Mindful Matters W Chris Griffin, Lpc

We are releasing a podcast this week recorded back in the fall where we discuss the concept of vulnerability and openness. Chris references a Ted Talk by Brene Brown where she found that a key source of happiness was found in people’s ability to be open and vulnerable. We discuss how learning to be vulnerable acts as a cornerstone in developing a mindfulness practice.  By breaking down our walls, we allow ourselves to be seen, and learn how to proceed in a healthy and positive way.  Giving ourselves permission to be vulnerable, not only with others, but also with ourselves, we begin to identify and accept the wide range of emotions that we feel. Guided by a mindfulness practice, and perhaps also the help of a therapist, we realize that these difficult emotions that we are opening ourselves up to are there to be processed, not to be fixed. We hope you enjoy and we are always open to hearing from you

Honor Juneteenth!! Listen to returning guest, Kelvin Young—sound healer, recovery coach, and local activist—as he shares his take on the current situation facing our society. He discusses the triggering of intergenerational trauma that has been sparked once again by the murder of Black lives by police and others.  He also touches on the disparities in communities of color that can begin being rectified with concentrated efforts to improve both physical and mental health.  In particular, Kelvin discusses the Black Mental Health and Wellness Initiative. Kelvin also offers different mindful and wellness techniques to calm emotions and suggestions on how we can make mindful steps to help improve the future. Finally, he plays the healing crystal bowls. Enjoy this bonus episode meant to inspire peace, love, equality, healing and justice.

Burke recites the "Serenity Prayer" to kick off a discussion about "the wisdom to know the difference" between change and acceptance.  Chris mentions author Tara Brach and her essential book Radical Acceptance.  The episode also discusses recovery from substance abuse, and programs that have moved online to continue to help.  Tips are offered on how to utilize meditation and mindfulness skills to understand what can be changed and what needs acceptance, as well as processing things we cannot change in a healthy manner.

“If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete” Jack Kornfield This week we explore the concept of self compassion.  Developing self compassion is a large part of any mindfulness practice, in being more and more aware of our actions, thoughts, and words it is important to not become overly critical.  The development of self compassion is not only useful in dealing with ourselves, but it also is beneficial in softening our relationships with others. There are certainly well known members of the mindfulness community who have numerous books and instruction on self compassion and mindfulness, Jack Kornfield and Sharon Salzberg are two that we mention, and there are two specific books that Chris mentions as a potential guide into self compassion, “Self Compassion” by Kristen Neff and “The Mindful Path to Self Compassion” by Christopher Germer. We hope that you enjoy the podcast and that the subject of self compassion is one that you will explore further.  As always, if there are any questions of

The underlying theme of this week’s podcast is finding balance in life, specifically through our communication with others and ourselves. Learning to create the space with our mindfulness practice - space from our feelings, emotions, and behaviors, as well as space from our egos and our points of view. No longer taking things personally and reacting, but truly listening to hear what the other person is saying, not just waiting for our chance to talk. By working on communication with ourselves, we learn to listen to how we are feeling and respond appropriately - not turning everything into anger. We hope that you have as much fun listening to these podcasts as we have in recording them. We are always eager to hear your voice - opinions, reactions, ideas - so reach out. If you haven’t been keeping up, we invite you to go back and listen to the earlier episodes. Thank you for your support.

This podcast recorded from our homes while sheltering in place focuses on the benefits of developing a mindful practice at this point in time. We touch on how the pandemic is redirecting our focus in everyday life. All of a sudden we have lost a lot of access to our healthy distractions and coping mechanism and are left with the decision of what to do now. With the application of mindfulness, this can be seen as a great opportunity to evolve. Learn to meditate for a minute or two and give yourself some reprieve. The skills acquired in developing a mindfulness and meditation practice not only help ourselves, but also those with whom we interact.

Season two of the Mindful Matters podcast kicks off with Chris introducing Burke Lewis as the new co-host. Burke discusses his sobriety, family and trip around the globe, all as part of his mindfulness journey.

Chris sits down with sound healer and addiction recovery expert Kelvin Young to discuss how holistic healing and mindfulness practices helped Kelvin overcome great odds and his addictive behaviors. A truly inspiring story.

Doug Worthen's second appearance on the podcast switches gears from his role as a mindfulness teacher and administrator to that of a more personal tone.  Doug discusses his diagnosis and subsequent recovery from Lymphoma, the arduous treatment and ultimately the doctor who saved his life.  Doug credits his mindfulness practice with allowing him to let the recovery happen, what Doug calls "unfolding" as opposed to the traditional term of "battling" cancer.  He is also not afraid to have a frank and honest talk about death.

Lisa and Chris discuss the roots of art therapy, who it is for and how it can help.

Ever been in pain? That makes all of us!!!! Chris and Tim have a discussion about mindfulness and its relevance in helping our first responders, military personnel and veterans. With a focus on treating mostly male clients, Tim has a unique perspective on trauma, healing and empowerment. As an LPC and veteran of the Air Force, Tim is in a special role to be able to help other wellness professionals understand an underserved population. Get a pad and paper because you may want to take notes.

Chris discusses an editorial on men and emotion from the NY Times with Nate Guerrin, a relationship expert and sexual advisor.  You can find the NYT article here Teaching Men to Be Emotionally Honest

Chris interviews mindfulness expert Terry Fralich, LCPC about his 5 Core Skills of Mindfulness.

Ever feel like parenting is the most difficult job ever? So do they!! Chris and Dr. Liz discuss parenting, mindfulness and survival in a job you can't quit. Whether you have infants, toddlers, tweens, teens or young adults, you are sure to learn something.

Have you heard about the mood food connection? Want to know more? Chris and registered dietitian Bridget Komosky discuss this topic, as well as eating disorders, the gut biome and eating everything...in balance. Informative and fun.

Chris has an in-depth conversation with Catherine Ewing about Emotional Freedom Technique or "tapping" and its relationship to healing trauma, mindfulness and therapy. As an expert in healing early life trauma, abuse, mother loss, and family dysfunction, Catherine uses an integrated approach of energy psychology, energy healing, spirituality, Law of Attraction and coaching in her practice. She has 25 plus years of experience in the field and is an amazing resource.

Chris speaks with his former supervisor and boss about eating disorder treatment at Walden Behavioral Care, and what that organization is doing to promote mindfulness in treatment. Rebekah is currently an Assistant Vice President at Walden Behavioral Care. This is the first episode of a series concerning eating disorder awareness.

Chris tells the story of a "mindless moment" that turned into a learning moment. Chris relates these stories to make mindfulness more accessible and relatable to our daily lives. This particular story relates to children throwing tantrums and how we respond (mindfully or not) as parents and caretakers.

Continuing an exploration of mindfulness in education, Chris talks to Emily Rosen about her involvement in the CREC system. Emily has been integrating yoga and mindfulness into CT schools as well as building a community of professionals to help her grow and sustain these practices within schools.

Conversation w Amanda Pasciucco, LMFT & Nate Guerrin