The Being and the Doing

When times are tough, it can be a challenge to feel hopeful. What if we thought of hope as an abiding state of being rather than a future looking activity? In this final episode of the season, I’m in conversation with Donna Love Huling about how we can tend to our hopefulness even in challenging times. We explore the difference between hope and optimism, the power of positivity habits and how acceptance and surrender are keys embracing hope in our daily lives

How attached are you to the things in your life? Do they bring you joy or simply take up space in your house? Our ability to go with the flow of life depends on our lives not being cluttered up with too much stuff. But how do we know what is too much? In this episode I'm in conversation with documentary filmmaker and journalist Brandy Yanchyk about her latest documentary Attachments of Life which explores how and why we are attached to our things.

Prioritizing what matters most in our lives can be a challenge in a busy and distractible world. With multiple demands on our time and often conflicting priorities, sometimes we find ourselves sacrificing the things that matter most to us. Whether it is small habits throughout the day, or life changing choices, prioritizing what's most important creates a deep sense of satisfaction, and fulfillment. In this episode I’m in conversation with positivity powerhouse and change agent Jo Dibblee. We chat about how to make conscious and intentional choices that reflect the priorities that matter most to us.

Do you listen to the wisdom of your body? If we can pause and find stillness, we can tap into the great wisdom our body has to share about what we need physically, mentally and emotionally. In this episode I’m in conversation with creative visionary Krista Monson, a world renowned story-teller and creative and stage director. We chat about the wisdom of the body and how we can tap into it to inform our choices. Tune in to find out how our bodies can help guide us in what we say yes and no to as we go about our day

Cultivating meaningful connection and a sense of belonging is important to our health and well-being. Now we find ourselves feeling increasingly disconnected at home and work. How can we cultivate connection and belonging in our technology-centric world? What do we need to do to revitalize our sense of interconnectedness? In this episode I'm in conversation with Marita Fridjhon, creator of Organization and Relationship Systems Coaching. We chat about the consequences of the pandemic on our relationships at home and work. Marita shares some ideas about how to deepen our connections and sense of belonging. Tune in to find out why connection and belonging are the biggest challenge we face today and what you can do to cultivate them. Visit the resource page for this episode here: https://www.stonecirclecoaching.com/podcast/how-to-cultivate-connection-belonging-ep38

Can something as simple as a pause in your day make life and work better? We know that creating a habit of pausing can make your personal life more mindful and present. But what happens when you are at work? Can pausing in the workplace make things better for you and your team? In this episode I'm in conversation with Tony Barton, cofounder of Living Teams whose mission is to bring teams to life in the corporate world in order to create a healthier world for future generations. We chat about how "the pause is the work" and why it makes things better. Tune in to find out how an intentional pause can make you more present and productive at home and at work and some simple practices to try with your team. Visit the resource page for this episode here: https://www.stonecirclecoaching.com/podcast/pause-work-better-ep37/

Forget seizing the day. If you are looking for a practical and meaningful approach to life then pivot to thinking about savouring the day instead. How can we be more mindfully present in life so we are enjoying the good times? And how can we navigate the challenging times with more calm and grace? In this episode I become the guest and share why this different approach can help you mindfully tackle the messiness of life. Tune in to find out what it means to savour the day and what guiding principles can help you manage whatever life throws at you. Visit the resource page for this episode here: https://www.stonecirclecoaching.com/podcast/stop-seize-day-ep36/

Curious about life coaching but not sure why you would want one? In this episode we tackle the what and how of coaching - what happens in a coaching call and how you would benefit from working with a life coach. My special guest is a client who shares her experience of working with me. How I Became a Life Coach Curious to know a bit about me? You can read some of my story here: https://www.stonecirclecoaching.com/about/laurels-story/ Read about my journey to becoming a life coach: https://www.stonecirclecoaching.com/about/laurels-journey-to-coaching/ Top 8 Reasons to Work with a Life Coach Here's a blog about the most common reasons people work with a life coach: https://www.stonecirclecoaching.com/well-being/reasons-to-work-with-a-life-coach/ Work with Me Learn about coaching with me and book a complimentary consultation: https://laurelvespi.clickfunnels.com/application-page This Episode’s Homework Something to think about: What's the one thing if you were to do it consistently would have the greatest impact on your health or happiness? Follow-up question... Why are you not doing it? These questions give you some insight into what we could work on in a coaching call. Something to try: Book a complimentary coaching session with me. No obligation! Use this link and fill out the form and I'll be in touch. https://laurelvespi.clickfunnels.com/application-page JOIN THE CONVERSATION Love to hear what you have to say – please take a moment to rate, review and/or leave a comment or question.  

Stressed at work? That’s not good considering the number of hours you spend there. Sure there might be lots of workplace distractions and irritations that are out of your control, but that doesn’t mean you have to be unhappy at work. In this episode I share some simple mindfulness practices that can reduce your workday stress and increase positivity and productivity. How to be more mindful at work Check out these resources for more tips and strategies: 5 Tips for Starting your Workday Right: https://www.stonecirclecoaching.com/mindful-workplace/5-tips-starting-workday-right/ 3 Mindful Ways to Manage Email: https://www.stonecirclecoaching.com/mindful-workplace/3-mindful-ways-manage-email/ How to do a Digital Detox with Your Phone [podcast]: https://www.stonecirclecoaching.com/podcast/nomophobia-digital-detox-ep9/ Tips for More Mindful Meetings: https://www.stonecirclecoaching.com/mindful-workplace/how-mindful-meetings-increase-productivity/   This Episode’s Homework Something to think about: On a scale of 1 – 10, (1 not at all; 10 to the max) how stressed or distracted am I at work? What would it take to move down one level? Something to try: Do a little audit of your workday. Pick a day and keep track of all your sources of stress, distraction and irritation. Just keep a notepad beside you and jot a word or two down that captures it. Then at the end of the day, look at your list and choose which of the ten tips I shared would help cut your stress. Remember a 10% reduction is a good thing.   JOIN THE CONVERSATION Love to hear what you have to say – please take a moment to rate, review and/or leave a comment or question.  

Too much stuff makes us stressed. It also wastes our time, makes us less productive and zaps our energy. It’s time to sort, purge and organize! You can get a handle on your clutter with some simple rules for clearing stuff out. In this episode I share the plain facts about decluttering so you can finally take charge of your piles of stuff. Be sure to grab your free Ultimate Guide to Decluttering. It's jam packed with inspiration and tips for clearing the clutter that holds you back. DECLUTTER GUIDE [Free Download] The Ultimate Guide to Decluttering and this episode's Being and Doing Homework can be found here: https://www.stonecirclecoaching.com/podcast/get-rid-of-clutter-ep17/ JOIN THE CONVERSATION Love to hear what you have to say – please take a moment to rate, review and/or leave a comment or question.  

The clutter in your house definitely takes a toll on you. But you might not realize the invisible clutter in your heart and mind also has a negative impact on your life. It just might be the reason you can't tackle the stuff that needs to be cleared out. In this episode I share some ideas on your cluttered mind and how to manage thoughts, and how your relationships sometimes need a purge too. How to deal with a cluttered mind Here's a blog about information overload: https://www.stonecirclecoaching.com/mindfulness/brain-info-overload/ Here's a blog with tips on giving your mind a clean sweep: https://www.stonecirclecoaching.com/mindfulness/how-to-give-your-mind-a-clean-sweep/ Beginner's Guide to Meditation [free download] https://www.stonecirclecoaching.com/podcast/hidden-impact-of-clutter-ep16/  This Episode’s Homework https://www.stonecirclecoaching.com/podcast/hidden-impact-of-clutter-ep16/  JOIN THE CONVERSATION Love to hear what you have to say – please take a moment to rate, review and/or leave a comment or question.

From Marie Kondo to the Minimalists everyone is looking for ways to declutter. In part one of a 3 part series on Clearing the Clutter I explore our addiction to stuff. How did we get to this place where clutter overwhelms us? Should we really be concerned about it? Maybe your thinking about clutter needs a little shift. Work with Laurel Find lots of free articles, tips and strategies on the blog: https://www.stonecirclecoaching.com/blog/ Ready to get unstuck and moving forward? Coach with Laurel: https://www.stonecirclecoaching.com/individual-coaching/ Are you a do-it-yourself kind of person? Check out the toolkit: https://www.stonecirclecoaching.com/well-being-by-design-diy-toolkit/ Want a daily dose of inspiration and more? ... https://www.stonecirclecoaching.com/everyday-mindfulness-information/   Books about clutter Learn about our crisis of consumption in John deGraaf's book called Affluenza. Declutter by choosing joy with Marie Kondo and the Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up Get inspired by Minimalists Joshua Fields Millburn and  Ryan Nicodemus  in their book Everything That Remains This Episode’s Homework https://www.stonecirclecoaching.com/podcast/clearing-the-clutter-ep15/ JOIN THE CONVERSATION Love to hear what you have to say – please take a moment to rate, review and/or leave a comment or question. WANT MORE? Want to hear more of The Being & The Doing podcast or subscribe so you never miss an episode? Check out the podcast episode archive here: https://www.stonecirclecoaching.com/podcast or subscribe on iTunes or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.  

Gratitude is not just the latest new age fad. Research shows that a regular gratitude practice can make us happier and healthier. In this episode I debunk a few myths about gratitude and challenge you to change your thinking about counting your blessings. You’ll learn a few simple gratitude practices that you can start using today. 15 Simple Gratitude Practices [Free Download] https://www.stonecirclecoaching.com/podcast/gratitude-ep14/ 13 Inspiring Gratitude Quotes [Article] Here’s a blog I wrote that shares some of the key elements of gratitude. https://www.stonecirclecoaching.com/mindfulness/13-gratitude-quotes-to-inspire-you/ Gratitude Books Thanks! How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier by Dr. Robert Emmonds Authentic Happiness by Dr. Martin Selegman This Episode’s Homework Something to think about: What is the thing that I most take for granted? Something to try: Pick one of the practices that I mentioned – doing a gratitude journal, paying attention to how you say thanks, appreciating what you take for granted or writing a note of thanks or modeling with your kids or co-workers. Or check out the other practices included in the download. It’s not enough to have an attitude – you need to have some action behind it. JOIN THE CONVERSATION Love to hear what you have to say – please take a moment to rate, review and/or leave a comment or question. WANT MORE? Want to hear more of The Being & The Doing podcast or subscribe so you never miss an episode? Check out the podcast episode archive here https://www.stonecirclecoaching.com/podcast/ or subscribe on iTunes or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.

If you are looking for ways to help manage stress in your life, then this episode will give you some new things to try. My special guest for this The Being and The Doing conversation is Sharon Carne. We dive into the topic of sound wellness and how music can improve your life by helping to reduce stress. We touch on how sound can help you have a happier and healthier life and give you some simple ways you can begin using music or sound to improve your wellness. How to Use Music to Reduce Stress (Blog Article): https://www.stonecirclecoaching.com/practice/how-to-music-reduce-stress/ Free Tibetan Singing Bowl Meditation https://www.stonecirclecoaching.com/podcast/stress-management-with-sound-wellness-ep13/ The Being and Doing Homework Journal https://www.stonecirclecoaching.com/podcast/stress-management-with-sound-wellness-ep13/ JOIN THE CONVERSATION Love to hear what you have to say – please take a moment to rate, review and/or leave a comment or question.

The mindfulness exercise of pausing is pretty simple. What is more challenging is remembering to do it. With busy lives we simply forget to take a mindful pause until we have created a habit of doing it throughout our day. In this episode Laurel shares tips on how to make pausing a regular part of your day. Creating Mindful Pauses Today's episode is the third part of a series on mindful pauses. Here are the other 2 episodes: [Episode 3] The Most Important Well-being Habit - why pauses are important https://www.stonecirclecoaching.com/podcast/the-most-important-well-being-habit/ [Episode 11] 21 Mindfulness Exercises to Help You Pause - what to do https://www.stonecirclecoaching.com/podcast/mindfulness-exercises-pause/   The Power of Pause Program Would you like to start adding mindful pauses into your day? With this affordable program you will learn simple ways to cultivate mindful living in less than 10 minutes a day and create habits that actually work. https://www.stonecirclecoaching.com/the-power-of-pause-program/   This Episode's Homework Something to think about: What is the gift in the present moment? Something to try: Pick a reminder and try it out – get a stone, set an alarm, write a sticky note, set up a buddy. Do it. Change only happens when we do something different.   JOIN THE CONVERSATION Love to hear what you have to say – please take a moment to rate, review and/or leave a comment or question. WANT MORE? Want to hear more of The Being & The Doing podcast or subscribe so you never miss an episode? Check out the podcast episode archive here https://www.stonecirclecoaching.com/podcast   

The mindfulness exercise of pausing is a super effective way to use a minute or two of your time. There are many benefits to pausing including calming yourself or getting off autopilot for a moment and being present or shifting your mood or mindset. In this episode Laurel shares 21 ideas for taking a mindful pause in your day.   Podcast Resources The Mindful Moments Journal, and the "Something to Think about, Something to Try" Guide are both available for free download on the episode page here: https://www.stonecirclecoaching.com/podcast/mindfulness-exercises-pause-ep11/   One Minute Mindfulness Exercises to De-stress Here’s a blog about quick and easy mindfulness exercises: https://www.stonecirclecoaching.com/mindfulness/mindfulness-exercises-to-de-stress/ Be Inspired! Join my community and get weekly inspiration and tips on mindful living: http://eepurl.com/dFmY4f THIS EPISODE’S HOMEWORK   Something to think about: What is the biggest obstacle that stops me from taking a mindful pause? Something to try: Pick one of the ways to take a pause and give it a try. Notice what happens when you pause. Notice if you forget to do it. Post a comment below and share with me what you tried and how it turned out. JOIN THE CONVERSATION Love to hear what you have to say – please take a moment to rate, review and/or leave a comment or question. WANT MORE? Want to hear more of The Being & The Doing podcast or subscribe so you never miss an episode? Check out the podcast episode archive here https://www.stonecirclecoaching.com/podcast or subscribe on iTunes or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.

Life is busy and can feel overwhelming or exhausting. We all need a calm and inspiring place to go to be able to recharge. Creating a DIY home sanctuary space doesn’t have to be complicated. In this episode Laurel shares ideas for choosing a space, decorating ideas and tips for activities, books and meditation. PODCAST RESOURCES Here’s a blog about how to create your own meditation space: https://www.stonecirclecoaching.com/mindfulness/meditation-space-room/  Books I mentioned: The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo Meditations on Intention and Being by Rolf Gates Peace is Every Step by Thich Nhat Hanh An Open Heart by The Dalai Lama Order your copy of my book Spontaneous Combustion: https://www.stonecirclecoaching.com/books/   Download the Meditation for Beginner’s Guide on the episode webpage here: https://www.stonecirclecoaching.com/podcast/home-sanctuary-meditation-room-ep10/ Get unstuck, inspired and moving forward in a 1 hour telephone Kickstart Coaching session with me: https://www.stonecirclecoaching.com/kickstart   Share your sanctuary ideas on the episode page: https://www.stonecirclecoaching.com/podcast/home-sanctuary-meditation-room-ep10/   THIS EPISODE'S HOMEWORK Something to think about: What does sanctuary mean to me? Something to try: Create a sanctuary space in your home – keep it simple. If you already have a sanctuary space…think about how you can incorporate an element of nature.   JOIN THE CONVERSATION Love to hear what you have to say – please take a moment to rate, review and/or leave a comment or question.   WANT MORE? Want to hear more of The Being & The Doing podcast or subscribe so you never miss an episode? Check out the podcast episode archive here: https://www.stonecirclecoaching.com/podcast or subscribe on iTunes or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.   CREDITS: The Being & The Doing podcast is produced by Neela Bell. Voiceovers by Jason Harris.  Music is Good Morning Sunshine by Yoav Alyagon and Firefly by Scott Buckley.  

Do you need a relationship reboot with your phone? Digital distraction is a problem that can have seriously negative effects on your focus, productivity and your relationship with others. In this episode Laurel invites listeners to look at the truth behind our phone addiction and the simple ways we can begin a digital detox. PODCAST RESOURCES Take the Smartphone Compulsion Test https://virtual-addiction.com/smartphone-compulsion-test/ developed by the Center for Internet and Technology Addiction at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine Here’s a blog about what happens when you and the fam unplug for a weekend: https://www.stonecirclecoaching.com/practice/how-to-take-unplugging-to-the-next-level/ Grab your 13 Tips for a Digital Detox here: https://www.stonecirclecoaching.com/podcast/nomophobia-digital-detox-ep9/ THIS EPISODE’S HOMEWORK Something to think about: In what ways does my phone enrich my life? In what ways does my phone interfere with my life? Something to try: Pick one of the 4 suggestions that I made and give it a try – create a no phone zone, put healthy habits first in the morning, have a trial separation, delete some apps. Here’s the thing about these tips or any other tips on any other topic – you have to do it to make a difference. Listening to me talk about them will not change your relationship with your phone. You need to try something different from what you are currently doing to create change. JOIN THE CONVERSATION Love to hear what you have to say – please take a moment to rate, review and/or leave a comment or question. WANT MORE? Want to hear more of The Being & The Doing podcast or subscribe so you never miss an episode? Check out the podcast episode archive here: https://www.stonecirclecoaching.com/podcast or subscribe on iTunes or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.

Mindset has a powerful impact on our choices and focus. The way you view the world determines your day to day experiences. In this episode Laurel shares the most important question you can ask yourself and why it has an impact on everything you do. HIGHLIGHTS YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS what is confirmation bias?  0:50 the most important question to ask yourself  4:23 why the law of attraction isn’t sufficient  9:26 being picky about what you pay attention to  12:20 this episode's homework 15:30 PODCAST RESOURCES For this week’s homework head on over to the episode page. You’ll also be able to download a little guide with some ideas about making time for both action and awareness.  https://www.stonecirclecoaching.com/podcast/one-powerful-question-ep8/ Here’s a blog about my favourite Einstein quotes and what they have to do with life. https://www.stonecirclecoaching.com/mindfulness/best-einstein-quotes/ Want some help shifting your mindset or perspective? Send me an email and we can set up a time to chat about the benefits of a one hour power telephone coaching session. I would love to help you build this well-being skill. https://www.stonecirclecoaching.com/contact/   JOIN THE CONVERSATION Love to hear what you have to say – please take a moment to rate, review and/or leave a comment or question.   WANT MORE? Want to hear more of The Being & The Doing podcast or subscribe so you never miss an episode? Check out the podcast episode archive here: https://www.stonecirclecoaching.com/podcast or subscribe on iTunes or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.   CREDITS: The Being & The Doing podcast is produced by Neela Bell. Voiceovers by Jason Harris.  Music is Good Morning Sunshine by Yoav Alyagon and Firefly by Scott Buckley.

Being more mindful as you go about your day means you can make more conscious and intentional choices. Then you are better able to align those choices with your priorities and values and show up authentically in your interactions in the world. In this episode Laurel explores the skills of being present and personal presence and how they have a direct impact on ourselves and those around us. HIGHLIGHTS YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS an important distinction  1:25 the go/no go factor  3:52 where is your attention?  5:02 which version of you is showing up?  9:34 this episode's homework  14:00 PODCAST RESOURCES Here's the link to the page for your Being & Doing homework. It includes a little guide with some ideas about making time for both action and awareness. Download it here: http://eepurl.com/dFmY4f  When you grab it you will also get my weekly tips about living life the mindful way. Here’s more information about mindfulness and how to be more present in your life: http://www.stonecirclecoaching.com/mindful-living/what-is-mindfulness/  Here’s a good reminder about presence: https://www.stonecirclecoaching.com/mindfulness-moment/the-best-gift/  Curious about the skillset approach to well-being? Check out the Well-being By Design model: https://www.stonecirclecoaching.com/well-being-by-design-diy-toolkit/  THIS EPISODE'S HOMEWORK Something to think about: What gets in the way of being present? Something to try:   This one is not for the faint of heart – pick one word that you think best describes you and what other people’s experience of being around you is like. Then ask 3 people what their experience of you is – maybe phrase is like this – if you could pick one word to describe me what would it be – and please be brutually honest.  Feel free to ask for more info but don’t debate it with them. Just say thanks. And like any feedback its simply information that you can keep or discard. JOIN THE CONVERSATION Love to hear what you have to say – please take a moment to rate, review and/or leave a comment or question. WANT MORE? Want to hear more of The Being & The Doing podcast or subscribe so you never miss an episode? Check out the podcast episode archive here https://www.stonecirclecoaching.com/podcast or subscribe on iTunes or wherever you enjoy your podcasts. CREDITS: The Being & The Doing podcast is produced by Neela Bell. Voiceovers by Jason Harris.  Music is GoodMorning Sunshine by Yoav Alyagon and Firefly by Scott Buckley.