Showing Up To Life

It feels great to be back! Before we get into the topic of the day, a couple of very important announcements: First, I will be hosting a Trauma Workshop next Saturday, 5/28, at 11:30 am MST. Details to come! Second, in the next couple of weeks, I'll be launching a brand new podcast called Trauma Talks. We will talk about trauma, but we will also examine the ways in which trauma becomes our voice. I'm super excited about this and I'll let you know as we get closer to the launch date. Make sure you sign up for my mailing list to get the latest and greatest info on these new initiatives and anything else that comes from this mind of mine. You can sign up here: https://artburnscoaching.activehosted.com/f/3 In today's episode, I talk about a friend's conversation with someone who told her that everyone who practices meditation does so only to use the practice as a means of escape. While it is true that many people do, in fact, use these practices in exactly this way, it is also true that people like Thich Nhat Hanh practice engaged Buddhism, achieving the exact opposite effect of escape. And it is also true that people come to these practices to sell more stuff to people or to get more productivity from employees. The point is that these practices are a set of tools that can be useful in all these endeavors. But the practice is the same in every one. So it really comes down to the intention one brings to these practices. I go into great depth and detail in today's episode, which you can watch here: If you'd like to check out one of my Wednesday evening meditations, click here: https://www.meetup.com/learning-to-surf-talks-on-buddhism-meditation-mindfulness/ You can also find me on Instagram and TikTok And if you'd like to experience 1:1 coaching, you can claim your free sample session here: https://calendly.com/artburns/45-min-coaching-session If you'd like to support my work, please consider becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/artburns

Can we talk about self-love? To me, it seems the term self-love has become cliché from overuse. Like I'll see something about self-love on a coffee cup at Target, kinda say ‘oh yeah, self-love' and go about my business. Does this happen with you, too? I've come to realize that self-love is far more important than its tchotchke value. As I discuss in today's episode, self-love is the tool that allows us to make the connections in our lives that allow for our authenticity. And this, my friend, is perhaps the most important thing we can do! The trick is that in order for self-love to transcend the message on a coffee cup, it requires honesty. And that honesty comes from forgiveness. Please check out today's episode to understand what I mean: https://youtu.be/Dc8jMesWW2g If you'd like to check out one of my Wednesday evening meditations, click here: https://www.meetup.com/learning-to-surf-talks-on-buddhism-meditation-mindfulness/ You can also find me on Instagram and TikTok And if you'd like to experience 1:1 coaching, you can claim your free sample session here: https://calendly.com/artburns/45-min-coaching-session If you'd like to support my work, please consider becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/artburns

What a couple of weeks it's been! Since I last reached out, I drove to NY and back (over 3600 miles) within 4 days. It was grueling and at times even scary. But I made it. One major development is my ability now to put to rest any notion of quitting everything to become a truck driver. That's definitely not going to happen! I'm sure you're wondering what on Earth would make me do such a thing. As I tell it in today's episode, I traveled back to NY for my mother's funeral. Though she was sick, my mother's passing was sudden and unexpected. And my first thought was ‘At last, she doesn't need to be angry anymore.' Then it occurred to me - more as a feeling than a thought - ‘She can't hurt me anymore.' This second statement says so much! At 5'4”, my mother hasn't been able to hurt me since I was 13 years old. Maybe even younger than that. But in the 40 years since, I've felt gripped with the tension of a nervous system that was formed under abuse and threat and this has resulted in a fear and sympathetic nervous system response that's impacted nearly every experience I've had. This was illustrated in the way I experienced all my uncles and aunts at the funeral. I was bracing for the usual judgment and ridicule I would get from them every time I'd see them. Of course, it stands to reason that they took special care to be gentle on this difficult day, but I experienced a lightness that continued on even as their words became slurred as the drinks flowed. Anyway, here's today's episode. I hope you enjoy it. If you'd like to check out one of my Wednesday evening meditations, click here: https://www.meetup.com/learning-to-surf-talks-on-buddhism-meditation-mindfulness/ You can also find me on Instagram and TikTok And if you'd like to experience 1:1 coaching, you can claim your free sample session here: https://calendly.com/artburns/45-min-coaching-session If you'd like to support my work, please consider becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/artburns

“Whenever possible, be kind. It is always possible.” - Dalai Lama This is a quote I've recited many times. And I have personally, with some surprise, come to believe it's truth. But what about someone with a history of trauma? What about someone in an abusive relationship? What about the victim of violence? Are we to tell these people they should suck it up and be kind? No matter how hard that might be for them? Well, if you work with me, you'll never be pushed in that way. However, it is also undeniable that kindness is beneficial to your health and well-being. So how do we resolve the two? In today's episode, I offer two simple and easy practices that require no more than 7 minutes a day for the next two weeks. I hope you're able to try them! https://youtu.be/lRPfIqkC74g If you'd like to check out one of my Wednesday evening meditations, click here: https://www.meetup.com/learning-to-surf-talks-on-buddhism-meditation-mindfulness/ You can also find me on Instagram and TikTok And if you'd like to experience 1:1 coaching, you can claim your free sample session here: https://calendly.com/artburns/45-min-coaching-session If you'd like to support my work, please consider becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/artburns

As I make videos about kindness, compassion, empathy, forgiveness, and all the other soft skills, I sometimes get comments from people questioning my logic. For most, the issue seems to revolve around the notion that the world is a hard and viciously competitive place, and practicing these skills will make you soft and leave you vulnerable to being trampled. There is much evidence to the contrary! In her wonderful book A Paradise Built in Hell, Rebecca Solnit tells story after story of people coming together in mutual aid in defiance of the government representatives who warn of looting and violence. I've told you the story, in a previous video, of the Real-Life Lord of the Flies. You can read about it in this article. And there are my own anecdotal experiences that have shown me more happiness and fulfillment the deeper I develop these soft skills. But today I want to tell you about a study, done way back in 1988, that tested the impact of soft skills on the unlikeliest group of leaders. In his study, Nice Guys Finish First: A SYMLOG Analysis of U.S. Naval Commands, leadership expert Wallace Bachman shows that the most effective Navy brass embody more of the soft skills people fear. In today's episode, I read the whole list. I think you'll find it very interesting: If you'd like to check out one of my Wednesday evening meditations, click here: https://www.meetup.com/learning-to-surf-talks-on-buddhism-meditation-mindfulness/ You can also find me on Instagram and TikTok And if you'd like to experience 1:1 coaching, you can claim your free sample session here: https://calendly.com/artburns/45-min-coaching-session If you'd like to support my work, please consider becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/artburns

I think I'm finally settling into what is the actual, natural, and authentic routine for this podcast and youtube channel. But I also want to start delivering some more value to you in my emails, so you should start hearing more from me on the days I don't do a podcast episode. And this has everything to do with today's episode. Today I talk about authenticity as I share a story of a busy cafe in NYC and a guy who wore shorts, sneakers, and a wrinkly shirt and tie to be as accepted in a business meeting every bit as much as I would in my stuffy clothes. It's a bit of a ranging episode, covering a few other important aspects of authenticity and how self-compassion allows us to find our own authenticity. I hope you enjoy it: If you'd like to check out one of my Wednesday evening meditations, click here: https://www.meetup.com/learning-to-surf-talks-on-buddhism-meditation-mindfulness/ You can also find me on Instagram and TikTok And if you'd like to experience 1:1 coaching, you can claim your free sample session here: https://calendly.com/artburns/45-min-coaching-session If you'd like to support my work, please consider becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/artburns

I'm very grateful for the opportunity to record the rare Sunday episode! I feel like I saw a rare bird or something. Yesterday, we covered the concept that Alan Watts spoke about in his quote: “Stop measuring your days by degree of productivity and start experiencing them by degree of presence.” Today, someone left a comment that she'd been ‘fighting' with this all morning. And that notion of fighting our internal conflicts inspired me to make this episode today. In short, fighting, which demands there be a winner AND a loser, makes us operate from fear and causes stress, moves us further away from the present moment. But it is also important to recognize that before anything can be changed, we must first bring awareness to the problem or issue. And in many cases, it is the awareness alone that facilitates, or at least initiates, the change we seek. I go into all this in great detail in today's episode: If you'd like to check out one of my Wednesday evening meditations, click here: https://www.meetup.com/learning-to-surf-talks-on-buddhism-meditation-mindfulness/ You can also find me on Instagram and TikTok And if you'd like to experience 1:1 coaching, you can claim your free sample session here: https://calendly.com/artburns/45-min-coaching-session If you'd like to support my work, please consider becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/artburns

In today's episode, I talk about the concept of the conditioned, optimized, and prepared mind. After all, the practices I talk about here all cultivate these qualities of the mind and nervous system. The thing is, when we measure our success and failure by our productivity, we have to sacrifice presence to do so. (We sit and worry about a deadline or ruminate over a delay and this process moves us away from the present moment.) When we prioritize presence, we create space for ideas to grow and we create a preparedness that positions us favorably for chance and opportunity. Check out today's episode to hear one of my all-time favorite quotes! If you'd like to check out one of my Wednesday evening meditations, click here: https://www.meetup.com/learning-to-surf-talks-on-buddhism-meditation-mindfulness/ You can also find me on Instagram and TikTok And if you'd like to experience 1:1 coaching, you can claim your free sample session here: https://calendly.com/artburns/45-min-coaching-session If you'd like to support my work, please consider becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/artburns

The inspiration for today's episode comes from hearing, a few times over the past couple of days, that we should love ourselves exactly as we are. In the sense that we should never feel pressured to change our appearance or behavior to become more loveable, I totally agree with the idea… But if you are someone, like me, who has experienced trauma in your life, you may feel something intrinsically unlovable about yourself. The key is to first recognize that it is not your self - your essence - which seems unlovable. What has always seemed unlovable about me is the way I get triggered and act out in rude and unkind ways in certain situations. But that's not me. That is what's happened to me. There's an important difference. Seeing that difference opens us up to the middle ground between hating my ‘self' and loving myself exactly as I am. This middle ground, very different from self-love, is Self Compassion. If you would like to hear me discuss this difference, along with an epic line I came up with, check out today's episode: If you'd like to check out one of my Wednesday evening meditations, click here: https://www.meetup.com/learning-to-surf-talks-on-buddhism-meditation-mindfulness/ You can also find me on Instagram and TikTok And if you'd like to experience 1:1 coaching, you can claim your free sample session here: https://calendly.com/artburns/45-min-coaching-session If you'd like to support my work, please consider becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/artburns

Well, it's been all week since I've recorded an episode, and wow, have I missed you! I'm back today inspired by a short video I made for Tik Tok this morning about why - and how - to meditate in order to build the vital life skills meditation will develop. In the episode today, I talk about three such vital skills: The ability to focus our attention… The ability to know when our attention has wandered… The ability to be more aware of our surroundings and internal state. With these three abilities, we can live a more grounded and connected life. This comes not only from the direct skills but also from the natural kindness and compassion that will arise from the integration meditation will promote. It all starts with attention training. And one of the best methods to train attention is to do a little self-guided meditation every day. Check out today's episode to learn more: If you'd like to check out one of my Wednesday evening meditations, click here: https://www.meetup.com/learning-to-surf-talks-on-buddhism-meditation-mindfulness/ You can also find me on Instagram and TikTok And if you'd like to experience 1:1 coaching, you can claim your free sample session here: https://calendly.com/artburns/45-min-coaching-session If you'd like to support my work, please consider becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/artburns

Sorry for the poor audio in the first ¾ of today's episode. We are experiencing technical difficulties. Today I talk about our inner dialogue and how big a role it plays in every one of our experiences. And then I talk about how it's the awareness of the dialogue - as opposed to changing it - that is the important skill. I hope you enjoy it! If you'd like to check out one of my Wednesday evening meditations, click here: https://www.meetup.com/learning-to-surf-talks-on-buddhism-meditation-mindfulness/ And if you'd like to experience 1:1 coaching, you can claim your free sample session here: https://calendly.com/artburns/45-min-coaching-session If you'd like to support my work, please consider becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/artburns

Welcome back to the two-segment format! Not sure if it's here to stay, but it's here today, so let's enjoy it! In the first segment, I tell a bit of a personal story about my own journey that ended up in the practices of mindfulness, compassion, self-compassion, and lovingkindness. I share this story specifically to illustrate how wrong I was about one of the most important aspects of this work: that it's never about eliminating things like stress, anger, and reactivity; it's about changing our relationship to these aspects of ourselves so we can act in our own best interest in the face of them. In the second segment, I share a few thoughts on one of the most powerful tools for showing up: Forgiveness. Specifically, I discuss how forgiveness is not the weakness most take it to be. Forgiveness is more like a bullet-proof vest. Check out today's episode to learn more: If you'd like to check out one of my Wednesday evening meditations, click here: https://www.meetup.com/learning-to-surf-talks-on-buddhism-meditation-mindfulness/ And if you'd like to experience 1:1 coaching, you can claim your free sample session here: https://calendly.com/artburns/45-min-coaching-session If you'd like to support my work, please consider becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/artburns

Often when we start a new process - mindfulness, dieting, working out, kindness, etc - we come to the idea that because we're starting this thing now, we haven't done anything before. For instance, we get the weird sense that when I start eating this new way, I'm starting a diet. But the truth is that I've had a diet all along. It was just an unhealthy diet. But when I look at it as not something new, but instead something changed, it opens me to see the momentum I've built against what I'm working on, and in this realization, I find the self-compassion that could be the single most determining factor in the success of this endeavor. OK, that was a loaded sentence! Good thing I cover it all in today's video: I hope you enjoyed today's episode! As always, I want you to know about the resources I've made available for you: If you'd like to check out one of my Wednesday evening meditations, click here: https://www.meetup.com/learning-to-surf-talks-on-buddhism-meditation-mindfulness/ And if you'd like to experience 1:1 coaching, you can claim your free sample session here: https://calendly.com/artburns/45-min-coaching-session If you'd like to support my work, please consider becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/artburns

Most sociologists, anthropologists, and neuroscientists will shy away from the term Human Nature because it discounts the impact our personal experience has on our behavior. While humans have shown clearly the capacity for acts of great violence, we see equal examples of acts of great altruism. In today's episode, I explore this issue and tie it into how we can practice kindness, forgiveness, and compassion. I hope you enjoy it! If you'd like to check out one of my Wednesday evening meditations, click here: https://www.meetup.com/learning-to-surf-talks-on-buddhism-meditation-mindfulness/ And if you'd like to experience 1:1 coaching, you can claim your free sample session here: https://calendly.com/artburns/45-min-coaching-session If you'd like to support my work, please consider becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/artburns

Before we go any further, please remember that I am not a licensed therapist and am not giving mental health advice in this or any of the episodes of the Showing up to Life Podcast and YouTube Channel. Gosh, that is an uptight sentence! Sorry you had to read that! But the sentence feels necessary and appropriate, as today's episode is all about mental health as seen through the lens of Mindfulness, Compassion, and Self Compassion. I hope this episode brings an understanding and a point of view that will help you navigate your own health conditions. (Please know that everyone has mental health and whatever that condition is for you, there is no shame.) If you feel like you could benefit further from the work I talk about here; if you feel like some 1:1 support would help, please click this link and book your free coaching session with me: https://calendly.com/artburns/45-min-coaching-session And if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out via email: art@artburnscoaching.com. (It sometimes takes a while, but I answer all emails! Please practice patience and forgiveness with me!)

While my hand is still a bit sore, I'm going to make this description brief! Essentially, today I discuss how aversion leads to the present moment experience of tension and suffering whether it's raining or not! https://youtu.be/qTHdbQR8Su4 If you'd like to check out one of my Wednesday evening meditations, click here: https://www.meetup.com/learning-to-surf-talks-on-buddhism-meditation-mindfulness/ And if you'd like to experience 1:1 coaching, you can claim your free sample session here: https://calendly.com/artburns/45-min-coaching-session

If you listen to me for even a few minutes, you're likely to hear me use the word Skillfulness. The practices that I talk about here are all about developing the skill of living well. As Sharon Salzberg has said: “We don't meditate to get better at meditation. We meditate to get better at life.” When we live without skill, we naturally engage in judging. When we encounter another person, this judging shows up as jealousy, resentment, and downward social comparison. In today's episode, I talk about what Buddhism calls The Four Heavenly Abodes (AKA Boundless States of Consciousness): Love, Compassion, Equanimity, and Sympathetic Joy. I cover the first two at the surface level and go deep on Equanimity and Sympathetic Joy. I hope you enjoy the episode! If you have any questions on any of this, please feel free to comment on the video or send me an email at art@artburnscoaching.com. Or you can also meet with me live and in person. It's a free meeting with absolutely no strings attached! To claim your free coaching session, please click here: https://calendly.com/artburns/45-min-coaching-session

So often you'll hear me talk about aversion and clinging, two negative mental states from which only negative emotions will arise. We tend to talk about aversion and clinging because we can readily see these mental states when we experience them. But there is a third negative mental state that completes what the Buddhist tradition refers to as the three poisons. And this first poison is the negative mental state that gives way to aversion and clinging. I'm talking about the mental state of Delusion. Simply, this concept of delusion is simply the act of seeing things inaccurately, which I explain in today's episode is a habit we cultivate through years of unwitting practice. One of the most common ways delusion shows up in our lives is in the expectations we carry into most of our experiences. That's what today's episode is all about. And I hope you enjoy it! If you have any questions on any of this, please feel free to comment on the video or send me an email at art@artburnscoaching.com. Or you can also meet with me live and in person. It's a free meeting with absolutely no strings attached! To claim your free coaching session, please click here: https://calendly.com/artburns/45-min-coaching-session

In today's episode, I talk about suffering. I use the example of Animal Agriculture (AKA Factory Farming) as a starting point, but apply the same logic and concepts to all of the mass suffering we see on a daily basis. Of course, this includes the suffering of everyone, everywhere. This feels counterintuitive. How can noticing more suffering lead to less dysregulation?? Well, it's all about context. And it's all about seeing the systems of suffering, too. I hope you enjoy the episode: If you have any questions on any of this, please feel free to comment on the video or send me an email at art@artburnscoaching.com. Or you can also meet with me live and in person. It's a free meeting with absolutely no strings attached! To claim your free coaching session, please click here: https://calendly.com/artburns/45-min-coaching-session

In today's episode, I discuss my own history and relationship to anger and how I've changed over the years to break free from the grips of my own anger and reactivity. I hope you enjoy it!

Just popping in for a late afternoon episode! I was thinking of a conversation I recently had in which the question was raised: How do we help a child move away from negative self talk. Check out today's episode for my thoughts:

I believe one of the most dangerous ideas to our relationships is that a healthy relationship is one without conflict. Not only is this an impossible ideal - all relationships experience conflict at some point - but it is also an unhealthy practice. Check out today's episode to learn more:

After about a week and a half of covid symptoms, I'm back! To ease back into things, I share the details of my bout with covid, those of my family, and some of the reasons for the differences. I am not giving medical advice! Simply sharing my own, subjective experience.

I missed you yesterday!!! I woke up in a great mood, well-rested, and excited to make some content among the transformative meetings with my clients. But right after I finished my morning routine of journaling, I was met with the news that would reshape the day. And so I was provided an opportunity to practice surfing. But I was never able to see the rogue wave of my trauma response until it came crashing down on top of me. Don't worry! This will all make sense in today's episode: And tomorrow is Saturday, which means I'll be hosting a Workshop. This one is all about forgiveness and it's probably not what you think. Please join me for this free workshop tomorrow! For info and a link to register, click here: artburnscoaching.ac-page.com/forgiveness

It's great to be back here on my Monday morning!!! As I mentioned in today's episode, today is Wednesday and, like every Wednesday, I am hosting a free guided meditation and discussion. Here's the link to register and join: https://www.meetup.com/learning-to-surf-talks-on-buddhism-meditation-mindfulness/events/282948069?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=upcomingEvent_savedevents_share_modal&utm_source=link In the first segment of today's episode, I talk about how we can see the effects of mindfulness in the metaphor of a snowglobe. And in the second segment, I share some really important information on how to approach your daily practice with healthy flexibility. I hope you enjoy it! https://youtu.be/AvvvKDl89gg

Just hopping on today to share a little message of love.

Can I first just tell you how much I appreciate you? Really, I do. Knowing you and the hundreds of other people following my content and engaging in mindfulness and compassion is nothing short of inspiring. Thank you! I guess it's no mistake that today's single-segment episode is all about connection. I've covered this in various ways in the past, but it's important to understand that connection to others isn't just some kind of feel-good concept. It's not woo-woo or hippie-dippie, either. I mean, maybe it's these things. But it's also an understanding of Human neurobiology gained through decades of hard-nosed neuroscience research. (I once heard Richie Davidson use that phrase and I repeat it every chance I get!) It turns out, connection to other humans is part of our biological drive as mammals. Connection to others is, in no uncertain terms, a biological imperative. (S. Porges, Handbook to the Polyvagal Theory) In today's episode, I talk about how this vital connection to others is only possible when we are regulated. That is, we can only connect to others when we are in the Social Engagement mode of our autonomic nervous system. One way to return to this self-regulation is through the practice of compassion and self-compassion. I hope you enjoy today's episode! There's a link below to join my free workshop on Compassion and Self Compassion. The Winter Workshop Series! This Saturday's topic is Compassion and Self Compassion. And I am so excited!!! Don't worry if you've missed some or all of the previous sessions. Each one of these stands on its own and you'll be right up to speed. No worries! Here's the link to register for this free event: artburnscoaching.ac-page.com/art-burns-coaching-winter-workshop-series Also, if you feel like you could use some more clarity about these topics or anything else I cover here; if you would like to explore the idea of getting coached in this work, please click this link to schedule your free session: https://calendly.com/artburns/45-min-coaching-session

First of all, I wanted to remind you about the Winter Workshop Series! This Saturday's topic is Compassion and Self Compassion. And I am so excited!!! Don't worry if you've missed some or all of the previous sessions. Each one of these stands on its own and you'll be right up to speed. No worries! Here's the link to register for this free event: artburnscoaching.ac-page.com/art-burns-coaching-winter-workshop-series In today's first segment, I talk about change. Change is the only constant of the universe, yet most of us resist change in our lives. As I talk about in the segment, when we resist change, we experience prolonged stress that is fueled by negative emotions and thoughts and ultimately wind up in anxiety or depression. So the practice is not in addressing the emotions or even the stress. The practice is in accepting change. In the second segment today, I talk about how science has shown us, unambiguously, that all Humans come into this world with an innate sense of goodness. But growing up in this world there this innate goodness is undervalued, we lose touch with our inner goodness like we lose touch with a childhood friend. I hope you enjoy the episode! Please let me know if you have any questions! If you feel like you could use some more clarity about these topics or anything else I cover here; if you would like to explore the idea of getting coached in this work, please click this link to schedule your free session: https://calendly.com/artburns/45-min-coaching-session

We're back with the two-segment format today! In the first segment, I talk about a few videos over the past couple of weeks that have gone viral on Tik Tok after I almost pulled the plug on the whole thing. This becomes an opportunity to sense into the resistance of doing something new - and to sense into the very feeling of the resistance we experience. And it also becomes an opportunity to recognize the beginner's mind. That is, there are always vast portions of our experience that include what we don't know we don't know. I hope you enjoy the episode!

Just want to remind you that tomorrow, Saturday, Feb 5, at 11:30 am MST (10:30 am PST, 12:30 CST, 1:30 pm EST) you can join my free workshop on Lovingkindness. Lovingkindness is a tool we can use to connect or to set boundaries as our lives require. But most of all, the practice of Lovingkindness is a way for us to connect back to ourselves and access the awesome power of self-love and self-compassion. Don't believe me? Come to the workshop and let me change your mind. Here's a short video talking about the workshop: And here's a link to join. It's free. artburnscoaching.ac-page.com/lovingkindness-412

Yesterday, I talked about the value of kindness in helping us maintain our balance and regulation so we can be available and show up to our moment-to-moment experience. Another really powerful force we can all access that will provide the same regulation and presence is kinda where kindness and acceptance meet: Forgiveness. When we forgive, we allow our bodies to become calm and free from the resentment that distracts us from the present moment experience. In today's video, I go into the science behind all of this and I even tell a story about a stress expert in Africa telling us about what happens when a cheetah chases a gazelle. I hope you enjoy it! Reminder: This Saturday, I'll be covering the concepts and science behind Lovingkindness, and I hope to inspire you with the many real-life benefits available through these simple, yet powerful practices. Of course, I'll be going over the practices as well and providing you with take-home materials. (Even though you'll already be home. It's a zoom meeting.) I hope you can join us! Here is a link to a page with some more information and a link to join this free workshop: https://artburnscoaching.ac-page.com/lovingkindness-412

When we experience some kind of conflict in our lives; when we experience disappointment, we have two choices. We can allow ourselves, through clinging and aversion, to become dysregulated and act out in anger and resentment. Forgetting the consequences of shame, guilt, and embarrassment for a moment, let's look at what happens in this place of dysregulation. In this dysregulation, you are blind and deaf to what is going on around you and when life reaches out to you in the form of a loved one, friend, or even some kind of opportunity, you are not there to meet it. But what if we intentionally practice kindness in this moment, in spite of whatever level of disappointment or anger we might feel entitled to? If we practice kindness in this circumstance, we make a connection to the person involved in the conflict. In this connection, we make ourselves more healthy and increase our own well-being and become more open to connecting to the rest of what's going on around us. Which would you choose? Watch today's video for my take: If you feel like you could use some more clarity about these topics or anything else I cover here; if you would like to explore the idea of getting coached in this work, please click this link to schedule your free session: https://calendly.com/artburns/45-min-coaching-session And if you like today's episode, you're gonna love the workshop I'm hosting on Saturday! The Weekend Workshop Series at 11:30 am MST on Saturday, Feb 5. These workshops have been amazing and I just know you will love this one. To register, click this link: https://artburnscoaching.ac-page.com/art-burns-coaching-winter-workshop-series

First of all, I want to remind you about this week's edition of The Weekend Workshop Series at 11:30 am MST on Saturday, Feb 5. These workshops have been amazing and I just know you will love this one. To register, click this link: https://artburnscoaching.ac-page.com/art-burns-coaching-winter-workshop-series This brings me to today's topic: Lovingkindness. (This Saturday will be all about lovingkindness!) Lovingkindness is the practice of infusing kindness into every aspect of our moment-to-moment experience. And when we do this repeatedly as a practice, kindness becomes available to us in every circumstance and experience. And, as I talk about in today's video, it leads to an increased capacity for compassion for ourselves and others. Here's the video: If you feel like you could use some more clarity about these topics or anything else I cover here; if you would like to explore the idea of getting coached in this work, please click this link to schedule your free session: https://calendly.com/artburns/45-min-coaching-session

While I try to mention all these free resources in my videos, I think they sometimes get buried beneath the rest of the content. I guess that means the content is solid. Right? Anyway, today I'm keeping it super simple just so you know exactly what, where, and when the three free resources are available to you. First, we have the Winter Workshop Series, a weekly, 2-hour, interactive workshop on a different topic each week. To see all the upcoming topics and to register for this free event, click here: artburnscoaching.ac-page.com/art-burns-coaching-winter-workshop-series Next, on Wednesday evenings I host a free guided meditation and discussion of topics related to mindfulness and compassion. Click here to register: https://www.meetup.com/learning-to-surf-talks-on-buddhism-meditation-mindfulness/events/vhrtfsydcdbdb/ (This link will take you to the Feb 2 event. I can't seem to share a link to join the group.) And, finally, here is a third free resource: A 1:1 Coaching session all for you! I have created the space for you to schedule and experience the life-changing power of sitting down with a certified coach who can help you contextualize anything going on in your life through the lens of mindfulness and Self Compassion. If you're ready, click here to schedule your free session: https://calendly.com/artburns/45-min-coaching-session

“A person who is not at peace with themself will be at war with the rest of the world.” This is scribbled in my notebook in what looks to be a very rushed fashion. So much so that I failed to write down who is quoted. So if you recognize this quote, and you know its source, please let me know so I can give proper credit! In today's first segment, I explore the concept of the above quote, which is also illustrated by this quote from an equally unknown author: “We don't experience the world as the world is, we experience the world the way we are.” If we bring awareness to how at peace we are or are not in any given moment, we can see the root of the conflict and then walk into the world with the more comfortable and helpful posture of peace. Speaking of awareness, in today's second segment I talk about a factor in some areas of spiritual teaching which sacrifice awareness in the interest of regulation and personal comfort. As I explain, our emotions, the physical sensations they cause, and the thoughts from which they arise are a response to our environment and circumstances. And to avoid any of our emotions is to put a blindfold on as we live our lives in the present moment. I hope you enjoy the episode! I also want to remind you that this Saturday I will be hosting Week 3 of the Winter Workshop Series. Please understand that each week is completely stand-alone, so it's alright if you've missed the first two. This week we're diving into the world of informal - AKA ‘Off The Cushion' practices. Honestly, of all the people I've helped to adopt mindfulness into their lives, the ones who seem to benefit most and most deeply are the ones who embrace the practice beyond the once-a-day meditation. In fact, I can tell you that I've clients who never do any formal practices and yet have seen amazing changes take place in their lives from just applying the simple practices to the most mundane tasks of the day. I'm going to be covering all that and much more this Saturday at 11:30 am MST. I hope you can make it! For more info and the registration link for this free workshop, please click here: artburnscoaching.ac-page.com/art-burns-coaching-winter-workshop-series

We all know how good it feels to receive kindness. Whether a simple compliment or acknowledgment, an act of assistance, or even a simple thank you; when someone does something kind for us or to us we feel it. And it feels really good! But what we don't usually recognize is how beneficial it is to express kindness and to practice it towards others. (Note: We should always be practicing kindness towards ourselves! And I'll get into that in another episode. But what we're talking about today is all about between ourselves and others.) It turns out that kindness is at once an effect of an integrated brain and the cause of integration in the brain. I go into this and review three super simple practices you can do today to develop this vital integration and enjoy the benefits of regulation, attention, and awareness that will follow. Enjoy!

Well, here's a rare sighting of Art Burns on a Sunday afternoon! Turns out, I had two covid-caused cancellations today (I feel like that could be the name of a band!), and I could think of nothing more important to do with this newfound time than to record an episode for you! In the first segment, I tell a personal story from 20+ years ago in which I was the unlikely recipient of kindness and how very good it felt. At the end of that first segment, I offer you a gentle and compassionate challenge to practice kindness right now. In the second segment, I relay a story I'd heard from Jack Kornfield during a course I took on Buddhist Psychology. Amazing course, amazing story. I hope it moves you as it has always moved me. Here's the episode. I hope you enjoy it. I want to make sure you know all about the AB Coaching Winter Workshop Series! I've gotten tons of positive feedback from people who've shown up to both sessions so far, which is super duper exciting! This Saturday, 1/29, I'll be talking about informal, ‘off the cushion' meditation practices, which may well be the most important lesson I can teach anyone. So I hope you can make it. I do accept donations, but this is a free workshop. Click here for info and to register: artburnscoaching.ac-page.com/art-burns-coaching-winter-workshop-series Finally, I want to remind you that weaving this work into our lives and undergoing the amazing transformation this work provides can be hard. Like really hard. Scary even! So if you feel like you could use some personalized support in your journey, you should know that it is available to you and just might be more affordable than you think. The first step is to schedule a free call with me. No strings attached, I promise! https://calendly.com/artburns/45-min-coaching-session

I wasn't planning on recording an episode today. As I explain, I awoke yesterday to the news that a dear friend had passed away overnight. Loss comes in many shapes and sizes and we process each loss differently. But when we process loss - that is, when we grieve - we often tend to try to get through it as quickly as possible. Unpleasant feelings can be difficult. But avoiding the discomfort of grief is to miss a valuable opportunity, as I explain in today's episode: Week # 2 of the Art Burns Coaching Winter Workshop Series is all about formal meditation. I'll cover the benefits of a daily practice, even if only a few minutes a day! I'll teach you how to get the most out of those few minutes a day and, most importantly of all, I'll teach you every single thing you need to know to start a meditation practice as soon as Saturday afternoon! Remember, while I do accept donations this workshop series is free and open to all! (Don't worry if you missed week 1! Each week is independent of the rest.) Click here to register and get the link for Saturday's meeting. Art Burns Coaching FREE Winter Workshop Series Sign Up

In the first segment of today's episode, I explain why I might look so tired. But I also tell you how I'm bringing mindfulness into my tired-ness! And in today's second episode, I explain how I had to re-record the entire segment because it was nearly a word-for-word replica of a previous video. I guess I'm THAT tired! Anyway, I hope you enjoy the episode! Don't forget! Tomorrow, at 11:30 am MST, I'll be hosting the first of 12 Free Winter Workshops. The topic for tomorrow is journaling. You can find all the information, register, and get the link for the meeting here: artburnscoaching.ac-page.com/journaling-workshop To find out about future topics, click here: https://artburnscoaching.ac-page.com/art-burns-coaching-winter-workshop-series And, as always, here is a link to claim your 45-minute coaching session with me. It's already paid for, all you need to do is schedule it at a time convenient to you. https://calendly.com/artburns/45-min-coaching-session

There are many ways in which Social Media reflects life, but perhaps none so much as it is for a content creator! It seems like every day I see a video (or five!) where someone is saying that when they get so many likes or followers or views, they'll do this or that thing to celebrate. Of course, this reflects the way many people live (I know I lived this way for decades!), as we think all day about what's going to happen in the future: That future job… The future family… The future vacations (My favorite is thinking this while on an actual vacation!) As I mention in today's video, there is nothing wrong with planning for the future. But when the future fills our present-moment awareness, as Alan Watts has said, we wind up thinking about our lives instead of living our lives. I hope you enjoy today's episode: Also, here's the link to register for the free journaling workshop happening this Saturday: artburnscoaching.ac-page.com/journaling-workshop And here's a link to claim the coaching session I've already bought for you: https://calendly.com/artburns/45-min-coaching-session

I am so excited about the first of 12 free workshops I'm hosting this Saturday!!! This first session in the Art Burns Coaching Winter Workshop Series is all about Journaling. There are many ways to do journaling and as many reasons. On Saturday, I'm going to cover many aspects of journaling and I'm so excited! For information and to register, click here In today's first segment, I talk about how we can nourish our relationships with healthy ‘foods' in the same way we can nourish our bodies. And in the second segment, I talk about how we can shift our entire relationship to our lives in much the same way. Enjoy! https://youtu.be/ZDbpBDIICNY If you'd like to learn more about my coaching services, what better way than to attend a coaching session? Did you know that you have a free coaching session reserved for you? Just click here to schedule it: https://calendly.com/artburns/45-min-coaching-session

Before I get into today's content, I want to make sure you know about an exciting new offering I'm making, starting next week! The Art Burns Coaching Winter Workshop Series is a 12 week series of interactive workshops designed to inspire, motivate, and teach vital practices that will help you Show Up To Life! We kick off next Saturday, 1/15, at 11:30 am MST. I'll be sending out a link later today or tomorrow with all the information you need, but the first workshop is going to cover Journaling. Of all the practices I've learned over the past ten years, Journaling is certainly among the most impactful in my moment-to-moment experience. While there are countless ways to approach journaling and as many ways to benefit from the practice, I will cover about four different Journaling modalities and, as with each workshop, you will leave with actionable instructions! So keep an eye out for a separate email later today or tomorrow. In today's first segment, I talk about how journaling can be used to manage rumination and, instead, plan mindfully and healthily. Spoiler alert: Journaling is an invaluable tool in this process! In the second segment, we talk about time stress and how this particular kind of stress can interrupt and interfere with our accurate estimating and perception of time. I hope you enjoy the episode! If you feel like you could use some more clarity about these topics or anything else I cover here; if you would like to explore the idea of getting coached in this work, please click this link to schedule your free session: https://calendly.com/artburns/45-min-coaching-session

At least for today, we're back to the two-segment format! Yesterday, I talked about how we can see someone in dysregulation and recognize - and accept - that they are struggling with something and even if we don't know what that something is, we can be compassionate and supportive. For the good of ourselves and the other person. In today's first segment, I flip the script and talk about how we can see our own dysregulation and hold it in soothing compassion. While soothing ourselves is always important, even more importantly, we can use this moment of self-acceptance to find the root of our own dysregulation. Hint: most of the time we don't have to look very far! Remember, if it's hysterical, it's historical!!! In today's second segment, I tell a personal story of a goofy little habit of mine. In the past, I wouldn't call it goofy at all! In the past, I would berate myself over it and take away my ability to show up and live my life. In the segment today, I tell you a little trick I use to help me with this process. I hope you enjoy the episode! If you feel like you could use some more clarity about these topics or anything else I cover here; if you would like to explore the idea of getting coached in this work, please click this link to schedule your free session: https://calendly.com/artburns/45-min-coaching-session

When we practice mindfulness and self compassion, we are able to look deeply into ourselves without judgment or shame. And from this inquiry, we start to see what triggers our emotional response and why. As we begin to connect these dots for ourselves, it gives way to the ability to see the source in others' dysregulation. And as we keep practicing, we find that we needn't fully know what someone else is going through in order to give them space and, in turn, protect ourselves in the process. Today's episode is all about this:

First of all, thank you. Over the past few months, I have been openly sharing the details of my own transformative journey and because you are there to listen, it has been a life-saving exercise. So, thank you! Secondly, Happy New Year!!! In today's episode, I explain a little workshop I'm hosting just for you, the wonderful members of the Showing Up To Life community! I hope you're able to join me! Anyway, here's the episode. I hope you love it! (The link for the workshop is down the page a little ways…) Here is the link for the workshop: artburnscoaching.ac-page.com/new-years-day-workshop And there is a Third thing I wanted to mention. You may have heard that Boulder County, Colorado - no more than 20 or so miles from where I'm sitting right now - has been devastated by a wildfire that continues to rage out of control, displacing hundreds of people and animals (farm animals and pets) and destroying homes. So I'm putting this venmo link here with a plea for any donation, however small, you might be able to afford. 100% of the donations I receive will be passed along to the organizations providing relief. Thank you. https://account.venmo.com/u/art-burns

First of all, I want to invite you to join me on Saturday, 1/1/22 (cool date!), to ring in the new year with mindfulness! I'll be sending out a formal invitation tonight or tomorrow, but this special session will include a guided meditation, lecture, some specific exercises around setting - and keeping! - New Years Resolutions. In today's episode, I also examine the important distinction between attention and awareness and how we can practice mindfulness while playing video games:

First of all, I want to thank you. Thank you for all your support and thank you for being there to hear me nearly every day. Now I want to wish you Happy and Mindful Holidays! In today's episode, I talk about what it means to have a Happy Mindful Holiday:

It really doesn't surprise me that I'm inspired to do another episode the day after I said - yet again! - that I would likely be pulling back on the frequency of the episodes, for now. It doesn't surprise me because it's what pretty much always happens when we accept what is happening in the present moment. When we let go and accept, we free ourselves to tap into the wonderful creativity that exists within each of us. And that's what today's episode is all about! Through the inner child work I've done over the past several years; through the mindfulness and self-compassion I've developed through daily practice, I've come to understand that the aversion I've felt my whole life was often confused and conflated with the grief I felt for the 5-year-old me who suffered the wounds that would be with me my whole life. But, you see, aversion to the present moment experience can be permanent, but grief is always temporary. It's through the skill of acceptance that we come to the ability to discern between the two. And, like me, you can do all of this without therapy by just engaging and committing to daily mindfulness and compassion practices. Please note: While you can do it without therapy, by no means am I suggesting you should do it without therapy if that is an option for you. If you'd like to discuss this, schedule a free call below. Here's the full episode: I'm also trying to recommit to near-daily short-form content, so make sure you're following me on one of these social media platforms so you can check it out: Art Burns Coaching on Tik Tok Art Burns Coaching on Linked In Art Burns Coaching on Instagram And, as always, if you'd like to get in touch directly and talk about how mindfulness and compassion coaching can be applied to your life, you can book a free session with me here: https://calendly.com/artburns/45-min-coaching-session

Recording today's episode was the kind of awkward I've often felt when thinking of calling a friend I've neglected for a long time. I hope you can forgive my absence! But as I mentioned in today's episode, I'm in this position of tension between my obligation to you and the fact that this thing is changing. So for now, I'm thinking I will just make the next few episodes of the podcast about the change itself. And I started that process today with an episode all about change and impermanence. I hope you enjoy it!!! I'm also trying to recommit to my short-form content, so make sure you're following me on one of these social media platforms so you can check it out: Art Burns Coaching on Tik Tok Art Burns Coaching on Linked In Art Burns Coaching on Instagram And, as always, if you'd like to get in touch directly and talk about how mindfulness and compassion coaching can be applied to your life, you can book a free session with me here: https://calendly.com/artburns/45-min-coaching-session

As the early comments roll in, it seems that most folks are happy with a once-a-week podcast/youtube channel. I think whichever way it goes, it will take on a creative, hybrid appearance of some kind. It likely won't be an all-or-nothing kind of solution. So what's your vote? In today's episode, I share some further feelings on the past couple of weeks and I share my gratitude for the support I've already received from some of you amazing Human Beings! I also talk about the importance of forgiveness to allow us to meet life as it arises and to become buoyant in the flow of life. I hope you enjoy today's episode! https://youtu.be/hJ5GzYSlCgM Also, just want to make sure you see this: We are just about wrapping up the first run of the mindfulness and self-compassion course and it's been amazing! I'm planning to start the next cohort in the first week of January, if not the week before. Just a heads up. Let me know if you'd like to register. Early bird pricing applies.

First of all, I want to apologize for my absence! Please know that it takes a lot to keep me from doing these recordings and writing these emails every day. Takes a lot, indeed. So please understand that my absence was necessary and my hope is that the process I endured during this time will inform and inspire future episodes. You can learn more about what I'm saying by watching or listening to today's episode: In case you're unable to watch or listen today, I want you to know that you've helped me through this process. Whether you are one of the people who reached out to check in on me, or you are just one of the people I know are out there listening and watching and learning and healing, you helped me. And I thank you for that!