What is "Your Top Story?" #liveagreatstory #chooseyourfuture

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

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

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/

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

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

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/)

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

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

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

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

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