Podcast 292: True Belonging with Jeffrey Brantley

 

Jeffrey-Brantley-M.D.-color-headshot-175x261I sincerely appreciate Dr. Jeff Brantley and the work that he is doing at Duke University as the director of mindfulness-based stress reduction in the Integrative Medicine department.  His new book co-authored with Wendy Millstine entitled ” True Belongings” is a simple read and a wonderful reminder of the practices we can implement into our daily lives to overcome loneliness and connect with others.

Have you ever wondered what keeps you from connecting more authentically and deeply in each moment–with yourself, with another or with the flow of your life?  Are you ever curious about the obstacles blocking you from from experiences of deep joy and unwavering contentment and belonging?

Who among us has not been affected by one or more of these challenges in our lives?  The experiences of loss and vulnerability that we all share is yet another way in which we humans are more alike than we are different.  As human beings we are part of the whole, called by us “Universe”, a part limited in time and space.  We experience, thoughts and feeling as something separate from the rest–a kind of optical delusion of consciousness.

What Jeff and Windy bring forth in “True Belongings” is how mindfulness can help us in becoming more connected not only to one another, but at a soul level to who and what we are longing to express to the world.  Mindfulness is a core human capacity, and it refers to noticing or knowing what is happening in each moment. Mindfulness is the awareness of your thoughts–mindfulness does not identify with any thoughts or feelings but is aware of them.

In this book the authors assist you in shifting your perspective and frame of reference that you are holding in any given moment.  Learning to release the personality’s grip on any narrow perspectivel on any subject-setting down and relaxing the view dictated by the rigidly held opinion of the ego-mind–immediately open each of us to a much vaster and more mysterious universe of possibilities and meanings, alive in each moment.

 

This book is filled with wonderful practices that when cultivated will bring you into a closer relationship with yourself and other.  I recommend reading and learning what truly will help one transform the loneliness and isolation feeling into happiness and belonging.  I hope you enjoy this great interview with Dr. Jeffrey Brantley.  If you would like more information about Dr. Brantley please click here to be directed to his website.

Podcast 151: Five Good Minutes Meditation Series with Jeffrey Brantley M.D.

Jeffrey-Brantley-M.D.-color-headshot-175x261This is my second interview with Dr. Jeff Brantley, and I love this new series of books entitled, “Five Good Minutes“.  Jeff and his co-author, Wendy Millstine, have written a series of mini-books that provide anyone who is seeking to practice mindfulness anytime, anywhere, the opportunity to learn how to do it.  You can pick up one of the series of the books and find valuable information, thoughts and practices to make your day more calm, relaxed and fulfilled.

We all know during these challenging times that we need to become more present and aware.  “The Five Good Minutes” books are filled with 100 reminders and practices to do at work, with the one you love, in the morning, in the evening and with your body.  The practices are so well thought out and easy to remember that it makes reading and having the books around as a reminder a great way to get yourself engaged in a practice of mindfulness.

I know that for a fact many of us just run all day long, then out of pure exhaustion just fall in bed and go to sleep.  This not good for your sex life, and it certainly does not set you up for a positive dream state.

One of the recommendation is the “Five Good Minutes in the Evening” is to break the routine.  Go for a leisurely walk or jog around you neighborhood. Take a hot bath, meditate, read a book, do something creative, start a new project.  Whatever it is, break the routine.

Just before bed, breath and listen mindfully for about a minute.  Set your intentions before going to bed and this will assist you in being more calm and most likely falling asleep quicker.  The”Five Good Minute” books are filled with wonderful ideas, things to think about and practices.  I highly recommend any one of the five books or all five to provide you with a well rounded opportunity to practice anywhere and anytime.

If you would like to learn more about the “Five Good Minute” book series please click here for more information.  If you would like to learn about Dr. Brantley and his practice please visit his website by clicking here.

Podcast 122: Calming Your Anxious Mind with Jeffrey Brantley M.D.

Jeffrey-Brantley-M.D.-color-headshot-175x261Dr Jeffrey Brantley is probably one of the most relaxing, calm authors I have spoken with in a very long time.  He is the kind of man that makes you feel right at home no matter what.  His charm and warmth are certainly felt through the thoughtful and deliberate mannerism he conveys in our interview together.  It is no wonder that he is a man who has studied and practiced the art of mindfulness, meditation and stress reduction for much of his adult life.

His new book entitled, “Calming Your Anxious Mind” is a wonderful guide that will provide the reader with insights, and instruction on the art of mindfulness, mediation and the use of compassion to help in the reduction of anxiety, fear and panic.

Dr. Brantley explains that rampant anxiety is a modern problem, and that mindfulness is an ancient practice that holds the solution to it.  In this ground breaking book, “Calming the Anxious Mind“, Dr. Brantley shows the reader how to apply mindfulness practices such as meditation, “paying attention on purpose,” and accepting your thoughts and feelings to your anxiety symptoms.  Along the way he offers inspiring stories and accessible discussions about the biological effects of mindfulness.  Dr. Brantley dispels the myths about meditation and mindfulness, so any reader who thinks that beginning a mindfulness program means packing up and moving to Tibet can rest assured these practices can be integrated into their everyday lives.

According to Dr. Brantley, over 25 million Americans currently suffer from some from of anxiety.  In his new book “Calming the Anxious Mind” they find avenues of treatment that they can use any time to free themselves from anxiety’s grip.

I know you are going to love my interview with Dr. Jeffrey Brantley for he is extremely insightful into the benefits associated with the practice of mindfulness and meditation.  Your life can really change just by listening and practicing what Dr. Brantley is advocating.

If you would like to learn more about his work and books please click here to access his website.  So sit back relax and enjoy a wonderful journey with a beautiful soul who has so much knowledge on a subject that most of us in our society today not only need to hear, but practice.