What if starting over wasn’t a sign of failure… but an act of courage?
This episode dives deep into the emotional and psychological journey of beginning again—whether it's a new habit, role, relationship, or mindset. It explores how fear of failure often blocks us from saying “yes” to new opportunities, and how adopting a beginner’s mindset can help us stay curious, resilient, and open to growth.
Through personal reflection and a story about volunteering at a yoga festival, the speaker shares how keeping a simple “Courage Journal” helped transform habitual “no’s” into brave “yes’s.” The episode weaves together yogic philosophy (like svadhyaya and abhyasa), Zen teachings (shoshin), and neuroscience (neuroplasticity) to illustrate how starting fresh isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom in action.
You’ll be guided through reflection prompts and a short breath-based meditation to reconnect with the idea that it’s not only safe to begin again—it’s brave.
💡 A gentle, powerful reminder: you don’t have to be perfect to begin. You just have to begin.
—-------—-------—-
Episode Chapters:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:02:35 Emotional contrast: Fear vs. Curiosity
00:06:00 The Courage Journal story
00:12:34 What is curiosity and wonder?
00:14:34 Yogic and Zen perspectives on beginner's mind
00:15:45 Brain science and neuroplasticity
00:20:00 Judgment vs. Trust in the Process
00:24:16 The illusion of control
00:27:24 Growth isn’t linear
00:30:01 Releasing the pressure to be good
00:31:28 Abhyasa & Vairagya – non-attachment and effort
00:33:41 Adaptability as strength
00:34:50 Affirmations: “It’s safe to be a beginner”
00:37:38 Closing meditation
—-------—-------—-
📚 Mentions & Resources:
Zen Buddhism: Shoshin – beginner’s mind
Yoga Philosophy: Svadhyaya, Abhyasa, Vairagya
Neuroscience: neuroplasticity, growth mindset
Movie: Yes Man (Jim Carrey)
Michael Henri’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelyoga.pt/
Going Pro Yoga’s Instagram: https://www.instagram/com/goingproyoga/
—-------—-------—-
Tags: beginner’s mindset, courage, self-growth, personal development, yoga philosophy, fear of failure, neuroscience, abhyasa, non-attachment, curiosity, starting fresh, emotional intelligence, mindset shift
Popular Podcasts
Fudd Around And Find Out
UConn basketball star Azzi Fudd brings her championship swag to iHeart Women’s Sports with Fudd Around and Find Out, a weekly podcast that takes fans along for the ride as Azzi spends her final year of college trying to reclaim the National Championship and prepare to be a first round WNBA draft pick. Ever wonder what it’s like to be a world-class athlete in the public spotlight while still managing schoolwork, friendships and family time? It’s time to Fudd Around and Find Out!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
The Breakfast Club
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!