When East Meets West

Dr. Pete brought the topic of liberation, which of course Dr. Rubin was so easily able to define as a part of freedom. There is so much power in words and Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin break down the role of relational frame theory and how the word liberation can be perceived. Dr. Pete introduces the audience to the 3 doors of liberation from Buddhism which includes emptiness, signlessness, and aimlessness. Tune in to learn about how these doors of liberation and how someone can live them in a form of action. Visit http://www.wheneastmeetswest.us/ to learn more about Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin. © 2023 CopyrightPeter Economou, Ph.D. and Nikki Rubin, Psy.D. discuss modern psychological science and its integration with ancient Eastern practices with takeaway tools for everyone.THE SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICEIF YOU BELIEVE THAT YOU ARE EXPERIENCING A LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY, PLEASE CONTACT 911 IMMEDIATELY OR GO TO YOUR NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM: http://www.wheneastmeetswest.us/terms.html When East Meets West is proud to be sponsored by The Complete Private Practice Tool Kit: https://www.privatepracticetoolkit.com/

Dr. Rubin brings her knowledge on this western behavioral practice of distress tolerance. The APA definition of Distress tolerance: the level of either (a) one’s unwillingness to experience emotional distress as part of pursuing desired goals or (b) one’s inability to engage in goal-directed behaviors when experiencing distress. Low distress tolerance is related to a range of disorders, including borderline personality disorder, substance abuse, and eating disorders; some treatments (e.g., dialectical behavior therapy) are designed in part to raise an individual’s level of distress tolerance by habituating him or her to the experience of adapting to distress and other negative emotions. Box breathing, self soothe, senses, water and ice, and other techniques are offered. DBT Book reference: Linehan, M. M. (2015). DBT® skills training manual (2nd ed.). Guilford Press. Visit http://www.wheneastmeetswest.us/ to learn more about Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin.  © 2023 CopyrightPeter Economou, Ph.D. and Nikki Rubin, Psy.D. discuss modern psychological science and its integration with ancient Eastern practices with takeaway tools for everyone.THE SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICEIF YOU BELIEVE THAT YOU ARE EXPERIENCING A LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY, PLEASE CONTACT 911 IMMEDIATELY OR GO TO YOUR NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM: http://www.wheneastmeetswest.us/terms.html 

Dr. Pete brings topics from his recent dharma talk on delusions and illusions, the Zen teaching of how nothing exists outside the mind. The world as we see it can all be viewed as one big illusion, which is a western practice of cognitive defusion. Dr. Rubin gently challenges around the concept and reminds us that humans have difficult experiences and it is important to acknowledge those feelings. The doctors get into the conversation of letting go and how the Eastern teaching is hard for the Westerner. Tune in to see how to manage life as delusions and illusions. Visit http://www.wheneastmeetswest.us/ to learn more about Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin. © 2023 CopyrightPeter Economou, Ph.D. and Nikki Rubin, Psy.D. discuss modern psychological science and its integration with ancient Eastern practices with takeaway tools for everyone.THE SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICEIF YOU BELIEVE THAT YOU ARE EXPERIENCING A LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY, PLEASE CONTACT 911 IMMEDIATELY OR GO TO YOUR NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM: http://www.wheneastmeetswest.us/terms.html 

Distraction is the behavior where there is an interruption of attention. It takes the person away from the primary interest, and the world within which we live makes distraction much easier. Think about it- streaming, mobile devices, technology with lights and video, and much more. Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin bring the east and west teachings of attention, how the brain works, and even some western diagnoses such as ADHD. Dr. Rubin reminds us that distractions remove us from feelings of discomfort and gives her many pearls of wisdom including that listeners should turn off the push notifications on your mobile devices.Visit http://www.wheneastmeetswest.us/ to learn more about Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin. © 2023 CopyrightPeter Economou, Ph.D. and Nikki Rubin, Psy.D. discuss modern psychological science and its integration with ancient Eastern practices with takeaway tools for everyone.THE SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICEIF YOU BELIEVE THAT YOU ARE EXPERIENCING A LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY, PLEASE CONTACT 911 IMMEDIATELY OR GO TO YOUR NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM: http://www.wheneastmeetswest.us/terms.html 

As you have seen on When East Meets West, there are many things that can be tied to western behavioral science and all things about our performance are no different. Dr. Pete works primarily with high performers, but Dr. Rubin reminds us that everything is performance. Even waking up, getting to work, or going to the gym. The hosts focus on how performance psychology helps people reach optimal levels of performance with skills and techniques. Tune in to learn about some of those tools that psychologists use to help others perform their best.

Dr. Rubin introduces the subtle shifts of seasons on the west coast compared to the east coast seasonal changes. This episode highlights that the act of returning is a behavior and the idea of renewal is an experience. Dr. Rubin breaks this down for listeners and Dr. Pete brings in the eastern spirituality focusing on the metaphor: Watering the seed is renewal. Tune in to learn about the experience of renewing in your life and that at this moment you can make a commitment to upgrading some part of your life (i.e., renewal).

Dr. Pete introduces the nature of resilience in psychology and living while Dr. Rubin reminds that resilience is connected to grit. She named the ingredients as: grit, connection, love and connection, and compassion. There was a moment of disagreement, which does not happen often between these two, when it came to grit. It was a true east versus west conversation since Dr. Pete uses that word at least twice a day for the past 15 years and Dr. Rubin recently found herself describing grit in session. You do not want to miss this episode to learn about cultivating resilience. 

Dr. Rubin introduces the education regarding panic symptoms and panic attacks, and how they are precipitated by a perceived threat. Drs. Rubin and Pete present the symptoms and present some mechanisms that people use to manage panic. Dr. Pete brings the Eastern teachings with the focus on anxiety and nonattachment. Tune into this episode to learn about the east and west perception of panic.

Self growthThere are many ways for people to try and evolve, and today’s culture heavily emphasizes the importance of wellness and wellbeing. In fact, there could be some criticism about self-growth being viewed as a fad, but Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin break this down for you and tell you how important self growth truly is. Don't believe us? Tune in to see how the eastern spiritual practices have focused so much on growth and change, and how western behaviorism can teach you effective ways to do so. 

ConnectionDr. Rubin introduced the idea of connection as something that is not measurable, and humans are in need of it. Of course many of us are still recovering from the pandemic and what it meant to connect during this time versus returning now to the present moment and re-learning how to connect. Dr. Pete is able to bring it to the East so that listeners can see how to weave the behavior of connection with the eastern spirituality practice. There is no moment other than this one; this one as you read and click to listen to this episode and learn about tools for stronger connection with other humans, values, and life. 

AngerDr. Rubin highlights the evolution of anger and how this emotion can be helpful. Like most things in the practice of mindfulness, as long as we do not let any of them control how we think, feel and behave, they can be useful. Dr. Pete discusses the role of anger in performance and how the East has interpreted and written on this emotion. Remember, it is just one emotion. Do not give emotions too much power. Tune in to learn about how to effectively feel anger!

In this episode Dr. Pete brings the trend of retreats to this episode as it comes into modern wellness, as well as the traditional practices of retreats which are ultimately meant to isolate and recharge our energy and spirits. Dr. Rubin reminds listeners to remain curious about these ideas and find what is helpful for each individual, because there is no one-size-fits all. Dr. Pete reminds us that wellness is a journey and to remain patient with the process of retreats, dabble with different kinds, and like Dr. Rubin said, stay curious. Tune in to learn more about the practice of retreats. 

The Return: We are back!After almost one year, Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin return to When East Meets West and, in true form of their commitment to mindfulness, they frame this return episode within a mindful and values-based way. Like most of you they have been busy and had to make the decision to stay on hiatus, but they are back. They will bring new episodes to complete season 3 and keep throwing knowledge for the world to improve and to decrease suffering. Tune in to hear about their time off and what to expect for the upcoming episodes.

Have you missed the  doctors? Well, they missed you more! Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin have been grinding, which means that they needed to take a break. Tune in to learn the importance of boundaries and self-care professionally and personally. They explain the importance of self-compassion, mindfulness, spirituality, and explain the need to take a break. Do not worry. Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin will be back soon with riveting episodes linking eastern spirituality with western spiritual practices.

You see that there? What is the dilemma with rules? Tune in to hear Dr. Rubin talk about how there are some issues with rules, but that we also need them. She schools Dr. Pete, as always, and sheds light onto the importance of rules in behaviorism. 

January 2022, one of the most influential Buddhist monks, transitioned to the next life. He was 95-years-old and after being ordained a monk at age 16, he went on to live a life dedicated to educating the world on peace and living compassionately. Dr. Pete discusses the role of death in eastern traditions, and what this means to his community. It made sense that Dr. Rubin would bring this episode to shed light on the tremendous impact he has had during this lifetime. 

Have you ever heard someone describe an event (e.g., dinner, fight, work presentation), but it sounds so different than you experienced it? that is perception. In the opening episode of season 3, Dr. Pete shares the dharma talk that was influenced by the role of perceptions, and how the mind interferes with behavior. While this concept of perception is common within the eastern spiritual teachings, it is also fundamentally behavioral. Tune in to learn about how the power of perception is related to releasing suffering.

Oops, Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete forgot to say good-bye and all of a sudden, they found themselves in a short hiatus. In this season 2 closer, the co-hosts discuss the need for a break, setting boundaries, all within the context of a new year and the resolutions that people make as the world enters a new year. Learn about intention versus resolution, and both Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete share some of their committed intentions for the new year. You will not want to miss this episode, especially if you are seeking peace in the new year.

Dr. Rubin asks and she receives, so Dr. Pete breaks down the Heart Sutra in a very basic, secular way. Listeners will learn about the role of chanting and sutras in eastern practices, specifically the heart sutra in this episode. If you want to learn more about the role of chanting in Buddhism, tune in!Listeners can read the heart sutra here: https://zmm.org/teachings-and-training/liturgy/heart-sutra/

Have you ever been to a dinner and then you ask all the guests what happened at dinner? If there were 6 guests, you will get 6 different stories. That is the power of perspective taking. Dr. Pete shares knowledge about how perspective impacts mood and behaviors, while Dr. Rubin drops knowledge about its role in western behavioral science. The psychologists discuss developmental aspects of perspective, the idea of no self in easters philosophies, and its role in empathy. Tune in, you don't want to miss how your perspective reading this right now will affect whether you listen or not.