The Mindful Classroom

By Thomas Belasco

We will have a weekly discussion about best practices in the SEL classroom and ways you can shape your room to fit a struggling student’s needs. We will also look at techniques school employees can ut... more

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FAQs about The Mindful Classroom:

How many episodes does The Mindful Classroom have?

The podcast currently has 52 episodes available.

The Mindful Classroom episodes:

July 25, 2024Choosing Positivity and Support over Negativity & Metta Meditation
If you are only interested in the Metta (Lovingkindness) Meditation, advance to the 15 minute mark

Summary
TJ Belasco reflects on his retirement from teaching and the joy he finds in working with young adults. He shares his experience of conducting a workshop on social and emotional learning and emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for students. TJ also discusses the power of gratitude and the practice of giving small tokens of appreciation. He then explores the negative impact of online negativity and encourages focusing on positive support and celebration. The episode concludes with a loving-kindness meditation.
Keywords
retirement, teaching, workshop, social and emotional learning, gratitude, positivity, loving-kindness meditation
Takeaways
Retirement can provide opportunities to pursue new interests and gain more control over one's time.

Creating a safe and supportive environment is crucial for effective teaching and learning.

Expressing gratitude and giving tokens of appreciation can bring joy and positivity to both the giver and the recipient.

Focusing on positive support and celebration can counteract the negativity and divisiveness prevalent online.

Loving-kindness meditation can cultivate compassion and positive energy towards oneself and others.
Choosing Positivity and Support over Negativity

The Power of Gratitude and Tokens of Appreciation
"I had absolutely one of the best days I could have asked"

"When we can encourage them to... take off their armor and be willing to feel vulnerable because they feel safe, they trust you."

"It's nice when what we do isn't just a job, but it gives back to us as well."
Chapters
00:00Introduction and Reflection on Retirement
03:09Creating a Safe and Supportive Learning Environment
05:11The Power of Gratitude and Tokens of Appreciation
07:43Choosing Positivity and Support over Negativity
13:29Cultivating Compassion through Loving-Kindness Meditation
...more
33min
July 23, 2024Don't look past today when improving your life
Summary
The conversation revolves around the theme of enjoying the present moment and reflecting on one's accomplishments. Thomas emphasizes the importance of finding satisfaction in where one is in life while still striving for self-improvement. He encourages daily reflection on the positive things that have been achieved and suggests focusing on a smaller, accomplishable to-do list. The conversation concludes with the message of making each day count and making a difference in the world.
Keywords
enjoying the moment, reflection, satisfaction, self-improvement, accomplishments, positive mindset, making a differenceTakeaways
Find satisfaction in where you are in life while still striving for self-improvement.

Reflect on the positive things that have been achieved each day.

Focus on a smaller, accomplishable to-do list to feel a sense of accomplishment.

Make each day count and make a difference in the world.
Making Each Day Count

Enjoying the Present Moment
"Benefits of an ice bath or a cold plunge or a chilly plunge. You take the label."

"If you never enjoy where you are today and you're constantly beating yourself up for not having achieved enough or not gotten there fast enough, then you're gonna live a miserable life."

"Reflecting on our accomplishments is also an important thing because it's something we can build"
Chapters
00:00Enjoying the Present Moment
01:05Reflecting on Accomplishments
02:25Striving for Self-Improvement
03:16Making Each Day Count
...more
7min
July 22, 2024 Our Perspective Shapes Our Life
...more
8min
July 21, 2024 Counting your breath Meditation
...more
11min
July 14, 2024Perception Shapes Our Reality
Please subscribe to my channel.

Summary
The conversation revolves around the importance of family, humility, gratitude, and perspective. It emphasizes the need to find humor in life and not take oneself too seriously. The concept of looking at setbacks as opportunities for growth is discussed, as well as the idea of becoming a healer through personal experiences of pain. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the divisiveness in society and the need to see individuals beyond their political beliefs.
Keywords
family, humility, gratitude, perspective, growth, healing, setbacks, humor, divisivenessTakeaways
Family and staying connected are important for personal growth.

Humility and finding humor in life can lead to a more positive perspective.

Setbacks and pain can be opportunities for personal growth and becoming a healer.

It is important to see individuals beyond their political beliefs and stereotypes.
"The importance of family and staying connected and knowing your roots."

"Laugh at yourself and don't be so pompous and serious."

"Life is a matter of perspective."
Chapters
00:00The Importance of Family and Staying Connected
00:59Humility and Finding Humor in Life
02:05Setbacks as Opportunities for Growth
03:04Becoming a Healer Through Personal Pain
04:09Seeing Individuals Beyond Political Beliefs
...more
6min
July 12, 2024 Coping with Fear, Suffering, and Isolation
Summary
In this episode, TJ Belasco reflects on the power of positive thinking and the ability to find joy and gratitude in any circumstance. He shares the story of Steve Gleason, an American football player with ALS, who maintains a positive outlook despite his struggles. TJ discusses the importance of facing fear, overcoming isolation, and understanding the nature of suffering. He explores Buddhist philosophy and the concept of letting go of craving and desire. TJ concludes with a passage from Epictetus on positive thinking and encourages listeners to choose how they see the world.
Keywords
positive thinking, gratitude, fear, isolation, suffering, Buddhist philosophy, letting go, desire, joy
Takeaways
Maintaining a positive outlook can help us find joy and gratitude in any circumstance.Facing fear and understanding what is within our control can alleviate anxiety.Isolation can occur even when surrounded by others, and it is important to seek meaningful connections.Suffering is a part of life, but it is temporary, and letting go of craving and desire can lead to the end of suffering.Choosing how we see the world can greatly impact our happiness and well-being.
Sound Bites
"For those of you who have never felt fear, isolation, and suffering, take your sanctimonious asses out of here.""If I only had, then I would be.""Fear is hurting the time that I'm living."
Chapters
00:00Introduction and Steve Gleason's Story
03:25The Pursuit of Happiness and Letting Go of Craving
06:37Understanding the Nature of Suffering08:38Isolation and Meaningful Connections
12:11Finding Alternatives and Choosing How We See the World
15:45Conclusion and Encouragement
Steve Gleason https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzQKCgzIC6ISteve Gleason
ESPY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
...more
17min
July 11, 2024Losing the Ego ... Launching The Mindful Classroom Coaching
Summary
In this conversation, Thomas reflects on the importance of staying true to oneself and not seeking validation from others. He discusses the concept of the ego and how it can lead to suffering and frustration. Thomas shares Stoic quotes that emphasize the power of controlling one's thoughts and not being affected by external criticism. He encourages listeners to have a clear vision, morals, and beliefs, and to not let others shake them. In the second part of the conversation, Thomas announces the launch of his Mindful Classroom Purpose and Performance Coaching, where he helps individuals find their purpose and achieve their best performance while maintaining work-life balance.
Keywords
ego, validation, suffering, frustration, Stoic quotes, staying true to oneself, controlling thoughts, criticism, vision, morals, beliefs, Mindful Classroom Purpose and Performance Coaching, purpose, performance, work-life balance
Takeaways
Stay true to yourself and don't seek validation from others.

The ego can cause suffering and frustration.

Control your thoughts and don't let external criticism affect you.

Have a clear vision, morals, and beliefs.

Announcement: Launch of Mindful Classroom Purpose and Performance Coaching.
Having a Clear Vision, Morals, and Beliefs

Staying True to Yourself and Not Seeking Validation
"If you believe in it, it's what you should be"

"being offended by other people or being hurt by other people or even being criticized by other people. That's really the result of ourselves and we can let that go."

"The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts."
Chapters
00:00Staying True to Yourself and Not Seeking Validation
02:27The Ego and Its Impact on Suffering and Frustration
03:16Controlling Thoughts and Not Being Affected by Criticism
04:21Having a Clear Vision, Morals, and Beliefs
06:11Announcement: Launch of Mindful Classroom Purpose and Performance Coaching

Contact info:
Email: [email protected]
phone: 609.780.2510
...more
13min
July 09, 2024Cold Plunge Living a Great Story
Summary
The conversation revolves around the theme of living a great story and taking control of one's own destiny. The speaker emphasizes the importance of reflection and making positive changes in our lives. He encourages listeners to examine the areas of their lives that are working well and accentuate those, while also identifying areas where they feel stuck and taking action to change those patterns. The key takeaway is that we have the power to write our own story and make the changes we want to see.
Keywords
living a great story, reflection, positive changes, taking control, destinyTakeaways
Reflection is an important practice in life.

We have the power to write our own story.

Identify areas of your life that are working well and accentuate them.

Take action to change patterns in areas where you feel stuck.
"Reflection, looking at things with new eyes is always a good quality in life."

"Comfort might be the most challenging thing we have in our lives."

"One change leads to two changes, two changes leads to three changes. And pretty soon, our story's changed."
Chapters
00:00Introduction
00:29Reflection and Living a Great Story
02:02The Challenge of Comfort
03:38Making Positive Changes
04:08Taking Control of Your Destiny
04:56Conclusion
...more
6min
July 08, 2024 Believe, Behave, Become
Summary
The conversation explores the concept of 'believe, behave, become' as an alternative to 'fake it until you make it'. It emphasizes the importance of believing in oneself, shaping behavior to align with beliefs, and ultimately becoming the person one aspires to be. The conversation also touches on the significance of having a North Star or purpose in life, and the need for reflection and gratitude. The host shares personal examples and quotes prayers that inspire him.
Keywords
believe, behave, become, fake it until you make it, self-belief, behavior change, purpose, North Star, reflection, gratitude
Takeaways
Instead of 'fake it until you make it', adopt the mindset of 'believe, behave, become'.Believe in yourself and your abilities, and align your behavior with that belief.Have a clear purpose or North Star that guides your actions and decisions.Regularly reflect on your behaviors and make adjustments to stay on track.Practice gratitude to cultivate a positive mindset and appreciation for life.
Sound Bites
"Fake it until you make it.""Believe behave become.""Are your behaviors taking you toward your goals?"
Chapters
00:00Introduction: Rethinking 'Fake it Until You Make it'
00:59Believe: The First Step to Success
05:46Become: Transforming into the Person You Aspire to Be
09:37Finding Your North Star: Discovering Your Purpose
12:59Reflection and Gratitude: Keys to Personal Growth
...more
15min
July 07, 2024 We Write Our Own Story
...more
7min

FAQs about The Mindful Classroom:

How many episodes does The Mindful Classroom have?

The podcast currently has 52 episodes available.