Mindful Leadership With Marc Lesser

Appreciating Change, Uncertainty, and Transitions: Guided Meditation, Talk and Zen Puzzler

In this practice episode Marc talks about working with change, uncertainty, and transition. He unpacks the teachings of Zen teacher Dongshan who describes 3 strategies for working more skillfully with change: the bird path, the mysterious way, and the open hand. -- leaving no trace, appreciating the unknown, and living with an open hand instead of a closed fist.
Today's Zen puzzler is about control, and letting go of control as a path to finding greater ease and freedom.

Awe in Everyday Life with Dacher Keltner

Dacher Keltner is a professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, and faculty director of the Greater Good Science Center. 
 
In this episode we unpack the power of awe - seeing the world fresh and new and how it can benefit our well being, our relationships, and help heal the rifts in our culture. Dacher tells heartfelt personal stories about his own life and the role of awe. We touch on the relationship of mindfulness and awe at work and leadership and in all parts of our lives.

The World is Its Own Magic, Part II: Guided Meditation, Talk and Zen Puzzler

In this episode we do a short meditation on finding more spaciousness, as a way of being. Marc gives a short talk on integrating the ordinary world and the sacred world, including the practice of setting an intention, practicing spaciousness, accountability, and ongoing learning.
 
Today's Zen puzzler is about seeing the world through the lens of non-duality.

The Power of Commitment with Lynne Twist

Lynne Twist has been a recognized global visionary committed to alleviating poverty, ending world hunger, and supporting social justice and sustainability for more than forty years. She is also the cofounder of the Pachamama Alliance and founder of the Soul of Money Institute.
 
In today's episode Lynn and Marc explore the power of commitment - on many levels, personal, relationships, work, and most of all the power of living a committed life, working toward something larger than ourselves. Lynne talks about how she arrived at the work of environmental education and her commitment to end the climate crises.

Thriving in Change and Uncertainty: Guided Meditation, Talk and Zen Puzzler

Today's episode is called Thriving in Change and Uncertainty. It begins with a short guided meditation, and then a talk about three practices for navigating and shifting our relationship with change and uncertainty.
 
Then, today's Zen puzzler comes from the words of Dongshan, a 9th century Chinese Zen teacher, that includes the phrase, everyone wants to leave the endless changes. It address the practice of becoming more comfortable with change and uncertainty.

Creating Room for What Matters: Exploring the Practice of Emptiness With Thomas Moore

Marc sits down with New York Times bestselling author Thomas Moore for an exploration of the practice of emptiness and its impact on well-being and effectiveness. Tune in to discover how spaciousness can help reduce stress and anxiety while supporting your work, ambitions, and aspirations, and receive guidance on embracing emptiness as a tool for achieving daily goals as well as long-term dreams. 

Strive Less Find More. Give Thanks: Guided Meditation, Talk and Zen Puzzler

This week's episode begins with a short guided meditation with an emphasis on appreciation followed by a talk about striving less, finding more, and giving thanks. This is the practice and power of more finding and less searching as a way of expressing and living with more gratitude and appreciation. And today's Zen puzzler comes from a classic Zen story or Zen koan called Wash your bowl; a classic lesson is less striving and more appreciation.

The Surprising Power of Self-compassion with Kristin Neff

This enlightening episode delves into the practical applications of self-compassion. Renowned researcher Kristen Neff shares her expertise on the power of "fierce self-compassion" and how it can benefit individuals, leaders, athletes, and healthcare workers alike. Contrary to misconceptions that self-compassion is a sign of weakness, she highlights how it can build inner strength and resilience, leading to improved well-being and exceptional performance.
 
She cites a study on NCAA athletes who embraced self-compassion and achieved exceptional results. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the transformative impact of self-care and inner kindness, and how it can help us overcome challenges and achieve our goals. Don't miss this episode that offers practical tools to enhance your performance and well-being through the power of self-compassion.

If You Learn to Enjoy Waiting, You Don’t Have to Wait: Guided Meditation, Talk and Zen Puzzler

In this practice episode, Marc guides us through a series of exercises that encourage us to be more present in the moment. He leads a brief meditation focused on releasing our expectations, then shares some insights on the expression: "If you learn to enjoy waiting, you don't have to wait to enjoy." This lighthearted and practical approach can help us let go of frustrations and anxieties, allowing us to appreciate each moment of our lives.
 
Marc also presents a Zen puzzler that delves into the meaning behind a short saying from Shunryu Suzuki: "no gaining ideas." Through this riddle, he invites us to contemplate what it would be like to live with a sense of everything we need. Ultimately, the answer lies in embracing a radical acceptance of our lives. By doing so, we can cultivate a deeper appreciation for the present moment and all that it has to offer.

Cultivating Healthy Relationships with Rick Hanson

Psychologist and New York Times best-selling author Rick Hanson joins Marc for a thought-provoking conversation about fostering radically healthy relationships as leaders. Whether it's in the workplace or in our personal lives, developing relationships that balance well-being, compassion, and accountability can be a challenge. Marc and Rick share insights on acceptance and discernment, and discuss the significance of being transparent about wants, needs, and expectations. They look at the efficacy and limitations of the famous statement by Zen teacher Shunryu Suzuki, "the best way to control your sheep or cow (a metaphor for oneself and others) is to give them a wide pasture" and share practical ways to improve your relationships, both inside and outside of work.