The Mindful Classroom

The Mindful Classroom

By Thomas BelascoEducationSelf-Improvement
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The Mindful Classroom episodes

  • See People for Who They Are

    Back into the cold plunge to contemplate how we can see people for who they are and not who we think they should be. " I honestly have never been so touched that someone took the time to notice me and see me for who I am." #seepeople #becurious #enjoythemoment

    10 min
  • The Mindful Classroom: Forgiveness

    Ted Forgives Rebecca https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nhf5QSc0oZI

    We need to look at the pain holding anger and resentment inflicts on us, and eventually as we internalize that anger, who it makes us become. Eventually, it doesn't just eat us alive, it attacks those around us from our behavior, mood, and attitude. Free your self. #forgiveness #loveoverhate #stoicism

    8 min
  • The Road to Happiness

    Welcome back to what I will call season three of The Mindful Classroom Podcast. This season will be much more freeform with one episode that delves deeper into books I am reading. The other episodes will explore topics in a quicker session ranging from 5 to 15 minutes. Starting next week, the longer episodes will be released on Saturdays, since we have more time to listen on the weekends. Today, enjoy Arthur Brooks examination on what we need to do to find greater happiness. I apologize for the time away and look forward to our discussions. These thought experiments will appear on Youtube, Spotify, Linkedin and Social Media platforms. For More Information on

    Arthur Brooks: https://arthurbrooks.com/

    Soulboom with Rainn Wilson: https://www.soulboom.com/

    The Daily Stoic: https://dailystoic.com/

    10 min
  • A Spiritual Unity/ Metta Meditation (ep 15)

    Summary

    In this episode, TJ Belasco explores the theme of unity and the importance of connecting with others. He discusses the beauty of Zen and the concept of losing the self to realize our interconnectedness. TJ emphasizes the need to listen and understand others, even those with whom we disagree. He highlights the common thread of compassion and love in various religions and expresses his disappointment in the division and othering that can occur. TJ leads a guided healing meditation and discusses the power of positive energy. He concludes by encouraging gratitude and wishing well for others.

    Takeaways

    • Unity is a key theme in spirituality and the practice of mindfulness.
    • Losing the self and realizing our interconnectedness can lead to greater compassion and understanding.
    • Religions often share a common thread of compassion and love for others.
    • Practicing loving-kindness meditation can help heal ourselves and foster positive energy.

      • Chapters

      00:00Introduction: Unity and the Beauty of Zen

      03:13Losing the Self and Connecting with Others

      07:15The Source of Harm and Reacting to Events

      09:12Finding Healing and Acceptance

      13:02The Unity in Different Religions

      20:10The Need for a Spiritual Revolution

      21:08Guided Healing Meditation

      32:08Wishing Well for Others

      34:17The Power of Positive Energy

      36:17Conclusion and Gratitude


      Metta Phrases https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5ef20f7a7371aa569b626674/t/6130dd13cf9fe96c03c37f32/1630592275594/Metta+Phrases.pdf

      30 min
    • The 5 AM Club and Ikigai

      Today's episode explores two nooks. Ikigai, The Japanese Secret to a Long and Healthy Life ( https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/549469/ikigai-by-hector-garcia-and-francesc-miralles/)

      and The 5AM Club ( https://www.amazon.com/AM-Club-Morning-Elevate-Life/dp/1443460710)

      10 Principles of Ikigai:https://ikigaitribe.com/blogpost/the-10-rules-of-ikigai/
      32 min
    • RAIN Meditation Practice
      Mary Oliver's "The Sun "http://www.phys.unm.edu/~tw/fas/yits/archive/oliver_thesun.html
      The Parable of the River:https://landiscenter.lafayette.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/69/2015/01/SaveBabies.pdf
      Tara Brach "Radical Compassion"
      https://www.tarabrach.com/books/radical-compassion/
      35 min
    • Working with "Monkey Mind" (Meditation) ep. 12

      SummaryIn this conversation, TJ Belasco discusses the power of focus, stepping out of comfort zones, and the regrets of the dying. He also explores the concept of the monkey mind and leads a meditation on the thinking mind. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding and connecting with our thoughts and emotions. The session concludes with a reflection on gratitude.Takeaways

      • Meditation is not about stopping thoughts, but about becoming aware of them and gaining control over them.
      • Focusing our attention on specific things in life can help us notice opportunities and make the most of them.
      • Stepping out of our comfort zones and exploring new opportunities can lead to personal growth and fulfillment.
      • Expressing our feelings, staying in touch with friends, and allowing ourselves to be happier are important for a fulfilling life.
      • The monkey mind refers to the non-stop chattering of thoughts in our minds, and meditation can help us understand and manage this constant stream of thoughts.
      • By investigating our thoughts and emotions, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and make space for growth and healing.
      • Our thoughts can guide us to areas of our lives that need attention and can help us make positive changes.
      • Practicing gratitude can bring a sense of fulfillment and contentment to our lives.

        • Chapters

        00:00Introduction and Misconception about Meditation

        01:28The Power of Focus

        04:18Stepping Out of Comfort Zone

        06:05Regrets of the Dying

        10:36The Monkey Mind

        13:39Meditation on Thinking Mind

        18:00Exploring Thoughts and Emotions

        25:21Connecting with Deeper Emotions

        28:01Thoughts as a Guide

        30:43Conclusion and Gratitude

        57 min
      • The Mindful Classroom (episode 11) Book Review

        Summary

        In this conversation, Thomas discusses the concept of stoicism and the power of not having an opinion. He then explores the dichotomy of control and the importance of focusing on what we can control. Thomas also reviews two books he has been reading: '100 Things We've Lost to the Internet' and 'Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow'. He highlights the chapter on patience from '100 Things We've Lost to the Internet'.

        Chapters

        00:00Introduction and Daily Stoic

        03:22The Dichotomy of Control

        05:45 Books: '100 Things We've Lost to the Internet' and 'Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow'

        12:54Chapter Highlight: Patience

        26 min
      • 2 wolves and Labeling Meditation ( Episode 10)

        Summary

        In this episode, TJ Belasco discusses the story of the two wolves, which represents the battle between good and evil within us. He emphasizes the importance of feeding the good wolf by cultivating positive qualities and being mindful of our thoughts and actions. TJ explores the concept of karma and how our energy attracts similar energy from the world. He also highlights the influence of negativity and social media algorithms on our mindset. TJ encourages listeners to be mindful of which wolf they feed and to embrace the core teachings of love and compassion found in various religions. The episode concludes with a guided meditation and a gratitude practice.

        Takeaways

        • Feed the good wolf by cultivating positive qualities and being mindful of your thoughts and actions.
        • Understand that your energy attracts similar energy from the world.
        • Be aware of the influence of negativity and social media algorithms on your mindset.
        • Embrace the core teachings of love and compassion found in various religions.

          • Chapters

          00:00Introduction and Cherokee Story

          02:25Feeding the Good Wolf

          03:54The Battle with the Ego

          05:21Understanding Karma

          06:45The Influence of Negativity

          08:23The Impact of Social Media Algorithms

          09:22Being Mindful of Which Wolf We Feed

          10:05The Core Teachings of World Religions

          11:34The Concept of Satan and God Within Us

          12:56Establishing a Mindfulness Practice

          16:12Guided Meditation: Labeling Thoughts

          25:52Gratitude Practice

          28 min

        About The Mindful Classroom

        From the publisher's feed

        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…