In this episode of the Pause to Elevate Podcast, discover why so many people experience birthday blues, the underlying reasons behind it, and how to overcome it. Tamar shares her insights on the importance of celebrating oneself, planning a fulfilling birthday, and overcoming the challenges of aging with grace. 

Birthdays are often tied to expectations—big parties, forced celebrations, and toxic positivity. But what if your birthday became a personal ritual of self-reflection, rest, and joy? In this episode, we explore how to reclaim your birthday as a day to pause, be selfish in the best way, and do what truly makes you happy. Whether it’s solitude, adventure, or deep reflection, your birthday is yours to celebrate—on your terms.

📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒

You can contact Tamar Hurwitz-Fleming by visiting https://tamartamar.com/

📚 Books mentioned that might be of interest: 

📚  "How To Have A Happy Birthday" by Tamar Hurwitz-Fleming - https://amzn.to/41Rz5LP

Note:  We’re affiliates with the link above through Amazon, meaning if you click a link for a book and make a purchase, we earn small commission at no extra cost to you, which can support this channel.  We recommend these books because they are helpful and useful, not because of the minimal commissions we may receive. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you believe they will help you achieve your goals. 

🌿 Stay Connected

Join our free newsletter for upcoming mindfulness sessions, retreats, programs, resources, and other opportunities:

https://centreformindfulness.ca/

About Pause to Elevate

Subscribe to Pause to Elevate so you don't miss upcoming conversations about mindfulness, psychology, and human flourishing.

Disclaimer

Content provided by Dr. Kasim Al-Mashat is intended solely for informational and educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Although Dr. Al-Mashat is a Licensed Psychologist in British Columbia, Canada, viewing, listening to, or reading this content does not establish a therapeutic relationship. Please consult an appropriate health professionals regarding your individual circumstances.

Full Disclaimer & Privacy:
https://centreformindfulness.ca/privacy-policy/

If you have an emergency please call 911 or visit the Emergency Dept at your Local Hospital. You can also call the Crisis Centre in your region. If you are in Canada, the number is 1-800-784-2433 (24 hrs/day - 7 days/week). If you are in the United States, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, open 24/7, with free and confidential support for people in distress with prevention and crisis resourc...

With over 20 years of experience in mindfulness meditation and Iyengar yoga, Hazim Hassan shares his personal journey, exploring the importance of mindfulness in stressful healthcare settings. This episode delves into the significance of self-care for physicians, the role of curiosity and kindness in mindfulness, and the critical need for collective support within healthcare environments. Hazim also discusses his current doctoral research focused on integrating mindfulness into healthcare systems to promote well-being for both providers and patients.

📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒

You can contact Hazim Hassan at linkedin.com/in/hazim-hassan-34bba7a

📚 Books mentioned that might be of interest: 

📚  "Full Catastrophe Living" by John Kabat Zinn - https://amzn.to/40k5tYv

📚 "Wherever you go, There you are" by John Kabat Zinn - https://amzn.to/4hA89G5

Note:  We’re affiliates with the link above through Amazon, meaning if you click a link for a book and make a purchase, we earn small commission at no extra cost to you, which can support this channel.  We recommend these books because they are helpful and useful, not because of the minimal commissions we may receive. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you believe they will help you achieve your goals. 

🌿 Stay Connected

Join our free newsletter for upcoming mindfulness sessions, retreats, programs, resources, and other opportunities:

https://centreformindfulness.ca/

About Pause to Elevate

Subscribe to Pause to Elevate so you don't miss upcoming conversations about mindfulness, psychology, and human flourishing.

Disclaimer

Content provided by Dr. Kasim Al-Mashat is intended solely for informational and educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Although Dr. Al-Mashat is a Licensed Psychologist in British Columbia, Canada, viewing, listening to, or reading this content does not establish a therapeutic relationship. Please consult an appropriate health professionals regarding your individual circumstances.

Full Disclaimer & Privacy:
https://centreformindfulness.ca/privacy-policy/

If you have an emergency please call 911 or visit the Emergency Dept at your Local Hospital. You can also call the Crisis Centre in your region. If you are in Canada, the number is 1-800-784-2433 (24 hrs/day - 7 days/week). If you are in the United States, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, open 24/7, with free and confidential support for people in distress with prevention and crisis resourc...

In this eye-opening episode of the Pause to Elevate Podcast, Dr. Kasim Al Mashat dives deep into the transformative journey of Heidi Barkwell, a Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher and author of 'Laughing Wellness: Play Your Way Every Day.' Heidi shares how laughter became a pivotal tool in her healing process and how it can do the same for you. Learn about the profound benefits of laughter, engaging exercises, and the powerful concepts of promoting longevity, accountability, and young-heartedness. Don’t miss the laughter exercises at the end—join us for a session that promises to leave you smiling from ear to ear.

📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒

You can learn about Heidi Barkwell by visiting https://laughingwellness.com/ or 
https://www.calgarylaughteryoga.com/

📚 Books mentioned that might be of interest: 

📚 Grab Heidi’s book, Laughing Wellness: Play Your Way Every Day: [https://amzn.to/4hMURaj]

Note:  We’re affiliates with the link above through Amazon, meaning if you click a link for a book and make a purchase, we earn small commission at no extra cost to you, which can support this channel.  We recommend these books because they are helpful and useful, not because of the minimal commissions we may receive. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you believe they will help you achieve your goals. 

🌿 Stay Connected

Join our free newsletter for upcoming mindfulness sessions, retreats, programs, resources, and other opportunities:

https://centreformindfulness.ca/

About Pause to Elevate

Subscribe to Pause to Elevate so you don't miss upcoming conversations about mindfulness, psychology, and human flourishing.

Disclaimer

Content provided by Dr. Kasim Al-Mashat is intended solely for informational and educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Although Dr. Al-Mashat is a Licensed Psychologist in British Columbia, Canada, viewing, listening to, or reading this content does not establish a therapeutic relationship. Please consult an appropriate health professionals regarding your individual circumstances.

Full Disclaimer & Privacy:
https://centreformindfulness.ca/privacy-policy/

If you have an emergency please call 911 or visit the Emergency Dept at your Local Hospital. You can also call the Crisis Centre in your region. If you are in Canada, the number is 1-800-784-2433 (24 hrs/day - 7 days/week). If you are in the United States, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, open 24/7, with free and confidential support for people in distress with prevention and crisis resourc...

In this episode of the Pause to Elevate Podcast, Dr. Kasim Al Mashat sits down with Sue Genest, trauma and EMDR expert and Director of Life Journeys Counseling and Training. Sue shares her extensive expertise in mental health, healing trauma, and explains how Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can help individuals overcome past traumas. Tune in to learn about the impact of childhood trauma, how somatic therapy works, and the power of identifying core beliefs through EMDR. Sue also shares powerful metaphors and exercises to connect with your true self and explains the importance of balancing our 'diet of hope' in the face of overwhelming life events. Join us for an enriching conversation that offers practical insights into improving mental health and well-being.

📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒

You can learn about Sue Genest by visiting https://www.suegenest.ca/

📚 Books mentioned that might be of interest: 

📚 "The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World" by Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, and Douglas Carlton Abrams - https://amzn.to/4im5rov

📚 "The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times" 
by Jane Goodall - https://amzn.to/3Dia445

📚 "When pain is the Doorway" by Pema Chodron - https://amzn.to/3F05ZSG

Note:  We’re affiliates with the link above through Amazon, meaning if you click a link for a book and make a purchase, we earn small commission at no extra cost to you, which can support this channel.  We recommend these books because they are helpful and useful, not because of the minimal commissions we may receive. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you believe they will help you achieve your goals. 

🌿 Stay Connected

Join our free newsletter for upcoming mindfulness sessions, retreats, programs, resources, and other opportunities:

https://centreformindfulness.ca/

About Pause to Elevate

Subscribe to Pause to Elevate so you don't miss upcoming conversations about mindfulness, psychology, and human flourishing.

Disclaimer

Content provided by Dr. Kasim Al-Mashat is intended solely for informational and educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Although Dr. Al-Mashat is a Licensed Psychologist in British Columbia, Canada, viewing, listening to, or reading this content does not establish a therapeutic relationship. Please consult an appropriate health professionals regarding your individual circumstances.

Full Disclaimer & Privacy:
https://centreformindfulness.ca/privacy-policy/

If you have an emergency please call 911 or visit the Emergency Dept at your Local Hospital. You can also call the Crisis Centre in your region. If you are in Canada, the number is 1-800-784-2433 (24 hrs/day - 7 days/week). If you are in the United States, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, open 24/7, with free and confidential support for people in distress with prevention and crisis resourc...

In this episode of Pause to Elevate, join the host in an enlightening conversation with Dr. Tazuko Shibusawa, an expert in social work and mindfulness. Dr. Shibusawa shares her personal and professional journey, exploring the impact of Buddhism, teachers like Thich Nhat Hanh, and the power of mindfulness in navigating aging, anger, and social justice. She delves into how mindfulness fosters fearlessness, compassion, and deeper connections while challenging the mental health field’s tendency toward pathologization. Tune in to discover how pausing with intention can elevate your well-being and strengthen your sense of community. #Mindfulness #MentalHealth #AngerManagement #Compassion #SocialJustice #PauseToElevate

📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒

You can learn about Tazuko Shibusawa https://www.linkedin.com/in/tazuko-shibusawa-21032514/

📚 Books mentioned that might be of interest: 

📗 "The world could be otherwise" by Norman Fisher - https://amzn.to/3CT1msS

📕 "Full Catastrophe Living" by John Kabat Zinn - https://amzn.to/40k5tYv

📗 "Heal Thyself" by Saki Santorelli - https://amzn.to/41io872

Note:  We’re affiliates with the link above through Amazon, meaning if you click a link for a book and make a purchase, we earn small commission at no extra cost to you, which can support this channel.  We recommend these books because they are helpful and useful, not because of the minimal commissions we may receive. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you believe they will help you achieve your goals. 

🌿 Stay Connected

Join our free newsletter for upcoming mindfulness sessions, retreats, programs, resources, and other opportunities:

https://centreformindfulness.ca/

About Pause to Elevate

Subscribe to Pause to Elevate so you don't miss upcoming conversations about mindfulness, psychology, and human flourishing.

Disclaimer

Content provided by Dr. Kasim Al-Mashat is intended solely for informational and educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Although Dr. Al-Mashat is a Licensed Psychologist in British Columbia, Canada, viewing, listening to, or reading this content does not establish a therapeutic relationship. Please consult an appropriate health professionals regarding your individual circumstances.

Full Disclaimer & Privacy:
https://centreformindfulness.ca/privacy-policy/

If you have an emergency please call 911 or visit the Emergency Dept at your Local Hospital. You can also call the Crisis Centre in your region. If you are in Canada, the number is 1-800-784-2433 (24 hrs/day - 7 days/week). If you are in the United States, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, open 24/7, with free and confidential support for people in distress with prevention and crisis resourc...

Pain can be distressing, how do we not make it worse?  

Sometimes we think pain is just physical.  However,  pain is not just physical—it shapes how we think, act, and believe.  In this Pause to Elevate Episode, discover how mindfulness can transform the way we experience and manage pain.  

My guest is Dr. Carol Greco, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, researcher on pain and mindfulness, faculty member at the University of Pittsburgh, and mindfulness teacher/trainer. 

Learn how you can meet pain with presence, care, and compassion, instead of judgment or resistance.   Whether you're dealing with physical or emotional pain, this episode offers some helpful perspectives and mindset to navigate pain with greater ease and self-awareness.

📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒

You can learn about Dr. Carol Greco's research by visiting - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/carol.greco.1/bibliography/public/

You can connect with Dr. Carol Greco by visiting - https://www.psychiatry.pitt.edu/about-us/our-people/faculty/carol-m-greco-phd

📚 Books that might be of interest: 

📗 "Coming to our senses" by John Kabat-Zinn,  - https://amzn.to/4eWwuoL

📕 "Full Catastrophe Living" by John Kabat Zinn - https://amzn.to/40k5tYv

Note:  We’re affiliates with the link above through Amazon, meaning if you click a link for a book and make a purchase, we earn small commission at no extra cost to you, which can support this channel.  We recommend these books because they are helpful and useful, not because of the minimal commissions we may receive. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you believe they will help you achieve your goals. 

🌿 Stay Connected

Join our free newsletter for upcoming mindfulness sessions, retreats, programs, resources, and other opportunities:

https://centreformindfulness.ca/

About Pause to Elevate

Subscribe to Pause to Elevate so you don't miss upcoming conversations about mindfulness, psychology, and human flourishing.

Disclaimer

Content provided by Dr. Kasim Al-Mashat is intended solely for informational and educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Although Dr. Al-Mashat is a Licensed Psychologist in British Columbia, Canada, viewing, listening to, or reading this content does not establish a therapeutic relationship. Please consult an appropriate health professionals regarding your individual circumstances.

Full Disclaimer & Privacy:
https://centreformindfulness.ca/privacy-policy/

If you have an emergency please call 911 or visit the Emergency Dept at your Local Hospital. You can also call the Crisis Centre in your region. If you are in Canada, the number is 1-800-784-2433 (24 hrs/day - 7 days/week). If you are in the United States, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, open 24/7, with free and confidential support for people in distress with prevention and crisis resourc...

*******
Note:  Apologies for my mic quality in this episode due to a technical issue. We'll be back to our usual sound next time. In the meantime, enjoy the great content and wisdom shared by my guest, Dr. Eric Loucks. Thank you for listening!
*******
 
Is it worthwhile to take the time out of your busy day to establish or continue a meditation practice?  In this candid conversation with Dr. Eric Loucks, Director of The Mindfulness Centre At Brown University and Associate Professor, we explore the unbiased view of the research on Mindfulness.  Dr. Loucks shares the research around stress, anxiety, depression, pain and trauma.  We also address what the research says about the meditation dose and whether online is as effective as in-person when it comes to mindfulness programs.  Not to mention, Dr. Loucks shares some personal stories along the way.

May it support your daily journey!

Connect with Dr. Eric Loucks:
https://ericloucksphd.com/

📚 Books mentioned in this episode: 

📗 "The Mindful College Student: How to Succeed, Boost Well-Being, and Build the Life You Want at University and Beyond" by Eric Loucks, - https://amzn.to/4ay5s60

📕 "Full Catastrophe Living" by John Kabat Zinn - https://amzn.to/40k5tYv

Note:  We’re affiliates with the link above through Amazon, meaning if you click a link for a book and make a purchase, we earn small commission at no extra cost to you, which can support this channel.  We recommend these books because they are helpful and useful, not because of the minimal commissions we may receive. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you believe they will help you achieve your goals.

Here is the link to his Psychology Today article - 
https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/find-your-path-thriving-life/202209/how-much-should-i-meditate

You can watch this episode on YouTube
https://youtu.be/wfuvJWNeHmc

🌿 Stay Connected

Join our free newsletter for upcoming mindfulness sessions, retreats, programs, resources, and other opportunities:

https://centreformindfulness.ca/

About Pause to Elevate

Subscribe to Pause to Elevate so you don't miss upcoming conversations about mindfulness, psychology, and human flourishing.

Disclaimer

Content provided by Dr. Kasim Al-Mashat is intended solely for informational and educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Although Dr. Al-Mashat is a Licensed Psychologist in British Columbia, Canada, viewing, listening to, or reading this content does not establish a therapeutic relationship. Please consult an appropriate health professionals regarding your individual circumstances.

Full Disclaimer & Privacy:
https://centreformindfulness.ca/privacy-policy/

If you have an emergency please call 911 or visit the Emergency Dept at your Local Hospital. You can also call the Crisis Centre in your region. If you are in Canada, the number is 1-800-784-2433 (24 hrs/day - 7 days/week). If you are in the United States, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, open 24/7, with free and confidential support for people in distress with prevention and crisis resourc...

In today’s fast-paced world, many of us feel deeply disconnected—from ourselves and from others. This disconnection often leads to anxiety, depression, and mental health struggles. In this episode of Pause to Elevate, we explore how losing touch with our inner selves fuels emotional pain and how mindfulness offers a path back to peace and fulfillment. By practicing self-compassion, embracing our thoughts without judgment, and reflecting with kindness, we can heal from within and build deeper, more meaningful connections. It’s time to reconnect and thrive!

📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒

You can connect with Dr. Adam Dorsay by visiting https://dradamdorsay.com/, and IG @dradamdorsay 

📚 Books of interest: 

📗 Super Psyched: Unleash the Power of the 4 Types of Connection and Live the Life You Love, Adam Dorsay - https://amzn.to/4jmNAiA

📗 Be Useful by  Arnold Schwartz - https://amzn.to/3WO4gWP
 
Note:  We’re affiliates with the link above through Amazon, meaning if you click a link for a book and make a purchase, we earn small commission at no extra cost to you, which can support this channel.  We recommend these books because they are helpful and useful, not because of the minimal commissions we may receive. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you believe they will help you achieve your goals. 

🌿 Stay Connected

Join our free newsletter for upcoming mindfulness sessions, retreats, programs, resources, and other opportunities:

https://centreformindfulness.ca/

About Pause to Elevate

Subscribe to Pause to Elevate so you don't miss upcoming conversations about mindfulness, psychology, and human flourishing.

Disclaimer

Content provided by Dr. Kasim Al-Mashat is intended solely for informational and educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Although Dr. Al-Mashat is a Licensed Psychologist in British Columbia, Canada, viewing, listening to, or reading this content does not establish a therapeutic relationship. Please consult an appropriate health professionals regarding your individual circumstances.

Full Disclaimer & Privacy:
https://centreformindfulness.ca/privacy-policy/

If you have an emergency please call 911 or visit the Emergency Dept at your Local Hospital. You can also call the Crisis Centre in your region. If you are in Canada, the number is 1-800-784-2433 (24 hrs/day - 7 days/week). If you are in the United States, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, open 24/7, with free and confidential support for people in distress with prevention and crisis resourc...

How can the right perspective transform your experience in sports and life? In this episode, we explore the power of mental fortitude, mindfulness, and a shift in mindset. Instead of tying satisfaction to winning—something out of our control—we focus on the empowering idea of "doing your best" as the key to fulfillment. Learn how this perspective not only improves performance but also nurtures mental health, creating a more satisfying and sustainable approach to success. #Mindfulness #MentalFortitude #SportsMindset #PositivePerspective

📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒

You can connect with Shannon Thompson by visiting https://sweetperformances.wordpress.com/about-shannon/

📚 Books of interest: 

📗 The Heroes Journey, by Joseph Campbell - https://amzn.to/4jcwns4

📕The Hero with a Thousand Faces, by Joseph Campbell - https://amzn.to/3E1rB0i

Note:  We’re affiliates with the link above through Amazon, meaning if you click a link for a book and make a purchase, we earn small commission at no extra cost to you, which can support this channel.  We recommend these books because they are helpful and useful, not because of the minimal commissions we may receive. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you believe they will help you achieve your goals. 

🌿 Stay Connected

Join our free newsletter for upcoming mindfulness sessions, retreats, programs, resources, and other opportunities:

https://centreformindfulness.ca/

About Pause to Elevate

Subscribe to Pause to Elevate so you don't miss upcoming conversations about mindfulness, psychology, and human flourishing.

Disclaimer

Content provided by Dr. Kasim Al-Mashat is intended solely for informational and educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Although Dr. Al-Mashat is a Licensed Psychologist in British Columbia, Canada, viewing, listening to, or reading this content does not establish a therapeutic relationship. Please consult an appropriate health professionals regarding your individual circumstances.

Full Disclaimer & Privacy:
https://centreformindfulness.ca/privacy-policy/

If you have an emergency please call 911 or visit the Emergency Dept at your Local Hospital. You can also call the Crisis Centre in your region. If you are in Canada, the number is 1-800-784-2433 (24 hrs/day - 7 days/week). If you are in the United States, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, open 24/7, with free and confidential support for people in distress with prevention and crisis resourc...

What if you could benefit from some new goals? How about exercise related goals? Certain mindsets help people start exercising and excel in it.  Mindsets of high performances are different from those who get stuck and fade away. What can help you in taking things to the next level in exercise and life? Listen to this conversation with Dr. Rashmeen Nirmal about sports psychology, mental health, exercise, and mindfulness. She is a Registered Psychologist, Director of The Neurodevelopment Group, and Clinical Instructor in the Faculty of Medicine at The University of British Columbia.

➡️  You can connect with Dr. Nirmal at https://www.rashmeennirmal.com/

You can watch this episode on YouTube -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfGfxrz-2J0&t

🌿 Stay Connected

Join our free newsletter for upcoming mindfulness sessions, retreats, programs, resources, and other opportunities:

https://centreformindfulness.ca/

About Pause to Elevate

Subscribe to Pause to Elevate so you don't miss upcoming conversations about mindfulness, psychology, and human flourishing.

Disclaimer

Content provided by Dr. Kasim Al-Mashat is intended solely for informational and educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Although Dr. Al-Mashat is a Licensed Psychologist in British Columbia, Canada, viewing, listening to, or reading this content does not establish a therapeutic relationship. Please consult an appropriate health professionals regarding your individual circumstances.

Full Disclaimer & Privacy:
https://centreformindfulness.ca/privacy-policy/

If you have an emergency please call 911 or visit the Emergency Dept at your Local Hospital. You can also call the Crisis Centre in your region. If you are in Canada, the number is 1-800-784-2433 (24 hrs/day - 7 days/week). If you are in the United States, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, open 24/7, with free and confidential support for people in distress with prevention and crisis resourc...