Mindful Leadership With Marc Lesser

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.

Are You a Victim or a Player?: Guided Meditation, Talk and Zen Puzzler

In today's episode Marc leads a short guided meditation with an emphasis on cultivating warmhearted curiosity. He then gives a short talk on shifting your approach from being a victim to being a player, or as Shunryu Suzuki says, being "the boss of everything." This is the practice of taking radical responsibility for your feelings, thoughts, and actions.
 
Today's Zen puzzler is a simple yet profound expression: Whatever You Meet is The Path.

Awareness is Your SuperPower with Jon Kabat Zinn

Jon Kabat-Zinn is the father of modern mindfulness practice. As a professor of medicine, he founded the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Clinic at the University of Massachusetts - which both popularized and added an important experiential and scientific element to the practice of mindfulness. In this episode, Jon and Marc explore ways to go beyond our thinking minds and our view of self, so that we may access the depth of who we actually are, and the power of love. He also shares some practices for turning suffering into wisdom. Jon is an amazing person and presence, and this conversation is practical, aspirational, and transformative.

The Practice of Spaciousness: Guided Meditation, Talk and Zen Puzzler

In this Practice episode, Marc offers a short meditation on finding more spaciousness as a way of being. He also gives a short talk on ways to be less busy, and more open, engaged, and spacious through the practice of setting an intention, engaging in ongoing learning, and intentionally practicing spaciousness and accountability.
 
Today's Zen puzzler is a story about spaciousness and "finding the one who is not busy."

Less Stress, More Ease and Joy with Elissa Epel

Elissa and Marc speak about health and well-being, and strategies we can embody to enhance and how we relate to challenges and stress, including embracing uncertainty, noticing what we can and can't control, and finding the positive, and even excitement, in the midst of life's challenges.

Embracing Transitions: Guided Meditation, Talk and Zen Puzzler

In this Practice episode, Marc leads a short guided meditation followed by a talk on Change and the 3 Stages of Transition: 1) Pausing, 2) Letting Go, and 3) Re-emerging. He also shares a poem from Naomi Shihab Nye.
 
Today's Zen puzzler is from a formal Zen koan: "What is Zen or what does it mean to be human?" The answer involves an exploration of what we can learn about our lives from trees.