In Sanity: A piece of mind

What does it mean to be brave? Kylee joins me this week to talk about how to be authentic and true to yourself. You are not for everybody, and you don't need to be. What does that mean? What ways can you be brave? Be Brave Little One 57 Modern Manners for Today's Teens

In this episode, let's talk about Asteya, the third Yama from yoga's ethical guidelines, revealing how non-stealing extends far beyond physical theft to the relational ways we rob others of joy, time, and dignity through comparison and one-upmanship. Using Deborah Adele's The Yamas & Niyamas , ancient wisdom from the scriptures, and modern tools like CBT, DBT, Internal Family Systems, and Nonviolent Communication, you'll learn to recognize these subtle thefts and cultivate abundance instead.Discover practical challenges to practice presence, reframe envy with gratitude, and check your motives for true connection. If you're ready to stop taking and start giving, this episode is your guide to living with integrity.

This is the third part in the series, “Doing It Right the First Time.” This week, we explore why telling the truth isn’t just morally good; it reduces mental and emotional labor, builds trust, prevents crises, and aligns your inner truth with outer action. You’ll hear practical, bite-sized strategies you can start using today to practice Satya with confidence.What you’ll learn:How pausing before you respond can keep conversations honest and constructiveHow naming your precise feelings improves communication and reduces misinterpretationHow to use “I” statements to own your truth without attacking othersHow starting small builds lasting authenticityHow writing first can clarify your truth and reduce fear around speaking itHow to work with resistance using curiosity, CBT, IFS, and DBT tools

Join me this week for a deep dive into the art and science of Satya—speaking and acting from your authentic truth. In this episode, we blend practical psychology with spiritual wisdom to show how truth-telling can transform mental health, relationships, and everyday choices. You’ll hear how Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps uncover automatic thoughts that fuel inauthentic behaviors, and how DBT’s DEARMAN skills can help you request what you need while preserving connection. We’ll explore Interpersonal Neurobiology to understand how naming our feelings can regulate the nervous system, and how Internal Family Systems encourages curiosity about the parts inside us that resist honesty—so Self can lead with clarity and compassion. Plus, we’ll ground the conversation in spiritual wisdom about truth-telling from traditions around the world. You will find actionable steps, real-life scenarios, and guided reflections to practice Satya right away—whether you’re setting boundaries at work, navigating conflict at home, or simply learning to show up as your truest self. Tune in for practical tools and a thoughtful path toward greater peace and resilience.

Join me this week as we discuss the important idea of doing it right the first time. This has a much broader meaning than what I thought it would. There is something deeper when we consider it in the context of truthfulness and not lying to ourselves and others. If we do something right the first time, we avoid all the messiness of going back and fixing our messes and mistakes.

In this week’s episode, we talk about what growth and belonging can look like in families and faith communities. Differentiation is the key to deeper and more meaningful belonging as long as your community can handle it.

I ordered some new equipment, and have not had time to set it up or give it a practice run. This week is a breather for us all while I take the time this week to figure out my new toys. Catch up if you are behind or just listen to some old favorites. I highly suggest any podcasts with my kids - they are always good ones.I will see you here back next week and we will discuss the need to belong vs. the need to grow in the context of the Yogic principle, Satya.

In this episode, Deborah Adele describes the razor's edge between Self-Expression and Self-Indulgence, using the yoga principle of Satya (Truthfulness). She makes the distinctions for us. Then using modern science, drawing from Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and behavioral techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), I show how to use many of the interventions and ideas to actually put self-expression into practice. Additionally, discover why "dumping" your emotions is not the same as telling the truth, and learn practical skills like the DBT's DEAR MAN framework and the Gottmans' Soft Start-Up formula to communicate effectively without causing harm. Learn how to pause, regulate your nervous system, and speak from your core "Self" energy rather than a reactive "Part."If this episode resonates with your journey toward authentic, kind communication, please like and share to help others find what might also benefit them.

Welcome. In this In Sanity a Piece of Mind episode, we continue the deep dive into the yogic principle of satya—truthfulness—and its profound impact on our relationships. Discover what authentic connection truly looks like as we explore the pros and cons of being real versus being "nice."I've given some practical applications and real-world illustrations and discuss why prioritizing authenticity is essential for meaningful interactions. Learn how the principle of yoga—meaning to yoke or unite—can guide us toward deeper unity with ourselves and others.Join me for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges you to embrace your truth and cultivate richer, more fulfilling relationships!Please share this podcast with friends and family.

In this insightful episode, we explore the transformative yogic principle of satya—truthfulness—through the lens of authenticity. Join me as we dissect the crucial difference between being "nice" and being "real," and how prioritizing your genuine self can deepen relationships and enhance mental well-being.We delve into the societal pressures that lead us to prioritize others' comfort over our truth, sharing compelling stories and practical examples. What are the hidden costs of niceness? Let's discuss emotional suppression, the relational toll it takes, and why embracing authenticity is essential not just for you, but for everyone around you.Tune in for a conversation that challenges conventional views of kindness and offers insights into how living authentically can lead to a more fulfilling life. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how being real can empower you to create deeper, more meaningful connections!

This week, Annie and Christian joined me to discuss Erick Godsey's Mentally Fit course. They both took the course and shared their impressions about a couple of concepts from early in the course: hell and heaven journaling, and initiations and tracking. Join us as they discuss their opinions, thoughts, and passion about Mentally Fit.

Annie was unable to join us, but Christian and I had a nice conversation about his experience and interpretation of Erick Godsey's "The Shimmer" and his Mentally Fit program. Christian has been inspired to build a community around the ideas he learned and shared a little bit about that with us this week. Listen to this week's podcast and then be on the lookout for part 2, which will include Annie. At that point, we get to hear both of their experiences and how this new knowledge and understanding are changing and improving their lives.

Join me this week as we delve into the second Yama from Deborah Adele's Yamas & Niyamas: Satya, or Truthfulness. Building on our exploration of non-violence, we unravel the deeper significance of truth beyond mere honesty. Drawing on Polyvagal Theory and the work of Dr. Dan Siegel, we examine how alignment with Satya impacts our mental health and interpersonal connections. Discover the multi-dimensional nature of truth and learn to practice Satya mindfully with compassion through the lens of ancient wisdom and modern psychology. Whether on a yoga mat or in daily life, uncover the journey from illusion to authenticity, and embrace your true essence. Tune in for reflections, practical tools, and resources to live a life rooted in truth.The second Yama of Yoga - Satya - Being Truthful: 5 Powerful Ways of Practicing Truthfulness And How It Impacts Your Everyday Life

What if your anxiety, insecurity, and distractedness aren't permanent disorders, but symptoms of an untrained, reactive mind? That’s the Fourth Face of Mara, Dukka. This episode reveals an ancient, neuroscience-backed method to train your concentration, using the powerful analogy of taming a wild elephant. Discover the three practical tools—including the crucial meta-cognitive "prod"—that can help you navigate modern life with purpose and peace.The Mind Illuminated A Complete Meditation Guide Integrating Buddhist Wisdom and Brain Science for GreaterThe Elephant Path: Attention Development and Training in Children and Adolescents

In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of Satya, or truthfulness, again. Join me for a few minutes to explore the delicate balance between the need to belong and the need to grow, which is another of Deborah Adele's insights from The Yamas and Niyamas.In this episode, I talk about the difficulty of living authentically, the psychological research on belonging, and how we often sabotage our own truth to fit in. Drawing on wisdom from various traditions—including yoga, Buddhism, and modern therapy—let's discuss practical strategies to connect with our true selves without sacrificing our relationships.

I am taking another pause to talk about Deborah Adele's The Yamas and Niyamas. My purpose is two-fold: 1. It is a book with concepts I am really trying to incorporate into my life, and this is a helpful way for me to accomplish that; 2. I need another week to do some more research on the Fourth Face of Mara.I highly recommend this book. It is simple, short, and easy to read. However, it is packed with deeply important topics that should resonate with everyone.

You can't do two things at once.That simple, scientific fact is the target of our third discussion about the forces of modern distraction. In this episode, we expose the Third Face of Mara: Multi-Tasking.We dismantle the costly myth that we can split our focus. The truth? We're not multi-tasking; we're frantically task-switching—and it's making us slower, more error-prone, and shockingly unaware of our own impairment. We'll explore the devastating "switch cost" and how it resets our brain's ability to achieve deep focus.Then, we examine how "The Shimmer"—the glow of our screens—has weaponized this weakness, rewiring our brains for shallow skimming, harming our memory, and fracturing our attention.But there is an antidote. Drawing on the work of Cal Newport—Deep Work, Digital Minimalism, Slow Productivity—and the Buddhist concept of "contraction training," there are practical things that can be done to reclaim your focus. Learn how to move from frantic fragmentation to purposeful depth and how slaying this particular face of Mara also quiets the forces of mindlessness and mind-wandering.

Did you know you are missing 47% of your life? Research shows that nearly half our waking hours are spent "mind-wandering"—a state directly linked to unhappiness. In this episode, we dive into the "Second Face of Mara" to understand the difference between creative daydreaming and toxic rumination. We explore the neuroscience of the Default Mode Network, the power of the Pennebaker writing protocol, and insights from Erick Godsey’s Make Your Myth course. Plus, a revealing story about the Dalai Lama that proves negative self-talk isn't biological—it’s a bad habit we can break.

I am taking a break from the Four Faces of Mara. Enjoy this short podcast about nonviolence and courage. The foundational principle of Ahimsa (do no harm) from The Yamas and Niyamas is a wonderful foundation for building a resilient, satisfying life.

 In this episode, we look at the First Face of Mara: mindlessness. We will explore how mindlessness, often triggered by boredom, can lead to carelessness in our actions and decisions. Join me this week as we discuss the implications of this first trap, exploring how it diminishes the quality of our experiences, strains our relationships, and hinders personal growth.Drawing on insights from Godsey's Mental Fitness framework, there are practical strategies to cultivate mindfulness and reclaim our attention, transforming our everyday existence into a more intentional and fulfilling journey.