A Keen Mind | Stress Reduction | Mindfulness | Meditation

Welcome to episode 52, I am Jude a, certified brainspotting therapist and meditation teacher. In this episode, we will explore how to use mindfulness during stressful times by reconnecting and re-evaluating our values.  Following this talk, there will be a guided meditation.  If you are in North Carolina and would like to learn more about counseling or 1:1 meditation click on the links that follow: Counseling or 1:1 Meditation. Presently all sessions are viurutal.  I have a two-part Mindfulness for Beginner series on Simple Habit that includes 14 meditations. If you would like to try out Simple Habit Free use the coupon code meditatewithjude to have access to Simple Habit with all of his meditations as well as over 100 other experts. Make sure that you apply the coupon code online before downloading the app.  Directions are below to obtain your free trial. This is a 30 day FREE Trial. Input the following link: https://www.simplehabit.com/redeem/meditatewithjude Create a login or the automatic login options like Facebook or Google. Download the app and enjoy! The free trial will then be applied to your mobile app as well (ios and Android) You will have access to over 500 meditations on the app even if you do not use the paid version Connect with me on Facebook or Instagram where you will find inspiring posts about mindfulness and meditation. Subscribe to the show through the Anchor app where you can find the show on 10 other platforms or subscribe through Apple Podcasts below. If you would like to support the show, your donations are appreciated and not expected.  If you find value and wish to donate, I am deeply grateful. https://anchor.fm/jude-johnson   Subscribe to the show through the Anchor app where you can find the show on 10 other platforms or subscribe through Apple Podcasts below --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jude-johnson/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jude-johnson/support

2020 and the start to this New Year has been incredibly stressful with over half a million COVID-19 deaths in the United States and over 2.4 million worldwide. We face continued political divisions, disruptions, uncertainty, and mental health and substance abuse crises. In this episode, we explore how to find hope and healing in the midst of continued uncertainty, disruptions, and crises. I share several Martin Luther King Jr. quotes as a way to honor his service and sacrifice to bring about justice, equality, and unity.  Several therapeutic approaches for anxiety, trauma, and depression were discussed during this episode. Brainspotting is a mind/body therapeutic approach that helps process trauma stored in the subcortical brain.  This approach was discovered in 2003 by David Grand, Ph.D., and over 13,000 therapists have completed professional training. To learn more or find a certified Brainspotting therapist visit https://brainspotting.com/.  I also mentioned Eye Movement Reprocessing Desensitization (EMDR),  Somatic Experiencing (SE) as well as Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) as effective approaches in treating trauma. If you need a therapist who is trained in Brainspotting, EMDR, SE or IFS visit https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/ or https://www.goodtherapy.org/ and there you will be able to filter your search by type of therapy.   If you are in North Carolina and would like to learn more about counseling or 1:1 meditation click on the links that follow: Counseling or 1:1 Meditation I have a two-part Mindfulness for Beginner series on Simple Habit that includes 14 meditations. If you would like to try out Simple Habit Free use the coupon code meditatewithjude to have access to Simple Habit with all of his meditations as well as over 100 other experts. Make sure that you apply the coupon code online before downloading the app.  Directions are below to obtain your free trial. This is a 30 day FREE Trial. Input the following link: https://www.simplehabit.com/redeem/meditatewithjude Create a login or the automatic login options like Facebook or Google. Download the app and enjoy! The free trial will then be applied to your mobile app as well (ios and Android) You will have access to over 500 meditations on the app even if you do not use the paid version Connect with me on Facebook or Instagram where you will find inspiring posts about mindfulness and meditation. Subscribe to the show through the Anchor app where you can find the show on 10 other platforms or subscribe through Apple Podcasts below.   If you would like to support the show, your donations are appreciated and not expected.  If you find value and wish to donate, I am deeply grateful. https://anchor.fm/jude-johnson   Subscribe to the show through the Anchor app where you can find the show on 10 other platforms or subscribe through Apple Podcasts below --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jude-johnson/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jude-johnson/support

In this episode, you will learn practical strategies for finding joy and peace during the 2020 Holiday season.  I explore how we can gather together with the intention to cultivate a sense of unity and connection while maintaining healthy boundaries.  Following this talk, there will be a guided meditation. May you all find peace and happiness this holiday season. If you are in North Carolina and would like to learn more about counseling or 1:1 meditation click on the links that follow: Counseling or 1:1 Meditation I have a two-part Mindfulness for Beginner series on Simple Habit that includes 14 meditations. If you would like to try out Simple Habit Free use the coupon code meditatewithjude to have access to Simple Habit with all of his meditations as well as over 100 other experts. Make sure that you apply the coupon code online prior to downloading the app.  Directions are below to obtain your free trial. This is a 30 day FREE Trial. Input the following link: https://www.simplehabit.com/redeem/meditatewithjude Create a login or the automatic login options like Facebook or Google. Download the app and enjoy! The free trial will then be applied to your mobile app as well (ios and Android) You will have access to over 500 meditations on the app even if you do not use the paid version I am a meditation teacher on Yoga Vibes which is a platform that provides on-demand video for yoga and meditation instruction.  There are over 2000 classes with a variety of teachers and styles.   If you would like the flexibility to practice yoga at home or when you’re traveling you can try Yoga Vibes for free for 15 days. Use the coupon code judejohnson and you’ll save $50 off giving you on a 1 years subscription for 149.95. Check out https://www.yogavibes.com to learn more. Connect with me on Facebook or Instagram where you will find inspiring posts about mindfulness and meditation. Subscribe to the show through the Anchor app where you can find the show on 10 other platforms or subscribe through Apple Podcasts below. Subscribe to the show through the Anchor app where you can find the show on 10 other platforms or subscribe through Apple Podcasts below --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jude-johnson/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jude-johnson/support

This episode is a sleep meditation and the first one I've recorded.  I hope you find this mediation helpful for getting to sleep and staying asleep.  I didn't record an introduction or anything additional with this episode, so that you can listen anytime you need to transition into sleep.  If you are in North Carolina and would like to learn more about counseling (all sessions are teletherapy for now) or 1:1 meditation click on the links that follow: Counseling or 1:1 Meditation I have a two-part Mindfulness for Beginner series on Simple Habit that includes 14 meditations. If you would like to try out Simple Habit Free use the coupon code meditatewithjude to have access to Simple Habit with all of his meditations as well as over 100 other experts. Make sure that you apply the coupon code online prior to downloading the app.  Directions are below to obtain your free trial. This is a 30 day FREE Trial. Input the following link: https://www.simplehabit.com/redeem/meditatewithjude Create a login or the automatic login options like Facebook or Google. Download the app and enjoy! The free trial will then be applied to your mobile app as well (ios and Android) You will have access to over 500 meditations on the app even if you do not use the paid version I am a meditation teacher on Yoga Vibes which is a platform that provides on-demand video for yoga and meditation instruction.  There are over 2000 classes with a variety of teachers and styles.   If you would like the flexibility to practice yoga at home or when you’re traveling you can try Yoga Vibes for free for 15 days. Use the coupon code judejohnson and you’ll save $50 off giving you on a 1 years subscription for 149.95. Check out https://www.yogavibes.com to learn more. Connect with me on Facebook or Instagram where you will find inspiring posts about mindfulness and meditation. Subscribe to the show through the Anchor app where you can find the show on 10 other platforms or subscribe through Apple Podcasts below. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jude-johnson/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jude-johnson/support

In this episode, you'll learn effective tips for improving sleep so you can wake up feeling more refreshed and energized.  I cover the benefits of setting a schedule,  what to do if you can't fall asleep, and much more.  Many people are finding it difficult to get restful sleep amidst stress from rising COVD-19 cases, political divisions, and a mental health crisis.  These tips are not intended to be a replacement for medical care.  If you continue to have trouble with sleep, please seek out support from your doctor and or a therapist who is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia.  I did not provide a guided meditation in this episode, however, you will find a stand-alone sleep meditation in episode #49.  If you are in North Carolina and would like to learn more about counseling (all sessions are teletherapy for now) or 1:1 meditation click on the links that follow: Counseling or 1:1 Meditation I have a two-part Mindfulness for Beginner series on Simple Habit that includes 14 meditations. If you would like to try out Simple Habit Free use the coupon code meditatewithjude to have access to Simple Habit with all of his meditations as well as over 100 other experts. Make sure that you apply the coupon code online prior to downloading the app.  Directions are below to obtain your free trial. This is a 30 day FREE Trial. Input the following link: https://www.simplehabit.com/redeem/meditatewithjude Create a login or the automatic login options like Facebook or Google. Download the app and enjoy! The free trial will then be applied to your mobile app as well (ios and Android) You will have access to over 500 meditations on the app even if you do not use the paid version I am a meditation teacher on Yoga Vibes which is a platform that provides on-demand video for yoga and meditation instruction.  There are over 2000 classes with a variety of teachers and styles.   If you would like the flexibility to practice yoga at home or when you’re traveling you can try Yoga Vibes for free for 15 days. Use the coupon code judejohnson and you’ll save $50 off giving you on a 1 years subscription for 149.95. Check out https://www.yogavibes.com to learn more. Connect with me on Facebook or Instagram where you will find inspiring posts about mindfulness and meditation. Subscribe to the show through the Anchor app where you can find the show on 10 other platforms or subscribe through Apple Podcasts below. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jude-johnson/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jude-johnson/support

This episode explores three ways to reduce stress that will help you become more resilient and develop a positive mindset.  I will cover the power of finding joy in movement, shaking meditation, as well as how to bring more mindful attention and focus to what we're able to control in our lives. Following this brief talk, there will be a guided meditation. I have an upcoming online class Mindfulness Intro - Being Mindful Together starting August 6th @ 6:30pm.  TO learn more and or register visit https://akeenmind.com/services-3/beingmindfultogether/ If you are in North Carolina and would like to learn more about counseling services (currently offering teletherapy sessions only) visit http://akeenmind.com/services-3/mindfulness-based-psychotherapy/ I have a two-part Mindfulness for Beginner series on Simple Habit that includes 14 meditations. If you would like to try out Simple Habit Free use the coupon code meditatewithjude to have access to Simple Habit with all of his meditations as well as over 100 other experts. Make sure that you apply the coupon code online prior to downloading the app. Directions are below to obtain your free trial. This is a 30 day FREE Trial. Input the following link: https://www.simplehabit.com/redeem/meditatewithjude Create a login or the automatic login options like Facebook or Google. Download the app and enjoy! The free trial will then be applied to your mobile app as well (ios and Android) You will have access to over 500 meditations on the app even if you do not use the paid version. I am a meditation teacher on Yoga Vibes which is a platform that provides on-demand video for yoga and meditation instruction. There are over 2000 classes with a variety of teachers and styles. If you would like the flexibility to practice yoga at home or when you’re traveling you can try Yoga Vibes for free for 15 days. Use the coupon code judejohnson and you’ll save $50 off giving you on a 1 years subscription for 149.95. Check out https://www.yogavibes.com to learn more. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jude-johnson/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jude-johnson/support

This episode explores how to become more mindful of race.  We explore some of the research on racial bias and how we can help facilitate healing racial divisions, through curiosity, mindful listening and compassion.  I apologize in advance for any oversights or biases caused by my own misperceptions about race. We are seeing immense suffering in our country and in our world over racial injustice, domestic violence, substance abuse, child abuse, mental illness,  and all to the backdrop of 120 thousand plus deaths due to COVID-19.  Overwhelming stress brings our individual and societal wounds to the surface.  Following this talk, there will be a guided meditation that focuses on compassion for self and others. If you are in North Carolina and would like to learn more about counseling services (currently offering teletherapy sessions only) visit http://akeenmind.com/services-3/mindfulness-based-psychotherapy/ I have a two-part Mindfulness for Beginner series on Simple Habit that includes 14 meditations. If you would like to try out Simple Habit Free use the coupon code meditatewithjude to have access to Simple Habit with all of his meditations as well as over 100 other experts. Make sure that you apply the coupon code online prior to downloading the app. Directions are below to obtain your free trial. This is a 30 day FREE Trial. Input the following link: https://www.simplehabit.com/redeem/meditatewithjude Create a login or the automatic login options like Facebook or Google. Download the app and enjoy! The free trial will then be applied to your mobile app as well (ios and Android) You will have access to over 500 meditations on the app even if you do not use the paid version. I am a meditation teacher on Yoga Vibes which is a platform that provides on-demand video for yoga and meditation instruction. There are over 2000 classes with a variety of teachers and styles. If you would like the flexibility to practice yoga at home or when you’re traveling you can try Yoga Vibes for free for 15 days. Use the coupon code judejohnson and you’ll save $50 off giving you on a 1 years subscription for 149.95. Check out https://www.yogavibes.com to learn more. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jude-johnson/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jude-johnson/support

**Announcement** A Keen Mind will host a NEW Online Community Meditation Group: Next Meeting: May 17rd, 4pm EST- Details and how to register below.   This episode will help you explore how to respond to stress with wisdom and gratitude. Following this brief talk, there is a guided meditation that focuses on gratitude.   The NEW Online Community Meditation Group is an opportunity to learn and practice mindfulness-meditation with the support of others. The group is open to everyone on a drop-in basis. There is no need to have prior meditation experience; however, you may find listening to this episode #43: Understanding Mindfulness and Meditation will help you understand more about mindfulness and meditation as you prepare to join the group. This community group draws on traditional meditations practiced in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and beyond. To learn more about the Online Community Meditation Group or to register, visit: http://akeenmind.com/services-3/community-meditation-group/  If you are in North Carolina and would like to learn more about counseling services (currently offering teletherapy sessions only) visit http://akeenmind.com/services-3/mindfulness-based-psychotherapy/ I have a two-part Mindfulness for Beginner series on Simple Habit that includes 14 meditations. If you would like to try out Simple Habit Free use the coupon code meditatewithjude to have access to Simple Habit with all of his meditations as well as over 100 other experts. Make sure that you apply the coupon code online prior to downloading the app. Directions are below to obtain your free trial. This is a 30 day FREE Trial. Input the following link: https://www.simplehabit.com/redeem/meditatewithjude Create a login or the automatic login options like Facebook or Google. Download the app and enjoy! The free trial will then be applied to your mobile app as well (ios and Android) You will have access to over 500 meditations on the app even if you do not use the paid version. I am a meditation teacher on Yoga Vibes which is a platform that provides on-demand video for yoga and meditation instruction. There are over 2000 classes with a variety of teachers and styles. If you would like the flexibility to practice yoga at home or when you’re traveling you can try Yoga Vibes for free for 15 days. Use the coupon code judejohnson and you’ll save $50 off giving you on a 1 years subscription for 149.95. Check out https://www.yogavibes.com to learn more --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jude-johnson/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jude-johnson/support

Practicing mindfulness helps us manage stress and can also help you become more resilient in the face of challenges.  Being mindful also means having compassion for yourself.  Practicing self-compassion and loving-kindness meditation reduces negative emotions, increases positive emotions, fosters resilience and   Self-compassion helps us feel more connected to ourselves and others, even when we are apart from each other. This episode covers the 3 components of self-compassion followed by a loving-kindness meditation. **Important Announcement** A Keen Mind has a new Community Meditation Group: First Group meeting: May 3rd, 4 pm EST  This Group Meets every other week from 4pm-430p on ZOOM This Community Meditation Group is an opportunity to learn and practice mindfulness-meditation with the support of others. The group is open to everyone on a drop-in basis. There is no need to have prior meditation experience, however, you may find it helps understand the more about mindfulness and meditation in the last episode #43: Understanding Mindfulness and Meditation. This group draws on traditional meditations practiced in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and beyond. Learn more about the Community Meditation Group or register for upcoming groups here:https://akeenmind.com/ If you are in North Carolina and would like to learn more about counseling or 1:1 meditation click on the links that follow: Counseling or 1:1 Meditation I have a two-part Mindfulness for Beginner series on Simple Habit that includes 14 meditations. If you would like to try out Simple Habit Free use the coupon code meditatewithjude to have access to Simple Habit with all of his meditations as well as over 100 other experts. Make sure that you apply the coupon code online prior to downloading the app.  Directions are below to obtain your free trial. This is a 30 day FREE Trial. Input the following link: https://www.simplehabit.com/redeem/meditatewithjude Create a login or the automatic login options like Facebook or Google. Download the app and enjoy! The free trial will then be applied to your mobile app as well (ios and Android) You will have access to over 500 meditations on the app even if you do not use the paid version I am a meditation teacher on Yoga Vibes which is a platform that provides on-demand video for yoga and meditation instruction.  There are over 2000 classes with a variety of teachers and styles.   If you would like the flexibility to practice yoga at home or when you’re traveling you can try Yoga Vibes for free for 15 days. Use the coupon code judejohnson and you’ll save $50 off giving you on a 1 years subscription for 149.95. Check out https://www.yogavibes.com to learn more. Connect with me on Facebook or Instagram where you will find inspiring posts about mindfulness and meditation. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jude-johnson/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jude-johnson/support

**Announcement** A Keen Mind will host a NEW Online Community Meditation Group: First Meeting: May 3rd, 4pm EST- Details and how to register below. Meditation has been around for thousands of years, but it has not been until the last 40 years that science has taken a closer look at the benefits of a regular meditation practice. Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D., created Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) as a way of bringing mindfulness meditation into the mainstream.  Dr. Kabat-Zinn said that he wanted to make meditation as popular as jogging; in my opinion, I would say that he has done an amazing job making movement towards this goal!  He has helped to popularize meditation by inspiring the creation of over 750 MBSR programs worldwide.  Mindfulness-meditation has received national media attention and major corporations like Google and Aetna offer mediation classes because these skills are proven to improve employee health and decrease company costs. People are flocking to meditation because they are looking for ways to combat the stress epidemic we have in our society.  We all face stress and currently, people are facing more stress than ever before. Stress over uncertainty, health/illness, loss, work, finances, relationships, time pressures, and a plethora of negative headlines have overtaken our well-being.  We’re juggling competing demands and need new coping skills that will help us live in the present moment instead of being fixated on the future or the past. This episode will help you better understand what mindfulness and meditation are and what they are not. You will understand some of the latest research on the benefits of mindfulness meditation, as well as the risks in developing a meditation practice. This episode will also include a guided meditation. The NEW Online Community Meditation Group that will be offered at the beginning of May is an opportunity to learn and practice mindfulness-meditation with the support of others. The group is open to everyone on a drop-in basis. There is no need to have prior meditation experience; however, you may find listening to this episode #43: Understanding Mindfulness and Meditation will help you understand more about mindfulness and meditation as you prepare to join the group. This community group draws on traditional meditations practiced in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and beyond. To learn more about the Online Community Meditation Group or to register, visit:  https://akeenmind.com/services-3/community-meditation-group/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jude-johnson/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jude-johnson/support

Welcome to the A Keen Mind Podcast.  I’m Jude a licensed therapist and meditation teacher.  Most people struggle with stress and feel overwhelmed when they can’t keep up with life’s demands and currently that’s basically everyone. It’s normal to be experiencing stress and anxiety right now AND Mindfulness can help. In today’s episode, I’m going to cover two ways that mindfulness can help you reduce stress followed by a brief guided meditation. **Important Announcement** This Saturday, April 4th from 1:30 pm-3 pm EST,  I’m going to provide a FREE  mini-mindfulness retreat to help you reduce stress.  The retreat will be held on ZOOM and you can REGISTER HERE This workshop will benefit beginners and experienced meditators.  In this workshop, you will... Learn meditation techniques designed to turn off your stress response Participate in gentle mindful movements and hatha yoga Participate in guided meditations Have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in discussion Learn practical mindfulness skills that you can apply to daily life If practicing mindfulness and meditation with the podcast doesn't seem to be enough and your are looking more 1:1 support you can learn more at https://akeenmind.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jude-johnson/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jude-johnson/support

This episode explores the use of a concentration meditation called soft belly. With this meditation, you breathe in slowly and deeply through the nose and exhale through your mouth. As you exhale, allow your belly to soften and relax. Breathing in this way may be comfortable at first or you may find it to be unfamiliar.  Practicing this meditation regularly will make breathing in this way feel more natural. This meditation can help you feel more relaxed and quiet down your thinking. 70-80% of people find benefits the first time, even when they are going through loss or major illness or traumatic event.  Practicing for just 10 mins will help your body relax, slow your heart rate and many find an improvement with sleep, however, even just a few deep breaths in this manner can help calm your nervous system down.  The soft belly breathing meditation and the autogenic relaxation training provided in this podcast were adopted from the book The Transformation by James S. Gordon, MD.  The content was re-worded by Jude Johnson. Take care of yourself and each other- Jude Resources Connect with me on Facebook or Instagram where you will find inspiring posts about mindfulness and meditation. I also provide live stream meditations on social media.   Counseling: If you are in the Charlotte area and would like to learn more about counseling (including video counseling), click this link to learn more: Counseling. Video/Tele-Therapy appointments are available and are confidential, safe and secure. Online scheduling is available so that you can secure your session right away. If you have questions please contact Jude at jude@akeenmind.com or call 843-364-5921 for a free consultation. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jude-johnson/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jude-johnson/support

This is a 5 minute guided meditation for healthcare workers.  Right now it's easy to keep a fast pace, and hard to slow down with so many people needing help. However, it's vital to pause and take a mindful breath when you can. I have deep gratitude to all of the nurses, doctors, therapists and all other medical professions who are on the front lines of this crisis. May you all find strength, hope, courage, and safety as you service humanity --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jude-johnson/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jude-johnson/support

Anxiety is the most common mental illness in the U.S. affecting about 40 million Americans.  While there are many effective treatments for anxiety, only about 36% of those with anxiety actually seek treatment.  While there are many approaches to help manage anxiety, this episodes explores how meditation can help you calm anxiety.  Jude shares a personal story about how meditation helped him calm down in the midst of a recent moment of panic.  This episode also includes a guided meditation. While meditation can be very helpful in managing anxiety, sometimes we need direct support.  If you are in the Charlotte area and would like to learn more about counseling or 1:1 meditation coaching visit https://www.akeenmind.com. Jude recently released a two part Mindfulness for Beginner series on Simple Habit that includes 14 meditations. If you would like to try out Simple Habit Free use the coupon code meditatewithjude to have access to Simple Habit with all of his meditations as well as over 100 other experts. Make sure that you apply the coupon code online prior to downloading the app.  Directions are below to obtain your free trial. Input the following link: https://www.simplehabit.com/redeem/meditatewithjude Create a login or the automatic login options like Facebook or Google. Download the app and enjoy! The free trial will then be applied to your mobile app as well (ios and Android) You will have access to over 500 meditations on the app even if you do not use the paid version Jude has joined the Yoga Vibes platform as a meditation teacher.  This platform provides on demand video for yoga and meditation instruction. but mostly yoga).  There are over 2000 classes with a variety of teachers and styles.   If you would like the flexibility to practice yoga at home or when you're traveling you can try Yoga Vibes for free for 15 days. Use the coupon code judejohnson and you’ll save $50 off on a 1 years subscription. Check out https://www.yogavibes.com to learn more. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jude-johnson/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jude-johnson/support

This episode explores how you can use mindfulness to make more meaningful connections with yourself and others.  We look at the impact and prevalence of loneliness in our society and practical steps that we can take in order to connect with one another.  We look at the some of the challenges that people may face when they are managing depression or mental illness and the importance of listening and supporting each other.  Following the talk there is a guided meditation with a focus on gratitude.   Please be sure to tune in to WBTV’s Dedrick Russell for his next Community Conversation: A Healthy Mind, Body & Soul - It airs on Oct. 24th from 7-8PM and can be viewed live at wbtv.com/live - My portion of the interview explores how mindfulness and meditation help rewire the brain for better health and well-being.  Dedrick was able to capture a special interview with Oprah who has been a huge help in increasing awareness about mental illness and the importance of taking better care of our health and well-being.  If you would like to practice yoga with top teachers at home or when you are traveling, try out Yoga Vibes free for 15 days.  Register for 1 year using the coupon code JudeJohnson and you receive $50 off, giving you 1 year of yoga on demand for $149.95. Connect with me on Facebook or Instagram where you will find inspiring posts about mindfulness and meditation. Subscribe to the show through the Anchor app where you can find the show on 10 other platforms or subscribe through Apple Podcasts below. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jude-johnson/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jude-johnson/support

 This episode is going to explore how we can stay mindful in the midst of stress.  You’ll learn effective strategies that will help respond to stress instead of being emotionally reactive.  Some of the skills included will be grounding techniques, walking meditation, self soothing and mindful observation.  These skills can be used to help calm the body and mind when stress has become overwhelming.  Connect with me on Facebook or Instagram where you will find inspiring posts about mindfulness and meditation.   --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jude-johnson/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jude-johnson/support

This episode is going to explore the use of mindfulness and meditation within counseling sessions. This show discusses the difference between feelings of sadness and clinical depression and how mindful inquiry is used in therapy.  Following the talk, a guided meditation is provided. The release of this episode marks exactly 1 year of the A Keen Mind podcast!  Thank you all for listening and helping this show be listed in the top 25 mindfulness podcasts of 2019 by Feedspot.   Below is a link to Feedspot's article which features the A Keen Mind show. https://blog.feedspot.com/mindfulness_podcasts/. I will be providing Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction this Fall through the Charlotte Center for Mindfulness and the orientation will be on September 9th at 630pm.  You can learn more or register for the orientation at www.akeenmind.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jude-johnson/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jude-johnson/support

This episode looks at how we can use mindfulness and reflective questions to help us undo the strong pull within us to move away from being vulnerable.  Asking important questions and reflecting on what matters most in our lives can put us in touch with our intrinsic values.  When we are in touch with what really matters, were not consumed with competing with others, but in pursuit of living.   Following the talk there will be a guided meditation.  I started the A Keen Mind Podcast almost 1 year ago and I am proud to announce that this show has been listed as one of the Top 25 Mindfulness Podcasts of 2019 by Feedspot.  This would not be possible without all of you who listen to show.  I am so grateful to you all for your kind reviews, messages and encouragement to continue this show.  If you are in the Charlotte NC area and would like to attend our next workshop on July 19th or learn more about: Train for Life...Be Mindful...& Live Abundantly follow the link: www.akeenmind.com  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jude-johnson/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jude-johnson/support

This episode shares how to let go of work obligations when you are off the clock or on vacation.  This time of year kids are out of school and many of you will be taking time off from work so you can spend time with your family and friends.  You will learn practical ways that you can use mindfulness to slow down as you transition from a working mode to down time.  Following the talk there will be a guided meditation which will include a poem by Mary Oliver at the close.  If you are in the Charlotte area and would like to learn more or register for the upcoming workshop on July 19th from 4:30-7pm, visit www.akeenmind.com and click on the link that reads "Train for Life...Be Mindful & Live Abundantly."   --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jude-johnson/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jude-johnson/support

 This episode will explore how mindfulness can help you achieve a state of flow.  Most of us have been in a flow state before, where we performed a task with such intense focus that all our mental chatter fell away and we become completely consumed with the activity at hand.  Being in a state of flow helps us find more enjoyment in life.   In this episode I will cover 3 specific strategies for developing a flow state. Following the talk there will be a guided meditation.   --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jude-johnson/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jude-johnson/support