Conditioned Living: Breaking Free from Old Patterns

In this episode of Edge of Reckoning, Sue Merlino and Neil Freebern explore the hidden patterns that shape our daily lives — the routines, habits, and subconscious scripts that keep us in “conditioned living.” Together, they dive into how the default mode network (that inner “roommate” in your head) influences self-talk, decision-making, and emotional reactions.

Sue and Neil discuss the difference between system one and system two thinking (inspired by Daniel Kahneman), and why slowing down long enough to pause, reflect, and choose a response can transform the way we navigate life’s turning points. They share stories about quitting smoking, staying in unhealthy relationships, and how habits become “deep hooks” in our identity — and what it takes to break free.

From Buddhist philosophy and the difference between pain and suffering, to practical mindfulness tools like “name it to claim it” and the power of simply pausing, this conversation invites listeners to rethink the narratives that define their lives. Using the metaphor of life’s acts and intermissions, Sue and Neil highlight the courage it takes to reinvent yourself, trust your gut, and create a new script for the next chapter.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in old patterns, overwhelmed by change, or searching for a mindful way to meet life’s challenges, this episode offers awareness, honesty, and heart — and the tools to begin again.