From Surviving to Thriving - How Mindfulness Saved a Recovering Jerk

SHOW GUEST: Peter Callahan

When Peter, Copper Beech Institute’s Leadership & Engagement Director and founder of Fresh Perspectives, introduces himself in this manner, he’s not joking. He spent much of his youth compensating for his unhappiness by building an armor around himself that left him disconnected and unable to empathize.

“I realized I was so disconnected, but I didn’t know why,” Peter said. “I finally admitted I didn’t like the way I was and that I wanted to change and connect with others.” It was this desire for connection that launched him on a path of transformation and planted the seed for Peter’s own contemplative work, which eventually led him to Copper Beech Institute. Instead of living with armor that leaves him feeling alone, Peter is now focused on leading a compassionate and purposeful life. “I just want to create as many positive ripples as I can,” he shared with a smile.

In addition to his role of furthering Copper Beech’s work, Peter has partaken in the Institute’s Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course to further deepen his meditation practice and is pursuing MBSR teacher certification.