We explore how contemplative practice and bold artistic expression strengthen each other, using Anne Cushman’s story to map a path from silence to color and back again. Six shared principles offer practical tools to make space, feel more, and create with less fear.

• the roller skating dream as a symbol of inner conflict between sage and trickster
• how Spirit Rock integrated silence with painting, writing, and movement
• creativity as reclamation over talent, and process-focused training
• mindfulness boosting divergent thinking, focus, and resilience
• six principles: space, body, emotions, sacred time, golden thread, letting go
• simple tactics for tiny sacred windows and playful practice
• how to approach scary material with gentle bravery and protection
• presence as the common thread that unites art and awakening
• next steps: process-first teachers, online workshops with Anne Cushman

And if this conversation has sparked something in you and you're looking for practical next steps, Ann Cushman actually teaches online. She does half day and day-long events combining meditation, writing, movement.

www.AnneCushman.com

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About the Podcast

Mindfulness Exercises with Sean Fargo is a practical, grounded mindfulness podcast for people who want meditation to actually help in real life.

Hosted by Sean Fargo — a former Buddhist monk, mindfulness teacher, and founder of MindfulnessExercises.com — this podcast explores how mindfulness can support mental health, emotional regulation, trauma sensitivity, chronic pain, leadership, creativity, and meaningful work.

Each episode offers a mix of:

• Practical mindfulness and meditation teachings
• Conversations with respected teachers, clinicians, authors, and researchers
• Real-world insights for therapists, coaches, yoga teachers, educators, and caregivers
• Gentle reflections for anyone navigating stress, anxiety, burnout, grief, or change

Rather than chasing peak experiences or spiritual bypassing, this podcast emphasizes embodied practice, ethical teaching, and mindfulness that meets people where they are—messy, human, and alive.

If you’re interested in:

• Mindfulness meditation for everyday life
• Trauma-sensitive and co...