Can recognizing and combating common cognitive distortions really transform your life? Join me, Don Thompson, as we explore this intriguing question by diving into the teachings of acclaimed psychologists Aaron Beck and Dr. David Burns. Drawing from Dr. Burns' seminal work, "The Feeling Good Handbook," we'll break down the most pervasive cognitive distortions that can sabotage our well-being and happiness. From all-or-nothing thinking to mental filtering, we'll uncover practical strategies to identify and overcome these mental pitfalls, paving the way for a more positive and fulfilling life.

This episode is packed with actionable insights, offering you the tools to challenge negative thought patterns and embrace a more optimistic outlook. We'll discuss how errors in thinking can cloud your judgment and share tips on fostering a mindset rooted in love, compassion, and gratitude. If you've ever felt weighed down by negative thoughts or simply want to make better choices for your mental health, this episode is a must-listen. Get ready to harness the power of positive psychology and step confidently into a brighter future!

Music: Kooma - 'Mistakes'

• Website: www.nextpixprods.com
• PLEASE READ - Terms of Use: https://www.nextpixprods.com/terms-of-use.html

Note that Don Thompson is now available as a coach or mentor on an individual basis. To find out more, please go to his website www.nextpixprods.com, and use the 'contact' form to request additional information.

Can mindful personal choices really make a difference in combating climate change, or is it too little, too late? Join me, Don Thompson, as we navigate the intricacies of love, personal connection, and the political landscape during an election cycle in the United States. We take a deep dive into the importance of mindful engagement with politics and the need for a proactive government to address critical issues, especially climate change. Highlighting the inspiring work of climate activist Ray Katz and his initiative "We Are Saners," we discuss practical steps individuals can take to mitigate climate change, like driving less and embracing remote work, underscoring the inherent conflict between capitalist growth and ecological sustainability.

Inspired by themes from my play "Tibet Does Not Exist," we explore the urgent need for a shift towards a virtual economy as a solution to environmental degradation, connecting it to Buddhist ideals and sustainability. Personal observations of climate change effects, such as hotter summers and milder winters, emphasize the immediacy of the crisis. From downsizing to a more energy-efficient home to critiquing authorities' inaction, we underscore the critical need for collective awareness and proactive behavior. This episode will make you ponder your own behaviors and inspire you to make small, mindful changes toward a more sustainable future, even if it’s just reducing your personal impact by 50%. Let’s safeguard our planet together.

You can find Ray Katz's website here: https://wearesaners.org/

Music: Mika Sade - 'Between Us'

• Website: www.nextpixprods.com
• PLEASE READ - Terms of Use: https://www.nextpixprods.com/terms-of-use.html

Note that Don Thompson is now available as a coach or mentor on an individual basis. To find out more, please go to his website www.nextpixprods.com, and use the 'contact' form to request additional information.

What if finding joy in meditation could transform your entire mindfulness practice? Discover the profound impact of joyful effort, or virya, as we explore how approaching meditation with a sense of joy and skillful effort can lead to greater happiness, clarity, and balance. In this episode, we emphasize the importance of setting the right intention—cultivating joy rather than simply aiming for efficiency or productivity.

Reflect on the difference a consistent meditation practice makes in your life by comparing your feelings on days you meditate versus days you skip it. Recognize that the positive qualities you experience are the fruits of your joyful effort, and feel proud of your dedication. We'll guide you through a meditation exercise designed to reignite your passion for the practice, encouraging you to embrace bliss and ecstasy. Accompanied by soothing music, continue your journey toward effortless joy and enhanced mindfulness.

Music: Master Minded - 'Opening Up'

• Website: www.nextpixprods.com
• PLEASE READ - Terms of Use: https://www.nextpixprods.com/terms-of-use.html

Note that Don Thompson is now available as a coach or mentor on an individual basis. To find out more, please go to his website www.nextpixprods.com, and use the 'contact' form to request additional information.

Want to learn how mindfulness can revolutionize your life? Join us as we sit down with Debby Germino, an Emmy-winning editor turned mindfulness and somatic coach, who brings a unique perspective from her extensive background in the entertainment industry. Debby shares her incredible journey from editing hit TV shows like "Smallville" and "Agents of SHIELD" to her passion for mindfulness coaching, illustrating how the skills of concentration and authenticity play pivotal roles in both fields.

We'll uncover powerful stories, including the transformation of an endurance athlete who turned to mindfulness meditation to enhance their training and mental resilience. From simple breath awareness to navigating the complexities of injuries and illnesses, discover practical techniques for integrating mindfulness into daily life. Debby also introduces somatic coaching, showcasing how body awareness can effectively address mental challenges like imposter syndrome and anxiety, reinforcing the vital connection between mind and body.

As we explore the broader implications of mindfulness, Debby emphasizes the importance of redefining self-worth beyond achievements and the value of community in meditation practices. The conversation extends into the corporate world, advocating for mindful business practices to improve employee satisfaction and well-being. With heartfelt gratitude, we celebrate the transformative power of mindfulness and its potential to foster deeper connections and compassion. Tune in to gain actionable insights and be inspired by Debby's remarkable journey and expertise.

Links for Debby Germino:
 
Email: [email protected]

Drop in Class Registration Link

Free Meditation & Newsletter Sign-up

Happiness in Training Blog on Medium

Music: Muted - 'Patience'

• Website: www.nextpixprods.com
• PLEASE READ - Terms of Use: https://www.nextpixprods.com/terms-of-use.html

Note that Don Thompson is now available as a coach or mentor on an individual basis. To find out more, please go to his website www.nextpixprods.com, and use the 'contact' form to request additional information.

What if the "self" you think you know is just another part you're playing? Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with Don, who draws from his rich theater background to challenge the notion of a fixed personal identity. Through the lens of his experience playing a demanding character in Simon Gray's "Butley," Don reveals the transformative power of losing oneself in a role and the profound realizations it brought him about the fluidity of self.

In this captivating episode, Don shares how embodying a character led him to question societal expectations and the rigid identities we often impose on ourselves. He offers compelling insights on how our relationships and cultural norms keep us tethered to a static idea of who we are, making personal growth a daunting task. Reflecting on the practical and legal reasons for maintaining a consistent identity, Don invites listeners to explore the balance between societal demands and the freedom to reinvent oneself. Don't miss this engaging discussion that bridges the worlds of theater and psychology, offering a fresh perspective on the roles we play every day.

Music: Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra - O mio babbino caro - Instrumental Version

• Website: www.nextpixprods.com
• PLEASE READ - Terms of Use: https://www.nextpixprods.com/terms-of-use.html

Note that Don Thompson is now available as a coach or mentor on an individual basis. To find out more, please go to his website www.nextpixprods.com, and use the 'contact' form to request additional information.

Can the simple act of breathing transform your life? In this episode, we explore that profound possibility. Join me as I recount an enlightening meditation session with mindfulness coach Debby Germino, which led to a groundbreaking realization about the joy found in simplicity. Debby's guidance helped me connect with the fundamental happiness that lies in our breath, a basic but often overlooked aspect of life. Through a guided meditation, we’ll tap into the gratitude and contentment that comes from just being alive. We also celebrate the joy that pets, children's innocence, and nature's serene beauty bring into our lives. These are the moments that anchor us in true contentment, proving that you don't need material wealth or extravagant experiences to feel fulfilled.

In another segment, we discuss the balance between intellectual pursuits and the unparalleled joy of life's simple pleasures. I share my thoughts on how enriching our minds is invaluable, but finding joy in the everyday can be equally rewarding. This episode serves as a gentle reminder to cherish the small yet significant moments that make life worth living. Tune in to rediscover the essence of simplicity and the profound joy it can bring into your life.

Music: Yuval Vilner - 'Invention No. 1 in C Major'

• Website: www.nextpixprods.com
• PLEASE READ - Terms of Use: https://www.nextpixprods.com/terms-of-use.html

Note that Don Thompson is now available as a coach or mentor on an individual basis. To find out more, please go to his website www.nextpixprods.com, and use the 'contact' form to request additional information.

What does flowing water teach us about life? Join us as we uncover the profound lessons from a week spent by the Potomac River, reflecting on its symbolism of impermanence and continuous change. We delve into the unique rhythms of nature, distinct from human efforts to control the environment, and discuss how these natural patterns, especially observed in the early morning, reveal a deeper connection within ourselves. You'll also learn about a meditative nature gazing practice inspired by Sean Fargo that encourages finding a tree to reconnect with our interconnectedness with the natural world.

Experience the powerful practice of connecting with nature through stillness. We'll explore the feelings, thoughts, and energies evoked by this reflective practice, examining the similarities between ourselves and elements of nature, such as trees and the sky. Through this practice, enhance your sense of oneness with the natural world and heighten your awareness by simply listening to the wind through the trees. Immerse yourself in these reflective practices for a truly enriching experience, deepening your connection with the environment and discovering a profound sense of attunement.

Music: Johnny Yates - 'Natural World'

• Website: www.nextpixprods.com
• PLEASE READ - Terms of Use: https://www.nextpixprods.com/terms-of-use.html

Note that Don Thompson is now available as a coach or mentor on an individual basis. To find out more, please go to his website www.nextpixprods.com, and use the 'contact' form to request additional information.

Can reality exist without an observer? Tune in to our latest episode where we unlock the mysteries of observer theory in philosophy. We'll take you on a journey through quantum mechanics with mind-bending concepts like the Copenhagen interpretation and Schrödinger's Cat, demonstrating how observation can alter quantum states. We'll also explore the perspectives of renowned philosophers such as Edmund Husserl, Maurice Merleau-Ponty, and Immanuel Kant, who argue that our perception is integral to shaping reality. Don't miss our in-depth discussion on the age-old debate between solipsism and the concept of a shared reality, suggesting that our world is shaped by a multitude of observers.

But that's not all—we'll go even deeper, probing into the primordial essence of reality and the innate urge of consciousness to create something separate from itself for the purpose of observation. Is this separation driven by a fundamental desire to love and be loved by what is observed? We'll explore this fascinating idea through the lens of Buddhist and other philosophical traditions. This episode promises to stimulate your mind and provoke thought about the nature of existence and consciousness, bridging the wisdom of Eastern and Western philosophies. Join us for a compelling conversation that will leave you pondering the very fabric of reality.

Music: Okaya - 'Dreaming of Peace'

• Website: www.nextpixprods.com
• PLEASE READ - Terms of Use: https://www.nextpixprods.com/terms-of-use.html

Note that Don Thompson is now available as a coach or mentor on an individual basis. To find out more, please go to his website www.nextpixprods.com, and use the 'contact' form to request additional information.

Note: This was one of my favorite podcasts, so once in a while I like to replay it. I hope you enjoy.

Ever felt stuck staring at a blank page, unsure of what to create? Discover how embracing the "mindful blank page" can turn obstacles into opportunities and infuse everyday moments with profound meaning. Join us as we reframe writer's block and mundane tasks through the lens of mindfulness, revealing how even brewing a cup of coffee or supporting a loved one can become acts of artful engagement. Life is a canvas, and mindfulness is our brush—listen in to learn how to craft a beautiful, purposeful existence despite external challenges.

In our next chapter, we shift focus to the astonishing agility and freedom of the human mind. By training our minds, we unlock the ability to adapt swiftly to life's ever-changing circumstances, embodying the resilience that no external force can take away. Like turning on a dime, mental freedom is both a treasure and a testament to our enduring spirit. We thank you for your continued support and look forward to our next enlightening conversation. Until then, stay mindful and take care.

• Website: www.nextpixprods.com
• PLEASE READ - Terms of Use: https://www.nextpixprods.com/terms-of-use.html

Note that Don Thompson is now available as a coach or mentor on an individual basis. To find out more, please go to his website www.nextpixprods.com, and use the 'contact' form to request additional information.

Can the stories you tell yourself about who you are shape your reality? Join me, Don Thompson, as I navigate the profound influence of self-narratives on our identities and behaviors, inspired by Sean Fargo's insightful worksheet. Through personal reflections, I reveal how these narratives often root in our backgrounds and parental influences, dictating our beliefs and actions. I'll share my own journey of self-discovery, shaped by a creative father, and explore how our perceptions of ourselves, from gender and sexuality to artistic expression, can evolve and transform our lives.

As we challenge the notion of a fixed self, you'll discover the incredible flexibility we possess in redefining who we are. By examining how our stories can limit or empower us, we'll encourage you to embrace the fluid nature of human identity. Whether influenced by the trade of a parent or the decision to pursue an artistic path, the stories we tell can lead to vastly different outcomes. Tune in to learn how reshaping your personal narrative can pave the way for a more mindful, intentional, and fulfilling life.

Music: Leva - 'Your Stories'

• Website: www.nextpixprods.com
• PLEASE READ - Terms of Use: https://www.nextpixprods.com/terms-of-use.html

Note that Don Thompson is now available as a coach or mentor on an individual basis. To find out more, please go to his website www.nextpixprods.com, and use the 'contact' form to request additional information.