around awareness and Eastern mindfulness is more about compassion. But like the sun, both emit light and warmth, we need both awareness and compassion to truly live mindfully. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sometimes, thoughts that really scare us can arise. And if there is the chance of immediate harm for you or someone around you, please seek medical attention as quickly as possible. But for other scary thoughts, we tend to push them down. We judge them and judge ourselves from having them. But we don’t have to. It’s our job to just witness the mind as it is. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Itches have a way of taking over the body. It can be all we think about and we often scratch and scratch with little relief. This is common with physical discomfort. Whenever we notice a twinge, we immediately go to change it. But what if you sat with it for a moment instead? Explore sitting with discomfort and see what happens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The entire planet is a living, breathing organism. It changes every day. The air we breathe could have been created thousands of miles away. And when we sit and notice the breath, we notice that each one is different, as is each moment. This weekend, pause and try to notice life as it unfolds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Take a moment and think about it. Who or what do you appreciate the most? It could be your family. Or friends. A moment of quiet. It might change daily, or even moment to moment. The answer doesn’t actually matter, just try to notice what comes up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When we’re rushing through the day, it’s easy to get caught up in our routines and in our own minds. But how much of life are we missing when we forget to look around? Try to approach today like it’s brand-new. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We place a lot of value on our physical and mental health. You may even meditate or do yoga. But if you’re present and embracing loving kindness during your meditation or in a yoga class, but driving away screaming at someone in traffic, you’re not fully embracing the philosophies of those practices. Today, focus on aligning your attitude with your actions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Not too long ago, Andy helped Cookie Monster out while he was waiting for his latest batch of cookies to bake. And while you may not be a cookie monster, you may often find yourself waiting for something else to happen, which often means you’re missing out on what is actually happening right now. Remember, what’s happening right now is enough. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today Sam talks about our relationship to our senses. Noticing our senses one at a time can help us lead a more mindful and intentional life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices