The Mind Whisperer

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Psychotherapist, Aikido teacher and writer/speaker Michael A. Gordon, MSc. brings 25 years experience in media and personal development. The Mindful Whisperer bridges neuroscience, spiritual psychology and mindfulness as they apply to a wide range of topi


    • Mar 10, 2014 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 22m AVG DURATION
    • 74 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Mind Whisperer

    What Is The One Thing No One Can Give Us, But The First Thing We Give Away?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2014 16:00


    We all want to feel self-love, self-acceptance. And yet we also crave approval, connection, belonging. Today we reveal a critical element to getting the balance right!

    What Is Happiness?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2014 16:00


    Emerging multidisciplinary research is giving us a lot clearer a picture of what defines truly happy individuals. The results may surprise you. It is certainly within all our reach.

    Why Relationships Fail! Pt 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2014 16:00


    With Valentine's Day approaching, it's timely to look at why so many relationships end up in breakup! How do we end up dating the same kind of person in a different package, and how do we change the pattern?!

    Resolution....FAIL! Why Willpower Alone Doesn't Work

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2014 16:00


    It seems so straightforward: we make a resolution, plan and schedule it, and soon enough we fall back into old patterns. What drives this annoying, undermining phenomenon, and how to really make lasting change?

    Addiction Is Not Rebellion. It's Self-Destruction

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2013 22:00


    Rage, untethered and unfocused often points itself inwards, yet it masquerades as vengeful action. Truthfully, addiction is self-destructive; while seeming to mask the hurt, and buffer us from those that have hurt us, it really just turns us against ourselves.

    Shutdown! Is Conservatism A Form Of Psychopathy?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2013 29:00


    As the US congress faces a full government shutdown over the budget, the extremism of the conservative agenda seems to invite this empirically-researched question. Find out how studies going back 60 years still stand up to suggest this hypothesis holds true.

    The Secret Key To Happiness

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2013 20:00


    So much of life is difficult and overwhelming, and despite spending much of our time chasing pleasure, we still feel unhappy. How can we change that in an instant?

    From Your Worst Enemy To Friend: Ending The War On Yourself

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2013 26:00


    The unresolved injustices and traumas of childhood can leave us with significant internalized distortions about ourselves that can misdirect unmet needs into self-aggression. How to we begin the journey to self-repair?

    Looking for two, finding One: Soul Mating.

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2013 21:00


    The search for the perfect soul mate leads us to the difficult truth of what we need to work on in ourselves. Our patterns are merely re-manifestations of many cycles of habitual behaviour which, if we realize and choose wisely of our partner, can lead us away from deeper separation.

    Weapons Of Mass Murder: Hiroshima Remembered

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2013 24:00


    August 6th is the anniversary of the dropping of the atomic bomb and total annihilation of Hiroshima, Japan, and three days later Nagasaki. How does history look back on this militarily rationalized mass murder of civilians, and what do we learn about our own dissociation from this act of violence.

    Fear Of Missing Out: Social Media & Anxiety

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2013 19:00


    It began with the 'crackberry' syndrome: those amongst us who were constantly glued to their handheld device, emailing, texting. No more in history have we been so pervasively distracted than with social media tech. What does this say, and how can we work with this as an aspect of our habitual patterns?

    Part 2: Loneliness--Toxic, Dangerous & Reversable!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2013 21:00


    In the first episode, we covered emerging research on the impacts of social isolation on early childhood and the brain/psyche. In today's show, we explore the relationship with ourselves, and how to approach loneliness as an affliction of mind.

    Loneliness: Toxic, Dangerous & Reversable!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2013 15:00


    Decades-spanning research has been exponentially boosted by brain scanning technology, giving us a window into the social, physical and psychological impacts of loneliness/isolation, and how we need to prioritize attention to early parenting, schooling and social engagement in later life.

    Permission For Joy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2013 24:00


    So often, despite our best efforts to be 'positive,' we keep getting stuck in our familiar negative patterns. How do we connect with and transform our deepest values and scripting, in order to experience limitless joy?

    The Jagged Edge: Working With Anger

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2013 26:00


    Anger, to paraphrase Siddhartha Gautama (The Buddha) is "like holding a hot coal and expecting the other person to get burned." How do we intercept and transform this explosive emotion in a mindful way?

    Pain Is Inevitable, Suffering Is Optional

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2013 28:00


    From chronic pain, to mental and emotional anguish, find out why and how we can minimize our suffering in the face of painful experiences.

    Perfectly Imperfect

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2013 23:00


    The quest for perfection can lead us to a self-destructive relationship with ourselves. How is perfectionism a symptom of negative conditioning?

    Where Will I Go? The Paradox Of Self Vs. Selflessness

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2013 27:00


    What do the various Buddhist texts mean when discussing 'no-self?' If there is no self, how do 'we' exist, and know who we are? Where will I go if I recognize that Self is a concept to begin with!

    The Joy Equation: Acceptance, Gratitude & Vulnerability

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2013 30:00


    Researcher Brené Brown writes about shame, vulnerability, and the relationship between gratitude and joy. What does she mean by "low tolerance for vulnerability makes joy forboding."

    Creativity & Anxiety: From Kierkegaard to Bukowski

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2013 22:00


    "They give birth astride of a grave, the light gleams an instant, then it's night once more," wrote Samuel Beckett in Waiting For Godot. What do we make of this existential tension, and the will towards creative expression in the face of impermanence!   

    Finding Gentleness: From Self-Harm To Self-Friendship

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2013 23:00


    In our most difficult moments, we realize that our greatest suffering comes from a feeling of 'not being there' for ourselves when we need us most. There is a painful awakening that we are estranged from ourselves. We can begin to soften and experience vulnerability within, as a strength.

    The Power Of Forgiveness

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2013 22:00


    Forgive, but don't forget--a very potent saying. We often mistake forgiveness for 'letting someone off the hook' for something. However, when we hang on to hurt, it is we who are on the hook....

    Occupy Yourself: Becoming The Change You Want To See

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2013 18:00


    To parahrase Gandhi, "You must be change you wish to see in the world." Today on the show, embodying change and leadership...

    Making Space: Allowing For What Is

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2013 22:00


    Many times, what makes a challenging situation or emotion more difficult is our initial urge to rush in and change it or avoid what it evokes within us. Making space creates a little breathing room, and often the right solution presents itself.

    Leaving Blame Behind Pt 2: From Self-Pity To Self-Advocacy

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2013 14:00


    How do we take full ownership of our actions and what shows up in our lives? We continue this discussion by looking at self-responsible negotiation vs. blame.

    Leaving Blame Behind: From Martyrdom To Self-Responsibility

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2013 30:00


    How do we take full ownership of our actions and what shows up in our lives? In this conversation I discuss the critical aspects of becoming truly accountable, and how to move from victimhood to self-actualization.

    Phobias Explained!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2013 19:00


    "I don't likes spiders and snakes," as Jim Stafford's hit song lamented...Apart from primal fears, why do we experience phobias?

    Why Do We Keep Making Mistakes?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2013 20:00


    Einstein defined madness as "doing the same thing over and over, and expecting different results." Why do we fall into patterns that don't serve us, and how do we change?

    When Things Go Wrong: Coping With Stress And Problems

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2013 27:00


    It is said you can truly gauge the character of a person by the way they manage stress and difficulty. We cannot avoid difficult challenges, however we can minimize their impact while increasing our choices.

    How Slowing Down Can Make You MORE Efficient!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2013 22:00


    We move very quickly in this information age. And while information technology is supposed to make us more efficient, it actually just increases our workload. Find out how slowing down can make you more productive!

    'Calling' vs. Vocation: What Is Your Life Purpose?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2013 27:00


    Most of our lives are guided by our parents' values, school programming and social/class expectations. But what about YOUR inner drive to fulfill your true purpose?

    It's A Thin Line (Between Love And Hate): Waging Peace

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2013 27:00


    As my old teacher said, "familiarity, without respect, breeds contempt." How can a warm feeling turn so cold, so vengeful, so fast, and what can we do to change that pattern in our lives?

    Grief & Loss: Why Is It So Hard Letting Go?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2013 26:00


    Letting of loved ones and our relationships can present us with our most challenging moments. Why is letting go so difficult?

    Online Sex, Sugar & Shopping: How Addiction Works!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2013 23:00


    How is it we can become addicted and desensitized to everything from substances like sweets, to shopping, and now--research proves--internet sex?

    Is Frequency Of Sex The Wrong Focus In Couples?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2013 20:00


    A recent Wall Street Journal article evoked a strong critcial response from Jezebel.com writer Lindy West. Today we discuss the issues, not from Lindy's insights, but looking at how intimacy can actually be the block to desire in long-term relationships.

    When Things Fall Apart: Couples & Conflict

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2013 27:00


    What does it mean for a relationship when we argue? What happens if conflict surfaces early on in dating/relationship? Is this a sign of incompatibility? Shouldn't things be 'easy'? This episode looks at conflict in relationship, breaking through myths, and applying Attachment Theory to get a better understanding of how we function and make (un)conscious choices.

    What is Narcissism? (And What Is The Cure?)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2013 26:00


    Narcissism is a word that pops up frequently in common use, but what does it mean? Are you aware that it pertains to a particular set of negative psychological traits?

    Exalted Music, Troubled Lives: Author David N. Meyer

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2013 31:00


    From alt country forebearer Gram Parsons to legendary pop group The Bee Gees, David N. Meyer examines the interior/exterior lives of artists, and the toll exacted upon them by the creative process and pressures of public and commercial pressures. David N. Meyer is the author of Twenty Thousand Roads: The Ballad Of Gram Parsons And His Cosmic American Music (Random House); as well as an upcoming biography on the Bee Gees for De Capo press. He is also professor of Cinema Studies at the New School.

    Mind Or Brain? Can Consciousness Heal?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2013 20:00


    We delve into what is deemed the 'hard problem' of Psychology. Is consciousness, and more importantly, psychological health, determined by 'bottom-up' or 'top-down' regulation and activity?

    Sex & Intimacy: Enemies Or Allies?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2013 20:00


    In this episode we explore the relationship between intimacy and sex, for those seeking a partner, and those in long-term relationships. Is intimacy the enemy of desire, or can desire be made the bed-fellow of intimacy?

    Codependence *To listen, please see link

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2013 21:00


    **To listen/view this show, please visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gE2E54nkcQ or http://www.facebook.com/TheMindWhispererShow Due to a technical problems, the live radio program here was cut short during broadcast. >>>Codependency is an oft misused term. While it most significantly applies to a relationship with an addicted partner, codependency has broader implications for healthy boundaries.

    I Want It Now! Anticipation & Delayed Gratification

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2013 23:00


    Find out why we can get so wired to the compulsive desire, and how delayed gratification most often supports healthier outcomes in our relationships, purchases, etc.

    Where Does Hate Come From?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2013 27:00


    From bullying to homophobia, from domestic violence to terrorism, where are the seeds of hatred sown, and how can we work to overcome them?

    The Risk of Frivolity: How Indulgence Breeds Confusion

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2013 20:00


    There is a great 'luxury' as Chogyam Trungpa describes it, in indulging our passions in the moment, but they can become destructive. And the confusion that arises can be a kind of luxurious escape from reality and truth. Join us today as we explore this very fascinating notion.

    The Entwined Lovers: Conscious, Erotic Love--Pt. 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2013 20:00


    How do we surrender in erotic love without losing ourselves? How do we meet in union to realize ourselves fully, without falling into boredom, disinterest or contempt? All this and more today...

    The Entwined Lovers: Together But Separate--Conscious Love

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2013 22:00


    How do we surrender in erotic love without losing ourselves? How do we meet in union to realize ourselves fully, without falling into boredom, disinterest or contempt? All this and more today...

    Tantric, Erotic, Transcendant: Contacting Reality

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2013 20:00


    This may sound rather esoteric, but it is really about connecting with the juicyness of all aspects of experience in everyday living, as a way of evolving towards absolute awareness.

    What You Think, You Become: Changing Your World

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2013 23:00


    We have about 60,000 thoughts a day, mostly negative! This is such an important topic we will be exploring it again.

    Flow: The Power Of Presence, Connection & Letting Go

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2013 30:00


    What is the power of presence? What does being connected to the here and now enable us to fully experience and how can this help us in any situation?

    Winning Without Fighting: There Is No Enemy

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2013 31:00


    There can be no self-defense if there is no opponent. How is that possible? Aren't there real attacks? What is spiritual warriorship, and how does Aikido teach us to win without fighting?

    From Fear To Love Pt. 2: Fearless Heart/Gentle Warrior

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2013 26:00


    It is said that we can live from two choices in any given moment: love or fear. So how do we continue to choose love, and what does it look like to stay the course in the face of real challenges: jealously, hurt, despair, loneliness, heartbreak?

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