The Mindful Classroom: Recent Episodes
Thomas Belasco
We will have a weekly discussion about best practices in the SEL classroom and ways you can shape your room to fit a struggling student’s needs. We will also look at techniques school employees can utilize to better regulate their stress. Until we return to the classroom, I will offer guided meditations twice a week for your mindful focus
Summary
The Mindful Classroom is a concept that evolved from the speaker's experience as an educator. It represents a shared space where students and teachers contribute their energy and learn from each other. The speaker emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and being present in every moment, whether in a traditional classroom or in any other setting. The conversation also touches on the idea of adapting to circumstances and being flexible in order to achieve personal growth and success. The speaker recommends the book 'In My Time of Dying' by Sebastian Junger and encourages listeners to donate blood.
Keywords
mindful classroom, education, mindfulness, learning, adaptation, personal growth, success, book recommendation, blood donation
Takeaways
- The Mindful Classroom is a shared space where students and teachers contribute their energy and learn from each other.
- Mindfulness is about being present and learning from every experience, whether in a traditional classroom or in any other setting.
- Adapting to circumstances and being flexible are important for personal growth and success.
- The book 'In My Time of Dying' by Sebastian Junger explores near-death experiences and the idea of an afterlife.
- Donating blood is a noble act that can save lives and is easy to do.
- Learning from Every Experience
- The Noble Act of Donating Blood
- "The Mindful Classroom represents a shared space where students and teachers contribute their energy and learn from each other."
- "Mindfulness is about being present and learning from every experience."
- "Adapting to circumstances and being flexible are important for personal growth and success."
Chapters
00:00The Evolution of the Mindful Classroom
03:00Learning from Every Experience
09:31Adapting for Personal Growth and Success
13:19Exploring Near-Death Experiences
15:47The Noble Act of Donating Blood
SummaryIn this conversation, TJ Belasco shares a frustrating experience with customer service and reflects on the importance of allowing oneself to feel and process emotions. He also discusses a poem by Mary Oliver called 'Wild Geese' and how it resonates with him. TJ emphasizes the idea that life goes on even in the midst of personal struggles and highlights the importance of not attaching oneself to the worst moments. He concludes by announcing his new business venture, which includes purpose and performance coaching as well as college application coaching.Keywordscustomer service, frustration, emotions, poetry, Mary Oliver, 'Wild Geese', life goes on, personal struggles, purpose and performance coaching, college application coachingTakeawaysAllow yourself to feel and process emotions, including despair and grief.Recognize that life goes on even when you're going through personal struggles.Don't attach yourself to the worst moments and remember that they will pass.TJ Belasco is launching a new business venture that includes purpose and performance coaching as well as college application coaching.TitlesCollege Application CoachingPurpose and Performance CoachingSound Bites"You do not have to be good. You do not have to walk on your knees for a hundred miles through the desert repenting.""Tell me about your despair, yours, and I will tell you mine. Meanwhile, the world goes on.""And this too shall pass."Chapters00:00Introduction and Frustrating Customer Service Experience01:05Reflecting on 'Wild Geese' by Mary Oliver05:31The Power of 'And This Too Shall Pass'08:23Purpose and Performance Coaching09:51College Application Coaching
I apologize for the audio on this one.
SummaryThe conversation explores the theme of unity and finding common ground despite differences. It begins with a discussion of an episode of Northern Exposure that highlights the idea of community and togetherness. The conversation then delves into the concept of looking beyond differences and finding commonalities, using examples such as the work of Senator Tim Ryan and the quotes of Abraham Lincoln and Wordsworth. The importance of understanding others' perspectives and practicing loving-kindness meditation is also discussed. The conversation concludes with a call for unity and an example of Darryl Davis' success in getting people to leave the Ku Klux Klan by fostering understanding.Keywordsunity, common ground, differences, community, togetherness, understanding, loving-kindness meditationTakeawaysLook for common ground and what you have in common with others.Practice understanding and empathy towards those with different opinions or backgrounds.Cultivate a sense of gratitude and unity through loving-kindness meditation.Foster understanding and bridge divides by getting to know others and their perspectives.TitlesFinding Unity in CommunityLooking Beyond DifferencesSound Bites"All of these people who were all different faiths... all pray in their own unified way together.""I do not like that person. I must get to know him better.""May you be safe, may you be happy, may you be healthy, may you live with ease."
Chapters
00:00Introduction: Messages of Unity
02:47Finding Unity in Community
05:41Looking Beyond Differences
09:03The Power of Loving-Kindness Meditation
10:22Bridging Divides through Understanding
Daryl Davis Tedx: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fw0vS0qvYo0&t=2s
Tim Ryan: We The People 250: https://www.wethepeople250.us/tims-story/
SummaryIn this conversation, TJ Belasco discusses the book 'Untangled' by Koshin Pali Ellison, which explores the Eightfold Path and mindfulness. He shares a favorite story and leads a guided meditation practice, emphasizing the importance of being present and mindful in everyday life.
KeywordsUntangled, Koshin Pali Ellison, Eightfold Path, mindfulness, meditation, guided practice, being present, everyday life
Takeaways
- 'Untangled' by Koshin Pali Ellison provides valuable insights into the Eightfold Path and mindfulness.
- The importance of being present and mindful in everyday life is emphasized through a favorite story and a guided meditation practice.
- Learning to sit with fear, joys, and sorrows, and the practice of counting breaths are highlighted as essential aspects of mindfulness.
- The concept of the mindful classroom and the ongoing nature of learning beyond traditional education are discussed.
Titles
- Sitting with Fear, Joys, and Sorrows
- The Power of Being Present and Mindful
Sound Bites
- "Exploring 'Untangled' by Koshin Pali Ellison"
- "Learning to sit with fear, joys, and sorrows"
- "The concept of the mindful classroom and ongoing learning"
Chapters
00:00
Exploring 'Untangled' by Koshin Pali Ellison
03:14
Learning to Sit with Fear, Joys, and Sorrows
09:47
The Mindful Classroom and Ongoing Learning
SummaryThe conversation is a guided meditation session led by TJ Belasco, focusing on the practice of mindfulness and meditation. TJ provides instructions and insights on the benefits of meditation, emphasizing the importance of being present and aware of one's thoughts. He encourages gradual practice and growth in meditation, highlighting the role of mindfulness in everyday life.
Keywordsmeditation, mindfulness, guided meditation, breath awareness, present moment, awareness, practice, growth, mindfulness in everyday life
Takeaways
- Meditation is a practice of being present and aware of one's thoughts.
- Gradual practice and growth in meditation can lead to increased ability to sit for longer periods of time without being overwhelmed by thoughts.
- Mindfulness occurs when we become aware that our mind has drifted away, and we bring our focus back to the present moment.
- The breath serves as a great exercise to become aware of our thinking and to calm and center ourselves in everyday life.
Titles
- Gradual Growth in Meditation
- The Role of Mindfulness in Everyday Life
Sound Bites
- "Readjust your body so your back is straight. If your mind is starting to wrestle with you, it's okay. It's kind of where we learn what it means to be present."
- "The breath serves as a great exercise because one of the primary things people will tend to say is, I can't meditate. I can't stop my thinking. Well, nobody can stop their thinking. The idea is to become aware of your thinking."
- "Mindfulness occurs when we do get distracted and are aware we've gotten distracted. That's the moment that we're mindful. That's the moment that we're present, that we know my brain has drifted away. I need to come back to here."
Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Guided Meditation
03:01
The Practice of Mindfulness and Meditation
08:24
The Role of Mindfulness in Everyday Life
10:40
Gradual Growth in Meditation
Takeaways
- Unification of projects under the mindful classroom label
- Exploration of attention and compassion
- Impact of preconceptions and judgments on perception of others
- Importance of paying attention and finding common ground
- Influence of media and the need for quiet reflection
- Exploring Attention and Compassion
- The Importance of Paying Attention
- "Attention is a place of practice."
- "Liberate our attention to pay attention in a 360-degree kind of way."
- "Look at other people and ask yourself if you are really seeing them or just your thoughts about them."
Chapters00:00
Unifying Projects Under the Mindful Classroom02:32
Exploring Attention and Compassion08:11
The Impact of Preconceptions and Judgments11:59
The Importance of Paying Attention and Media Influence
I apologize for my time away. But we will come together in the Mindful Classroom more often moving forward. Koshin Paley Ellison's Untangled inspired today's chat. I look forward to your feedback. I am hoping in the next few week's to really clean up everything about this podcast. I will also be announcing two new ventures under the umbrella of TheMindful Classroom. First, a purpose/Performance Coaching business to help others reach their fullest potential and purpose. Additionally, I will be working with students in the College Application process, and general writing tutoring.
Ryan Holiday: The Dailystoic
Marcus Aurelius: Meditations
This was the book that I blanked on. The minute I got out and into the shower, it came to me: Thinking Body; Dancing Mind
I am using Square Space to design my website: Mindfulclassroom.com If any of you have tips and pointers, reach out. I will also be launching a weekly Newsletter next week.
Back into the cold plunge to contemplate how we can see people for who they are and not who we think they should be. " I honestly have never been so touched that someone took the time to notice me and see me for who I am." #seepeople #becurious #enjoythemoment
Ted Forgives Rebecca https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nhf5QSc0oZI
We need to look at the pain holding anger and resentment inflicts on us, and eventually as we internalize that anger, who it makes us become. Eventually, it doesn't just eat us alive, it attacks those around us from our behavior, mood, and attitude. Free your self. #forgiveness #loveoverhate #stoicism
Welcome back to what I will call season three of The Mindful Classroom Podcast. This season will be much more freeform with one episode that delves deeper into books I am reading. The other episodes will explore topics in a quicker session ranging from 5 to 15 minutes. Starting next week, the longer episodes will be released on Saturdays, since we have more time to listen on the weekends. Today, enjoy Arthur Brooks examination on what we need to do to find greater happiness. I apologize for the time away and look forward to our discussions. These thought experiments will appear on Youtube, Spotify, Linkedin and Social Media platforms. For More Information on
Arthur Brooks: https://arthurbrooks.com/
Soulboom with Rainn Wilson: https://www.soulboom.com/
The Daily Stoic: https://dailystoic.com/
Summary
In this episode, TJ Belasco explores the theme of unity and the importance of connecting with others. He discusses the beauty of Zen and the concept of losing the self to realize our interconnectedness. TJ emphasizes the need to listen and understand others, even those with whom we disagree. He highlights the common thread of compassion and love in various religions and expresses his disappointment in the division and othering that can occur. TJ leads a guided healing meditation and discusses the power of positive energy. He concludes by encouraging gratitude and wishing well for others.
Takeaways
- Unity is a key theme in spirituality and the practice of mindfulness.
- Losing the self and realizing our interconnectedness can lead to greater compassion and understanding.
- Religions often share a common thread of compassion and love for others.
- Practicing loving-kindness meditation can help heal ourselves and foster positive energy.
Chapters
00:00Introduction: Unity and the Beauty of Zen
03:13Losing the Self and Connecting with Others
07:15The Source of Harm and Reacting to Events
09:12Finding Healing and Acceptance
13:02The Unity in Different Religions
20:10The Need for a Spiritual Revolution
21:08Guided Healing Meditation
32:08Wishing Well for Others
34:17The Power of Positive Energy
36:17Conclusion and Gratitude
Metta Phrases https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5ef20f7a7371aa569b626674/t/6130dd13cf9fe96c03c37f32/1630592275594/Metta+Phrases.pdf
Today's episode explores two nooks. Ikigai, The Japanese Secret to a Long and Healthy Life ( https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/549469/ikigai-by-hector-garcia-and-francesc-miralles/) and The 5AM Club ( https://www.amazon.com/AM-Club-Morning-Elevate-Life/dp/1443460710)
10 Principles of Ikigai:https://ikigaitribe.com/blogpost/the-10-rules-of-ikigai/
Mary Oliver's "The Sun "http://www.phys.unm.edu/~tw/fas/yits/archive/oliver_thesun.htmlThe Parable of the River:https://landiscenter.lafayette.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/69/2015/01/SaveBabies.pdfTara Brach "Radical Compassion" https://www.tarabrach.com/books/radical-compassion/
SummaryIn this conversation, TJ Belasco discusses the power of focus, stepping out of comfort zones, and the regrets of the dying. He also explores the concept of the monkey mind and leads a meditation on the thinking mind. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding and connecting with our thoughts and emotions. The session concludes with a reflection on gratitude.Takeaways
- Meditation is not about stopping thoughts, but about becoming aware of them and gaining control over them.
- Focusing our attention on specific things in life can help us notice opportunities and make the most of them.
- Stepping out of our comfort zones and exploring new opportunities can lead to personal growth and fulfillment.
- Expressing our feelings, staying in touch with friends, and allowing ourselves to be happier are important for a fulfilling life.
- The monkey mind refers to the non-stop chattering of thoughts in our minds, and meditation can help us understand and manage this constant stream of thoughts.
- By investigating our thoughts and emotions, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and make space for growth and healing.
- Our thoughts can guide us to areas of our lives that need attention and can help us make positive changes.
- Practicing gratitude can bring a sense of fulfillment and contentment to our lives.
Chapters
00:00Introduction and Misconception about Meditation
01:28The Power of Focus
04:18Stepping Out of Comfort Zone
06:05Regrets of the Dying
10:36The Monkey Mind
13:39Meditation on Thinking Mind
18:00Exploring Thoughts and Emotions
25:21Connecting with Deeper Emotions
28:01Thoughts as a Guide
30:43Conclusion and Gratitude
Summary
In this conversation, Thomas discusses the concept of stoicism and the power of not having an opinion. He then explores the dichotomy of control and the importance of focusing on what we can control. Thomas also reviews two books he has been reading: '100 Things We've Lost to the Internet' and 'Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow'. He highlights the chapter on patience from '100 Things We've Lost to the Internet'.
Chapters
00:00Introduction and Daily Stoic
03:22The Dichotomy of Control
05:45 Books: '100 Things We've Lost to the Internet' and 'Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow'
12:54Chapter Highlight: Patience
Summary
In this episode, TJ Belasco discusses the story of the two wolves, which represents the battle between good and evil within us. He emphasizes the importance of feeding the good wolf by cultivating positive qualities and being mindful of our thoughts and actions. TJ explores the concept of karma and how our energy attracts similar energy from the world. He also highlights the influence of negativity and social media algorithms on our mindset. TJ encourages listeners to be mindful of which wolf they feed and to embrace the core teachings of love and compassion found in various religions. The episode concludes with a guided meditation and a gratitude practice.
Takeaways
- Feed the good wolf by cultivating positive qualities and being mindful of your thoughts and actions.
- Understand that your energy attracts similar energy from the world.
- Be aware of the influence of negativity and social media algorithms on your mindset.
- Embrace the core teachings of love and compassion found in various religions.
Chapters
00:00Introduction and Cherokee Story
02:25Feeding the Good Wolf
03:54The Battle with the Ego
05:21Understanding Karma
06:45The Influence of Negativity
08:23The Impact of Social Media Algorithms
09:22Being Mindful of Which Wolf We Feed
10:05The Core Teachings of World Religions
11:34The Concept of Satan and God Within Us
12:56Establishing a Mindfulness Practice
16:12Guided Meditation: Labeling Thoughts
25:52Gratitude Practice
The Daily Stoic: https://store.dailystoic.com/collections/signed-books/products/the-daily-stoic-signed-editionCatalog of unabashed gratitude: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/58762/catalog-of-unabashed-gratitudeTomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow : https://www.amazon.com/Tomorrow-novel-Gabrielle-Zevin/dp/0593321200Groundhog day https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/amzn1.dv.gti.6aa9f790-371c-d77c-e4a2-2539f0bbcc92?autoplay=0&ref_=atv_cf_strg_wbOpening Music: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/peter-lainson/over-the-seaLicense code: 6Y9HRCCI7BK19L85
Today we explore square breathing and then end with a visualization (Mountain Meditation) Square Breathing Example: https://youtu.be/bF_1ZiFta-E?si=_4zCyUMzd5ow_BODThe Zen Monkey and Lotus Flower : https://www.amazon.com/Zen-Monkey-Lotus-Flower-Happiness/dp/B0CGCBM1FM
This episodes explores a Metta (Lovingkindness) meditation followed by a discussion of the ending of The Art of Solitude by Stephen Batchelor. I then explore my takeaways and realizations from the book.
Opens up with the poem "Kindness" by Naomi Shihab Nye followed by a body scan meditation.
Stephen Batchelor The Art of Solitude: https://www.amazon.com/Art-Solitude-Stephen-Batchelor/dp/0300250932
Vipassanna Meditation: https://www.dhamma.org/en/index
This week's focus will be on better editing and cleaning up the new episodes I post. However, I wanted to get the back episodes up so I am up to date. Thanks for your patience. Also, sorry about the dog's visits. I learned today that early morning recording will work much better. The podcast I mentioned was Coastal Creations (I am on episode 3) Also, some great meditation apps are: 1. 10% Happier2. Waking Up3. Calm4. Headspace5 Insight TImerAll of them offer trial subscriptions to see if you like them.
Discussion of Rick Rubin's A Creative Act (book) with some other recommendations thrown in at the end for good measure.
Episode two explores meditation ( mindfulness). This examines meditation on the breath. I learned quite a bit recording this, so excuse my dog begging for attention. As mentioned, if you want guidance continuing along your meditation journey you can look for apps like 10% Happier, Calm, Headspace, and Waking Up. You can also download the Insight Timer for free. Over the course of the next year, we will meditate using quite a few different techniques. Almost all of them are grounded in the Vipassana tradition in which I am trained. Thank you for listening. Be well my friends.
A reintroduction to The Mindful Classroom. A short episode exploring where we will go and focusing on doing over perfection. As Nike said, “Just Do It.”
This episode offers a meditation for stressful times. Sometimes it is best to ask ourselves, Is this useful. If we can maintain a healthy perspective of what is in our control and what is not, we will be better equipped to handle what the world throws our way. So, get comfortable and work on equanimity.
The first episode of the Mindful Classroom explores the basics of what mindfulness means as well as the simple practice of following your breath to focus your mind away from runaway thoughts, stress, and worry. The first 20 minutes are a simple discussion of mindfulness and what that term means. The last ten minutes employs simple breathwork.