Mental Oasis

In this week's episode we explore how to notice and be present with our discomforts with feeding the stories around them.  Please don't hesitate to share this episode with a friend, or to reach out with your feedback or experiences of this podcast! www.forteklotz.com or christine@forteklotz.com Listener support of this podcast is helpful in order to keep it ad free. Participate now on patreon.com/christineforte Special thanks to DJ Charp for the editing and music.

Welcome back for season 2 of Mental Oasis! In this season we will be focusing on how we can know ourselves better and develop a greater love and acceptance for ourselves.   Join Christine today for our first episode in this season, in which we reflect on beginning to truly see and understand ourselves. Please don't hesitate to reach out with your feedback or experiences of this podcast! www.forteklotz.com or christine@forteklotz.com Listener support of this podcast is necessary in order to keep it ad free. Participate now on patreon.com/christineforte Special thanks to DJ Charp for the editing and music.

In today's episode we spend some time reflecting on and absorbing the ideas that we are already good enough as we are - there's nothing that we have to do, no aim that has to be filled before we can be good enough. Building our acceptance of this can bring a sense of peace. Thank you for joining us for this moment of community and meditation. Dr. Christine Forte Klotz, the host, can be reached at christine@forteklotz.com or at www.forteklotz.comTo help support the podcast and keep it ad-free, please find us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/christineforteSpecial thanks to DJ Charp for the music.

The new year is a natural time to review and reset - with 2020 having been such a challenging year I know that many of us have high hopes for 2021. But as we're perhaps all coming into this year a bit bruised, it can be helpful to bring an attitude of compassion to our perspective on the new year. We reflect on this in today's guided meditation on setting intentions.Thank you for joining us for this moment of community and meditation. Dr. Christine Forte Klotz, the host, can be reached at christine@forteklotz.com or at www.forteklotz.comTo help support the podcast and keep it ad-free, please find us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/christineforte

This guided meditation is focused on deeply and meaningfully experiencing gratitude through smiling to all the parts of ourselves (even perhaps the parts we’re used to judging!) This can help us in staying connected to the present moment and building a greater sense of compassion for ourselves. Thank you for joining us for this moment of community and meditation. Dr. Christine Forte Klotz, the host, can be reached at christine@forteklotz.com or at www.forteklotz.com To help support the podcast and keep it ad-free, please find us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/christineforte 

2020 has been a difficult year around the world - which can mean that giving thanks is the farthest thing from our minds. But it might also mean that it's even more important to our well-being to spend some time in appreciation of those we love and of being alive.In today’s meditation we invite you to spend a moment observing together the experience of gratitude, and of truly opening our hearts and minds to it.Dr. Christine can be contacted at christine@forteklotz.com or www.forteklotz.comTo support this podcast and keep it ad free, please support us at patreon.com/christineforteOn December 2nd, Dr. Christine will participate in a meditation and mindfulness panel with podbean. RSVP today!Special thanks to DJ Charp for the music.

In continuing on from last week’s exploration of future knots, we can encounter an objection, either from within ourselves or coming from the inputs of those around us, that wonders if it isn’t somehow a luxury to not get tied up in knots about the future. We explore this idea in today's episode along with a practice of presence together.When we can just be in now, and mindful of what is going on around us, we may find that this removes many of our worries about the past and future. Just be here. You have air to breathe, a face with which to smile.Christine Forte, the host, can be reached at christine@forteklotz.com or at www.forteklotz.comYou can also find us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/christineforte Special thanks to DJ Charp for the music!

In today’s episode we explore the ways we can get ourselves all tied up in knots wondering or worrying about the future. Of course as we’ve covered in previous episodes, some thought about the future is important: its useful for planning or for preventing mistakes.In today's meditation I invite you to join me in bringing our awareness to the knots we may have created within ourselves and to work on releasing these. Christine Forte Klotz, the host of Mental Oasis can be contacted at christine@forteklotz.com or you can read more about her and her coaching practice at www.forteklotz.comSpecial thanks to DJ Charp for the music!

During the development of a meditation practice, we often consider what we hope to cultivate within ourselves. A place to start with this can be how we greet the day. What is the spirit or attitude that we bring to each new day?Reflect on this in today's episode with Christine Forte.If you found this episode helpful, please get in touch christine@forteklotz.com, or share it with a friend!www.forteklotz.comSpecial thanks to DJ Charp for the music.

In this episode, we meditate on the topic of having been emotionally hurt by another person. The idea isn't to build up or increase the hurt in our hearts, but rather to work on recognizing, extending our own care and compassion towards what hurts, so that we can move meaningfully towards letting go and healing. Christine Forte can be contacted at christine@forteklotz.com, or more information about her coaching and therapy practice can be found at www.forteklotz.com

Creativity isn’t just a quality important to artists and performers. It’s something that’s mobilized by anyone who has ever had to do something in an unexpected way, or try to find a new solution to a problem.Expanding our sense of creativity can give us new approaches to all kinds of things. In this episode Christine shares some thoughts on the meaning of creativity and blocks to it, and then guides listeners in a meditation on how we can open ourselves more to creativity.The host, Christine, can be contacted at christine@forteklotz.comSpecial thanks to DJ Charp for the music and editing.

In today’s episode we continue the mini series started a few weeks ago around the states of being alive, being peaceful, being joyful and being loving, with our focus today on being loving.This is perhaps in some ways the most mysterious of all of the states. It requires us to understand and accept ourselves and others, even when we might feel at odds both with self and others.There is a certain amount of taking a leap of faith when we love, that we can extend ourselves in this way and hope that all will be well. Join us to reflect on expanding love both to ourselves, those in our lives, and our communities.The host, Christine, can be contacted at christine@forteklotz.comSpecial thanks to DJ Charp for the music and editing

Joy is something that we'd probably all like to have more of in our lives right now. But how do we get there? In today's episode Christine explores the elements of cultivating joy as well as the obstacles to it. More information at www.forteklotz.com or please do reach out and get in touch christine@forteklotz.comIf you found today's episode meaningful, spread the love and share it with a friend!Special thanks to DJ Charp for the music.

In continuing with last episode's teaching from Thich Nhat Hahn, we meditate in this episode on  the next state he teaches about, that of being peaceful.  This guided meditation invites listeners to explore what the word peace means to you, when you apply it not to the greater world around you, but instead to your own internal systems.The host, Christine Forte, an be contacted at christine@forteklotz.com or you can read more about her at www.forteklotz.comIf this episode was meaningful to you, please share it with a friend!

In today's episode we reflect together on a teaching by the Buddhist monk in which he says,“We have a tendency to think in terms of doing and not in terms of being. We think that when we are not doing anything, we are wasting our time. But that is not true. Our time is first of all for us to be.To be what? To be alive, to be peaceful, to be joyful, to be loving. And that is what the world needs most.”Over the next four episodes we will meditate on each of these four states: being alive, being peaceful, being joyful and being loving.Today's meditation begins with the first state of being alive. Join us! ~To learn more about the host, Christine Forte, you can go to her website www.forteklotz.comIf this episode was meaningful to you, please do send a note (christine@forteklotz.com) or share it with a friend.~Special thanks to DJ Charp for the music.

Judgment of ourselves, of our bodies, can be a painful obstacle to being free to truly be in the present, to be accepting of ourselves, and also be fully open to those around us.And so in today’s episode I invite you to join me in a meditation of gratitude for the body, for all of the ways that it is amazing and strong, for all of the things it can do. And then, to move towards full acceptance of the body, exactly as it is now, today, in this moment. Reflection:Was there a particular body part you noticed more than others?What from this meditation would you want to build into your self talk?~May my body be at easeMay I be kind to my bodyMay I be at peace within my body~The host, Christine Forte is a therapist and coach in private practice. You can read more about her at www.forteklotz.com Special thanks to DJ Charp for the music. 

Fatigue is a natural response to the series of stresses and anxieties that we have experienced over the last months. Many of us may feel drained right now, and perhaps at a loss on how to recharge from this emotional burn out. Physical rest is an important element, when we can get it, but for those with multiple demands on time, getting extra physical rest isn't always possible. In this episode's meditation we begin to observe our emotional energy and to focus on starting to recharge it. Christine Forte is a therapist and coach in private practice. You can read more about her at www.forteklotz.comNotes for Reflection:What did you notice about what gives you energy? Or what you’d like to let go of?After today’s meditation, I encourage you to take some time to journal about this. Just do some free association of what you notice. Without judging, take time to digest these observations. What do you feel they mean for you?Special thanks to DJ Charp for his creative design of the music.

With so much going on in the world there is a lot demanding our time, attention, our emotions. All of this can make it hard to focus on or feel like we have any energy left for the day to day things that need our attention: for our work, our families, taking care of our homes, taking care of ourselves.In this episode's meditation we bring our awareness to that in our lives which may need our focused attention right now. This isn’t to say that the current crises don’t merit our attention; certainly they do, but the idea is to awaken mindful and deliberate intention about where we are focusing. Whether that is on current crises, or personal healing, or grief or your job, or something else entirely is up to. The direction of your attention is your own intuitive choice, rather, I am inviting you to join me in making sure that we actually make that choice, rather than having it made for us by influences outside ourselves.Notes for Reflection: Take a moment after the episode to make some notes about the intention you would like to set for yourself. Return your attention to it whenever you feel you need to reset.You can find more information about this show's host, Christine Forte at www.forteklotz.com Special thanks to DJ Charp for the music. 

Frustration can be understood to be a sense of distress or annoyance at being unable to change or achieve something. For many of us, this is the very definition of how our situation feels right now. In a time of stress, what might normally be defined as a small frustration may no longer feel small at all, but instead it can loom in our minds as a major source of aggravation that we keep returning to again and again.In this episode's meditation we notice where in the body we store our frustration, and work on acknowledging and extending compassion to it.Special thanks to DJ Charp for the background track! 

In today’s episode I’d like to take a moment to reflect on cultivating presence: being fully where we are. Over the last months of crisis, many of us may have sought refuge and escape away from our present realities. Being distracted or disconnected from the present moment is a natural mental ability: and in fact one that can be protective from becoming too consumed by stress during difficult times. However, when we are too detached or distant from the present, it can take a toll on our relationships, we can miss out on truly experiencing important things that are happening from our lives, and it can lead to us being blindsided by sudden waves of emotion we hadn’t been aware were building.In today’s guided meditation, I invite you to join me in focusing on being present wherever you are. Truly breathing deeply into this moment and connecting with whatever is.Thank you so much for listening and being a part of the Mental Oasis community. If you found this episode helpful, please do subscribe and leave a review. For more information, look for Mental Oasis on Facebook or go to www.forteklotz.comThanks to DJ Charp for the music soundcloud.com/charp 

Grounding is a reflective practice through which we connect ourselves energetically to the earth and to our bodies. It allows us to be more present, to feel more rooted in ourselves, to feel that we have a solid foundation beneath us. This can be important to restoring our energy during trying times or to deal with waves of emotion.It is from a place of being grounded that new ideas can blossom within us, that new energy can come forward and we are able to grow. In this episode we practice a guided meditation to better ground ourselves.  For more information about Christine Forte:forteklotz.comOr on our Mental Oasis Podcast Facebook page. If you found this episode helpful, please leave a review or subscribe. Thank you so much for being part of the Mental Oasis community!

This is a painful time in our society and communities, full of fear and anxiety and disconnection. As human beings we need each other, we need to feel connected, to support one another and to feel that we are supported.Part of our purpose as humans is to have this connection, to relate to one another, to ensure the survival of our communities and societies. Now is a moment to embrace this purpose fully and find meaning in it.The foundation of having true compassion for others is having compassion for ourselves as imperfect, at times struggling, but also trying to improve and grow. We then can begin to radiate this compassion outwards towards others, those around us, those in our communities, those in the world as a whole.If you find today's meditation helpful, please do leave a review and subscribe. Your support is so important to this podcast! You can find more information at www.forteklotz.com or on the Mental Oasis Facebook page. For those who would like to learn more about how to advocate for equality, here are some resources:31 Children's books to support conversations on race, racism and resistanceBlack Charities to Donate to as a FamilyAnti-Racist Reading List

Passing judgment on the choices of others is one of the extensions of our human critical thinking mind. But it can stand as a block in our relationships, make it difficult for us to be open and warm towards others, and also can create blocks within ourselves. When judgment is directed towards ourselves it can become even further painful as we struggle against ourselves instead of working towards loving and accepting ourselves.In today's episode we reflect on how judgment is a part of our current mental landscape and how to work on releasing the judgments that we hold against ourselves and others and instead soften our gaze. 

If we're really honest with ourselves, we all have many questions about our lives and about the future. What if, instead of demanding immediate answers, we could learn to love the questions, to have patience with them in order to give time and space for clarity to naturally unfold in our lives?

Anyone who’s ever had a dream or set a goal for themselves has likely also had the experience of being unsure how to move towards that goal, or at some point feeling that they were procrastinating taking what they thought were the necessary next steps. We may know what we want to have happen, to be able to see the future picture, and yet the path towards it feels unclear or we find that we are feeling stuck.  In this episode we reflect on how to shift our attention towards a sense of expansiveness of what could be, of possibilities and then channeling the inspiration that comes from that so that we can feel new energy towards figuring out next steps.  

Comparing ourselves to others is a part of being human and in some situations be an important part of how we learn. But there can also be a point at which it creates stress and negative energy. In today's episode we reflect on how to let go of the distress and jealousy created by putting too much energy into making comparisons.

Staying in can have us longing to linger once again in nature. If we can't go there in reality, our imagination can be the vehicle to transport us. Join me in this episode for a guided meditation that will take us through a restorative walk in the forest.

We've all had the experience of feeling overwhelmed by too many things going on at once: whether its too much to do, or multiple demands on our attention at the same time. In today's episode we take a look at better understanding this feeling and together practice relaxing the sense of overwhelm in order to have clarity in the moment.Many thanks to DJ Charp for the background music and editing. soundcloud.com/charp

This episode of mental oasis explores our daydreams for the future. How can these help to keep us inspired and hopeful in the present where they feel out of reach? A guided meditation follows for developing your own ideas about this.Specials thanks to DJ charp for providing the music track https://soundcloud.com/charp

We live in a culture obsessed with productivity and doing. Even under quarantine, when we likely have more than enough to cope with emotionally, we may also find that we pressure ourselves to "be more productive." Certainly taking action is an important part of feeling empowered and satisfied in life, it is not what determines whether or not we are good enough. Join me in this episode for a reflection on doing vs. being and the sources of our drive towards achievement. 

We are all struggling with re-adjusting our expectations during this time, with letting go of what we thought we would have or how we wanted things to be. Join me in this guided meditation for directing compassionate awareness towards this part of our lives. 

In this episode I give a brief introduction to how emotional and reason work, or sometimes don't work, together in the brain. If we aren't able to talk ourselves out of feeling afraid, how can we address this emotion?

This guided meditation provides the opportunity to take a brief mental break, to undercover where current stress resides in the body and release it through the breath.Special Thanks to DJ Charp for his contribution of the music!

This episode provides an introduction into progressive muscle relaxation, a practice we will often use in future sessions for accessing a deeply relaxed state.Special thanks to DJ Charp for the background tunes!

Welcome! This is an introduction to the topics and content of this podcast: I'm so grateful that you're joining me here. For the background music in this episode, special thanks goes to DJ Charp!