The Courageous Life

There are certain threads inescapably woven into our experience of being alive.Simple but profound truths which make up the tapestry of what it means to be human. One of these is impermanence. The fact that everything, by nature, changes. From the seasons, to the weather, our emotions, and our relationships.We are born, we grow old, and ultimately we die. The flow of life is inherently dynamic as things are coming together, and falling apart. All the time. And while at times impermanence can be viewed in a grim light (endings, and death),Change also means new beginnings, rejuvenation, and possibility. After Winter ends, the sun comes out, flowers bloom, and the natural landscape comes to life. And if change is truly just a part of being alive, Then the pragmatic question is:How can we relate to this shared experience in ways that lead to living well? Over the next 3 weeks we are going to explore this question (and versions of it) in depth,With some of the great teachers, physicians, writers, and leaders of our time. Together we'll discuss themes like:Learning to relax into uncertainty, Loosening our grip of control as we aspire toward long term goals with less attachment to outcomes,The possibility of appreciating the preciousness and taking in the beauty of being alive.To kick things off today you’ll hear a beautiful and often moving conversation between:World renowned meditation teacher, co founder of the Insight Meditation Society and NYT Bestselling author Sharon Salzberg, And Physician, author, and Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine where she is also the Director of Inpatient Palliative Care Services, Dr. Sunita Puri.Both of whom have been the show before, but never in conversation together in this way - exploring how we might make the most of the short time we are here. For more on Sharon check out sharonsalzberg.comFor more on Sunita, including her beautiful memoir: That Good night: Life and Medicine in the Eleventh Hour please visit https://sunitapuri.com/Did you find this episode inspiring? Here are other conversations we think you'll love:Finding the Courage to Live Without Regrets | Dr. Sunita PuriThe Power of Compassion (pt 1) | Sharon Salzberg & Barbara FredricksonEnjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen to your podcasts!Thanks for listening!Support the show

In his new book, Outraged: Why We Fight About Morality and Politics and How to Find Common Ground,Neuroscientist and Moral psychologist Dr. Kurt Gray argues that for the majority of our evolutionary history, humans were more hunted than hunter. Which might just be the game changing perspective we need for these times.Kurt reminds us that in contrast to predators,Prey animals are hard-wired to scan for threats, and to do everything in our power to protect ourselves from being harmed. Fast forward to the present and it becomes a bit easier to understand what’s driving the division, and moral outrage we see each day.Our shared collective DNA (as a prey species) offering a compelling reminder that we are more alike than we might think.Rather than intending to destroy each other, most of us are actually just trying to protect ourselves, our families, and members of our communities.Drawing on groundbreaking research, Dr. Gray doesn’t just offer us a captivating new explanation for our moral outrage, He offers us hope. As well as some incredibly insightful practices for increasing understanding, and ultimately for finding common ground. Perhaps the most basic of these being: If you want to understand the morals of the “other side,” you can begin by asking yourself a simple question—what harms do they see?Today we’ll take a deep dive into these themes as we unpack some of Kurt’s greatest insights about:What leads to moral outrage, What can help diffuse it, And how we can find our way back to eachother. For more on Kurt, his incredible work at both the Center for the science of Moral Understanding and the Deepest Beliefs Lab, as well as his new book Outraged, check out kurtjgray.comDid you find this episode inspiring? Here are other conversations we think you'll love:Finding Solutions to Seemingly Intractable Problems | Rob Fersh and Mariah LevisonRediscovering the Art of Constructive Dialogue | Dr. Mylien DuongAbout Dr. Kurt Gray:A social psychologist and an award-winning researcher and teacher, Kurt Gray uses interdisciplinary methods to study our deepest held beliefs and how to bridge moral divides.Dr. Gray is a Professor in Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he directs the Deepest Beliefs Lab and the Center for the Science of Moral Understanding. He is also an Adjunct Professor in Organizational Behavior at the Kenan-Flagler Business School at UNC, where he teaches about organizational ethics and team processes. Dr. Gray received his PhD from Harvard University.Enjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen to your podcasts!Thanks for listening!Support the show

In his new book, Original Love, Zen meditation master, award winning author and poet, and renowned spiritual teacher Henry Shukman offers a tantalizing proposition. At any moment there is a powerful possibility available to us.A possibility of piercing the illusion of separateness,And experiencing a profound sense of connection.In these moments which are deemed by some as ‘awakening', it can seem almost as if a spell is broken. That we are waking up from a sort of dream.As we see, feel, and know (in our bones) that there is in fact no separation. That at some level everything and everyone are connected. Henry argues that these experiences can be the single most healing, positively life-transforming events that can happen to us. Well documented for centuries, across different wisdom traditions, and now explored through scientific inquiry,Experiences of waking up to our interconnected nature often lead to large positive shifts in our priorities.We tend to move from self-protection and self-promotion toward a natural flow of compassion and concern for others and the world.This boundless interconnected experience is what Henry calls Original Love. In today's conversation Henry and I will explore this possibility in depth,As we unpack what might lead us back to Original Love. Including practices we can bring into our lives, our work, and our relationships.Practices like :Letting goAllowing what’s here to be here as it isLoosening the grip of control and learning to relax into uncertainty. And Henry will share some of his hard earned insight about meditation as a path toward greater wellbeing, connection, and awakening. For more on Henry, including his new book Original Love, please visit henryshukman.com or check out The Way, his popular meditation app - which you can find at thewayapp.comEnjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen to your podcasts.Did you find this conversation inspiring? Here are other episodes we think you'll love:On Imperfectionism and the Art of Living Well with Oliver BurkemanStrong Back, Soft Front: The Practice of a Lifetime with Elizabeth LesserAbout Henry Shukman:Henry Shukman (IG: @henryshukman) is an authorized Zen Master in the Sanbo Zen lineage, and is spiritual director emeritus of Mountain Cloud Zen Center in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He is the co-founder and lead meditation teacher for The Way, a meditation app that provides a modern update to the ancient path of meditation training. He also leads meditation courses and retreats. Henry is an award-winning poet and author, whose memoir One Blade of Grass recounts his own journey through meditation practice. His new book Original Love: The Four Inns on the Path of Awakening is a manual and map describing the four key zones of meditation practice. Thanks for listening!For Joshua's live events, coaching, and offerings please visit: practicingcourage.comFor more about Executive Producer Matthew Donner visit: matthewpatrickdonner.comSupport the show

Today is our final Heroes and Helpers episode for Season 4 on The Courageous Life.This series launched earlier in 2024 and throughout the year we’ve shined a light on stories of everyday heroes,Ordinary people who are navigating life’s challenges and adversities with hope, courage, resilience, and love. These are the remarkable stories of:Our neighbors, Our friends, Our colleagues, And members of our communities. And because no one does it alone - We’ve also focused on elevating the work of the mentors, the coaches, and the guides.Those we call the helpers .They are the ones who walk beside the heroes on their journey. Helping the hero to strengthen themselves, and transform in ways that allow them to meet their life from a wiser, more skillful, and often more responsive place.Today’s episode invites you into another one of these uplifting conversations with Lizi Oceransky.Lizi holds an MA in Counseling and is a Master Certified Coach.She’s a gifted helper who creates space for those she works with to: connect with their true selves, feel accepted for who they really are, and explore new possibilities for growth and fulfillment.During our conversation Lizi will share more about: Her journey to discovering belonging and self-acceptance, A deep knowing from the time she was young about what the work she was here to do.A helper who challenged her to step fully into that work. And more about her passion for offering spaces where people feel a deep sense of belonging as they pursue what matters to them. To learn more about Lizi please visit lizi4u.comDid you find this conversation inspiring? Here are other episodes we think you'll love:Embracing the journey from 'doing' to 'being' with Amy DongThe power of presence with Vicky Furlan Enjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen to your podcasts. Thanks for listening!Support the show

As we get ready to close out the 4th season of The Courageous Life we are revisiting inspiring stories of everyday heroes and the helpers who walk beside them.These Conversations, which launched this year, shine a light on ordinary people,Our neighbors, friends, colleagues, and members of our communities, who rise up to meet challenges, And navigate their journey through the messy middle parts of life with hope, courage, compassion, love, and resilience.And because no one does it alone (not even heroes) this series also features conversations with helpers:The mentors, The coaches, The sagesand the guides. The people who help heroes to strengthen themselves and ultimately transform in ways that allow them to meet their lives from a wiser, more skillful, and often more responsive (vs. reactive) place. Today, we are highlighting Vicky Furlan.Vicky is an HR leader, a psychologist, and a coach who believes that leaders are grown not born.For the past 8 years, Vicky been helping people in software organizations make the leap from being high-performing individual contributors to becoming high-performing managers. She helps those she coaches, and works with, to grow and create more fulfilling careers and lives. To learn more about Vicky, and the wonderful work she is doing please visit vickyfurlan.comDuring our conversation Vicky will share more about her own journey, how she walks beside people, and her steadfast belief in the importance of giving people the permission to be human at work. Did you find this conversation inspiring? Here are other episodes we think you'll love:Acceptance and unconditional positive regard with Liliana ÖğünEmbracing the journey from 'doing' to 'being' with Amy Dong Enjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen to your podcasts. Thanks for listening!Support the show

What does it mean to live a 'good life'?For centuries philosophers, theologians, and psychologists have explored this question.Arguing primarily that there are two distinct paths to living well.The first might be casually thought of as sex, drugs, and rock and roll. Choosing pleasure as our primary pursuit - building our life around a simple equation:The more pleasant experiences we have, the better life is. The second path is the pursuit of a meaningful life. Choosing to craft our lives, and our work in ways that lead to a greater sense of purpose, and fulfillment. The reality is, there are strong arguments behind the benefits of taking either path,And when you combine the two it may be an even more potent recipe for a life well lived. But what if these answers are incomplete? If all we need is more happiness or meaning, why aren’t more of us achieving that truly “good” life? Today's guest, Philosopher and popular Middlebury professor Dr. Lorraine Besser is shedding light on the missing third piece in our search for the Good Life—what researchers refer to as psychological richness. And what Lorraine calls The Interesting.In today’s conversation we will take a deep dive into Lorraine’s work and her beautiful new book - The Art of the Interesting: What We Miss in Our Pursuit of the Good Life and How to Cultivate It,We’ll explore how interesting experiences captivate our minds, engage our thoughts and emotions, and often change our perspective. And how ultimately when we choose to take the path of interesting experiences we live a fuller and more satisfying life. For more on Lorraine, and The Art of the Interesting, please visit Lorrainebesser.comDid you find today's episode inspiring? Here are other conversations we think you'll love:Neuroscience, Spirituality, and the Quest for an Inspired Life | Dr. Lisa MillerPride: Is the Deadliest Sin the Secret to Success? | Dr. Jessica TracyEnjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen to your podcasts!Thanks for listening!Support the show

What if the time is never coming when you’re ‘on top of things’, or finally feel like you know what you’re doing?For years, New York Times Bestselling author Oliver Burkeman has dared to ask provocative questions like these.The sort of questions that invite us to examine popular cultural views about what it means to work and live well.In his beautiful and brilliant books, his longtime column in the Guardian, and other writings, Oliver has been a leading voice helping to unravel myths about the often celebrated idea that we can 'do it all'. Rather than chasing perfectionism he invites us to embrace our imperfections, To confront our mortality,and to explore deeper questions about what matters, and what will bring us fully alive in the brief time we’re here.In today's conversation we’ll thoroughly explore how and why imperfectionism may actually be the path to experiencing a more meaningful, productive, absorbing and energizing life – not later, but right here in the midst of the overwhelm, the distraction, and the anxiety-inducing news headlines. For more on today's themes be sure to check out Oliver's profound new book, Meditations for Mortals, which you can pick up wherever books are sold. Did you find this episode inspiring? Here are other conversations we think you'll love:The Life-Changing Power of Saying No | Dr. Vanessa PatrickLetting Go of Perfectionism and Finding Happiness | Tal Ben-ShaharMore about Oliver:Oliver Burkeman is a best-selling author and keynote speaker. His books include Meditations for Mortals: Four Weeks to Embrace Your Limitations and Make Time for What Counts, Four Thousand Weeks, as well as The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can’t Stand Positive Thinking. For many years Oliver wrote a popular weekly column on psychology for the Guardian. His work has also appeared in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Psychologies and New Philosopher. For more please visit: Oliverburkeman.comEnjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen to your podcasts. Thanks for listening!Support the show

Dr. Jonathan Fisher, is a Harvard educated cardiologist, a mindfulness teacher, and an outspoken leader passionate about helping to end the epidemic of clinician burnout in healthcare. In sharing his own story he writes: "I took care of 20,000 hearts before taking care of my own. For years, I hid my anxiety, depression, and burnout behind the facade of being a “perfect” doctor. That effort took a toll. So, I began a journey to understand true healing, health, and happiness. Along the way, I realized others were also seeking the same timeless practices that helped me thrive." Today, Jonathan is on the show, and will generously share some of that journey through:His expertise as a heart doctor, His depth of insight gained both as a student and teacher of ancient wisdom practices like mindfulness and self-compassion,And his experiences of working through the process of burnout recovery and healing his own heart. This conversation sheds a light not only on the transformative power of opening the heart (on our health, our relationships, our work, and our lives broadly) But also on the courage it takes to do so. Particularly when the world we find ourselves in can feel cold, and scary. Jonathan is one of those courageous leaders who engages in the practice of opening the heart and invites us to do the same, But, importantly, to do with skillful discernment. Offering a reminder that courage and wisdom are two virtues that are often best paired together. I hope you enjoy the time with Jonathan as much as I did. Did you find this conversation inspiring? Here are other episodes we think you'll love:The Art of Being Human at Work | Ali SchultzStrong Back, Soft Front - The Practice of a Lifetime | Elizabeth Lesser Enjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen to your podcasts! About Jonathan: Dr. Jonathan Fisher is a cardiologist who focuses on healing the heart in the broadest sense, encompassing both the physical and emotional aspects of cardiac care. Educated at Harvard and Mt. Sinai, he is a mindfulness meditation teacher and organizational well-being leader. Dr. Fisher has designed programs for an organization with 38,000 team members, reducing stress and enhancing well-being. He is the author of Just One Heart: A Cardiologist's Guide to Healing, Health, and Happiness. He has delivered keynotes, workshops, and retreats for organizations globally across various industries. His efforts in addressing burnout in healthcare, including co-hosting the Ending Clinician Burnout Global Summit, have garnered international attention. For more, please visit: drjonathanfisher.comSupport the show

Today's practice features guest teacher Amy Dong.Amy is a talented therapist, and a breath work facilitator, who specializes in helping both individuals and couples to find steady footing through life’s inevitable twists & turns. She’s also the author of a beautiful sub stack called The Softening.Which she describes as a walk through our internal landscape, a journey with mental health and well-being in long form. In our most recent Courageous Life episode, Amy joined me in conversation as we dove headfirst into the topic of uncertainty and the possibility of opening and softening as we learn to let go, surrender, and trust ourselves. Today's practice builds on that conversation as Amy will invite you to explore a powerful blend of progressive muscle relaxation and breathwork. The intention is to notice where we’re holding tension, physically and metaphorically, and pausing to release. Please note: if you’re pregnant, it’s not advised to do the breath holds.If you want to dive deeper into this topic I would encourage you to check out the interview with Amy (if you haven't already):Everything You Want is on the Other Side of Fear | Amy DongThank you for your practice.I look forward to continuing together next Thursday!-JoshuaLooking for more practice opportunities? Check out:Free Meditation Events - 60 minute gatherings with Joshua held 2x a month over zoomThe Practice Pass - An annual membership that gives you on-demand access to robust practice experiences including the 28-Day Practicing Courage Challenge, The 5-Day Transforming Stress Challenge and the brand NEW Creativity Challenge.The FREE Practice LibrarySupport the show

Our 20’s are a unique season in our lives. While often romanticized as a decade that should be a high pointIt’s a time often fraught with major life transitionsFrom leaving the familiar rhythms of schoolWhich so many of us have known since early childhoodTo (for many of us) entering the work force full time, for the first timeTo shifts in meaningful relationships, and our sense of community as we say goodbye to good friends, move to pursue jobs, and travel down different paths. The variety of these transitions is connected by our shared underlying experience of uncertainty as we navigate uncharted territory.This familiar experience brings up important questions:What does it mean to live well in our 20’s? And how might we do so practically?Which are at the heart of our exploration in a new 3-episode mini series that shines a light on our 20’s and the possibility of making the most of this decade. Each episode will invite you into an intimate and thought-provoking conversation with amazing guests who will offer up: Powerful insightsTool sand practicesResearch And some of their own stories about navigating uncertainty and answering some of the prickly existential questions that begin to surface in early adulthood.Last week we kicked things off with Dr. Meg Jay.Meg is a therapist and bestselling author who a recent New York Times profile called “the patron saint of striving youth” Her TED talk “Why 30 Is Not the New 20” is among the most watched ever. If you haven’t already I would encourage you to go back and tune in to that conversation as it complements this episode beautifully. You can find it here:Today, Amy Dong is back on the show. Amy is a talented therapist, and a breath work facilitator, who specializes in helping both individuals and couples to find steady footing through life’s inevitable twists & turns. She’s also the author of a beautiful sub stack called The Softening.Which she describes as a walk through our internal landscape, a journey with mental health and well-being in long form. Amy's work is informed by her own depth of practice, and courageous experiments in living fully, as she embraces all aspects of what it means to be human. And she’s in her 20’s and works with many clients in their 20’s so the perspective she brings is quite unique, and I think you’ll find it both interesting and valuable as she shares her own stories, as well as tools and practices that have helped the people and communities she serves. In today's episode: Amy and I will dive headfirst into the topic of uncertainty and the possibility of opening and softening as we learn to let go, surrender, and trust ourselves. We’ll talk about the power of embracing curiosity, The subtle and difficult art of slowing down, and why everything we want may be on the other side of fear. This was a powerful conversation, and I hope you enjoy the time with Amy as much as I did.Did you find this conversation inspiring? Here are other episodes we think you'll love: A Revolutionary Remedy for Uncertainty - In Our 20's and Beyond | Dr. Meg JayEnjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen to your podcasts!Thanks for listening!Support the show

This past week clinical psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Meg Jay was back on the show. One of the big themes we explored together was uncertainty,And how we can experience more ease in the face of it. Meg offered a useful reminder that when we experience uncertainty research shows that our amygdala becomes more active. The amygdala being the part of the brain that is often casually referred to as the "alarm bell."Simply put, when things are uncertain we don't tend to like it very much.We want a plan.We want to feel like we are in control.We want to know.We want answers. Part of the reason for this is that sitting in uncertainty can feel vulnerable,And by definition when we are vulnerable we are more susceptible to harm, and more open to attacks.As a result our body and mind have evolved to respond to uncertainty accordingly.Our perspective can narrow.The mind can race.Our heart rate can increase, and we can become more contracted as we enter into a 'threat state'. Knowing this can be helpful in that it gives us greater awareness. But what’s even more helpful (at least in my view) is using that awareness to explore ways we can strengthen our ability to relax into uncertainty.To explore ways we can find ease in not knowing as we learn to make friends with uncertainty. This is like a superpower for our time. Today’s practice will offer up a couple of ideas for how to practically grow this capacity in ourselves.If you want to dive deeper into this topic I would encourage you to check out the interview with Meg Jay (if you haven't already):A Revolutionary Remedy for Uncertainty -In Our 20's and Beyond - Dr. Meg JayOr pick up a copy of her book: The Twentysomething Treatment: A Revolutionary Remedy for an Uncertain AgeThank you for your practice.I look forward to continuing together next Thursday!-JoshuaLooking for more practice opportunities? Check out:LIVE 6 Week Training in Positive Neuroplasticity with Joshua (begins October 5th, 2024)Free Meditation Events - 60 minute gatherings with Joshua held 2x a month over zoomThe Practice Pass - An annual membership that gives you on-demand access to robust practice experiences including the 28-Day Practicing Courage Challenge, The 5-Day Transforming Stress Challenge and the brand NEW Creativity Challenge.The FREE Practice LibrarySupport the show

Our 20’s are a unique season in our lives. While often romanticized as a decade that should be a high point, they are an age marked by uncertainty and major life transitions. From leaving the familiar rhythms of school,To (for many) entering the work force full time, for the first time.To experiencing changes in meaningful relationships, friendships, and our community. And as part of this there’s the big questions that begin to arise:What do you want to do with your life?Who do you want to be?Are you dating? Are you in love? Will you get married?Are you happy?And sometimes it can feel like not only do we need to have the answers, but we need to have them quickly. This episode is the first in a new mini-series that will shine a light on this unique decade of life, ideas for how to approach the big questions, the possibility of relaxing into uncertainty, and even thriving in the process. Over the next 3 Wednesdays you’ll be exposed to powerful insights, practices, tools, and stories that hone in on:Navigating uncertaintyMaking major life transitionsAnd answering some of the prickly existential questions that begin to surface in early adulthood.Today, we are thrilled to kick these conversations off with one of the world's leading experts in this space, Dr. Meg Jay. Meg is a therapist and bestselling author who a recent New York Times profile called “the patron saint of striving youth.” Her TED talk “Why 30 Is Not the New 20” is among the most watched to-date. And her books have changed the way millions of twentysomethings think about their twenties—and themselves. During our time together Meg and I will explore: Some of the greatest lessons and insights she's gained from her work with thousands of clients and studentsFascinating highlights from the latest science of the twentysomething years, including what we get wrong about the twenties, and the unique opportunities and challenges during this time.Powerful stories of behind-closed-doors therapy sessions with her twentysomething clients. The possibility of relaxing into uncertainty, and getting excited about positive possibilities. The importance of building skills and gaining experiences that give us "identity capital"The power of acceptance and curiosity in the face of change and transitionLetting go of the need to find answers, and the practice of "living the questions"Tools and practices intended to help us make the most of our 20's - “The Defining Decade” of our lives. I hope you enjoy the time with Meg as much as I did.And if you know someone who might benefit from this conversation, please share!More about Meg:Meg Jay is a developmental clinical psychologist who specializes in twentysomethings. She is the author of The Twentysomething Treatment: A Revolutionary Remedy for an Uncertain Age, the cult classic The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter and How to Make the Most of Them Now and Supernormal: The Secret World of the Family Hero. Her books have been translated into more than a dozen languages and her work has appeared in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review and on NPR, BBC and—maybe most important for her audience—TikTok. For more, check out megjay.comEnjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen to your podcasts!Support the show

To fail is human.It’s built into our experience from childhood.We begin to walk and we fall.We begin a project, we work toward a goal, or we start a business and we may fail.We experience these moments -When we are engaged in learning, When we are moving toward something we care about And we come up short.And in these moments there is an opportunity for practice -Learning to relate to these moments from a place curiosity, care, and compassion (vs. criticism, blame, and judgment).In my recent conversation with Amy Edmondson we dove into the topic of failure and explored this opportunity under the backdrop of larger questions:How do we stay open to learning in the face of failure?How do we stay open in the moments where we come up short?Today’s practice (which is being re-released) offers some options for opening that build upon the conversation with Amy and the insights that came out of it, including:An invitation to slow downTo breathe deeplyAnd to make an intentional shift to curiosity, awareness, and compassion.When you do, it may just open up more opportunities for learning, growth, and getting better next time.If you want to dive deeper into this topic I would encourage you to check out the interview with Amy Edmondson (if you haven't already):Meeting Failure with Curiosity and Compassion | Dr. Amy EdmondsonOr pick up a copy of her book: Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing WellThank you for your practice.I look forward to continuing together next Thursday!-JoshuaLooking for more practice opportunities? Check out:LIVE 6 Week Training in Positive Neuroplasticity with Joshua (begins October 5th, 2024)Free Meditation Events - 60 minute gatherings with Joshua held 2x a month over zoomThe Practice Pass - An annual membership that gives you on-demand access to robust practice experiences including the 28-Day Practicing Courage Challenge, The 5-Day Transforming Stress Challenge and the brand NEW Creativity Challenge.The FREE Practice LibrarySupport the show

“One can choose to go back toward safety or forward toward growth. Growth must be chosen again and again; fear must be overcome again and again.”-Abraham MaslowWhat is it that empowers people to make this choice?To be bold enough to step forward into fear as they move toward purpose, and transcendence?These questions are at the heart of today’s conversation with Dr. Jordyn Feingold. Jordyn is a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist, a researcher, and a positive psychology practitioner who focuses on bringing the work of self-actualization to patients and clinicians around the world.Jordyn's work is in part inspired by Abraham Maslow and other prominent psychologists who were at the forefront of the human potential movement in the 1950’s, 60's, and beyond.Today Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman, (Jordyn's mentor, co-author, and collaborator), is in many ways carrying this work forward. Following in Maslow's footsteps Scott is pushing the science of self-actualization into new frontiers as author of the bestselling book Transcend and founder of the Center for Human Potential where he and Jordyn have worked closely together. Jordyn is part of the Center's Senior Leadership team, and is also a member of the founding faculty.In this episode Jordyn and I will dive deep into the topic of growth and themes related to human potential which she and Scott explore throughout their beautiful book: Choose Growth: A Workbook for Transcending Trauma, Fear, and Self-Doubt.I hope you enjoy the time with Jordyn as much as I did!Did you find this conversation inspiring? Here are other episodes we think you'll love:The New Science of Self-Actualization | Dr. Scott Barry KaufmanFinding the Strength to Meet Adversity | Mark Nepo About Jordyn:Jordyn H. Feingold graduated from adult psychiatry residency in 2024, and is now a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellow. She's also well-being researcher, and positive psychology practitioner. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with her BA and Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) and received her MD from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. She is also a founder of the emerging field of Positive Medicine. Learn more about Jordyn at centerforhumanpotential.comEnjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen to your podcasts.Thanks for listening!Support the show

One of the highlights of this season on the Courageous Life has been expanding the show with a new series that features inspiring stories of everyday heroes and the helpers who walk beside them. One of these helpers conversations featured Amy Dong.Amy is a talented therapist and a breathwork facilitator. During our conversation she offered a window into her work and how she walks beside people on their journey in therapy,where one of her core areas of focus is helping people learn fundamental practices that can help regulate their nervous system in ways that lead to:Greater wellbeingAn increased sense of agencyAnd the possibility of experiencing inner peace amidst the everyday hustle. For today's Practicing Courage episode I asked Amy if she would be willing to record a brief practice along these lines that we could share here. She agreed. And here we are. I hope you enjoy this brief time with Amy and find that what she offers creates a restful pause in the midst of your day. More from Amy:Heroes and Helpers #4 - Embracing the journey from 'doing' to 'being' with Amy DongThank you for your practice today.I look forward to continuing together next Thursday!-JoshuaLooking for more practice opportunities? Check out:LIVE 6 Week Training in Positive Neuroplasticity with Joshua (begins October 5th, 2024)Free Meditation Events - 60 minute gatherings with Joshua held 2x a month over zoomThe Practice Pass - An annual membership that gives you on-demand access to robust practice experiences including the 28-Day Practicing Courage Challenge, The 5-Day Transforming Stress Challenge and the brand NEW Creativity Challenge.The FREE Practice LibrarySupport the show

“If we don’t work on our stuff, our stuff will work on us. It will run our lives - and show up in our offices and relationships - until we take the reins of responsibility for our own well-being.” These words were written by today’s guest, Allison Schultz (who goes by Ali). Along with Jerry Colonna and Dan Putt, Ali co-founded Reboot, the widely acclaimed leadership development and CEO coaching firm.At Reboot they believe:That in work is the possibility of the full realization of human potential. Work does not have to destroy us. Work can be the way we achieve our fullest self.Today we are going to take a deep dive into Ali’s work: From her early experiences co-facilitating the first ever CEO bootcamp at RebootTo her deep appreciation for horses and how they can help people seeking personal growth, To the qualities she has witnessed in her coaching work which can lead to the realization of our unique potential as human beings.We’ll also spend some time highlighting and discussing themes and practices from her beautiful new book:The Art of Being Human at Work: Meditations for the Work of Your LifeWhich is a profound collection of essays that explores the core philosophy of Reboot’s unique approach, and teaches us that if we are to work and lead well—with authenticity, courage, integrity, and compassion—we must first do the necessary inner work of becoming a better human.Throughout our time together Ali will share more about what it takes to do that inner work, What becomes possible when we find the courage to do so, and how life-changing this journey toward wholeness can be. Did you find this episode inspiring? Here are other conversations we think you'll love:The Future of Work: Love, Safety, and Belonging | Dr. Leah Weiss and Jerry ColonnaLeadership and the Art of Growing Up | Jerry ColonnaEnjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen to your podcasts!More about Ali:In 2014, after years of work in a variety of startups and a lifetime of soul-based explorations, Allison Schultz co-founded Reboot with Jerry Colonna and Dan Putt. As a coach, Ali weaves her business acumen with the innate wisdom of the body, the philosophies of the world's wisdom traditions, and "the way of the horse" to help clients seeking personal growth and committed to deep inner work find their voice in service of finding themselves. For more, visit: reboot.ioThanks for listening!Support the show

In today’s practice you’ll hear a clip from a past conversation with kindness researcher Dr. Kelli Harding.She’ll offer a beautiful reminder about just how easy it can be to make someone else’s day. How little it takes to lift others up.And that when we do, when we offer these little acts of kindness, they generate positive ripples outward.One small act of kindness creating a win-win-win proposition:For the giver,The receiverAnd for anyone who witnesses the kind act. Curious to explore this topic further? Check out the full conversation with Dr. Kelli Harding:In a World Where You Can Be Anything, Be Kind | Dr. Kelli HardingThank you for your practice today.I look forward to continuing together next Thursday!-JoshuaLooking for more practice opportunities? Check out:LIVE 6 Week Training in Positive Neuroplasticity with Joshua (begins October 5th, 2024)Free Meditation Events - 60 minute gatherings with Joshua held 2x a month over zoomThe Practice Pass - An annual membership that gives you on-demand access to robust practice experiences including the 28-Day Practicing Courage Challenge, The 5-Day Transforming Stress Challenge and the brand NEW Creativity Challenge.The FREE Practice LibrarySupport the show

How might we learn to better negotiate and navigate seemingly intractable issues? And what if it was possible to not only navigate these issues, but to meet all people’s needs in the process?What if it was possible to truly find win-win solutions?In today’s conversation with Rob Fersh and Mariah Levison, two leaders in the field of bridge building and conflict resolution we’ll address these complex, challenging, and timely questions head on. Questions that have been at the heart of their work for many years, and are explored in depth in their profound new book: From Conflict to Convergence Coming Together to Solve Tough Problems.Today, they will offer up their hard-earned wisdom about how we can all get better at navigating difficult conversations, resolving challenging conflicts, and building meaningful connection in the process. Much of what they will share comes from their work at Convergence a leading non profit organization of which Rob is the Founder and Mariah is the CEO. For more than a dozen years, convergence has pioneered a distinctive approach to collaborative problem-solving across divides. Bringing people together across ideological, political, and identity lines to help solve seemingly intractable challenges at the intersection of national politics and policy. Convergence’s success offers a beacon of hope for the majority of Americans frustrated by divisiveness and toxic polarization. Their work demonstrates that change is possible under the right conditions, and that we can affect lasting, consistent changes that improve people’s lives when we come together to recognize our common humanity.For more about Convergence, Rob, Mariah, and their book please visit convergencepolicy.orgThis episode is the final conversation in our mini series that brought together leaders at the forefront of researching, facilitating, and writing about how we can:Engage in more constructive dialogueFind collaborative solutions to seemingly intractable problemsAnd build bridges across differenceFor more, check out these other conversations in the series: Rediscovering the Art of Constructive Dialogue | Dr. Mylien DuongBuilding Bridges Back to Each Other | Juliana TafurMore about Rob Fersh and Mariah LevisonRob founded Convergence in 2009 and served as its first CEO until 2020. He has spent over 45 years bridging policy differences and moving important public policy solutions forward in Washington DC, working for Congress, in the Executive Branch, and in leading non-profit organizations. Head here to learn more about Rob.Mariah serves as CEO and President of Convergence. With decades of experience, Mariah is a seasoned consensus-builder who excels in bringing diverse groups together to address critical state and national issues. Her expertise extends to speaking and training on a national and international level, engaging with a wide range of audiences including local communities, law schools, foreign governments, and TED. Head here to learn more about Mariah.Enjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen to your podcasts!Thanks for listening!Support the show

Yesterday we re-released a moving Courageous Life conversation with Juliana Tafur. Juliana is a journalist, award winning documentary filmmaker, and bridge builder. She serves as the Program Director for the Greater Good Science Center’s Bridging Differences Program. During our time together she shared shared some of her story, and insights from her incredible work as we explored the art and science of listening in ways that lead to: Meaningful connectionDeeper relationshipsAnd ultimately that build bridges across difference. Today I’d like build on that conversation by re-releasing a practice that can support finding ways to connect. Particularly when it’s difficult. Given that we’re human, imperfect, and not always at our best (at least speaking for myself) this idea of finding ways to connect when it’s difficult, when we are in conversations that are charged, or there’s reactivity etc… Can be quite a useful inquiry to explore. Today's practice will infuse a blend of storytelling, research-backed insights from leading organizational scholars, and simple ways to deepen self-awareness and tap into more empathy, understanding, and compassion. For more ways to have constructive conversations, including insights and practices for connecting across difference, check out these conversations (if you haven't already):Building Bridges Back to Each Other | Juliana TafurRediscovering the Art of Constructive Dialogue | Dr. Mylien DuongPracticing Courage #40: Let go of assumptions and embrace curiosity Thank you for your practice. I look forward to continuing together next Thursday! -Joshua Looking for more practice opportunities? Check out:LIVE 6 Week Training in Positive Neuroplasticity with Joshua (begins October 5th, 2024)Free Meditation Events - 60 minute gatherings with Joshua held 2x a month over zoomThe Practice Pass - An annual membership that gives you on-demand access to robust practice experiences including the 28-Day Practicing Courage Challenge, The 5-Day Transforming Stress Challenge and Unlocking Creativity a brand NEW 5-day challenge for realizing your unique creative potential.The FREE Practice LibrarySupport the show

How can we more effectively navigate conversations with people who have different values, and beliefs than we do?Neighbors, community members, co-workers, and family members who care deeply about the same issues, but who have widely different views about them. What are the conditions that would be needed in order to have productive conversations? What are the intentions, skills and mindsets we need to cultivate? In this new 3-episode mini series we will explore these complex yet practical questions with Courageous Life guests new and old. You'll be exposed to leaders at the forefront of researching, facilitating, and sharing their hard earned wisdom, about how to have constructive dialogues, find win-win solutions to our hardest problems, and build bridges across difference. As we move into election season here in the US, these conversations are particularly timely,But the skills and insights contained within each conversation are also timeless.Today we’ll continue this series with our second conversation - a past episode with Juliana Tafur who is the Program Director for the Greater Good Science Center's Bridging Differences Program. Together we explored the art and science of listening in ways that lead to meaningful connection, deeper relationships, empathy, and can build bridges across difference. Highlights include:A framework for compassionate listeningThe importance of giving ourselves and others grace while engaging in constructive dialogueWhy opening the heart across difference begins with tuning into selfDiscerning when to engage in constructive dialogue and when it’s safer, and wiser, not to. The power of asking questions from a place of genuine curiosityLetting go of winning as a fundamental practice of effective listeningWhy listening is an act of courageThe importance of appreciating complexity in other people’s stories, and lived experiences Ways to quiet the ego in tough conversations Interested in diving deeper into this topic? Check out the Bridging Differences Program for free resources including the Bridging Differences Playbook. Did you find this episode inspiring? Here are other conversations we think you'll love:Rediscovering the art of constructive dialogue | Dr. Mylien DuongIs curiosity a superpower? | Dr. Jud Brewer More about Juliana:Juliana Tafur is the Program Director for GGSC’s Bridging Differences Program, applying her experience as social entrepreneur and founder of Listen Courageously, and as Emmy-nominated senior television producer and award-winning documentary filmmaker. Juliana creates resources rooted in science to bridge political and cultural divides. She also forges strategic partnerships across sectors—government, education, philanthropy, and public service—and oversees communities of practice, to ensure bridge-building skills and resources reach people and strengthen social cohesion across the US. As a Colombian-American devoted to listening to bridge what divides us (as seen on her TEDx talk), fostering a broader culture of belonging—through dialogue, connections, and understanding—is her life’s mission.Support the show

When I was first learning to be a coach we had a saying before stepping into a coaching conversation:Leave your assumptions at the door and embrace curiosity. In reality we often know SO little about someone’s experience, and about their story.And when we recognize that, what seems to make the most sense is to get curious.To ask questions,And to listen deeply. In a recent episode with Dr. Jonah Paquette we took a dive into the depths of awe and wonder he offered a beautiful reminder of the power of curiosity. And that reminder is the inspiration for today’s practice which centers around finding ways to let go of your assumptionsAnd to choose learning over knowing.This practice is being re-released as a powerful complement to our new mini-series which highlights Courageous Life guests new and old. Each episode in the series featuring leaders who are at the forefront of researching, facilitating, and sharing their hard-earned wisdom related to how to have constructive dialogues, how to find win-win solutions to some of our hardest problems, and ultimately how to build bridges across difference. Want to dive deeper into these topics? Check out these past Courageous Life episodes:Rediscovering the Art of Constructive Dialogue | Dr. Mylien DuongAwe, Wonder, and Everyday Miracles | Dr. Jonah PaquetteIs Curiosity a Superpower? | Dr. Jud BrewerThank you for your practice. I look forward to continuing together next Thursday!-Joshua Looking for more practice opportunities? Check out:LIVE 6 Week Training in Positive Neuroplasticity with Joshua (begins October 5th, 2024)Free Meditation Events - 60 minute gatherings with Joshua held 2x a month over zoomThe Practice Pass - An annual membership that gives you on-demand access to robust practice experiences including the 28-Day Practicing Courage Challenge, The 5-Day Transforming Stress Challenge and the brand NEW Creativity Challenge.The FREE Practice LibrarySupport the show

How can we more effectively navigate conversations with people who have different values, and beliefs than we do?Neighbors, community members, co-workers, and family members who care deeply about the same issues, but who have widely different views about them. What are the conditions that would be needed in order to have productive conversations? What are the intentions, skills and mindsets we need to cultivate? Over the next few weeks these are the complex yet practical questions we will explore with Courageous Life guests new and old. You'll be exposed to leaders at the forefront of researching, facilitating, and sharing their hard earned wisdom, About how to have constructive dialogues, find win-win solutions to our hardest problems, and ultimately build bridges across difference. As we move into election season here in the US, these conversations are particularly timely, But the skills and insights contained within each conversation are also timeless. Today we’ll begin this powerful mini-series by re-releasing a past episode with Dr. Mylien Duong. Mylien is Senior Director of Research at The Constructive Dialogue Institute, where they define Constructive dialogue as a form of conversation in which people who have different values, beliefs, and perspectives seek to build new ways to understand and interact with each other, even as they sustain commitments to their own principles and perspectives. Mylien helps to build out evidence-based content for having constructive dialogues, and oversees measuring the efficacy and effectiveness of the programming. So far programming offered by the Institute: Has impacted over 50K learners Is being leveraged by 900+ Institutions Shows that 86% of learners improved communication across differenceAnd, 95% of educators recommend their programmingTheir work has been featured in Time Magazine, Forbes, The New York Times, Harvard Business Review, Oprah Magazine, Psychology Today and moreIn today's conversation: Mylien’s story about how she came to this workThe 5 principles of Constructive Dialogue that the Institute has establishedThe power of curiosity and storytelling in constructive dialogueThe importance of humility, self-worth, and feeling that you matterThe power of emotional intelligence and nervous system regulation in navigating hard conversations more effectivelyMore about Mylien:Dr. Mylien Duong has deep expertise in developing scalable behavioral interventions. Trained as a clinical psychologist, she was previously a senior research scientist at the Committee for Children, where she led the research to develop a social-emotional learning program for teachers in K-12 schools. Prior to that, she was faculty at the University of Washington, where they conducted federally funded research studies to develop and test behavioral interventions for youth in school and juvenile justice settings. She has received over $17 million in grant funding and published over 40 scientific articles and book chapters. For more: https://constructivedialogue.org/Did you find this episode inspiring? Here are more conversations we think you'll love:Dr. Marc Brackett - Permission to Feel: The Power of Emotional IntelligenceParker Palmer - Reflections on Living with an Open HeartEnjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen!Support the show

Always do your best.When I was growing up I heard that a lot. "Just do your best.""Leave it all on the field."Or some similar version of that message.It seemed like a generally positive and empowering message. An invitation to show up fully and give it my all. I was on board. But what I didn’t realize was that this message was incomplete. It was missing an important piece. Today we'll explore what was missing.The piece, that when leveraged, makes this a much more potent practice. Thank you for your practice today.I look forward to continuing together next Thursday!-JoshuaLooking for more practice opportunities? Check out:LIVE 6 Week Training in Positive Neuroplasticity with Joshua (begins October 5th, 2024)Free Meditation Events - 60 minute gatherings with Joshua held 2x a month over zoomThe Practice Pass - An annual membership that gives you on-demand access to robust practice experiences including the 28-Day Practicing Courage Challenge, The 5-Day Transforming Stress Challenge and the brand NEW Creativity Challenge.The FREE Practice LibrarySupport the show

One of the most extraordinary manifestations of human potential is:Our ability to grow and strengthen ourselves in the face of pain, trauma, and those moments where life falls apart.Today’s guest, Dr. Amrita Sen Mukherjee, has not only studied what contributes to this deeply human capacity for post-traumatic growth but has experienced it first-hand. In our conversation we’ll dive deep into her story and insights she's gained about what fosters positive psychological change in response to trauma and adversity.The qualities and conditions that support us in finding the courage to rise again after we fall,And the potential we have to come back stronger. In today’s episode Amrita will share:Parts of her own story including facing illness after childbirth, and the many layers of adversity she experienced as both a mother, and a physician with invisible disability.Insights into Post-Traumatic Growth and her original research that explored the lived experiences of doctors with invisible disability.The conditions that contribute to other people being courageous in the face of significant obstacles.Practical skills for creating psychological safety, compassion, and empathy.The importance of mattering, and feeling at home in our own skin, and at home on the earth. Practices that support showing ourselves and each other we are valued and that we matter.Reflections on the healing power of silence.Why humility, curiosity, and the willingness to not know can lead to people feeling seen.Did you find this episode inspiring? Here are other conversations we think you'll love:The Courageous Journey Toward Wholeness | Parker PalmerGentle Power - Shifting the Way We Define True Strength | Dr. Elisabet LahtiEnjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen to your podcasts!A quick note about the conversation today. There were some occasional minor sounds you’ll hear in the background as it wasn’t a perfectly quiet spot during recording which comes with the territory from time to time. We feel it didn’t detract much from the conversation though and are still very excited to share it with you.More about Amrita:Dr. Amrita Sen Mukherjee, Co-Chair of the Disabled Doctors Network, challenges the frameworks and biases that society imposes. She invites us to consider the potential for change when we unmask the strengths and abilities of the marginalised and to discover how adversity can enable growth, strength and compassion. She is a dedicated Wellbeing Expert, Positive Psychology Coach, and accomplished Portfolio GP. Specialising in Posttraumatic Growth and guiding high performing professionals through life transitions, Amrita fosters environments of psychological safety and individual curiosity for personal and team growth. Amrita, conducted groundbreaking research on Posttraumatic Growth in Doctors with Invisible Disability, which was published in the British Journal of Health Psychology. As Co-Chair of the Disabled Doctors Network and EDI Lead at The Joyful Doctor, she actively promotes equality and is a Disability Advocate. She also serves as a Trustee for the Thomas Wall Trust and is the ambassador for Doctors in Distress. A sought-after TEDx speaker, Amrita has shared her expertise on wellbeing and equality across platforms like BBC News, podcasts, webinars, and International Conferences. For more please visit: yourwellbeing.doctorThanks for listening!Support the show

In yesterday’s Courageous Life episode with psychologist and author, Dr. Jill Stoddard, we took a deep dive into overcoming self doubt and imposterism. Part of which reminded me of a powerful practice for transforming stress.A practice I first learned from Dr. Alia Crum and her team at Stanford’s Mind and Body Lab. I originally created this practice for the 5-day Transforming Stress Challenge, which features 5 days of guided practices, insights from leading experts, and different tools that can help you change your relationship to stress in a whole host of beneficial ways. Today we are re-releasing a modified version of this practice.In it you'll be exposed to Dr. Alia Crum and her growing body of research on the power our mindsets hold to transform our lives, our health, and our performance.You’ll learn three powerful steps for shifting your mindset on stress. Rather than push it away, you will be invited to acknowledge, welcome, and utilize your stress in ways that can lead to positive ripple effects in life, on health, and that lead to better performance. Simply put, this practice can help you to stress better.Curious to explore this topic further? Check out the full conversation with Dr. Jill Stoddard or the 5-Day Transforming Stress Challenge:Overcoming Self-Doubt and Imposterism | Dr. Jill StoddardTransforming Stress ChallengeThank you for your practice today.I look forward to continuing together next Thursday!-JoshuaLooking for more practice opportunities? Check out:LIVE 6 Week Training in Positive Neuroplasticity with Joshua (begins October 5th, 2024)Free Meditation Events - 60 minute gatherings with Joshua held 2x a month over zoomThe Practice Pass - An annual membership that gives you on-demand access to robust practice experiences including the 28-Day Practicing Courage Challenge, The 5-Day Transforming Stress Challenge and the brand NEW Creativity Challenge.The FREE Practice LibrarySupport the show

Today’s guest identifies as a recovered imposter. For years, she was convinced that the only reason she was accepted into a competitive grad school program was because her father knew the program director. One thing research shows is that Dr. Jill Stoddard, psychologist, and author of Imposter No More, isn't alone in this.Deep down, a majority of successful people feel a sense of self doubt and question their professional legitimacy a good amount of the time. In today’s conversation we’ll dive into Jill’s fascinating and important work around this often relatable experience of Imposterism, including:Understanding what it is, why we do it, and how it worksWhy the notion of imposter syndrome is actually a misnomer. We’ll explore some of Jill’s personal stories and experiences of working through her own imposter thoughts and feelings of self-doubtWhat she's learned from personal experiences as well as through her work as a psychologist running an anxiety clinic. How to work with imposterism - Specifically how strengthening psychological flexibility can ultimately be a way to free ourselves from the experience of being constrained by fear, doubt, and uncertainty. Today’s episode is one that I think will be deeply relatable for so many. After listening If you know someone who may benefit from it, I would encourage you to share with friends. If you want to dive deeper into Jill’s work please visit jillstoddard.com or pick up a copy of Imposter No more: Overcome Self-doubt and Imposterism to Cultivate a Successful Career, wherever books are sold.Enjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen to your podcasts! Did you find this episode inspiring? Here are other conversations we think you'll love: Letting go of Perfectionism and Finding Happiness | Dr. Tal Ben-ShaharMeeting Failure with Curiosity and Compassion | Dr. Amy EdmondsonMore about Jill: Jill Stoddard is passionate about sharing science-backed ideas from psychology to help people thrive. She is a psychologist, writer, TEDx speaker, award-winning teacher, and co-host of the popular Psychologists Off the Clock podcast. She has authored three books: The Big Book of ACT Metaphors: A Practitioner’s Guide to Experiential Exercises and Metaphors in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy; Be Mighty: A Woman’s Guide to Liberation from Anxiety, Worry, and Stress Using Mindfulness and Acceptance; and Imposter No More: Overcome Self-doubt and Imposterism to Cultivate a Successful Career. Her writing has also appeared in Psychology Today, Scary Mommy, Thrive Global, The Good Men Project, and Mindful Return. She regularly appears on podcasts and as an expert source for various media outlets. Thanks for listening! Support the show

In the hero's journey, the hero or heroine is called to adventure. Often in the form of a quest, a challenge, or an adversity.And often in unexpected ways.One of the things that’s interesting about the heroes journey is that shortly after the call a helper enters the picture.A mentor, sage, guide, or a coach who helps the hero to navigate the adventure,as they strengthen themselves and ultimately transform in ways that allow them to meet their life from a wiser, more skillful, and often more responsive place. Today, we’re bringing you the next episode in this new adventure on the Courageous Life - inspiring stories from everyday heroes and the helpers who walk beside them. I am thrilled to share another beautiful helpers conversation, with Liliana Öğün.Liliana is an Executive & Career Coach with more than 20 years of experience in leadership coaching, career coaching, and communication consulting. She holds a Master Certified Coach credential from the International Coach Federation. And since 2010 has been helping leaders across the globe enhance their productivity while maintaining work-life balance. Through coaching, she empowers her clients to raise their awareness and take personal accountability, leading to transformative changes in their careers and lives. For more on Liliana please visit surfingchange.comToday, we’ll explore some of Liliana’s journey, including:A personal story of her parents' loss of one of their children, and how she and her sister navigated the experience together. She'll share more about what she learned, and how the adversity shaped how she approaches her work today. How she “walks beside” her clients. Including meeting them with curiosity, unconditional positive regard, and challenging them to realize their potential.Tools and practices that have helped her clients to deepen awareness, and transform their relationship to themselves, and others. This conversation was beautiful. Liliana showed again and again how she embodies the qualities she speaks of, and if you’re looking for practical takeaways, you’ll find she offers those as well.I hope you enjoy the time with her as much as I did. Did you find this conversation inspiring? Here are other episodes we think you'll love:Building a future starts with feeling seen with Hayley PhilanderEmbracing the journey from 'doing' to 'being' with Amy Dong Enjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen to your podcasts. Thanks for listening!Support the show

"It’s very important work to be calm in a storm. To be a center for the people in your life." -Elizabeth Lesser (Courageous Life Episode 112)So often when storms arise in our life they unleash a variety of feelings:UncertaintyFearGroundlessnessWhen these experiences arise the mind will often will enter into a cycle of trying to find ground, often by running through future based scenarios, and planning thinking. And while planning can be helpful up to a point, if we spend too much time focusing on what ifWe can get lost in cycles of worry. In these moments a helpful practice to find calm, and return to center is to remember that: The only moment we have is this one.That, there is no "there".There's only here.And to return to the present. Finding calm again even in the midst of a storm. Today's practice will offer a clip from yesterday's Courageous Life conversation with Elizabeth Lesser, and a story of my time with Mark Nepo in 2018 where he offered a reminder of this beautiful practice. Curious to explore this topic further? Check out the full conversations Elizabeth Lesser and Mark Nepo:Strong Back, Soft Front: The Practice of a Lifetime | Elizabeth LesserFinding Inner Courage Where it Lives | Mark NepoThank you for your practice today.I look forward to continuing together next Thursday!-JoshuaLooking for more practice opportunities? Check out:LIVE 6 Week Training in Positive Neuroplasticity with Joshua (begins October 5th, 2024)Free Meditation Events - 60 minute gatherings with Joshua held 2x a month over zoomThe Practice Pass - An annual membership that gives you on-demand access to robust practice experiences including the 28-Day Practicing Courage Challenge, The 5-Day Transforming Stress Challenge and the brand NEW Creativity Challenge.The FREE Practice LibrarySupport the show

In the more than forty years since she co-founded Omega Institute—now the world’s largest center for spiritual retreat and personal growth—Elizabeth Lesser has been an intimate witness to the ways in which people weather change and transition. In our conversation I shared the question we have been exploring on the show for years.A question that can serve as a natural companion to the experience of change, and transition we so often face in the many facets of our lives:When my heart begins to close, how do I open it again?Her response was that this question, may be the one that she’s explored more than any other in her life. Today we’ll explore the practice of opening the heart and mind again when it begins to close.The conversation is broken into 3 parts:In part one: Elizabeth will share insights she’s gained over the years about opening the heart and finding the courage to blossom into who we were meant to be.In part two:She'll offer some of her hard-earned wisdom about staying open, curious, and engaged in tough conversations. Whether it be across the political divide or elsewhere.She'll also share some of her personal story about an experience with her sister that centered around uncovering the depth of their love through the life-and-death experience of a bone marrow transplant. Particularly how this experience opened the door for them to engage in a practice of being radically honest with each other. A practice that ultimately transformed them both.In part three:We’ll discuss perhaps the most challenging form of opening. Relaxing into uncertainty. Cultivating the ability to let go and relax into the vulnerability of being human. And as we wrap up Elizabeth will leave us with a closing thought around why a spiritual practice is so important for the challenging times we are facing now.Today's conversation is just scratching the surface on these themes. For more, I would highly encourage you to pick up a copy of her beautiful book, Broken Open.Did you find today's episode inspiring? Here are other conversations we think you'll love:Finding the Strength to Meet Adversity | Mark NepoNeuroscience, Spirituality, and the Quest for an Inspired Life | Dr. Lisa MillerMore about Elizabeth:ELIZABETH LESSER is the author of several books, including New York Times Bestseller Broken Open: How Difficult Times Can Help Us Grow and Marrow: Love, Loss & What Matters Most. She is the cofounder of Omega Institute, recognized internationally for its workshops and conferences in wellness, spirituality, creativity, and social change. In 2011, she gave a popular TED talk called “Take The Other to Lunch,” a call for civility and understanding as we negotiate our differences as human beings. She gave her second TED talk in 2016, about the power of truth-telling. She is also one of Oprah’s Super Soul 100, a collection of a hundred leaders who are using their voices and talent to elevate humanity. Fore more about Elizabeth please visit: Elizabethlesser.org. and for more about the programming and wide variety of offerings at Omega Institute please visit https://www.eomega.org/Enjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen to your podcasts. Thanks for listening!Support the show

In the hero's journey, the hero or heroine is called to adventure. Often in the form of a quest, a challenge, or an adversity,And often in unexpected ways.One of the things that’s interesting about the hero's journey is that shortly after the call a helper enters the picture.A mentor, sage, guide, or a coach of some sort.They help the hero:Navigate the adventureStrengthen themselvesAnd ultimately transform in ways that allow them to meet their life from a wiser, more skillful, and more responsive place. As we looked at starting a new series featuring everyday heroes, the role of the helper was striking.And we couldn’t help but think this new series would be incomplete if we didn’t include episodes featuring helpers.So here we are.Launching our next episode in this new adventure.Conversations featuring inspiring stories from everyday heroes and the helpers who walk beside them.Today I am honored and excited to share another beautiful helpers conversation, with Hayley Philander.Hayley is a Lawyer who co-founded an organization called IseeU.On the organization's website they share:Every morning young women from the Cape Flats face an overwhelming challenge – they wake to a community with some of the highest rates of gangsterism and drug addiction in South Africa. They also face an epidemic of gender based violence alongside a failing education system. It is from this environment that our young women begin to formulate their identity, their sense of potential and their dreams for the future.IseeU was launched eight years ago and offers a three-year mentorship programme supporting young female students from Grade 10 to 12, who are from the Cape Flats.The name IseeU was inspired by one of the young women participating in the programme – who shared that she felt seen, for the first time in her life. Building a future starts with feeling seen.Today, we’ll explore some of Hayley’s journey in co-founding IseeU, including:Growing up in Apartheid South Africa and the story of a mentor who saw her potential, believed in her, and helped her to feel deeply seen. More about the mission of IseeU and the incredible work they are doingTools and practices that have helped young women in their program move from reactivity, to responsiveness, dream about their future and find hope in the face of immense challenges. For more on Hayley and ways to get involved and support IseeU please visit iseeu.org.zaDid you find this conversation inspiring? Here are other Heroes and Helpers episodes we think you'll love:Becoming your own inner ally with Alfreda McCrayEmbracing the journey from 'doing' to 'being' with Amy Dong Enjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen to your podcasts. Thanks for listening!Support the show

After work one evening I met a friend who has been navigating big questions about their career and what’s next.We sat outside and they shared some of their story.A close friend of theirs, whom they care about and deeply respectHad called them up And offered advice about what to do.While well intended it completely missed the mark. My friend left feeling much worse than they had before. Wishing that the advice had never been given. Wishing that their friend had been aware that the advice they were giving, while well intended, was really more about their own discomfort with the situation, then truly about helping. Have you had this experience? Either being on the receiving end? Or the giving end of well intended advice that completely misses?It’s such a common experience as humans. When we care, when people matter to us, there can be a whole host of emotions and desires that arise in these types of moments. A desire to fixTo solveTo saveTo adviseTo pleaseSometimes these are born out of fearSometimes they are born from our lived experience (well this is how I did it so it should work for them). Or (well this happened to me, so I want to make sure it doesn’t happen to them). These are various Expressions of the ego.Expressions that we can only see when we pay attention closely, when we bring mindful awareness to our inner life in these moments.Without awareness it’s all too easy to fall into a trap of offering unwanted advice. Today’s episode will offer ways to not fall into the trap nearly as oftenAs you are invited into the practice of being real A practice that can help deepen relationships and foster more meaningful connection in our lives. Today's episode was in part inspired by a recent Courageous Life conversation with renowned therapist Dr. Jacob Ham.Curious to explore this topic further? Check out the full conversation with Dr. Ham:The Art of Meeting Life with Curiosity, Presence, and Love | Dr. Jacob HamThank you for your practice today.I look forward to continuing together next Thursday!-JoshuaWant these practices delivered via text?If you are located in the U.S. text the word COURAGE to 805-430-6801 to join Joshua's text community and you'll get a text once/week with a link directly to the practice.Looking for more practice opportunities? Check out:Free Meditation Events - 60 minute gatherings with Joshua held 2x a month over zoomThe Practice Pass - An annual membership that gives you on-demand access to robust practice experiences including the 28-Day Practicing Courage Challenge, The 5-Day Transforming Stress Challenge and the brand NEW Creativity Challenge.Past Practicing Courage episodes in the podcast feedThe FREE Practice LibrarySupport the show

When veteran executive coach, professor, and ultra-endurance champion Urs Koenig signed up to be a NATO peacekeeping commander and United Nations peacekeeper in his fifties, he thought he knew a thing or two about leadership.In his new book Radical Humility he openly shares that what he discovered as he embarked on this journey was a new leadership paradigm. One that replaces the top-down, “heroic” leadership of the past,With a more human-centered approach that views humility as a strength and key to achieving goals in today’s complex world.Today we will take a deep dive into the topic of humility as we explore:Urs stories of facing various challenges, including struggling with academics and getting kicked out of school, and how these moments helped shape his professional trajectory.Why humility is a strength, but not a replacement for competenceAn athletic dream of completinga race across America. How it unraveled, and what Urs learned from failure that helped him find the resilience to come back stronger.How to stay open and receptive to learning when it’s hard. Including when we: Receive tough feedback, When we fail, And when we experience difficult emotions. Reflections on the intersection of backbone and heart in leadership and how leaders can get better at being tough on results but tender on people. The importance of building thriving relationships and practices that support doing so at work and in our lives.If you find this conversation intriguing I would encourage you to check out Radical Humility: Be a Badass Leader and a Good Human, which you can find wherever books are sold. More about Urs:Urs Koenig is a former United Nations military peacekeeper and NATO military peacekeeping commander, a highly accomplished ultraendurance champion, a widely published professor, bestselling author of Radical Humility, and a seasoned executive coach and keynote speaker with more than three decades of experience helping hundreds of leaders and dozens of executive teams unlock new levels of achievement across four continents. He is the founder of the Radical Humility Leadership Institute and speaks frequently on the topic of leadership to corporations and associations across the globe. His message of Radical Humility in leadership has inspired teams from across the spectrum, including Amazon, Starbucks, the Society of Human Resource Management, Vistage, the University of Melbourne, and Microsoft. He holds a PhD in geography and a Master of Science from the University of Zürich, Switzerland, and an MBA from the Australian Graduate School of Management. For more, please visit urskoenig.comDid you find this episode inspiring? Here are other conversations we think you’ll loveMeeting Failure with Curiosity and Compassion | Amy EdmondsonThe Transformative Power of Humility | Dr. Daryl Van TongerenMeeting Challenges with Backbone and Heart | Roshi Joan Halifax and Rhonda MageeEnjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen to your podcasts. Thanks for listening!Support the show

The blank canvas.The blank page.The big questions:What’s next in my life?What do I want to do for work? How do I want to live?These are familiar moments and seasons of life marked by the unknown.Often filled with feelings of uncertainty, what’s beautiful about these moments, and these seasons is that They are an invitation into creativity.But there’s a catch.To accept the invitation we often need to be able to practice opening. Finding ways to relax into uncertainty. What I see as a great superpower for our time. When we do, we find possibility. Today's recording comes from Day 3 of Unlocking Creativity, our most recent 5-day guided meditation challenge for living well and realizing your unique creative potential. In this practice you will be exposed to two eye opening insights from Courageous Life conversations with Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman, and yesterday's guest: leading meditation teacher Kaira Jewel Lingo. Together they will offer inspiration, and ideas for facing the unknown with greater joy, passion, and possibility.Interested in Unlocking Creativity? Learn more and sign up hereWhen you do you will also gain access to our two other guided meditation challenges:The 5-Day Transforming Stress ChallengeThe 28-Day Practicing Courage ChallengeCurious to explore this topic further? Check out the full conversation with Kaira Jewel Lingo:Lessons for Moving Through Change, Loss, and Disruption | Kaira Jewel LingoThank you for your practice today.I look forward to continuing together next Thursday!-JoshuaWant these practices delivered via text?If you are located in the U.S. text the word COURAGE to 805-430-6801 to join Joshua's text community and you'll get a text once/week with a link directly to the practice.Looking for more practice opportunities? Check out:Free Meditation Events - 60 minute gatherings with Joshua held 2x a month over zoomThe Practice Pass - An annual membership that gives you on-demand access to robust practice experiences including the 28-Day Practicing Courage Challenge, The 5-Day Transforming Stress Challenge and the brand NEW Creativity Challenge.Past Practicing Courage episodes in the podcast feedThe FREE Practice LibrarySupport the show

Kaira Jewel Lingo is a mindfulness and meditation teacher with a lifelong interest in blending spirituality and meditation with social justice.She spent her formative years growing up in an ecumenical Christian community where families practiced a new kind of monasticism and worked with the poor.When she turned 25 she entered a Buddhist monastery and spent fifteen years living as a nun under the guidance of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. Today she sees her work teaching Buddhist meditation, mindfulness, and compassion, as a continuation of the Engaged Buddhism she learned from Thich Nhat Hanh,As well as the work of her parents, inspired by their stories and her dad’s work with Martin Luther King Jr. on desegregating the South. In our conversation we will take a deep dive into Kaira Jewel’s story of entering the monasteryAnd the reasons for leaving 25 years later.The moments she’ll describe are deeply human.They are examples of those times we find ourselves at a crossroads, uncertain about which path to take.Kaira Jewel will generously share some of the practices and insights that were most helpful for her as she navigated these moments:From finding the strength to be in a place of not knowingTo sitting in the questions and discerning whether she was making these decisions driven by fear, or pulled by love. To engaging in the practice of finding stillness and listening to her life.As we explore these themes through Kaira Jewels story we’ll also talk about:What she’s learned about transforming the fear that often accompanies uncertainty into hopeful possibilityFinding the balance between letting go and taking wise action What she learned from her father and Thich Nhat Hanh about opening the heart in the face of some of the most pressing challenges of our time The possibility of fighting for what we care about from a place of love. This raw and moving conversation was inspired by themes from her beautiful book:We Were Made for These Times: Ten Lessons for Moving Through Change Loss and Disruption, which you can find wherever books are sold.Did you find this episode inspiring? Here are other conversations we think you'll love:Meeting a World in Crisis with Courage, Integrity, and Love | Oren Jay SoferNeuroscience, Spirituality, and the Quest for an Inspired Life | Dr. Lisa MillerMore about Kaira Jewel:Kaira Jewel Lingo is a mindfulness and meditation teacher with a lifelong interest in blending spirituality and meditation with social justice. She began practicing mindfulness in 1997 and at the age of twenty-five she entered a Buddhist monastery and spent fifteen years living as a nun under the guidance of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. She is also a teacher in the Vipassana Insight lineage through Spirit Rock Meditation Center. In addition to writing We Were Made for These Times: Ten Lessons for Moving through Change, Loss and Disruption, and co-authoring Healing Our Way Home: Black Buddhist Teachings on Ancestors, Joy and Liberation, she is also the editor of Thich Nhat Hanh’s Planting Seeds: Practicing Mindfulness with Children. She teaches and leads retreats internationally, provides spiritual mentoring, and interweaves art, play, nature, racial and earth justice, and embodied mindfulness practice in her teaching. Visit kairajewel.com to learn mSupport the show

There is a beautiful teaching metaphor that comes out of buddhist psychology about 2 darts.As we move through life we inevitably experience pain.From minor bumps and scrapes,To major injury, loss, heartbreak, and catastrophe.This is the 1st dart.What’s interesting about pain though is that it can often be accompanied by thoughts about the pain:“This shouldn’t be happening.”“What if this doesn’t end?”“There’s something wrong with you." Etc.These are add ons.They’re the extras that in moments where we are in pain, can pile on.Adding to the weight and intensity of the experience.Turning what is already painful into experiences marked by additional suffering.These add ons are the 2nd dart. Within this metaphor though there is a possibility for less suffering. When we learn to put the second darts down, to not throw them as much, or not throw them at all, we suffer less and we experience more freedom. Today, we'll look at a simple practice for turning this possibility into a reality which in part was inspired by yesterday's Courageous Life conversation with renowned therapist Dr. Jacob Ham.Curious to explore this topic further? Check out the full conversation with Dr. Ham:The Art of Meeting Life with Curiosity, Presence, and Love | Dr. Jacob HamThank you for your practice today.I look forward to continuing together next Thursday!-JoshuaWant these practices delivered via text?If you are located in the U.S. text the word COURAGE to 805-430-6801 to join Joshua's text community and you'll get a text once/week with a link directly to the practice.Looking for more practice opportunities? Check out:Free Meditation Events - 60 minute gatherings with Joshua held 2x a month over zoomThe Practice Pass - An annual membership that gives you on-demand access to robust practice experiences including the 28-Day Practicing Courage Challenge, The 5-Day Transforming Stress Challenge and the brand NEW Creativity Challenge.Past Practicing Courage episodes in the podcast feedThe FREE Practice LibrarySupport the show

When I first started coaching I was introduced to the idea of: Meeting the client where they are. This idea being both a cornerstone of coaching,And a practice that involves attuning to the person in front of you in such a way that opens up a possibility of working with them wherever they are in their development or growth journey.While it may sound simple enough, there is a profound depth and precision to meeting someone in this way. In part this is because whether it’s a client, a friend, a colleague, a partner, a child, a parent, etc There are a myriad of factors that can influence where they are on their path:The conversation you've been engaged in with them to that pointWhat is arising in them in the moment (thoughts, feelings, sensations)What is arising in youWhat is arising in the relationshipTheir past experiencesYour perceptions, beliefs, biasesThe list goes on...And this practice of attunement is one of the things that today's guest, renowned therapist Dr. Jacob Ham does exceptionally well which you'll hear in, and throughout, our conversation as we dive into a deep exploration of growth, curiosity, love, and the art of living in the present moment. Dr. Ham is the Director of the Center for Child Trauma and Resilience and Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Equal part therapist, speaker, trainer, program developer, Dr. Ham applies an open-hearted, empathic approach to all aspects of his work, ensuring that the needs of patients, audiences, and trainees are prioritized and met in the most meaningful ways. He specializes in using authentic relationships to self and others as paths to healing in trauma and other forms of mental suffering including the self-harm of fear, doubt, loathing and despair. To learn more please visit drjacobham.comIn today’s conversation:Dr. Ham's story about how he came to work in the way he does - including his general disillusionment with a lot of traditional approaches and paradigms in therapeutic treatment.What is this moment calling for? The role of this question in his work. And how an expertise in trauma and a deep contemplative practice inform his ability to skillfully offer what is needed. The wisdom that can be found in contraction, closing off, and shutting down. Practices for significantly improving communication in relationships.How to work with anger in more skillful ways when it arisesAsking for what you need in relationship and why he thinks this isn’t always such a beneficial practiceThe possibility of responding to hate with loveLearning to not be so afraid of the pain that comes with growthThe practice of surrender and embracing the growth processAnd the role loving awareness plays in growth, healing, and his work as a therapistOf all the interviews we've released on the show I found this to be one of the most moving and profound. It is such an honor to be able to shine a light on the incredible work Dr. Ham is doing in the world. I hope you enjoy the time with him as much as I did. Did you find this episode inspiring? Here are other conversations we think you'll love:Finding the Strength to Meet Adversity | Mark Nepo Finding the Courage to Live Without Regrets | Dr. Sunita PuriEnjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen to your podcasts. Thanks for listening!Support the show

In the hero's journey, the hero or heroine is called to adventure. Often in the form of a quest, a challenge, or an adversity,And often in unexpected ways.One of the things that’s interesting about the hero's journey is that shortly after the call a helper enters the picture.A mentor, sage, guide, or a coach of some sort.They help the hero:Navigate the adventureStrengthen themselvesAnd ultimately transform in ways that allow them to meet their life from a wiser, more skillful, and more responsive place. As we looked at starting a new series featuring everyday heroes, the role of the helper was striking. And we couldn’t help but think this new series would be incomplete if we didn’t include episodes featuring helpers. So here we are. Launching our fourth episode in this new adventure on the larger Courageous Life podcast. Conversations featuring inspiring stories from everyday heroes and the helpers who walk beside them. Last week we released a helper interview with Executive and Leadership Coach Alfreda McCray where we explored the practice of becoming your own inner ally.Today, I am honored and excited to share another beautiful helpers conversation, with Amy Dong. Amy is a therapist who specializes in working with individuals and couples, navigating anxiety, supporting relational health, healing from burnout, reprocessing trauma, and finding steady footing through life’s inevitable twists & turns.Amy is also a gifted writer.You can find her beautiful and inspiring work on her substack: The SofteningWhich she describes as a walk through our internal landscape, a journey with mental health and well-being in long form. Personally I subscribe to Amy’s blog and look forward to receiving each new piece as I find her writing a breath of fresh air. It offers an invitation to slow down in the midst of the hustle of everyday life, to reflect on what’s truly important, and often leaves me feeling hopeful and energized. I would encourage you to check it out.Today, we’ll explore:The story of a helper who during a particularly challenging point left a deep positive impression on Amy - not in what she did, but rather through her way of being. How she approaches her work, and the ways in which she walks beside her clients. Some of her favorite tools for regulating the nervous system, and finding greater ease as we navigate the 'messy middle' parts of our lives. Reflections about the practice of becoming a better friend to yourself. This conversation was deep, heartfelt, and also offered a number of practical takeaways. I hope you enjoy the time with Amy as much as I did. Did you find this conversation inspiring? Here are other episodes we think you'll love:Becoming your own inner ally with Alfreda McCrayCuriosity, trust, and inner wisdom with Shandra Lamotte Enjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen to your podcasts. Thanks for listening!Support the show

Why can it be so difficult to receive? Whether it’s something small like a compliment,Or something bigger, like receiving help when we are in some form of pain or distress. While the response can vary of course, For many of us the instinct can often be:To brush off the compliment To minimize the recognitionTo turn down the help Essentially to close off in one form or another. And there are a whole host of reasons why this might happen.From the way we’re raised,To:Expectations or cultural norms that have to do with identity, the workplace, etcFears of being perceived as weak, of not being liked, or not fitting in.The list goes on.This past week as I was engaged in a discussion around receiving (and the difficulty with it) with my long time collaborator Matt Donner.And in the process was reminded of a past Courageous Life conversation with Dr. Kelly McGonigal where we explored self-compassion.In particular, challenging the popular forms of self-compassion practice that so often focus on Going off by yourself and doing your self compassion practice, Alone. Don't get me wrong, individual practices like self-compassion meditation or journaling can certainly be helpful, but they are also somewhat limiting and incomplete. The limits of these practices can be seen when we start to consider important practice questions like:What about self-compassion that looks like opening to and receiving help when you’re in pain?What about allowing others to carry some of the weight that you’ve been shouldering on your own?What about self-compassion that is found in relationship and community?And that involves taking the risk to be vulnerable,And to receive?Becoming a better friend to ourselves isn't always done in isolation. It can include engaging in the powerful practice of opening toAnd receiving help,Rather than closing off to it. So today this is what we will explore and you will have the opportunity to hear directly from Kelly McGonigal in a moving clip from our conversation, about how this not only benefits us, but how it can be a gift to those offering their help. Curious to explore this topic further? Here are some conversations on the podcast we think you'll love:Courage, Hope, and Human Transformation | Dr. Kelly McGonigalThank you for your practice today. I look forward to continuing together next Thursday!-JoshuaWant these practices delivered via text?If you are located in the U.S. text the word COURAGE to 805-430-6801 to join Joshua's text community and you'll get a text once/week with a link directly to the practice.Looking for more practice opportunities? Check out:Free Meditation Events - 60 minute gatherings with Joshua held 2x a month over zoomThe Practice Pass - An annual membership that gives you on-demand access to robust practice experiences including the 28-Day Practicing Courage Challenge, The 5-Day Transforming Stress Challenge and the brand NEW Creativity Challenge.Past Practicing Courage episodes in the podcast feedThe FREE Practice LibrarySupport the Show. Support the show

When you hear the word provoke what do you think of? What about the word provocative? For many (including myself)This idea, of provocation, often holds a negative connotation.Look it up in the dictionary and you’ll even see one definition that reads:Purposefully stirring up a fight.But as you can imagine there’s a very different form of provocation. One that when harnessed can:stimulate curiosity, open us to new perspectives and outside-the-box ideas, and one that ultimately invites us to see our work, relationships, and the world we live in with fresh eyes. It’s a thrill to have Dr. Robert Biswas-Deiner on the show today as we explore this alternative form of provocation and fresh thought-provoking ideas inspired by his latest book: Positive Provocation: 25 Questions to Elevate Your Coaching Practice.In today’s episode:Robert’s story about how he came to be doing the work he is engaged in today as a coach, trainer, researcher, and author. Including making a very tough decision to drop out of graduate school. The details surrounding an invitation Robert received to be The Provocateur for an international coaching conference.How he defines Positive Provocation and what key elements support doing it well, both at work and in life.What he calls the 90 degree view - a sweet spot for inviting people into curiosity, and rethinking conventional ideas.Intriguing stories from coaching sessions, that offer insight into what he’s learned about the art of challenging people effectively.How to stay open to being positively provoked, including the importance of cultivating intellectual humility.How research on the psychology of hospitality ties into being a positive provocateur.If you found today’s conversation interesting, I would encourage you to check out Robert’s new book, Positive Provocation where you can learn more about this approach, and see how he puts it into practice.Did you find today’s conversation inspiring? Here are other episodes we think you’ll love:Practicing the Art of Principled Rebellion | Dr. Todd KashdanGentle Power: Shifting the Way We Define True Strength | Dr. Elisabet LahtiMore about Robert:Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener is widely known as the “Indiana Jones of Positive Psychology” because his research has taken him to such far-flung places as Greenland, India, Kenya, and Israel. He is a leading authority on strengths, culture, courage, and happiness and known for his pioneering work in the application of positive psychology to coaching. Robert has authored more than 60 peer-reviewed academic articles and chapters, two of which are “citation classics” (cited more than 1,000 times each). Dr. Biswas-Diener has authored eight books, including the New York Times Best Seller, The Upside of Your Dark Side. For more about Robert please visit robertdiener.com, and if you’re a coach looking for more details on Robert’s coach trainings and classes check out positiveacorn.comEnjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen to your podcasts!Thanks for listening!Support the show

Dr. Jessica Tracy is the Director of the Emotion and Self Lab at the University of British Columbia, and someone I have been looking forward to interviewing for a long time. Back in 2016 she published a book titled: Take Pride: Why the Deadliest Sin Holds the Secret to Human Success.The title grabbed my attention.Largely because the form of pride that I have seen more often discussed is hubris. Which shows its face in different ways:An overinflated egoPeacockingFlaunting success Dominance and instilling fear as a leader, etc.This hubristic side is well known, but what Jessica’s work shows is that pride has another face. One that is essential for helping us become our best, brightest selves. In the right doses and the right contexts, pride has been proven to boost creativity, motivate altruism, and confer power and prestige on those who display it. Today we’ll dive deep into this, covering hubristic pride, but also really exploring this less often discussed form of pride. What she calls authentic pride.Which when harnessed may just hold the secret to success. In today’s episode:How to cultivate authentic pride, including practices of getting quiet, listening to your life, and asking big questions about who you want to be and becomeKey differences between hubristic and authentic prideIntriguing findings that Jessica and her team have discovered about pride, both it’s drawbacks, and surprising benefits in life, at work, and in relationshipsDominance and prestige - two leadership styles that manifest from hubristic and authentic pride and the impact each style has on teams, and organizationsWhy authentic pride can be a catalyst for creativity, innovation, and thriving organizational culturesThe connection between pride and grit - how experiencing authentic pride can be the fuel for perseverance toward very long term goalsHow cultivating authentic pride can be a path to living wellI hope you enjoy the conversation with Jessica as much as I did!Did you find this conversation inspiring? Here are other episodes we think you'll love:The Transformative Power of Humility | Dr. Daryl Van TongerenNeuroscience, Spirituality, and the Quest for an Inspired Life | Dr. Lisa MillerMore about Jessica: Dr. Jessica Tracy is a professor of psychology at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, where she also directs the Emotion and Self Lab. Her research focuses on emotions and emotion expression, and especially on the self-conscious emotions of pride and shame. She has published over 80 journal articles, and her groundbreaking work on pride has been covered by hundreds of media outlets, including ABC’s Good Morning America, NPR’s All Things Considered, the New York Times, the Economist, and Scientific American. Enjoying the show? Please share with friends, and rate it wherever you listen to your podcasts. Thanks for listening!Support the show

At the end of each day we do a mental scan, reviewing our experiences from that day.When people do this, they often find:The moments where they moved outside of their comfort zoneThe moments where they pushed themselvesAnd the moments where they were courageousAre often the moments that they end up being most proud of.Additionally, leading courage researcher, Dr. Jim Detert asserts that when looking back on life its acts of courage that are often associated with greater fulfillment, meaning, and positive legacy. Today I am going to offer a practice that will invite you to explore a simple process for intentionally increasing the capacity to be with discomfort, and how practicing this in low stakes moments can help strengthen your mind, body, and skillset to help unlock courage in moments that matter. All practices can be found for free in The Practice Library. Access the library here: https://www.practicingcourage.com/join-libraryInterested in taking a deeper dive into practices that support greater calm, clarity, courage, and meaningful connection?In an effort to create a delightful and seamless on-demand practice experience we created The Practice Pass, an annual membership that gives you access to all of this dynamic original content including both live and on-demand learning experiences.If you sign up up for the Practice Pass you’ll receive:Existing on-demand meditation challenges:Unlocking Creativity: A 5-Day Challenge The Practicing Courage ChallengeThe 5-Day Transforming Stress Challenge3 live challenges each year. Future topics for 2024 include: Navigating Transitions, and Finding Purpose.Learn more and register for the pass here: https://www.practicingcourage.com/signup-practice-passCurious to explore this topic further? Here are some conversations on the podcast we think you'll love:Courage is Developed Through Practice | Dr. Jim DetertLessons in Hope, Courage, and Human Transformation | Dr. Kelly McGonigalFinding Fulfillment in a World Obsessed with Happiness | Emily Esfahani SmithTill next time,-JoshuaSupport the show

Today we are re-releasing one of our most popular episodes ever on the show, a powerful conversation with Dr. Marc Brackett. In this episode, we'll explore themes from his book Permission to Feel as well as his broader work as a leader in the field of emotional intelligence. Marc, is on a mission to educate the world about the value of emotions and the skills associated with using them wisely. “I want everyone to become an emotion scientist. We need to be curious explorers of our own and others’ emotions so they can help us achieve our goals and improve our lives.”In today's episode:How events in Marc's childhood, including surviving abuse, led to his dedication to the work he does todayWhy people so often suppress emotions and what happens in our brains and bodies when we doWhy it’s important to ask people “how are you feeling?” and to genuinely listen to the answerThe story of his Uncle Marvin, and what he learned from him about the power of creating safe spacesHighlights from the biggest study he has ever conducted and the case for empathy, compassion, non-judgment, and good listening as life changing qualities for leaders, parents, and individuals.An introduction to the RULER skills (Recognizing, Understanding, Labeling, Expressing, and Regulating emotions)How he uses the RULER skills in his own life to navigate daily challenges, enhance wellbeing, and stay on track with goals that are important to himThe link between emotions and performance - why and how emotions matter when it comes to thriving teams and organizationsWhy giving people the permission to feel may be one of the most important things we can do to help people thrive at work and in life. More about Marc:Marc Brackett, Ph.D., is founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and professor in the Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine. As a researcher for over 20 years, Marc has focused on the role of emotions and emotional intelligence in learning, decision making, creativity, relationships, health, and performance. His book, Permission To Feel, has been translated into 22 languages. Most recently, with Pinterest co-founder Ben Silbermann, Marc and his team co-created the Apple award-winning app, HowWeFeel, that was designed to teach emotion skills and enhance well-being. Marc is the lead developer of RULER, a systemic, evidence-based approach to social and emotional learning that has been adopted by over 5,000 schools across the United States and has reached over 4 million children. Marc regularly consults with large companies such as Google, Amazon, and Microsoft on best practices for integrating the principles of emotional intelligence into training and product design. For more please visit: https://www.marcbrackett.comDid you find this episode inspiring? Here are more episodes we think you’ll love!Dr. Jud Brewer - Is Curiosity is a Superpower?Kelly McGonigal - Finding the Hope, Connection, and Courage to TransformSupport the show

In the hero's journey, the hero or heroine is called to adventure. Often in the form of a quest, a challenge, or an adversity.And often that adventure arrives unexpectedly.One of the things that’s interesting about the hero's journey is that shortly after the call a helper enters the picture.A mentor, a sage, a guide, or a coach of some sort.They help the hero to navigate the adventure, as they strengthen themselves and ultimately transform in ways that allow them to meet their life from a wiser, more skillful, and often more responsive place. As we looked at starting a new series featuring everyday heroes, the role of the helper was striking. And we couldn’t help but think this new series would be incomplete if we didn’t include episodes featuring helpers. So here we are. Launching our third episode in this new adventure on the larger Courageous Life podcast. Conversations featuring inspiring stories from everyday heroes and the helpers who walk beside them. Last week we released our first helper interview with Stanford compassion teacher, and family systems coach Shandra Lamotte as we curiosity, trust, and uncovering our inner wisdom. Today, I am thrilled to share another beautiful helpers conversation, with Alfreda McCray. Alfreda is a board-certified Executive Coach, a writer, social justice advocate, and doctoral student examining the intersections of identity, leadership, and authenticity. She is a life-long learner with a passion for optimizing wellbeing, reducing harm, and increasing compassion in the workplace and beyond. Her background includes over 20 years of experience in professional services and consulting. To learn more about Alfreda you can follow her on LinkedIn. In this episode we’ll explore: Alfreda’s inspiring journey and the story of a helper, who in her words, saved her life.How she approaches her work, and the ways in which she walks beside her clients.Some of her favorite tools and practices for slowing down, and meeting life from a more responsive place.This conversation was both moving and practical, and I hope you enjoy the time with Alfreda as much as I did. Did you find this conversation inspiring? Here are other episodes we think you'll love:Faith, Hope, and Love with Eddie GarciaCuriosity, trust, and inner wisdom with Shandra Lamotte Enjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen to your podcasts. Thanks for listening!Support the show

As part of a 4-part series on the Power of Compassion on The Courageous Life, yesterday we released a beautiful conversation with Roshi Joan Halifax and Rhonda Magee. Together they explored a variety of themes related to meeting the most pressing challenges of our time with backbone and heart. To complement the conversations in this series I have be sharing some potent practices for opening the heart, and accessing more courage and compassion. Today's practice is a re-release of the first Practicing Courage episode we ever produced and relates to one of the themes that Joan and Rhonda explored. How we can respond vs. react in moments where we feel triggered?An idea that is beautifully highlighted by holocaust survivor, Viktor Frankl, who famously said:"Between stimulus and response there's a space. In that space is our ability to choose. In that choice lies our growth and our freedom." Today's episode will explore how we might find this space more often in our lives, our work, and our relationships. Throughout episode you'll be exposed to:Highlights from the science of courageAn inspiring clip from a conversation with Dr. Amy EdmondsonAnd a simple 3-part practice for finding more of this space, and more courage in the midst of our busy day-to-day lives.Thank you for your practice today!I look forward to continuing together next Thursday!-Joshua8 Week Compassion Cultivation Training with Joshua begins July 12th!If you are interested in a deeper more experiential dive into these insights and practices I would encourage you to join me on July 12th, as I will be teaching an 8 week course on compassion originally created at Stanford University. Learn more by heading to practicingcourage.com/cctWant these practices delivered via text?If you are located in the U.S. text the word COURAGE to 805-430-6801 to join Joshua's text community and you'll get a text once/week with a link directly to the practice.Looking for more practice opportunities? Check out:Free Meditation Events - 60 minute community gatherings with Joshua held 2x a month over zoom. The Practice Pass - An annual membership that gives you on-demand access to robust practice experiences including the 28-Day Practicing Courage Challenge, The 5-Day Transforming Stress Challenge and the brand NEW Creativity Challenge.Past Practicing Courage episodes in the podcast feedThe FREE Practice LibrarySupport the show

This is the finale in our 4-part series on the power of compassion, which has featured leading researchers and practitioners in illuminating conversations about how to live with a more kind, and open hearted stance toward the world.Today's conversation could not be a more fitting end as Roshi Joan Halifax and Rhonda V. Magee, two extraordinary pioneers working at the intersection of mindfulness, social change, law, and end-of-life care will engage in a deep and inspiring discussion about accessing compassion in the face of our most pressing challenges.Together they'll explore:How we might engage with ourselves, our communities, perceived adversaries, and the broader world with an open heart.Training qualities of compassion, kindness, and love when fighting for causes we care aboutTheir experiences, including challenges they've faced, in cultivating compassion The GRACE model for training compassionOvercoming fearPractices for responding (vs. reacting) in the heat of the moment or when one is triggeredWorking more effectively with failure and disappointmentAs you'll hear this conversation will infuse the metaphor of an open hearted warrior as Joan and Rhonda discuss the possibility of meeting life's challenges with a blend of backbone and heart.Enjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen to your podcasts!More Power of Compassion Series episodes:Part 3: The Future of Work - Love, Safety, and Belonging | Leah Weiss & Jerry ColonnaPart 2: Moving From Fear to Love | James Doty & Jacinta JiménezPart 1: The Key to Resilience and Possibility | Barbara Fredrickson & Sharon SalzbergAbout Rhonda Magee:Rhonda V. Magee is a Professor of Law at the University of San Francisco and a leading mindfulness teacher with a focus on applying mindfulness to the hardest challenges of our times. She is an internationally-recognized teacher, guide and mentor, focused on integrating mindfulness into higher education, law and social change work. For more than 20+ years, Professor Magee has studied mindfulness, its underlying origins in Buddhism, and its potential benefits and applications in the world. A prolific author, she draws on law and legal history to weave storytelling, poetry, analysis and practices into inspiration for changing how we think, act and live better together in the face of the multiple interlocking challenges of our times. For more please visit rhondavmagee.comAbout Roshi Joan HalifaxRoshi Joan Halifax, Ph.D. is Founder and Head Teacher of Upaya Zen Center in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a social activist, author, and in her early years was an anthropologist at Columbia University and University of Miami School of Medicine . She is a pioneer in the field of end-of-life care and has lectured on the subject of death and dying at many academic institutions and medical centers around the world. She has also received numerous awards and honors from institutions for her work as a social and environmental activist and in the end-of-life care field. She has served as a Distinguished Visiting Scholar at the Library of Congress where she developed a heuristic map of compassion and created the GRACE model for training compassion. She is Director of the Project on Being with Dying, and Founder of the Upaya Prison Project that develops programs on meditation for prisoners. For more please visit: www.joanhalifax.orgSupport the show

In the hero's journey, the hero or heroine is called to adventure. Often in the form of a quest, a challenge, or adversity.And often that adventure arrives unexpectedly.One of the things that’s interesting about the hero's journey is that shortly after the call a helper enters the picture.A mentor, a sage, a guide, or a coach of some sort.They help the hero to navigate the adventure, as they strengthen themselves and ultimately transform in ways that allow them to meet their life from a wiser, more skillful, and often more responsive place. As we looked at starting a new series featuring everyday heroes, the role of the helper was striking. And we couldn’t help but think this new series would be incomplete if we didn’t include episodes featuring helpers. So here we are. Launching our second episode ever in this new adventure on the larger Courageous Life podcast. Conversations featuring inspiring stories from everyday heroes and the helpers who walk beside them. Last week we released our first hero interview with heart attack and heart transplant survivor Eddie Garcia as we explored faith, hope, and love. And today, I am thrilled to share our first helper conversation, with Shandra Lamotte. Shandra is a coach, facilitator, and teacher who believes that every person she works with has an inner knowing that is far superior to her ideas or advice on what to do. Her work centers around inquiry and processes to support people in connecting to themselves, their own wisdom, and their wholeness so they can navigate the inevitable ups and downs of life with trust, grounding, and heart. Shandra is certified as a Compassion Cultivation Training instructor through CCARE at Stanford University where she teaches courses in compassion. She’s a family systems coach, and is a lead facilitator of rites of passage workshops through COR. For more on Shandra, and the wonderful work she is doing you can visit shandralamotte.comIn today's conversation: We’ll explore some of Shandra’s own journey including the story of a helper who met her along her path, and helped her to grow and transform.Shandra will share more about how she walks beside her clients including tools, and practices she uses.How she approaches her work from a place of curiosity, compassion, and a steadfast belief in people’s potential. This is a beautiful and practical conversation and I hope you enjoy the time with Shandra as much as I did. Did you find this conversation inspiring? Here are other episodes we think you'll love:Faith, Hope, and Love with Eddie GarciaEnjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen to your podcasts. Thanks for listening!Support the show

As part of a 4-part series on the Power of Compassion yesterday we released a moving conversation with Jerry Colonna and Leah Weiss. Together they explored the future of work: Love, Safety, and Belonging. To complement these conversations on compassion I am sharing some of the most potent practices I’ve come across for opening the heart, and accessing more courage and compassion. Today's we'll explore the question: “How can we create conditions for other people to be courageous?” A question I have been exploring for years, on The Courageous Life Podcast, and beyond. The interest in this question stems from the common and celebrated narrative (particularly in the US) of the lone hero. That romanticized myth of pulling oneself up by their bootstraps and doing it all on their own. While it might be an inspirational tale, it can put a lot of pressure on an individual to be courageous, which is pressure that isn't always be necessary. As you can imagine, exploring this question over the years has yielded many answers. A few include: Let someone know you have their backProvide training, resources, tools, insights etc that help them pursue what they care aboutCreate forms of safety that foster healthy risk takingOne of my favorite answers to this question though, came from best-selling author, and teacher Parker PalmerDuring our first conversation, Parker and I discussed finding the courage to embrace our whole selves and finding the courage to pursue our true vocation.In today's practice:You'll hear a small snippet of what he had to say And I will offer up a multi-step process for creating the conditions for others to be courageous that involves deep listening, open questions, and letting go of habits of fixing, advising, correcting, or solving.Curious to explore this topic further? Here are some conversations on the podcast we think you'll love:The Courageous Journey Toward Wholeness | Parker PalmerThe Power of Compassion Pt. 3 | Jerry Colonna and Leah Weiss Thank you for your practice today! I look forward to continuing together next Thursday! -Joshua Want these practices delivered via text? If you are located in the U.S. text the word COURAGE to 805-430-6801 to join Joshua's text community and you'll get a text once/week with a link directly to the practice. Looking for more practice opportunities? Check out:Free Meditation Events - 60 minute community gatherings with Joshua held 2x a month over zoom.The Practice Pass - An annual membership that gives you on-demand access to robust practice experiences including the 28-Day Practicing Courage Challenge, The 5-Day Transforming Stress Challenge and the brand NEW Creativity Challenge.Past Practicing Courage episodes in the podcast feedThe FREE Practice LibrarySupport the show

There is a metaphor that comes out of ancient wisdom traditions of a bird. One wing of the bird represents wisdom and the other represents compassion. In order to fly the bird needs both wings. Like the bird, as people and leaders, cultivating wisdom and compassion in our lives, and in our organizations may help us to realize our potential. This metaphor serves as the centerpiece of our conversation today as Dr. Leah Weiss and Jerry Colonna dive deep into the power of compassion at work.This episode is the third installment of a 4-part series (originally released last season) that features leading researchers and practitioners exploring themes related to compassion, courage, and living with a more open, and loving stance toward the world. The first two parts featured conversations with: Sharon Salzberg and Barbara FredricksonAnd James Doty and Jacinta JiménezIn this moving conversation Leah and Jerry share: Why they have infused compassion and mindfulness so centrally in their work with leaders and organizationsWhy empathy, safety, love, and belonging may be the most important qualities for leaders to focus onThe role of suffering and a broken heart in compassionate leadershipUsing work as a crucible for realizing our potentialThe power of asking open questions, slowing down, and listening deeplyHow to navigate anger at workReflections on opening the heart in difficult conversationsThe importance of kinship and recognizing our shared common humanity**Please note: In this conversation Jerry and Leah share past experiences related to acute mental health issues and suicide. There is a possibility that some may find parts of this episode triggering. Please listen at your own discretion and in a caring and supportive way for you. Additionally, if you or someone you know is experiencing mental health issues, including those related to suicide please reach out for help. The International Association for Suicide Prevention is one organization that offers lots of free support, helplines, and resources globally. You can find them at https://www.iasp.info/ **More about Jerry:Jerry Colonna is the CEO, and co-founder, of Reboot.io, an executive coaching and leadership development firm whose coaches and facilitators are committed to the notion that better humans make better leaders. For nearly 20 years, he has used the knowledge gained as an investor, an executive, and a board member for more than 100 organizations to help entrepreneurs and others to lead with humanity, resilience, and equanimity. Previous to his career as a coach he was a partner with JPMorgan Partners (JPMP), the private equity arm of JP Morgan Chase. He joined JPMP from Flatiron Partners. For more on Jerry please visit reboot.ioMore about Leah:Dr. Leah Weiss is a researcher, lecturer, consultant, and author. She teaches Compassionate Leadership at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. She is a founding faculty member of Stanford’s Compassion Cultivation Program. In 2019, she co-founded Skylyte, a company that specializes in using the latest neuroscience and behavior change to empower high-performing leaders and managers to prevent burnout for themselves and their teams. Leah has taught and spoken in over 75 organizations across sectors. Her work has been covered by news outlets around the world, including BBC, the New York Times, TED, the Financial Times, HBR, and others. For more about Leah visit: Support the show

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Everyday Heroes and Helpers.A new series on the Courageous Life Podcast that has been a dream since we first launched back in 2018.Part of the mission of the show has always been to share inspiring stories of everyday heroes. Ordinary people like our neighbors, friends, colleagues, and members of our communities who find the courage to rise up and meet challenges, and adversity. Ordinary people who are navigating the messy middle parts of life with hope, love, and resilience.Ordinary people who are doing extraordinary and yet innately human things. Today and going forward this series will be showcasing these powerfully moving stories in a dedicated way. And I couldn’t be more excited. In crafting this series my longtime collaborator, friend, and executive producer Matthew Donner and I took a lot of inspiration from the work of Joseph Campbell and the Hero's Journey.In the hero's journey, the hero or heroine is called to adventure, often in the form of a quest, a challenge, or an adversity.What's interesting is that shortly after the call, a helper enters the picture. This may be a mentor, sage, or guide who helps the hero to navigate the adventure, as they strengthen themselves and ultimately transform in ways that allow them to meet their life from a wiser, more skillful, and often more responsive (vs. reactive) place. As we looked at this arc of the hero's journey I couldn’t help but think the series would be incomplete if we didn’t include episodes featuring helpers. So today we are embarking on a new adventure as we will be sharing conversations featuring inspiring stories from everyday heroes and the helpers who walk beside them. We’re kicking things off with our first everyday hero, Eddie Garcia. Eddie is a heart attack and heart transplant survivor. In 2010, a massive blockage in an artery referred to as the “widow maker” led to a decade of living with congestive heart failure. A successful heart transplant in 2020 inspired him to tell his story in his beautiful memoir: Summer in the Waiting Room: Faith, Hope, and Love.During our conversation Eddie will share more about his own journey, and how he navigated the immense challenges that arose with faith, hope, love, and community,He’ll also talk about personal transformation, growth, and how he is meeting his life now.If you want to find out more about Eddie pick up a copy of his book wherever books are sold, and check out his blog ESEReport.com, where he writes about his experiences as a working-class kid, public servant, corporate executive, and heart attack survivor. If you are enjoying the podcast please let us know by taking minute to rate the show wherever you tune in!Thanks for listening! Support the show

As part of a 4-part series on the Power of Compassion which we are re-releasing on The Courageous Life, yesterday we released a beautiful conversation with Dr. James Doty and Dr. Jacinta Jiménez. Together they explored a variety of themes related to cultivating greater compassion and empathy, including the possibility of fostering cultures of care within organizations. To complement these conversations over the coming weeks I will be sharing some of the most potent practices I’ve come across for opening the heart, and accessing more courage and compassion. Today's practice is is the second of these and is all about building great relationships.Years ago I had the chance to meet a couple who was truly happy and deeply in love after 35 years.Sitting together I asked them what their biggest piece of advice would be for a successful, happy marriage (or relationship)?I will never forget what they shared that day. It was both simple and profound. Today's you'll hear what the couple shared with me, and how it can be applied to create thriving relationships in all domains of life, including at work. Curious to explore this topic further? Here are some conversations on the podcast we think you'll love:The Power of Compassion Pt. 1 | Barbara Fredrickson and Sharon SalzbergThe Power of Compassion Pt. 2 | James Doty and Jacinta JiménezThank you for your practice today!I look forward to continuing together next Thursday!-JoshuaWant these practices delivered via text? If you are located in the U.S. text the word COURAGE to 805-430-6801 to join Joshua's text community and you'll get a text once/week with a link directly to the practice. Looking for more practice opportunities? Check out:Free Meditation Events - 60 minute community gatherings with Joshua held 2x a month over zoom.The Practice Pass - An annual membership that gives you on-demand access to robust practice experiences including the 28-Day Practicing Courage Challenge, The 5-Day Transforming Stress Challenge and the brand NEW Creativity Challenge.Past Practicing Courage episodes in the podcast feedThe FREE Practice LibrarySupport the show