Exercises For Becoming A Better Visualizer Zen Commuter podcast

56:39

In this calming and insightful episode of Zen Commuter , I welcomes breathwork and meditation guide Trea Drake for a heart-centered conversation on the power of the breath. Together, we explore how mindful breathing serves as a gateway to inner peace, presence, and healing. Whether you're a seasoned meditator or just beginning, this conversation offers gentle wisdom and inspiration to help you deepen your practice and reconnect with the stillness within. What You'll Discover in This Episode: How Trea Drake found breathwork and meditation and their roles in his personal healing The connection between breath and emotional resilience How to use breath as a tool for calming anxiety and returning to the present moment Resources & Mentions: Connect with Trea Drake: https://www.nervousapes.com/ Meditation Coaching Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultation) THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the Show Thanks again for listening to the show! If it has helped you in any way, please share it using the social media buttons you see on the page. Be a part of the show! Send me a message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter Email: thom@zencommuter.com Instagram: @thom_walters Twitter: @thom_walters Facebook: www.facebook.com/zencommuter Donate: Support the Podcast! Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Rate and review us in Apple Podcasts! zencommuter.com/review…

Zen Commuter

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Restoring Balance: Energy Healing and Inner Calm with Mary Sanders 36:22

13 days ago36:22

36:22

In this episode of Zen Commuter , I sit down with Dr. Mary Sanders, a skilled energy healer who specializes in helping people recover from burnout and chronic stress. With a unique blend of chiropractic care, energy medicine, and intuitive insight, Dr. Sanders supports individuals in reconnecting with their inner vitality and balance. If you’ve been feeling drained, overwhelmed, or out of sync, this conversation offers powerful insights into how energy healing can be a pathway back to calm, clarity, and well-being. Links from the Episode: Connect with Mary Meditation Coaching Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultation) THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the Show Thanks again for listening to the show! If it has helped you in any way, please share it using the social media buttons you see on the page. Be a part of the show! Send me a message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter Email: thom@zencommuter.com Instagram: @thom_walters Twitter: @thom_walters Facebook: www.facebook.com/zencommuter Donate: Support the Podcast! Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Rate and review us in Apple Podcasts! zencommuter.com/review…

Zen Commuter

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From Philosophy to Practice: Jonah Primo’s Guide to Everyday Mindfulness 1:08:43

20 days ago1:08:43

1:08:43

Jonah Primo has spent the last 8 years studying mindfulness, meditation and philosophy in order to build practical frameworks that people can apply to everyday life and situations. He hosted the flagship podcast for meditation app "Waking Up", produces Australia's #1 philosophy podcast "Principle of Charity", and has interviewed and worked with neuroscientists including Sam Harris and Anil Seth, Oscar winners including Jane Campion and Emile Sherman, and many more teachers, academics and celebrities in order to truly understand the secret sauce of happiness and fulfilment. He shares these secrets on his own podcast, "The Overexamined Life". Links from the Episode: Connect with Jonah and listen to The Overexamined Life Meditation Coaching Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultation) THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the Show Thanks again for listening to the show! If it has helped you in any way, please share it using the social media buttons you see on the page. Be a part of the show! Send me a message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter Email: thom@zencommuter.com Instagram: @thom_walters Twitter: @thom_walters Facebook: www.facebook.com/zencommuter Donate: Support the Podcast! Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Rate and review us in Apple Podcasts! zencommuter.com/review…

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Creative Calm: A Conversation with Jodi Rose Gonzales 41:31

25 days ago41:31

41:31

Today on Zen Commuter , I’m joined by the insightful and inspiring Jodi Rose Gonzales—artist, author, and art therapist. Jodi blends creativity and mindfulness to help others navigate life’s challenges with clarity and grace. Her unique approach to healing through expressive art and spiritual reflection offers a powerful path to inner peace. Get ready for a conversation that’s equal parts calming and deeply thought-provoking. Topics Covered: ✅ Defining what creativity is, on one level, and how it can help us better understand who we are ✅ The intersection of mindfulness and meditation ✅ How to foster introspection through creativity. Jodi Rose Gonzales is a visual artist, art therapist, author, and mindfulness coach who inspires her students through teachings intended to spread more hope and healing around the world. She is recognized as a top artist by Marquis Who’s Who in America, and a Global Impact Artist by the International Association of Top Professionals. Jodi has authored two Amazon #1 New Releases including the Doodle’s Code and Drawn to Yoga, she is featured in an international bestseller called 50 Fearless Leaders, and she’s the host of The iROSE Podcast. She helps busy creative people who are intentional about personal growth using art-based mindfulness, a unique method that helps people develop insight and self-awareness—AND manage anxiety and stress—in one simple practice. Links from the Episode: Begin your free creative journey with Jodi Rose https://www.jodirosestudio.com/free-art-prompts Meditation Coaching Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultation) THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the Show Thanks again for listening to the show! If it has helped you in any way, please share it using the social media buttons you see on the page. Be a part of the show! Send me a message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter Email: thom@zencommuter.com Instagram: @thom_walters Twitter: @thom_walters Facebook: www.facebook.com/zencommuter Donate: Support the Podcast! Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Rate and review us in Apple Podcasts! zencommuter.com/review…

Zen Commuter

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Embracing the Divine Feminine: A Conversation with Leslie Draffin 51:11

5 weeks ago51:11

51:11

Welcome to Zen Commuter ! Today, I’m joined by Leslie Draffin for a fascinating conversation about the intersection of plant medicine, spirituality, and women’s wellness. We’ll explore how microdosing mushrooms can support mental clarity, emotional balance, and even spiritual awakening. Leslie also shares insights on how understanding the menstrual cycle can be a powerful tool for self-awareness and personal growth. Whether you're curious about the benefits of microdosing or looking to deepen your connection with your body and mind, this episode offers valuable wisdom you won’t want to miss. Topics Covered: ✅ Utilizing plant medicine to help women ease menstrual symptoms and connect to their power ✅ Overview of how microdosing works ✅ How meditation helps all people connect with what is true and resonant for them Leslie Draffin is a women's somatic coach, psychedelic microdosing guide, breath & meditation teacher & menstrual cycle educator. She helps midlife women embrace their bodies, sex, and psychedelics so they can overcome the wound of unworthiness, get free from mental health challenges and build a life they're excited about. Leslie believes somatic practices like breathwork along with sacred Earth medicine have the power to bring us home to ourselves, awaken our authenticity and heal the trauma locked within our subconscious. 📌 Follow Leslie Drafffin: Activate your Inner Magic: free microdosing guide: https://lesliedraffin.myflodesk.com/microguide Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesliedraffin/ Podcast - The Light Within: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-light-within/id1554915881 Meditation Coaching Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultation) THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the Show Thanks again for listening to the show! If it has helped you in any way, please share it using the social media buttons you see on the page. Be a part of the show! Send me a message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter Email: thom@zencommuter.com Instagram: @thom_walters Twitter: @thom_walters Facebook: www.facebook.com/zencommuter Donate: Support the Podcast! Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Rate and review us in Apple Podcasts! zencommuter.com/review…

Zen Commuter

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Tricycle Week: Sitting Still in a World That Won’t Stop—Overcoming Discomfort in Meditation 13:29

5 weeks ago13:29

13:29

Welcome to Zen Commuter and day five of Tricycle Week ! Today, we’re exploring a challenge many meditators face— the uneasy relationship with the timer. Whether it’s impatience, restlessness, or the feeling that the minutes are stretching endlessly, the ticking clock can sometimes feel like an obstacle rather than a guide. But what if we could change our perspective and learn to sit with that discomfort? In this episode, we’ll discuss how to become more comfortable with the timer in meditation and what it reveals about our minds. Plus, we’ll feature a reading of I Think the Clock Is Broken by Christopher Rivas, offering insights into time, presence, and the art of letting go. Let’s learn to embrace the practice—one moment at a time. Topics Covered: Persistent Time Anxiety During Meditation: Despite years of practice, Rivas often experiences a nagging suspicion that his meditation timer has malfunctioned, leading to an urge to check the clock. This recurring doubt underscores a common struggle with time perception during meditation. The Illusion of Control and Fear of Letting Go: Rivas identifies this anxiety as stemming from a deeper desire for control and a fear of uncertainty. He suggests that the discomfort with an indefinite meditation period reflects a broader discomfort with unpredictability in life. Societal Conditioning Linking Time to Productivity: He critiques societal norms that equate time with productivity, observing that this mindset can make stillness feel counterproductive. Rivas proposes that embracing meditation without strict time constraints can serve as an act of rebellion against this pervasive cultural narrative. Meditation Coaching Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultation) THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the Show Thanks again for listening to the show! If it has helped you in any way, please share it using the social media buttons you see on the page. Be a part of the show! Send me a message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter Email: thom@zencommuter.com Instagram: @thom_walters Twitter: @thom_walters Facebook: www.facebook.com/zencommuter Donate: Support the Podcast! Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Rate and review us in Apple Podcasts! zencommuter.com/review…

Zen Commuter

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Tricycle Week: Understanding the 3 Types of Laziness—Is Your Laziness Real? 17:59

5 weeks ago17:59

17:59

Welcome to Zen Commuter and day four of Tricycle Week ! Today, we’re diving into a topic that challenges the way we see productivity and rest— laziness. Is laziness a real obstacle, or is it simply a rejection of society’s constant push to always be moving? We’ll explore the three aspects of laziness and question whether what we call “being lazy” is actually an intentional choice to be rather than do. Plus, we’ll feature a reading from Working on Laziness by Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche, offering a deeper perspective on how mindfulness helps us navigate our relationship with effort and ease. Let’s reframe laziness and uncover what it really means to live with purpose. Topics Covered: ✅ Definitions of the three types of laziness ✅ The understanding that laziness might be a response to societal expectations ✅ How to evaluate if laziness is real or imagined in your body. Tricycle: The Buddhist Review Meditation Coaching Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultation) THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the Show Thanks again for listening to the show! If it has helped you in any way, please share it using the social media buttons you see on the page. Be a part of the show! Send me a message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter Email: thom@zencommuter.com Instagram: @thom_walters Twitter: @thom_walters Facebook: www.facebook.com/zencommuter Donate: Support the Podcast! Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Rate and review us in Apple Podcasts! zencommuter.com/review…

Zen Commuter

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Tricycle Week: How Mindfulness Helps You Handle Toxic People and Protect Your Peace 14:14

6 weeks ago14:14

14:14

Welcome to Zen Commuter and day three of Tricycle Week ! Today, we’re tackling a challenge that tests even the most mindful among us— dealing with toxic people. Whether it’s a difficult coworker, a critical family member, or someone who constantly drains your energy, these interactions can leave us feeling powerless and frustrated. But here’s the truth: our inner peace doesn’t have to be at their mercy. In this episode, we’ll explore how mindfulness helps us safeguard our power, and respond with compassion instead of reaction. Let’s learn how to keep our calm—even in the presence of chaos. Topics Covered: ✅ Origins and Expansion of Mindfulness Practices: The article traces the development of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) from its inception by Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979 to its widespread application in adult mental health. ✅ Introduction of Mindfulness in Educational Settings: It discusses the rationale behind implementing mindfulness programs in schools, aiming to address rising mental health issues among adolescents by teaching them mindfulness techniques. ✅ Evaluation of the MYRIAD Study's Findings: The article analyzes the outcomes of the MYRIAD trial, the largest study on adolescent mindfulness programs, which revealed unexpected results, including potential ineffectiveness and possible adverse effects for some students. Tricycle: The Buddhist Review Meditation Coaching Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultation) THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the Show Thanks again for listening to the show! If it has helped you in any way, please share it using the social media buttons you see on the page. Be a part of the show! Send me a message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter Email: thom@zencommuter.com Instagram: @thom_walters Twitter: @thom_walters Facebook: www.facebook.com/zencommuter Donate: Support the Podcast! Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Rate and review us in Apple Podcasts! zencommuter.com/review…

Zen Commuter

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Tricycle Week: Is Meditation Beneficial for Young Students? Insights from Emma Varvaloucas 29:41

6 weeks ago29:41

29:41

Welcome to Zen Commuter and day two of Tricycle Week ! Today, we dive into an important question: Is meditation truly beneficial for young students? Across the country, schools have introduced mindfulness programs with the hope of improving focus, reducing stress, and fostering emotional well-being. But do these programs actually deliver on their promise? We’ll explore key research, including insights from Emma Varvaloucas’ article, Classroom Mindfulness Put to the Test , which examines the largest study to date on mindfulness in schools. Are these programs helping, or do they come with unintended consequences? Let’s uncover the science behind meditation in the classroom. Topics Covered: ✅ Origins and Expansion of Mindfulness Practices: The article traces the development of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) from its inception by Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979 to its widespread application in adult mental health. ✅ Introduction of Mindfulness in Educational Settings: It discusses the rationale behind implementing mindfulness programs in schools, aiming to address rising mental health issues among adolescents by teaching them mindfulness techniques. ✅ Evaluation of the MYRIAD Study's Findings: The article analyzes the outcomes of the MYRIAD trial, the largest study on adolescent mindfulness programs, which revealed unexpected results, including potential ineffectiveness and possible adverse effects for some students. Tricycle: The Buddhist Review Meditation Coaching Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultation) THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the Show Thanks again for listening to the show! If it has helped you in any way, please share it using the social media buttons you see on the page. Be a part of the show! Send me a message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter Email: thom@zencommuter.com Instagram: @thom_walters Twitter: @thom_walters Facebook: www.facebook.com/zencommuter Donate: Support the Podcast! Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Rate and review us in Apple Podcasts! zencommuter.com/review…

Zen Commuter

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Tricycle Week - Listening to Our Ancestors by Thich Nhat Hanh 14:40

7 weeks ago14:40

14:40

Welcome to Tricycle Week on Zen Commuter ! I’m kicking things off with a reading from Tricycle: The Buddhist Review , featuring Thich Nhat Hanh’s insightful article, "Listening to Our Ancestors." In this episode, we explore how connecting with our spiritual and familial lineage can bring wisdom, healing, and a deeper sense of peace. Tune in to reflect on the presence of those who came before us and how their guidance can shape our journey today. Topics Covered: ✅ Three Practices to cultivate listening ✅ Using “The Bell” to help us become mindful ✅ Thoughts on embracing our “wounded child” Meditation Coaching Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultation) THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the Show Thanks again for listening to the show! If it has helped you in any way, please share it using the social media buttons you see on the page. Be a part of the show! Send me a message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter Email: thom@zencommuter.com Instagram: @thom_walters Twitter: @thom_walters Facebook: www.facebook.com/zencommuter Donate: Support the Podcast! Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Rate and review us in Apple Podcasts! zencommuter.com/review…

Zen Commuter

1
Richard Earney - Integrating Spirit for Ultimate Transformation (Part 2) 57:25

8 weeks ago57:25

57:25

What if the key to peak performance and lasting well-being was as simple as stillness? In this episode of Ze Commuter, I sit down with Richard Earney, a leading expert in fitness and movement, to explore how meditation enhances physical and mental well-being. Richard shares his insights on the mind-body connection, explaining how mindfulness isn’t just for relaxation—it’s a powerful tool for focus, recovery, and resilience. Whether you’re an athlete, a fitness enthusiast, or simply looking for more balance in life, this conversation will show you how meditation can elevate your overall well-being. Tune in and discover how a few moments of mindfulness can transform your energy, clarity, and performance. Topics Covered: ✅ The difference between meditation and mindfulness ✅ Defining meditation to address consistency and “success at practicing” ✅ Why meditation is sometimes difficult to keep up with without physical proof of benefit Richard Earney is the founder of MindStrong Wellbeing, a coaching platform dedicated to enhancing mental and physical resilience through mindfulness, movement, and personal development. With a background in fitness and wellness leadership, he empowers individuals to cultivate strength from within by integrating meditation and mindful practices into their daily lives. 📌 Follow Richard Earney: Instagram: Richard Earney Website: www.mindstrongwellbeing.com Meditation Coaching Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultation) THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the Show Thanks again for listening to the show! If it has helped you in any way, please share it using the social media buttons you see on the page. Be a part of the show! Send me a message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter Email: thom@zencommuter.com Instagram: @thom_walters Twitter: @thom_walters Facebook: www.facebook.com/zencommuter Donate: Support the Podcast! Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Rate and review us in Apple Podcasts! zencommuter.com/review…

Zen Commuter

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Unlocking Peak Performance: Richard Earney on Mindful Movement and Wellness 36:37

9 weeks ago36:37

36:37

Zen Commuter

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How Matt Drago Finds Zen in Acting – Lessons from Somewhere in Montana 56:18

9 weeks ago56:18

56:18

In this episode of Zen Commuter , actor Matt Drago shares how he stays grounded in the unpredictable world of Hollywood. From his experience on Somewhere in Montana to his personal mindfulness practices, Matt reveals how staying present has helped shape his career and personal life. Tune in to hear his insights on resilience, creativity, and inner peace. Topics Covered: ✅ How mindfulness helps actors stay calm under pressure ✅ Behind-the-scenes insights from Somewhere in Montana ✅ Daily practices Matt uses to stay centered Matt Drago is an actor living in Los Angeles. Best known for his role as Fabian in SOMEWHERE IN MONTANA, he has appeared in a variety of other projects including Disney's Counting Scars viral video,What Would Jesus Do: The Journey Continues, Ridley Scott's Prophets of Science Fiction, and the popular audio drama podcast No Other Way. He also has his own production company, which is currently in development on its first feature film. 📌 Follow Matt Drago: Instagram: @MattDrago Website: www.mattdrago.com Movie: Somewhere in Montana (Coming Soon!) IMDB Resume and Somewhere in Montana trailer: www.instagram.com/mattdrago/links Meditation Coaching Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultation) THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the Show Thanks again for listening to the show! If it has helped you in any way, please share it using the social media buttons you see on the page. Be a part of the show! Send me a message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter Email: thom@zencommuter.com Instagram: @thom_walters Twitter: @thom_walters Facebook: www.facebook.com/zencommuter Donate: Support the Podcast! Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Rate and review us in Apple Podcasts! zencommuter.com/review…

Zen Commuter

1
Sonal Kalra - Founder of CONNECT Meditation: Helping Students find Clarity and Resilience 48:53

11 weeks ago48:53

48:53

Sonal is a certified meditation teacher and the founder of CONNECT Meditation. In her workshops and sessions, she blends ancient Eastern wisdom with modern science to make mindfulness accessible to today’s practitioners. Raised in India and now based in Boston, Sonal’s background in corporate human resources, learning and development, and life coaching allows her to connect deeply with both individuals and organizations. She also teaches at WITHIN, a San Francisco-based meditation organization. With a foundation in psychology, human resource development, and Somatic EMDR, Sonal specializes in trauma-sensitive mindfulness. She also offers sound baths that utilize healing frequencies to promote relaxation and inner balance. Passionate about guiding people to discover the transformative benefits of meditation, Sonal helps enhance well-being, boost productivity, and cultivate compassion. Sonal finds great joy in sharing meditation as a powerful tool for personal and professional growth, helping others connect with their inner clarity and resilience. Meditation Coaching Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultation) Links from the Episode: https://www.connectmeditation.com/ THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the Show Thanks again for listening to the show! If it has helped you in any way, please share it using the social media buttons you see on the page. Be a part of the show! Send me a message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter Email: thom@zencommuter.com Instagram: @thom_walters Twitter: @thom_walters Facebook: www.facebook.com/zencommuter Donate: Support the Podcast! Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Rate and review us in Apple Podcasts! zencommuter.com/review…

Zen Commuter

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Catherine Duncan - Author of Everyday Awakening 33:12

11 weeks ago33:12