Awakening Mindfulness at Work: A Conversation That Matters!

In this episode of Awakening Mindfulness at Work, we reflect on a simple yet powerful reminder: mindfulness is not about getting it right—it’s a practice and a promise to come back to yourself again and again. We explore how perfectionism, self-judgment, and “all-or-nothing” thinking can quietly undermine mindfulness practice, and why kindness, patience, and repetition matter more than consistency or duration. Through metaphors, personal reflections, and familiar teachings—like working with the wandering mind and gently returning to the breath—we unpack how practice builds resilience, self-trust, and a deeper relationship with ourselves. This conversation is an invitation to let go of striving, soften the inner critic, and rediscover mindfulness as a supportive, human practice—one return at a time.

In this episode of Awakening Mindfulness at Work, we explore one of the most challenging—and common—topics in mindfulness at work: dealing with difficult people. We begin by acknowledging the power of compassion and understanding, and why they are often a necessary first step. But we also examine their limits. What happens when compassion is not reciprocated? When empathy turns into exhaustion? When kindness starts to drain rather than heal? This conversation looks at how to discern when to lean in and when to step back, how to practice equanimity without disengaging from values, and how to set boundaries that protect well-being—especially for highly empathic people. We also discuss the importance of community, “mindfulness friends,” and trusted perspectives when situations become emotionally charged. A grounded, honest exploration of how to stay human, wise, and whole in difficult relationships—at work and beyond.

In this episode of Awakening Mindfulness at Work, we explore how to relate skillfully to difficult, recurring thoughts—especially those rooted in worry, self-doubt, comparison, and self-criticism. We begin with mindfulness of thoughts: noticing, labeling, and letting thoughts pass without getting entangled. From there, we introduce two additional approaches for when thoughts feel “sticky” and hard to release. The first is dialoguing with the thought—questioning it with curiosity and kindness. The second is taking small, wise actions to test beliefs and gather real-world data, becoming “your own scientist.” This conversation weaves together mindfulness, cognitive inquiry, habit formation, and neuroplasticity—offering a grounded, empowering framework for influencing our thoughts without trying to control or eliminate them.

In this episode of Awakening Mindfulness at Work, we explore the difference between pain and suffering—and how mindfulness can help us meet discomfort with more ease and less resistance. We talk about physical pain, emotional pain, and the everyday discomfort that shows up when we slow down and pay attention. Through practical reflections, personal examples, and a simple but powerful formula—suffering = pain × resistance—we unpack how our relationship to pain often matters more than the pain itself. This conversation is an invitation to pause, set your burdens down for a moment, and explore how curiosity, kindness, and presence can transform difficult experiences into gateways for awareness and care—at work and in life.

In this episode of Awakening Mindfulness at Work, Pierre and Sarah explore the often-misunderstood relationship between discipline and flexibility — not as opposing forces, but as complementary qualities that shape how we live, work, and practice mindfulness. Together, they reflect on how discipline can provide a grounding container — offering stability, safety, and continuity — while flexibility allows us to stay responsive, present, and compassionate in a constantly changing world. Drawing from mindfulness practice, habit formation, leadership contexts, and personal experience, they discuss non-negotiables, resistance to structure, and the importance of choosing consciously rather than defaulting to all-or-nothing patterns. Whether you tend toward structure or prefer going with the flow, this conversation invites you to explore what it means to cultivate flexibility within a container of discipline — and how that balance can support sustainable growth, resilience, and clarity at work and beyond.

As artificial intelligence becomes ever more integrated into our lives and workplaces, how do we ensure we don’t lose touch with what makes us human? In this timely conversation, Pierre and Sarah explore the meeting point of AI and mindfulness — the balance between automation and awareness. They reflect on the quote “You will never be able to automate your humanness,” and discuss how to use AI thoughtfully, maintain emotional intelligence, and choose connection over disconnection in a digital world.

As a new year begins, we often focus on what we want to create — but just as important is what we’re ready to let go of. In this episode of Awakening Mindfulness at Work, Pierre and Sarah explore how letting go can create space for clarity, presence, and more intentional living. They reflect on three key areas where release can be especially powerful: habits that no longer serve us, expectations that quietly create pressure and disappointment, and our complex relationship with to-do lists. Together, they unpack common patterns such as over-preparing, comparing ourselves to others, believing everything is urgent, and holding ourselves to unrealistic standards — all through a lens of mindfulness, compassion, and practical awareness. This conversation offers gentle prompts for reflection as you move into the new year, inviting you to soften, simplify, and make room for what truly matters — at work and beyond.

How do we make time truly matter? In this follow-up to Meditation Makes Time, Pierre and Sarah explore how mindfulness sharpens focus and helps us reclaim scattered moments through presence and intention. They discuss the art of noticing when the mind wanders, the power of writing down intentions, and how each day becomes a reflection of the attention we give it. A thoughtful conversation on inhabiting our days with purpose and grace.

Can time expand when we slow down? Pierre and Sarah challenge the common belief that we’re “too busy to meditate” and reveal how mindfulness can actually make time feel fuller, calmer, and more intentional. Through real-life examples and reflections, they uncover how presence transforms ordinary minutes into moments of clarity, creativity, and connection — and why meditation is not a luxury, but a way of reclaiming your life.

In this Thanksgiving episode, Pierre and Sarah invite you to pause and reconnect with gratitude — not only for what nourishes us, but also for the larger story this day holds. Sarah guides a gentle gratitude meditation that honors care, connection, and the generosity that naturally flows from a grateful heart. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving or simply taking a mindful pause, this practice offers a moment to breathe in gratitude and breathe out generosity.

In this episode, Pierre and Sarah explore how the mind takes the shape of what it rests upon—a principle at the heart of mindfulness and modern neuroscience. Drawing on insights from Rick Hanson’s work on neuroplasticity, they discuss how our repeated thoughts physically reshape the brain and influence our mood, focus, and well-being. Together, they offer gentle and practical ways to cultivate nourishing thoughts, release unhelpful patterns, and bring kindness to the process of “switching channels.” A mindful reminder that what we attend to becomes our reality.

In this episode, Pierre and Sarah dive into a feeling most of us try to avoid—boredom. What if boredom isn’t a problem to fix, but a doorway to awareness? Together, they explore how boredom shows up in meditation, work, and everyday life, and how shifting our relationship to it can unlock presence, curiosity, and even creativity. You’ll hear practical tips, reflective questions, and a refreshing invitation to experiment with “scheduled boredom.

In this heartfelt conversation, Pierre and Sarah explore the paradox of modern productivity—how slowing down can actually help us move forward with greater clarity and energy. Through personal stories and mindful insights, they discuss the tension between “getting things done” and being present, the value of catching ourselves when we’re swept away by busyness, and the powerful role of the body in grounding the mind. Together, they invite listeners to shift from a “to-do list” mindset to a “choose-to” mindset—finding calm, balance, and connection in the flow of daily life.

In this episode, mindfulness teachers Pierre Khawand and Sarah Killeen explore what mindfulness at work truly means — not as a concept, but as a lived experience that unfolds moment by moment. They paint a vision of mindfulness in action: focusing on what truly matters, being intentional about how we work, listening deeply to others, and staying aware of what’s happening within us — our thoughts, emotions, and body sensations. Together, they reflect on two essential dimensions that shape this journey: intentionality and awareness — and how cultivating these qualities helps us move from reactivity to presence. Pierre and Sarah also touch on the importance of kindness, beginning with self-compassion and extending it to our colleagues and workplace relationships. They remind us that mindfulness is not a fixed state but a practice of remembering, a collection of micro-moments we nurture and strengthen over time. This episode invites you to see mindfulness at work not as something to master, but as a seed to water — one thoughtful moment at a time.

In this opening episode, mindfulness teachers and friends Pierre Khawand and Sarah Killeen introduce Awakening Mindfulness at Work — a space for meaningful conversations about mindfulness, presence, and compassion in our professional and everyday lives. They share what inspired this podcast, how their journeys through teaching, retreats, and continued learning have shaped their approach, and what makes this series unique: genuine, unscripted dialogue where fresh insights and surprises unfold naturally. Each week, Pierre and Sarah explore real-world questions such as: How can we meet workplace challenges with more ease? How can we stay calm in difficult situations and bring more joy and presence to our day? How can mindfulness help us navigate relationships, technology, and change with awareness and care? Episodes are short, thoughtful, and practical — with one special live “Real Time” session each month where listeners are invited to join the conversation, ask questions, and practice together. Welcome to a new way of being at work — and in life.