Meditate This!

In a gripping two-parter, Yael Shy gives both beginner and long-time meditators sound advice on what to expect from a practice—and how to be sure it's right for you. As director of NYU's Center for Spiritual Life and The Mindfulness Project at NYU, Shy has years of experience teaching meditation and creating safe spaces for those who just want to dip a toe into this spiritual ocean. Hear her own story of triumph over serious anxiety and discover what she means when she poses the notion: "So much of our life is spent fighting...life."

In a gripping two-parter, Yael Shy gives both beginner and long-time meditators sound advice on what to expect from a practice—and how to be sure it's right for you. As director of NYU's Center for Spiritual Life and The Mindfulness Project at NYU, Shy has years of experience teaching meditation and creating safe spaces for those who just want to dip a toe into this spiritual ocean. Hear her own story of triumph over serious anxiety and discover what she means when she poses the notion: "So much of our life is spent fighting...life."

Imagine gaining insight into the ancient wisdom of mindfulness while experiencing the unique brand of banter that only Pete and Jay can deliver (aka: schmindfulness).

In part 2, bears, moose, and...Deet! Oh no. Pete and Jay discuss fear after a camping trip in the north woods. With Eckhart Tolle in the backpack (real men read Tolle), they venture into the wilderness.

Imagine gaining insight into the ancient wisdom of mindfulness while experiencing the unique brand of banter that only Pete and Jay can deliver (aka: schmindfulness). Hear the surprising origin story of the Meditate This! Podcast, why Jay's plans to do laundry almost prevented it from happening, and how one marriage proposal was profoundly changed by something heard on the show.

Amidst the struggle of coming to terms with the end of her old life, a new one began. A longtime Buddhist practitioner, Toni started writing through the pain and exhaustion that each day brings. Her first book, How to Be Sick: A Buddhist-Inspired Guide for the Chronically Ill and Their Caregiversbegan as a manual for herself, but she soon realized they were words others needed to hear. The work has since won two Nautilus Book Awards: a gold medal in self-help/psychology and a silver medal in memoir. It was also named one of the "Best Books of 2010" by Spirituality and Practice magazine.Her second book, How to Wake Up: A Buddhist-Inspired Guide to Navigating Joy and Sorrow, coincides with her increased presence on social media, and a life now spent interacting with sick individuals all over the world. Her blog “Turning Straw Into Gold” is published on Psychology Today's website.While her story is serious, her words will make you feel light. And her advice may well help you better navigate both the easiest and the hardest times you'll ever experience. Give yourself a great gift today and take a listen.

Pete and Jay journey into the meaning of life with Dr. Neil Theise, a world-renowned pioneer in stem cell research and a diagnostic liver pathologist. Neil's career in science and medicine combined with his long-term practice of Zen Buddhism has opened new doors into thinking about consciousness, complexity theory, panpsychism, complimentarity, and other things Pete and Jay had never heard of before.

In Part 3 of 3 Neil expands on his Zen practice, what we might expect from long-term contemplative practice, and the notion of complimentarity. He leaves Pete and Jay a little stumped with his final reference. This just means we need another interivew!

Pete and Jay journey into the meaning of life with Dr. Neil Theise, a world-renowned pioneer in stem cell research and a diagnostic liver pathologist. Neil's career in science and medicine combined with his long-term practice of Zen Buddhism has opened new doors into thinking about consciousness, complexity theory, panpsychism, complimentarity, and other things Pete and Jay had never heard of before.

In Part 2 of 3 Neil ties together his scientific and spiritual backgrounds. Pete and Jay try to figure out whether they experience life any different than ants.

Pete and Jay journey into the meaning of life with Dr. Neil Theise, a world-renowned pioneer in stem cell research and a diagnostic liver pathologist. Neil's career in science and medicine combined with his long-term practice of Zen Buddhism has opened new doors into thinking about consciousness, complexity theory, panpsychism, complimentarity, and other things Pete and Jay had never heard of before.

In Part 1 of 3 Neil tells us the beginnging of his fascinating life story, describing his career choice as a pathologist all the way up to his first encounter with meditation.

It's not everyday that an executive working in strategic alliances at BMO Financial Group in Toronto leaves to start a new company based on teaching mindfulness to corporate clients. But that's just what Maria Gonzalez did when she founded Argonauta Strategic Alliances Consulting, which helps others create strategic alignment in a very mindful way. Gonzalez is also the best-selling author of Mindful Leadership and The Mindful Investor, has taught at McGill University, recently launched the Mindful Leadership App, and writes a blog for the Harvard Business Review. Hear just why we all can't afford not to be more mindful!