Zen Commuter

There is a remarkable tool for improving your relationships, and it doesn't cost a thing.

I am thankful that I have such a good memory, because it helps me remember when I thought meditation was tough.  Since I have been meditating for over 30 years, it comes to me quite naturally.  I don't say that to be boastful, but as a reminder to new practitioners of mindfulness.  It will become effortless in time.  But before you believe that, let me spend today talking about why people find meditation so tough.

The majority of the world does not think, but responds.  That is not a defamatory statement, simply an observation.  Many of the challenges people face comes from the fact that they are not in touch with their thoughts or beliefs on a cognitive level.  Someone says something that hits a nerve and before you know it you are lashing back at them.  With meditation, you learn the process of becoming non-reactive, and along with that comes some pretty amazing benefits.  Today I talk about the top 3.

The other day I started the episode off having listeners take two deep breaths following the 4-7-8 tempo that is typical with most styles of meditation.  However, I then wondered if I ever told listeners why that tempo is so important.  Today, I take that wonder out of the equation as I detail why it is.

One of the biggest goals of meditation is to teach you how to separate yourself from your thoughts; not eliminate them, simply become unattached.  Let them pass, without becoming drawn in to their story.

But what if some thoughts are valid? As you become more adept at transcending your thoughts, having your mind simply see your thoughts, you begin to notice what thoughts are mainstream and which can lead to a greater understanding of who you are.

As impressive as Jason's history is, today I have asked him on the show to talk about why he doesn't meditate.  As you will learn in this episode, men and women who have been traumatized can benefit from meditation, however, their instruction needs to be performed in a way that respects the nature of their past.  Come listen to a very powerful of ZEN commuter.

Last week, my good friend Vince Jornales left an incredibly kind review of ZEN commuter out on Apple podcasts.  In it, he described how he had begun a seated meditation practive.  Better still, he went on to say that he practices every morning with his son, Nox.  I knew then and there that I needed to get both of them on the show to talk about their practice.  We had an awesome time, and you will too, listening and learning from an incredible meditating duo.  Enjoy.

Chris Plehal is a creative director for a major advertising firm in Philadelphia.  As he states it " I believe creativity can change the world for the better".  His portfolio definitely demonstrates that.  He was the writer and co-producer of the beloved 2009 Christmas special Yes, Virginia, which has been enjoyed annually since its creation.  

He joins me today on ZEN commuter to talk about how meditation helps him in his day to day life.

Later this week I am going to be speaking with Jason Lee. Today's episode is a perfect primmer for that interview. Enjoy.

A year ago, ZEN commuter listeners met Brendan Barca, the founder and blogger of Straddletheline.co.  At that time he was relatively new to meditation, just beginning to cement his practice.  Now, a year later, his practice has evolved and grown to encompass some firm habits that allow him to further his spirituality, as well as lessen anxiety when it arises.  Come listen to my update with Brendan Barca.