Zen Commuter

Hey my good friend, thanks for coming back to another episode of Zen Commuter. Today, upon returning from a hiatus, I thought it would be a perfect day to talk about Right Speech. And the best way to do that is with an article from Tricycle magazine. Sensei Dhara Kowal wrote a perfect article that talks about what tricycle does best; putting ancient context into a modern light. Come listen and learn.

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As we say farewell to another year, I'm reminded that there are many times in our lives when we must say goodbye. Many of those moments are unplanned, like the loss of a loved one, a dear pet, or even a job. Today, I invite you to join me as I talk about how a meditation practice can help you navigate the losses you experience in your lives. Since grief is such an individual process there's no way I can tell you how to effectively manage it, on or off the cushion. What we will discuss is how the silence and stillness, at times very painful, can help you understand the process as it relates to you.

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Today I continue my warm and wonderful chat with Jen Kalawur. In this segment, we talk about the importance of listening to your intuition when it let's know what your body and mind truly need. To that end, we also talk about the importance of a healthy diet: not food, but information. And finally, Jen talks about the important work she does in helping her clients see their lives in a fuller, more expansive way. Come Listen.

• Website: navigatelifetransitions.net

• An incredible guide to help you begin nurturing a loving relationship with yourself. Click Here

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Be a part of the show! 🎙 Send me a voice message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter 📧 Email: [email protected] 📱 Instagram: @thom_walters 🐦 Twitter: @thom_walters 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/zencommuter Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

On today's episode, I sit down with Jennifer Kalawur, a mindful leadership coach whose work blends emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and grounded presence. Together, we explore how mindfulness reshapes the way we lead, communicate, and care for ourselves in a world that often pulls us in every direction. Jennifer shares her own journey, the practices that keep her anchored, and the powerful ways we can bring more clarity and compassion into both our personal and professional lives. If you've ever wondered how calm can inform courage — or how awareness can transform connection — this conversation will speak directly to that place within you.

• Website: navigatelifetransitions.net

• An incredible guide to help you begin nurturing a loving relationship with yourself. Click Here

THANKS FOR LISTENING!

Become a Super-Fan of the Show If this conversation inspired you, please share it using the social media buttons on the page.

Be a part of the show! 🎙 Send me a voice message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter 📧 Email: [email protected] 📱 Instagram: @thom_walters 🐦 Twitter: @thom_walters 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/zencommuter Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

In today's episode, I sit down with author and meditator Dean Patrick for a meaningful conversation about meditation, self-care, and redefining what success really means. Dean shares how his own inner practice has shaped his life, and we explore the shift from striving to aligning — from doing to being.

We also talk about his latest book, which opens powerful doorways into a more intentional and purpose-driven life:

• God Money: A thoughtful exploration of purpose, prosperity, and spiritual clarity in a world that often measures worth by accumulation.

If you're ready to rethink success, deepen your meditation practice, and reconnect with the values that truly matter, I think you'll find a lot to love in this conversation.

• Website: https://www.deanpatrickauthor.com

• Books: • God Money: Lost and Found in the Crypto Wilderness

• Social: TikTokInstagram

THANKS FOR LISTENING!

Become a Super-Fan of the Show If this conversation inspired you, please share it using the social media buttons on the page.

Be a part of the show! 🎙 Send me a voice message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter 📧 Email: [email protected] 📱 Instagram: @thom_walters 🐦 Twitter: @thom_walters 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/zencommuter Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

In this episode, we sit down with multi-hyphenate storyteller Christopher Rivas — actor, writer, Buddhist practitioner, and host of the Brown Enough podcast. We dive deep into themes of identity, race, belonging, and what it means to "live in the middle space." Christopher shares his journeys into Buddhism, the stories behind his creative work (including Brown Enough and Rubirosa), and how life, art, and spiritual practice intersect for him.

Christopher Rivas is an actor, author, playwright, and podcast host known for exploring issues of race, culture, identity, and transformation. Christopher Rivas

• He hosts the Brown Enough podcast, where he explores what it means to navigate "brownness" in a Black/white world. Brown Enough Podcast

• He also created Rubirosa, a documentary-style story about Porfirio Rubirosa (a Dominican figure many believe inspired James Bond). Rubirosa Podcast

Key writings in Tricycle Magazine Christopher regularly contributes essays to Tricycle. A few notable ones:

• Non-Self Storage — reflection on attachment, possessions, and letting go Tricycle: The Buddhist Review

• I Think the Clock Is Broken — on time anxiety, meditation, and being present

• Always Lie When Someone Asks If You Meditate — an unconventional take on how practice begins (and how we show up)

Social & Web Links

• Christopher's official site:

• Brown Enough podcast: Apple Podcasts Apple Podcasts | Spotify Spotify | general listing via Podnews Podnews

• YouTube playlist for Brown Enough episodes: YouTube

• Twitter / X: @chris__rivas X (formerly Twitter)+1

Here are some of the central topics and takeaways we explore:

1. Integration of spiritual practice & creativity We talk about his meditation journey (16 years and counting), how Buddhist ideas inform his storytelling, and practices that help him stay grounded amid creative turbulence.

2. Storytelling as healing & reimagining narratives Christopher uses storytelling not just as art, but as a bridge to identity, culture, and reconciliation.

3. Attachment, letting go, and identity We unpack his reflections on possessions, ego, attachment, and what does it mean to truly let go (materially and emotionally).

• Official website / podcast hub: christopherrivas.com

• Brown Enough podcast: • Apple Podcasts Apple Podcasts • Spotify Spotify • Podnews listing & show info Podnews

• YouTube Brown Enough playlist YouTube

• Twitter / X handle: @chris__rivas X (formerly Twitter)+1

THANKS FOR LISTENING!

Become a Super-Fan of the Show If this conversation inspired you, please share it using the social media buttons on the page.

Be a part of the show! 🎙 Send me a voice message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter 📧 Email: [email protected] 📱 Instagram: @thom_walters 🐦 Twitter: @thom_walters 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/zencommuter Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Believe it or not, consistency is one of the hardest parts of a meditation practice; setting time each day to sit in stillness. As a single man, it's easier for me, than say, a parent with young children. However, Tricycle would have you believe it's still possible for parents to keep up with their practice, as long as they adapt how they meditate. Thankfully, Sumi Loundon Kim has some great ideas about exactly how to adapt your mindfulness practice.

THANKS FOR LISTENING!

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Be a part of the show! 🎙 Send me a voice message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter 📧 Email: [email protected] 📱 Instagram: @thom_walters 🐦 Twitter: @thom_walters 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/zencommuter Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

While I don't know the exact demographic of Zen Commuter listeners, I have confidence in saying that many of you are my chronological peers. To that end, today's article from Tricycle will resonate with you as well. Even though I don't fully embrace all the sentiments of the article, it did resonate on the major points. What is the obfuscated topic for today? Aging. Come listen.

THANKS FOR LISTENING!

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Be a part of the show! 🎙 Send me a voice message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter 📧 Email: [email protected] 📱 Instagram: @thom_walters 🐦 Twitter: @thom_walters 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/zencommuter Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

In this episode of Zen Commuter, I read Mark Unno's essay "Blind Passions," a powerful reflection on how unseen desires shape our lives and our practice. Together, we'll explore how passion can cloud our vision, but also how, when understood, it can become a doorway to deeper awareness and compassion.

THANKS FOR LISTENING!

Become a Super-Fan of the Show If this conversation inspired you, please share it using the social media buttons on the page.

Be a part of the show! 🎙 Send me a voice message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter 📧 Email: [email protected] 📱 Instagram: @thom_walters 🐦 Twitter: @thom_walters 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/zencommuter Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

While the days have yet to capture that wonderfully crisp Autumn breeze, my mailbox tells me that it is indeed Fall. Well, at least it's on its way; as evidenced by the latest edition of Tricycle Magazine. Without checking the author first, I selected the article that piqued my interest the most. What a wonderful surprise to know it was a familiar name, Christopher Rivas. He is a writer, actor, podcaster and most importantly, a genuinely kind and loving person. His article about holding on to things (at the least), is a wonderful reminder to rethink how we view collecting.

THANKS FOR LISTENING!

Become a Super-Fan of the Show If this conversation inspired you, please share it using the social media buttons on the page.

Be a part of the show! 🎙 Send me a voice message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter 📧 Email: [email protected] 📱 Instagram: @thom_walters 🐦 Twitter: @thom_walters 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/zencommuter Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify