November 18, 2024 • 12 mins
Discover how to cultivate a sense of inner peace through the practice of mindful thinking. This discussion explores techniques to quiet the mind, embrace the present moment, and foster a deeper sense of contentment. Ideal for anyone seeking to reduce stress and find mental clarity. Discover hundreds of ad-free audiobooks, soothing sounds for sleep and meditation, and more—unwind and learn at www.solgoodmedia.com!
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Ever wish you had like a reset button for your mind,
you know, just a little inner oasis where no matter
how crazy things get around you, you can just like
tap back into calm. Oh. Absolutely, that's kind of what
we're diving into today, right, this idea of serenity, But
not just as some abstract concept. We're really going to
dig into it, especially how James Allen lays it out
in as a man thinketh.
Speaker 2 (00:22):
Oh, it's a classic for a reason.
Speaker 1 (00:23):
Yeah, And prepping for this it actually like have me
thinking about my own wic life, you know. Yeah. I
always thought of serenity as this passive thing, like if
I'm lucky, maybe I'll just like stumble into it someday.
But Alan's approach is so active it is. It's like
like he's saying, no, this is a skill. You build
this exactly.
Speaker 2 (00:41):
It's a practice. It's not something that like you just
magically receive one day. It's something you work towards. And
one of the things that he really emphasizes is this
concept of being thought evolved.
Speaker 1 (00:51):
Beings thought evolved. Okay, break that down for me a little, so.
Speaker 2 (00:55):
Think about it. Most of the time we go through
life reacting to things, right, stuff happens we feel a
certain way, But imagine if it wasn't just reacting, but
your thoughts were actually shaping the reality around you.
Speaker 1 (01:09):
Okay, So instead of my thoughts being like a side
effect of my life, they're actually what the driving force exactly.
Speaker 2 (01:15):
And that's I think where the potential for real, lasting
change comes in.
Speaker 1 (01:21):
Okay, I kind of get it, But give me an example, like,
how does this actually play out in like real life?
Speaker 2 (01:27):
Okay, let's say you have two people and they're both
facing a really stressful situation at work, right, same situation,
crazy deadlines, difficult boss, all of that.
Speaker 1 (01:36):
They've been there, right exactly.
Speaker 2 (01:38):
One of them completely falls apart under the pressure, right,
get stressed, starts making mistakes, maybe even burns out.
Speaker 1 (01:44):
Yeah, I've been that person too, unfortunately.
Speaker 2 (01:47):
But the other person, they stay calm, They're able to
think clearly, find solutions. And it's not because the situation
is any different. It's because their inner state, their thoughts
about the event, are dictating their experience more than the
event itself.
Speaker 1 (02:00):
Oh that's interesting. So it's like, even if the external
circumstances are identical, my reaction to it, that's what really
determines how it impacts me exactly. So like the same
presentation that makes one person a nervous wreck could actually
be like energizing or exciting for someone else because they've
chosen to think about it differently exactly.
Speaker 2 (02:20):
And you know, Allan even uses an example of a businessman, right,
someone who maybe he's not naturally gifted, he wasn't born lucky,
but he's known for his calmness under pressure and because
of that calmness, because of that serenity, people trust him,
they want to work with him.
Speaker 1 (02:36):
So it's not that he's successful and then he's calm,
it's that the calmness is actually contributing to his success.
Speaker 2 (02:42):
It's like a feedback loop. Yeah, and this is where
it gets really interesting, right because we often think, oh,
if I could just achieve X, Y and Z, then
I'd be calm, but Alan saying no, it's the other
way around. You cultivate the calmness, the serenity, and that
becomes the foundation for everything else.
Speaker 1 (02:58):
Okay, I am on board with this idea, but how
do we actually get there? Because it can't just be
like think happy thoughts and everything will be fine.
Speaker 2 (03:08):
It definitely is not that simple. And Alan's very clear
about that, achieving this ocean of truth serenity, which is
such a beautiful way of putting it. It's long and
patient effort in self control. This isn't a quick fix.
Speaker 1 (03:23):
Marathon, not a sprint. You got to train for this
inner piece exactly. Okay, so I'm lacing up my mental
running shoes here. Where do we even begin?
Speaker 2 (03:31):
You know, it starts with something that seems so simple,
but it's actually quite profound. It starts with awareness, not
about judging your thoughts, but just like noticing them, becoming
aware of what's actually going on in your mind. How
often are you finding yourself in that tempest tossed state
that Alan talks about, you know, that storm of worries, anxieties, fear.
Speaker 1 (03:49):
Way more often than I care to admit. Sort of,
I don't even realize I'm like spiraling until I'm full
on panicking about something.
Speaker 2 (03:56):
Right exactly. So the first step is simply noticing, Oh,
there's my mind doing its thing again. No judgment, just observation,
and from that place that's where we can actually start
to make different choices.
Speaker 1 (04:08):
Okay, so I'm noticing these thoughts, Now, what do I
like trying to force myself to think happy thoughts instead
replace the negative with like rainbows in unicorns.
Speaker 2 (04:19):
It's tempting to go straight for that thought replacement, isn't it.
But Allen's approach is a little more nuanced than that.
It's not about denial, it's more about alignment. He uses
this word idealization, but not in a worshful thinking kind
of way.
Speaker 1 (04:33):
So not me like Siddly winning the lottery and quitting
my job tomorrow kind of idealization.
Speaker 2 (04:37):
Exactly, more like, picture your ideal work day. How would
that look? But more importantly, how would it feel?
Speaker 1 (04:44):
Okay, so I'd be calm focused. Yeah, that to do
list that usually feels overwhelming, I actually feel kind of exciting.
Speaker 2 (04:51):
There you go.
Speaker 1 (04:52):
So basically that serenity we're talking about just like applied to.
Speaker 2 (04:55):
My work exactly. You're holding that vision, that feeling almost
like setting an intention. You're not trying to force it
into being, but you're letting it guide your choices, even
in small ways.
Speaker 1 (05:04):
So like, if I know I want to feel calm,
maybe I don't send that like kind of passive aggressive eel.
You know, maybe I take a five minute break to
just like breathe.
Speaker 2 (05:14):
Instead, exactly, And That is where the action comes in.
Because it's one thing to have this idea of serenity,
but Allan's very clear it requires action on our part.
And the clearer that vision is, the clearer that desired
inner state is, the more your choice is even the
small ones start to align with it.
Speaker 1 (05:33):
Okay, that makes a lot of sense, because if I
don't even know what a peaceful workday feels like, how
can I actually create it? Right? So, I'm working on
noticing my thoughts, getting clear about those ideal feelings. What
else should I be adding to my serenity toolkit here?
Speaker 2 (05:49):
Well, Alan has some really profound things to say about forgiveness,
and I know that can be a loaded word for
some people. Y gonna say, but he's not talking about
letting anyone off the hook for bad behavior. This is
about your own internal state, your own peace of mind.
Speaker 1 (06:02):
Okay, I've heard that before, but it's always been a
tough one for me. How does me forgiving someone else
lead to my serenity? Like? Doesn't that just let them
off easy?
Speaker 2 (06:14):
Think of it this way, holding on to anger, resentment,
It's like drinking poison but expecting the other person to
get sick. Who you are carrying that burden.
Speaker 1 (06:25):
Okay, yeah, I know that feeling like that, not in
your stomach when you just keep replaying the situation over.
Speaker 2 (06:30):
And over, and that's energy, mental and emotional energy that
you could be using to build the life that you want.
Forgiveness is essentially saying, what happened, happened. I'm choosing not
to let it control my present anymore.
Speaker 1 (06:41):
So it's not about condoning what they did. It's about
me taking back control of my own piece exactly.
Speaker 2 (06:46):
And it takes immense courage. And it's a process, not
a switch you flip, but it's a gift you give yourself,
even if the other person never even knows.
Speaker 1 (06:53):
That actually reminds me of something else. I struggle with
self love. That always felt kind of, I don't know,
easy to me, like self indulgent. How does that tie
into serenity?
Speaker 2 (07:04):
According to Alan, there's this one line he has that
really struck me. He who loves himself will cease to
waste his thoughts and energy and trying to compel others
to think and feel and live as he thinks that
they should feel and live.
Speaker 1 (07:18):
Okay, there's a lot to impact there. Yeah, but I
think what you're saying, is the more secure I am
in myself, the less I need other people to act
a certain way to make me feel Okay, you got it.
Speaker 2 (07:29):
Think about it. When are you most critical of others?
What are you most likely to judge? It's often when
those insecurities within ourselves are being.
Speaker 1 (07:35):
Triggered one hundred percent. Yeah, Like, if I'm feeling insecure
about my own work, I'm way more likely to judge
someone else's presentation harshly.
Speaker 2 (07:42):
And in those moments, you're radiating that tempest tossed energy
outward self love. It's not about being arrogant. It's about
that inner piece being strong enough that other people's storms
don't derail you.
Speaker 1 (07:54):
So it's like, the more inner piece I have, the
more I can actually be a source of peace for others,
not adding to the chaos. That's actually really beautiful when
you put it that way.
Speaker 2 (08:03):
And Alan he believed this so deeply. He saw this
connection to something larger than ourselves as being key to
lasting serenity, not necessarily in a religious sense, but that
tapping into that ocean of truth that he talks about.
Speaker 1 (08:16):
Okay, this is where I usually get a little lost
ocean of truth is that like a metaphor? What does
he mean by that?
Speaker 2 (08:22):
It's about recognizing that there's a fundamental goodness inherent in
the universe, even when our day to day experiences don't
reflect that. It's that sense of awe, of connection to
something bigger than our worries.
Speaker 1 (08:34):
So like when you look up at a starry night
sky and you feel small but also a part of
something so much bigger than yourself.
Speaker 2 (08:41):
Exactly, that feeling of being held, supported, even loved by
something beyond ourselves. It doesn't erase the problems, but it
shifts your perspective so.
Speaker 1 (08:50):
Less like my problems are tiny and more like my
problems are real. But so is this vastness, this goodness
that I'm also a part of.
Speaker 2 (08:57):
And that is the foundation for lasting serenity. It's not
about ignoring the storm. It's about remembering that the ocean
is always there beneath the wave.
Speaker 1 (09:06):
Okay, so we've explored this like ocean of truth idea,
but I got to be honest, it still feels a
little I don't know, abstract me. How do we actually
access that in daily life? Is there a secret handshake
I'm missing here?
Speaker 2 (09:20):
I wish it were that simple. But Alan really talks
about it as less about doing and more about being.
You know, Oh, it's about cultivating that interstate where serenity
becomes your default, not something you have to constantly chase after.
Speaker 1 (09:32):
Okay, that sounds lovely, but a lot easier said than done, right,
especially when like my to do list is constantly trying
to like steal my zen. So how do we actually
make that shift?
Speaker 2 (09:44):
You know? It goes back to that awareness that we
were talking about at the beginning, right, that's step one,
just noticing when you're not in that calm state. And
from there Alan was a huge proponent of what we
now call mindfulness.
Speaker 1 (09:55):
Okay, mindfulness. I got to be honest, that word sometimes
stresses me out more than it calms me down, Like
I get it meditation in all but oh, I hear you.
Speaker 2 (10:03):
It's become such a buzzword these days. But it doesn't
have to be this big intimidating thing. It can be
incredibly simple. Oka, Like, imagine this, you're feeling stressed, right,
instead of getting lost in that feeling that spiral, just pause,
take three deep breaths and just notice the sensations of breathing.
That's mindfulness.
Speaker 1 (10:25):
So It's like hitting the pause button on that mental
movie that's usually playing on repeat in my head exactly.
Speaker 2 (10:30):
And that pause, even if it's just for a few seconds,
that's where you start to create space for serenity to
seep in. You're not trying to empty your mind, you're
just becoming aware.
Speaker 1 (10:40):
Of it, and that awareness itself is somehow calming. It
can be like sometimes when I'm really stressed out, even
just acknowledging okay, yeah, I'm freaking out right now can
kind of take the edge.
Speaker 2 (10:49):
Off a little bit exactly because you're separating yourself from
the thought. Instead of I am stress, it becomes I
am experiencing stress, but that's not all of who I am.
Oh okay, I like that, and that's a powerful shift.
Speaker 1 (11:02):
So mindfulness is like a muscle. Then the more I
practice those little pauses, the easier it gets to like
tap into that calm space even when things are really
hectic around me.
Speaker 2 (11:11):
You got it. And it doesn't always have to be
formal meditation either. Alan talks about finding that connection to
something larger through nature, through beauty, even through acts of
service to others.
Speaker 1 (11:22):
So like taking a walk in the park and actually
like appreciating the trees. Yeah, instead of just running through
my mental to do list.
Speaker 2 (11:29):
Walme there exactly, or listening to music that uplifts you,
spending time with loved ones, anything that helps to shift
you out of that narrow, self focused headspace and into
something more expansive, more heart centered.
Speaker 1 (11:41):
This has been, This has been amazing. I feel like
I'm walking away with a whole new understanding of what
serenity even iss and maybe how to actually cultivate it
in my own life.
Speaker 2 (11:51):
It's a journey, not a destination, right right, Some days
you'll totally nail it. Other days it'll feel like you're
back to square one, but just hying to yourself through
the process.
Speaker 1 (12:01):
Oh, that's such an important reminder. So for our listeners
who are like me, feeling inspired to bring a little
more serenity into their lives, what's like one small step
they can take today to get started?
Speaker 2 (12:12):
You know, tonight, before you go to bed, just take
five minutes and write down three things that you're grateful for.
It's such a small act, but it starts to shift
your energy from what's wrong to what's right.
Speaker 1 (12:23):
I love that. Yeah, And then from those small consistent actions,
that's where we start to create those ripples of serenity
that extend outwards into our own lives and honestly into
the world around us. So thank you so much for
diving deep with us today. This has been fantastic.
Speaker 2 (12:38):
The pleasure was all mine. May your journey be filled
with peace.
Speaker 1 (12:41):
And to all of you listening, keep exploring, keep growing,
and most importantly, keep cultivating that inner oasis of serenity.
We'll see you next time.
Ever wish you had like a reset button for your mind,
you know, just a little inner oasis where no matter
how crazy things get around you, you can just like
tap back into calm. Oh. Absolutely, that's kind of what
we're diving into today, right, this idea of serenity, But
not just as some abstract concept. We're really going to
dig into it, especially how James Allen lays it out
in as a man thinketh.
Speaker 2 (00:22):
Oh, it's a classic for a reason.
Speaker 1 (00:23):
Yeah, And prepping for this it actually like have me
thinking about my own wic life, you know. Yeah. I
always thought of serenity as this passive thing, like if
I'm lucky, maybe I'll just like stumble into it someday.
But Alan's approach is so active it is. It's like
like he's saying, no, this is a skill. You build
this exactly.
Speaker 2 (00:41):
It's a practice. It's not something that like you just
magically receive one day. It's something you work towards. And
one of the things that he really emphasizes is this
concept of being thought evolved.
Speaker 1 (00:51):
Beings thought evolved. Okay, break that down for me a little, so.
Speaker 2 (00:55):
Think about it. Most of the time we go through
life reacting to things, right, stuff happens we feel a
certain way, But imagine if it wasn't just reacting, but
your thoughts were actually shaping the reality around you.
Speaker 1 (01:09):
Okay, So instead of my thoughts being like a side
effect of my life, they're actually what the driving force exactly.
Speaker 2 (01:15):
And that's I think where the potential for real, lasting
change comes in.
Speaker 1 (01:21):
Okay, I kind of get it, But give me an example, like,
how does this actually play out in like real life?
Speaker 2 (01:27):
Okay, let's say you have two people and they're both
facing a really stressful situation at work, right, same situation,
crazy deadlines, difficult boss, all of that.
Speaker 1 (01:36):
They've been there, right exactly.
Speaker 2 (01:38):
One of them completely falls apart under the pressure, right,
get stressed, starts making mistakes, maybe even burns out.
Speaker 1 (01:44):
Yeah, I've been that person too, unfortunately.
Speaker 2 (01:47):
But the other person, they stay calm, They're able to
think clearly, find solutions. And it's not because the situation
is any different. It's because their inner state, their thoughts
about the event, are dictating their experience more than the
event itself.
Speaker 1 (02:00):
Oh that's interesting. So it's like, even if the external
circumstances are identical, my reaction to it, that's what really
determines how it impacts me exactly. So like the same
presentation that makes one person a nervous wreck could actually
be like energizing or exciting for someone else because they've
chosen to think about it differently exactly.
Speaker 2 (02:20):
And you know, Allan even uses an example of a businessman, right,
someone who maybe he's not naturally gifted, he wasn't born lucky,
but he's known for his calmness under pressure and because
of that calmness, because of that serenity, people trust him,
they want to work with him.
Speaker 1 (02:36):
So it's not that he's successful and then he's calm,
it's that the calmness is actually contributing to his success.
Speaker 2 (02:42):
It's like a feedback loop. Yeah, and this is where
it gets really interesting, right because we often think, oh,
if I could just achieve X, Y and Z, then
I'd be calm, but Alan saying no, it's the other
way around. You cultivate the calmness, the serenity, and that
becomes the foundation for everything else.
Speaker 1 (02:58):
Okay, I am on board with this idea, but how
do we actually get there? Because it can't just be
like think happy thoughts and everything will be fine.
Speaker 2 (03:08):
It definitely is not that simple. And Alan's very clear
about that, achieving this ocean of truth serenity, which is
such a beautiful way of putting it. It's long and
patient effort in self control. This isn't a quick fix.
Speaker 1 (03:23):
Marathon, not a sprint. You got to train for this
inner piece exactly. Okay, so I'm lacing up my mental
running shoes here. Where do we even begin?
Speaker 2 (03:31):
You know, it starts with something that seems so simple,
but it's actually quite profound. It starts with awareness, not
about judging your thoughts, but just like noticing them, becoming
aware of what's actually going on in your mind. How
often are you finding yourself in that tempest tossed state
that Alan talks about, you know, that storm of worries, anxieties, fear.
Speaker 1 (03:49):
Way more often than I care to admit. Sort of,
I don't even realize I'm like spiraling until I'm full
on panicking about something.
Speaker 2 (03:56):
Right exactly. So the first step is simply noticing, Oh,
there's my mind doing its thing again. No judgment, just observation,
and from that place that's where we can actually start
to make different choices.
Speaker 1 (04:08):
Okay, so I'm noticing these thoughts, Now, what do I
like trying to force myself to think happy thoughts instead
replace the negative with like rainbows in unicorns.
Speaker 2 (04:19):
It's tempting to go straight for that thought replacement, isn't it.
But Allen's approach is a little more nuanced than that.
It's not about denial, it's more about alignment. He uses
this word idealization, but not in a worshful thinking kind
of way.
Speaker 1 (04:33):
So not me like Siddly winning the lottery and quitting
my job tomorrow kind of idealization.
Speaker 2 (04:37):
Exactly, more like, picture your ideal work day. How would
that look? But more importantly, how would it feel?
Speaker 1 (04:44):
Okay, so I'd be calm focused. Yeah, that to do
list that usually feels overwhelming, I actually feel kind of exciting.
Speaker 2 (04:51):
There you go.
Speaker 1 (04:52):
So basically that serenity we're talking about just like applied to.
Speaker 2 (04:55):
My work exactly. You're holding that vision, that feeling almost
like setting an intention. You're not trying to force it
into being, but you're letting it guide your choices, even
in small ways.
Speaker 1 (05:04):
So like, if I know I want to feel calm,
maybe I don't send that like kind of passive aggressive eel.
You know, maybe I take a five minute break to
just like breathe.
Speaker 2 (05:14):
Instead, exactly, And That is where the action comes in.
Because it's one thing to have this idea of serenity,
but Allan's very clear it requires action on our part.
And the clearer that vision is, the clearer that desired
inner state is, the more your choice is even the
small ones start to align with it.
Speaker 1 (05:33):
Okay, that makes a lot of sense, because if I
don't even know what a peaceful workday feels like, how
can I actually create it? Right? So, I'm working on
noticing my thoughts, getting clear about those ideal feelings. What
else should I be adding to my serenity toolkit here?
Speaker 2 (05:49):
Well, Alan has some really profound things to say about forgiveness,
and I know that can be a loaded word for
some people. Y gonna say, but he's not talking about
letting anyone off the hook for bad behavior. This is
about your own internal state, your own peace of mind.
Speaker 1 (06:02):
Okay, I've heard that before, but it's always been a
tough one for me. How does me forgiving someone else
lead to my serenity? Like? Doesn't that just let them
off easy?
Speaker 2 (06:14):
Think of it this way, holding on to anger, resentment,
It's like drinking poison but expecting the other person to
get sick. Who you are carrying that burden.
Speaker 1 (06:25):
Okay, yeah, I know that feeling like that, not in
your stomach when you just keep replaying the situation over.
Speaker 2 (06:30):
And over, and that's energy, mental and emotional energy that
you could be using to build the life that you want.
Forgiveness is essentially saying, what happened, happened. I'm choosing not
to let it control my present anymore.
Speaker 1 (06:41):
So it's not about condoning what they did. It's about
me taking back control of my own piece exactly.
Speaker 2 (06:46):
And it takes immense courage. And it's a process, not
a switch you flip, but it's a gift you give yourself,
even if the other person never even knows.
Speaker 1 (06:53):
That actually reminds me of something else. I struggle with
self love. That always felt kind of, I don't know,
easy to me, like self indulgent. How does that tie
into serenity?
Speaker 2 (07:04):
According to Alan, there's this one line he has that
really struck me. He who loves himself will cease to
waste his thoughts and energy and trying to compel others
to think and feel and live as he thinks that
they should feel and live.
Speaker 1 (07:18):
Okay, there's a lot to impact there. Yeah, but I
think what you're saying, is the more secure I am
in myself, the less I need other people to act
a certain way to make me feel Okay, you got it.
Speaker 2 (07:29):
Think about it. When are you most critical of others?
What are you most likely to judge? It's often when
those insecurities within ourselves are being.
Speaker 1 (07:35):
Triggered one hundred percent. Yeah, Like, if I'm feeling insecure
about my own work, I'm way more likely to judge
someone else's presentation harshly.
Speaker 2 (07:42):
And in those moments, you're radiating that tempest tossed energy
outward self love. It's not about being arrogant. It's about
that inner piece being strong enough that other people's storms
don't derail you.
Speaker 1 (07:54):
So it's like, the more inner piece I have, the
more I can actually be a source of peace for others,
not adding to the chaos. That's actually really beautiful when
you put it that way.
Speaker 2 (08:03):
And Alan he believed this so deeply. He saw this
connection to something larger than ourselves as being key to
lasting serenity, not necessarily in a religious sense, but that
tapping into that ocean of truth that he talks about.
Speaker 1 (08:16):
Okay, this is where I usually get a little lost
ocean of truth is that like a metaphor? What does
he mean by that?
Speaker 2 (08:22):
It's about recognizing that there's a fundamental goodness inherent in
the universe, even when our day to day experiences don't
reflect that. It's that sense of awe, of connection to
something bigger than our worries.
Speaker 1 (08:34):
So like when you look up at a starry night
sky and you feel small but also a part of
something so much bigger than yourself.
Speaker 2 (08:41):
Exactly, that feeling of being held, supported, even loved by
something beyond ourselves. It doesn't erase the problems, but it
shifts your perspective so.
Speaker 1 (08:50):
Less like my problems are tiny and more like my
problems are real. But so is this vastness, this goodness
that I'm also a part of.
Speaker 2 (08:57):
And that is the foundation for lasting serenity. It's not
about ignoring the storm. It's about remembering that the ocean
is always there beneath the wave.
Speaker 1 (09:06):
Okay, so we've explored this like ocean of truth idea,
but I got to be honest, it still feels a
little I don't know, abstract me. How do we actually
access that in daily life? Is there a secret handshake
I'm missing here?
Speaker 2 (09:20):
I wish it were that simple. But Alan really talks
about it as less about doing and more about being.
You know, Oh, it's about cultivating that interstate where serenity
becomes your default, not something you have to constantly chase after.
Speaker 1 (09:32):
Okay, that sounds lovely, but a lot easier said than done, right,
especially when like my to do list is constantly trying
to like steal my zen. So how do we actually
make that shift?
Speaker 2 (09:44):
You know? It goes back to that awareness that we
were talking about at the beginning, right, that's step one,
just noticing when you're not in that calm state. And
from there Alan was a huge proponent of what we
now call mindfulness.
Speaker 1 (09:55):
Okay, mindfulness. I got to be honest, that word sometimes
stresses me out more than it calms me down, Like
I get it meditation in all but oh, I hear you.
Speaker 2 (10:03):
It's become such a buzzword these days. But it doesn't
have to be this big intimidating thing. It can be
incredibly simple. Oka, Like, imagine this, you're feeling stressed, right,
instead of getting lost in that feeling that spiral, just pause,
take three deep breaths and just notice the sensations of breathing.
That's mindfulness.
Speaker 1 (10:25):
So It's like hitting the pause button on that mental
movie that's usually playing on repeat in my head exactly.
Speaker 2 (10:30):
And that pause, even if it's just for a few seconds,
that's where you start to create space for serenity to
seep in. You're not trying to empty your mind, you're
just becoming aware.
Speaker 1 (10:40):
Of it, and that awareness itself is somehow calming. It
can be like sometimes when I'm really stressed out, even
just acknowledging okay, yeah, I'm freaking out right now can
kind of take the edge.
Speaker 2 (10:49):
Off a little bit exactly because you're separating yourself from
the thought. Instead of I am stress, it becomes I
am experiencing stress, but that's not all of who I am.
Oh okay, I like that, and that's a powerful shift.
Speaker 1 (11:02):
So mindfulness is like a muscle. Then the more I
practice those little pauses, the easier it gets to like
tap into that calm space even when things are really
hectic around me.
Speaker 2 (11:11):
You got it. And it doesn't always have to be
formal meditation either. Alan talks about finding that connection to
something larger through nature, through beauty, even through acts of
service to others.
Speaker 1 (11:22):
So like taking a walk in the park and actually
like appreciating the trees. Yeah, instead of just running through
my mental to do list.
Speaker 2 (11:29):
Walme there exactly, or listening to music that uplifts you,
spending time with loved ones, anything that helps to shift
you out of that narrow, self focused headspace and into
something more expansive, more heart centered.
Speaker 1 (11:41):
This has been, This has been amazing. I feel like
I'm walking away with a whole new understanding of what
serenity even iss and maybe how to actually cultivate it
in my own life.
Speaker 2 (11:51):
It's a journey, not a destination, right right, Some days
you'll totally nail it. Other days it'll feel like you're
back to square one, but just hying to yourself through
the process.
Speaker 1 (12:01):
Oh, that's such an important reminder. So for our listeners
who are like me, feeling inspired to bring a little
more serenity into their lives, what's like one small step
they can take today to get started?
Speaker 2 (12:12):
You know, tonight, before you go to bed, just take
five minutes and write down three things that you're grateful for.
It's such a small act, but it starts to shift
your energy from what's wrong to what's right.
Speaker 1 (12:23):
I love that. Yeah, And then from those small consistent actions,
that's where we start to create those ripples of serenity
that extend outwards into our own lives and honestly into
the world around us. So thank you so much for
diving deep with us today. This has been fantastic.
Speaker 2 (12:38):
The pleasure was all mine. May your journey be filled
with peace.
Speaker 1 (12:41):
And to all of you listening, keep exploring, keep growing,
and most importantly, keep cultivating that inner oasis of serenity.
We'll see you next time.
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