Reasons To Be Mindful

Summary: Wiradjuri woman, Jaja Dare, illustrates that there are many pathways to presence as she shares her unique practice and commitment to being aware, grounded and connected to self, others and the Earth.In this powerful, final episode of Season 1, Jaja talks about her daily practice of checking and tuning in; deep listening, what it is and why we need more of it; the importance of nature and connecting back to country; healing, music and self-expression; and the Decolonise movement, Black Sovereignty and how important it is for everyone, black and white. Don’t miss:Jaja’s process for practicing awareness.The importance of staying connected to oneself, others and nature.Dealing with discomfort, a doorway to connection and understanding.Deep listening, what it is and why we need more of it.How we often seek comfort over freedom and give up the richness of life as a result.Jaja speak about the Decolonise movement, what it is and how we can all play a part.PLUS, the intelligence of the body and how to access it.  Links and resources:Listen to the podcast and read more about Decolonise.Read about the importance of Black Sovereignty.Enjoy Indigitube and First Sounds, First Nation's media and music for free.Practice with this guided process for connecting in.Download a free guide on quieting the mind and increasing happiness.For more about me and what I do, visit my websiteFollow us on Instagram and Facebook SUBSCRIBE to the podcast so you don’t miss Season 2 in 2021!And, if you enjoyed this episode, check out the other episodes in Season 1, share with others who may be inspired by the content and leaves us a rating and a review? Thanks very much! Produced by Jen Hill on Kaurna land. Music by Gary Martin. 

Summary: From CEO and corporate gun to meditation teacher and nature lover, Tim James has followed an interesting career path; one that passed through burnout, stress and depression and ultimately led him back to (him)Self. Tim shares how learning about meditation was a revelation for him at a time when he was low, unclear and needing a change in life.In this episode, Tim talks about his experience of mindfulness, self-inquiry and the nature of who we are. Tim also discusses some of the common misconceptions about meditation and mindfulness and how it is not as woo-woo, difficult or unrelatable as one might think. Don’t miss:Tim’s tips on dealing with thoughts during meditation.How meditation helped Tim work out what he wanted to do with his life.How mindfulness can help you through and out of low points in life.Tim's perspective on self-inquiry, what it is and how to practice it.PLUS, Tim shares one essential insight that transforms everything in life!  Links and resources:Enjoy free guided meditations by Tim James and check out his website.Read about The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle.Check out Byron Katie and Deepak Chopra.Visit ACMM (formally ACHS) re studying meditation, mindfulness and teaching it. (Highly recommend this training.)Read about informal meditation practice, AKA doing things mindfully.For more about me and what I do, visit my website.Subscribe to my mailing list to stay in the loop and receive a free gift to increase happiness.Join my 5-week meditation and mindfulness course starting 9 November. SUBSCRIBE to the podcast so you don’t miss future episodes. And, if you enjoyed this episode, leave us a rating and a review? Thanks! Produced by Jen Hill on Kaurna land. Music by Gary Martin. 

Summary:Rob Gordon was introduced to meditation early in his career through reading about the practices of successful businesspeople, but only came to find the true personal value to him during his recovery from deep depression. Mindfulness is now a daily practice for Rob, enabling him to better manage his mental health and create space between his thoughts, feelings, words and actions.In this episode Rob talks about how he brings mindfulness into every part of his day and how he sees his meditation practice as an act of deep self-love, rendering him a more effective, creative and a nicer person for himself, his family and his business, and ultimately making his life more pleasant and his business more successful. Don’t miss:Why meditation is a decision that can save or make your business a lot of money.How Rob punctuates his day with moments of mindfulness.Rob’s car metaphor for looking after your mind.Why Rob’s practice benefits his family.Robs tips for living in the present moment. PLUS, hear why Rob’s practice is an act of deep self-love.   Links and resources:Visit or contact software developer, Rob Gordon.'Stop Thinking, Start Living', the book by Richard Carlson.Read my tips on bringing mindfulness into daily life For more about me and what I do, visit my websiteFollow us on Instagram and FacebookJoin my mailing list and receive a free giftLearn to meditate and be more mindful with me! 5-Week Course SUBSCRIBE and join us next week for more stories, tips and inspiration from this 12-epsiode Season 1 of Reasons to Be Mindful. And, if you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and a review? Thanks!  Produced by Jen Hill on Kaurna land. Music by Gary Martin. 

Summary:Regular meditation helps Doggy Grub founders, Candice Ollivier and Lachi McGough, stay centred, organise their thoughts, reduce anxiety and reactivity, sleep better and enjoy life. With a rapidly growing business, Candice and Lachi rely on their practice to stay clear and intentional, present and attentive, calm and composed and keep things in perspective. In this episode, Candice and Lachi share their tips for managing overthinking and overreacting. Don’t miss:How Candice and Lachi use meditation to set themselves up for the day with a clear mindset, purpose and intention .How Candice and Lachi use meditation as a tool to manage anger and anxiety.Tips to help with stress and overwhelm.Tips to stay present and attentive.How resetting your energy and training your mind can make a huge difference to quality of life.PLUS, great tips for beginners interested in starting meditation practice. Links and resources:Check out Doggy Grub for healthy dog food, delivered11 min Breath Counting meditationBody scan meditations: slow and fastFor more about me and what I do, visit my websiteFollow us on Instagram and FacebookJoin my mailing list and receive a free gift SUBSCRIBE to stay in the Reasons to Be Mindful loop.And, if you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and a review? Thanks! Produced by Jen Hill on Kaurna land. Music by Gary Martin. 

 Summary:After meditating for most of his life in the Sōtō Zen Buddhist tradition, Mark Gregory is a relaxed guy with a cool perspective on life, and despite his senior role as a University Chief Operating Officer, he finds work and play blur and peace and joy in both simple and complex activities.In this episode, Mark shares the insights revealed during his 30+ year meditation practice during a fun, funny and fascinating conversation about clearing one’s mind and paying attention. Here is an example of how life can be when one learns to meditate young! Don’t miss:The ins and outs of Zen meditation.How a long-term meditation practice can influence everyday life.How meditation practice helps manage anger and other difficult emotions.The art of acceptance and letting go.Why meditation is as good as a holiday.PLUS, Mark’s valuable advice for people for people curious about meditation. Links and resources:Info about Soto ZenShort video "Soto Zen as a new style of living"Guided Zen meditations on Insight TimerEnjoy a range of my free guided meditations on SoundcloudFor more about me and Right Brain Liaisons, visit my websiteFollow us on Instagram and Facebook SUBSCRIBE to stay in loop with future podcast episodes.And, if you enjoyed this episode, please leave ta rating and a review? Thanks!  Produced by Jen Hill on Kaurna land. Music by Gary Martin. 

Summary:CEO and daily meditator, Natalie Michels, discusses Mindful Leadership, how her meditation practice supports self-awareness, emotional regulation, mental health and being a better person, and how mindfulness in the workplace fosters better connection, communication, teamwork, staff retention and productivity. Don’t miss:How emotional regulation is good for business.Advice from a female CEO on thriving in a male-dominated industry.What Mindful Leadership looks like.How to get the best from your staff.Natalie’s advice for beginners who want to get started with meditation.PLUS, Natalie’s simple technique for dealing with unwanted thoughts! Links and resources:HeadspaceSelf-inquiryRupert Spira on self-inquiryMooji short self-inquiry exerciseFor more about Right Brain Liaisons, visit my websiteFollow us on Instagram and Facebook SUBSCRIBE to stay in the loop with upcoming episodes.And, if you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and a review. Thanks! Produced by Jen Hill on Kaurna land. Music by Gary Martin.

Summary:Tarik Sammour, colorectal surgeon at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and Associate Professor at The University of Adelaide, talks about using visualisation to improve performance and surgical outcomes.Visualisation is used by professionals in many fields to manage stress, enhance focus and communication and may be used in the health sector to improve patient healing, pain management and recovery times.In this episode, Tarik shares his tips on using this powerful tool and also discusses the link between stress, mental health and the bowel, and the importance of mindset and psychology on health and patient outcomes. Episode features:How visualisation and mental rehearsal improve performance.How emotional stress affects the bowel and vice-versa.The influence of mindset and psychology on physical health, recovery and wellbeing.How mindfulness and visualisation may be used for pain management, improved teamwork, risk management and resilience.How we can all use visualisation deliberately as a skill that leads to success.PLUS, Tarik’s insights into using visualisation in everyday work and life! Links and resources:Link to Tarik’s researchA guided visualisation for relaxationA mental rehearsal exercise for performance and skill developmentOne of many articles on mental rehearsalFor more about me and what I do, visit my websiteFollow us on Instagram and FacebookSUBSCRIBE to stay in the loop with upcoming episodes.And, if you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and a review. Thanks! Produced by Jen Hill on Kaurna land. Music by Gary Martin. 

Summary:Kadri Auvaart speaks candidly about the need for discipline in managing her thoughts and emotions at a time when she was caring for both parents with Alzheimer’s whilst also supporting two young sons and working as a counsellor for vulnerable teenagers. The need, at this time, to be present for herself and others, for deep listening, authenticity and to maintain her own mental health was the impetus to begin a daily meditation practice. Previously an overthinker who suffered from social anxiety, self-judgement and depression, Kadri now has a tool to deal with feelings of stress, helplessness and overwhelm. In this episode, Kadri speaks about emotional health and how even when we can’t control what happens to us, emotional regulation skills help us to maintain balance, nurture our wellbeing, and navigate our next steps in life. Don’t miss:Profound lessons and insights from Kadri’s long-term meditation practice.How Kadri stays present and in control of her thoughts and feelings.Kadri’s powerful daily mantra that programs her mind for success and sets herself up for the day ahead.How mindfulness helps manage mental health and provides relief for anxieties, depression, self-judgement, overthinking, racing thoughts and catastrophising.Kadri’s tips for being mindful in everyday life.PLUS, Kadri’s tips for beginners who want to get started with meditation!  Links and resources:Buddha House, AdelaideMindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)An 11 min Breathing In, Breathing Out Mantra MeditationInsight TimerAndy Hobson and Tara Brach on Insight TimerVisit my website to read about me and the work I doFollow us on Instagram and FacebookReasons to Be Mindful on FB If you enjoyed the podcast, SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss any stories, tips and inspiration from Season 1.And leave us a rating and a review to help spread the word? Thanks! Produced by Jen Hill on Kaurna land. Music by Gary Martin. 

Summary:As a psychiatrist and stand-up comedian, Dr Huu Kim Le is very aware of the importance of being present, and the value of meditation for his own success and the treatment of video game and technology addictions.In this episode, Kim talks about how meditation supports emotional regulation, anxiety and addiction management, groundedness, presence, connection, empathy, resilience, creativity and purpose, and how practicing loving-kindness helped him deal with job burnout, making big decisions and managing ego dramas. You don’t want to miss:How Kim uses the power of presence to help and entertain people.How overfocusing on results and self-identity can lead to failure and burnout.Why people get addicted to video games and world-leading examples of how mindfulness is used to treat it.How meditation increases connection, focus, resilience and relief from the pains of life.Kim’s tips for comedians and creative thinkers.“Meditation is the best thing you can do for yourself and the world around you because it just makes you more connected to yourself, other people and the earth.” Dr Huu Kim Le Links and resources:Try this 15min Loving-kindness meditationFollow us and enjoy FREE meditations on SoundcloudDr Huu Kim Le’s website and Psychiatry serviceSHUT Clinic, Bangalore, IndiaPop-Up Comedy AdelaideVisit my website Right Brain LiaisonsFollow me on Facebook and InstagramFind a certified meditation teacher near youSUBSCRIBE to the podcast on your favourite podcast app.And, if you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and/or a review? Thanks so much!Produced by Jen Hill on Kaurna land. Music by Gary Martin. 

Summary:Meditation has been life-changing for Kathy Coutts. Learning to meditate over 20 years ago gave her the ability to stay calm and centred during the emotionally turbulent breakdown of her marriage and busy work life. Since then, Kathy has established a daily practice of formal and informal activities and rituals that allow her to stay present, aware and mindful, and support a sense of inner contentment.In this episode, Kathy shares the insights she’s gained about letting go of thoughts, dwelling in the past, managing emotions, self-reflection, self-care and spirituality. You don’t want to miss: The #1 lesson Kathy has learned from her 20+year meditation practice.How Kathy maintains inner contentment, happy relationships and good holistic health.The formal and informal activities that help Kathy stay present, aware and mindful.The healing potential of working with emotions as energy in the body.The power of gratitude. PLUS, Kathy’s advice for people who say they can’t shut their mind off! Links and resources:Mindful Breathing meditationAn article and meditation on GratitudeWashing dishes, mindfully, the Buddhist wayFor more about me and Right Brain Liaisons, visit my websiteFollow me on Facebook and Instagram SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss any stories, tips and inspiration, coming soon.And, if you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and a review? Thanks! Produced by Jen Hill on Kaurna land. Music by Gary Martin. 

Summary:After years of procrastination, learning to meditate was like flicking a switch for David Pyatt and his family. From Day 1, David felt the benefits of being able to calm and declutter his mind and let go of reactivity through being grounded, aware and present.In this episode, David reflects on how meditation went from being an item on his to-do list to being a practical tool he relies upon and uses daily, improving his mental and physical health, his ability to stay calm, clear and focused especially when life gets challenging and to see the bigger-picture and prioritise what’s important. You don’t want to miss:How learning to meditate helped David’s whole family during a difficult time when his wife was ill with cancer.The benefits of David’s practice including greater resilience to challenge and change, improved relationships, less stress and reactivity, greater awareness and peace of mind.Circumstances don’t matter, only state of being/mind matters.David’s go-to solution on tough days or to calm down in the heat of the moment.David’s suggestion for people who think they can’t meditate or fear getting it wrong. Links and resources:David’s businesses: Davidpyatt.com (Business and Marketing Strategy) and Vexiot.com.au (Voice Experience and Internet of Things).Enjoy this 20min relaxation meditationTry these 2min exercises to calm down when overwhelmed in the heat of the moment (mini-meditations)Visit my website: Right Brain LiaisonsFollow me on Facebook and InstagramJoin my online meditation groupLearn to meditate with my 5-week beginner’s course!SUBSCRIBE to the podcast so you don’t miss out on tips, guided practices and inspiration to help you bring more mindfulness into everyday life.And, if you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and a review? Thanks! Produced by Jen Hill on Kaurna land. Music by Gary Martin. 

Summary:Ness Stonnill, founder of JobPair, talks about the crucial role meditation played in her recovery from burnout, stress and ill health to wellbeing and on to helping others thrive in work and life. In this episode, Ness shares her tips for increasing mindfulness in daily life, how slowing down and staying present is the best recipe for productivity and how her body healed itself with a holistic approach to health and wellness. You don’t want to miss:Ness' recovery from corporate burnout, stress, illness and fatigue to wellness and thriving.How to reduce overthinking and worry, learn to calm our mind and body and be more present, clear and productive.Practical ways to increase mindfulness in everyday life, even when you’re busy.Tips for dealing with resistance and practical mindfulness for new mums.The mental, physical and productivity benefits of slowing down, especially for people who are 'always on'. Links and resources:HeadspaceA loving-kindness meditation to tryInfo on Autogenics meditation techniqueA progressive muscle relaxation meditation - great to help with sleepNess' website: JobPairRead about me and my business, Right Brain Liaisons.Follow Right Brain Liaisons on Facebook and InstagramSUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss any practical tips and insights.And, if you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and a review? Thanks! Produced by Jen Hill on Kaurna land. Music by Gary Martin.