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MediMindful Moment: Meet Sara Daves
In this episode of Cloud9 Online’s MediMindful Moments Podcast, co-hosts Judith Dreyer, Jeff Nelder, and Henry Edinger interview Sara Daves, Intuitive Purpose Coach, and Conflict Strategist. Sara talks about how she helps people discover their true purpose in life and how the conflict resolution circle helps in understanding ourselves.
In this episode of Cloud9 Online’s MediMindful Moments Podcast, co-hosts Judith Dreyer, Jeff Nelder, and Henry Edinger interview Sara Daves, Intuitive Purpose Coach, and Conflict Strategist. Sara talks about how she helps people discover their true purpose in life and how the conflict resolution circle helps in understanding ourselves.
Listen HERE!
Episode Highlights:
● Judith introduces Sara Daves. (00:41)
● Sara shares that when she’s talking about purpose, it’s about natural talents, gifts, and abilities that we are all born with. (1:32)
● Jeff proceeds with the mindful moment exercise. (3:55)
● Sara mentions that she has an online coaching program for women or those who lead with their feminine energy to learn how to manifest, and she’s doing conflict resolution as well. (7:25)
● Sara shares that the conflict is a gift and it serves as the bridge between separation and connection. (11:24)
● Sara mentions that the tool she offers is called a conflict resolution circle. (12:56)
● Sara shares that if you have a conflict that is occurring, there are ways to handle that, and she teaches the process of the unit of the circle to everyone. (13:44)
● Sara shares that mindfulness is about being aware of what's going on around you, and practicing mindfulness with yourself, which means that you are growing your self-awareness. (16:08)
● Sara mentions that the more we learn about ourselves, the less we judge ourselves. (17:11)
● Sara shares a story about purpose and conflict resolution. (19:27)
● Sara mentions that everyone's different and everyone has their own way of being in service to the world. (21:50)
● Sara shares that the more that you're in a state of joy, the more you will uplift others. (35:47)
Key Quotes:
● “I think of this as a big pie, and it's cut into seven and a half billion pieces. So everyone is like one of those slices of this beautiful, delicious pie. And there is a different perspective for every slice. So we're never looking at the world in the same way, and we're never moving through the world in the same way, and we all have something very special to give in service to each other.” - Sara Daves
● “My purpose is to anchor the consciousness of oneness here on the planet, or help do that in my very small way because we do need to come into this understanding of our connection, and have that concept. And really getting to know yourself is a perfect way to do that. It's a perfect way to begin.” - Sara Daves
● “You don't have to wait for something horrible to happen to you, you can choose to get on the front end of that and learn about yourself and decide to do something different. Because the longer we tolerate that, the more of a blow-up it's going to be, later.” - Sara Daves
Resources Mentioned:
MediMindful Moment: Meet Sixcia Devine
In this episode of Cloud9 Online’s MediMindful Moments Podcast, co-hosts Judith Dreyer, Jeff Nelder, and Henry Edinger interview Sixcia Devine, Founder and Creative Director of Caritas Smile. Sixcia talks about the program they launched called Caritas Smile and shares her three mindfulness tips.
In this episode of Cloud9 Online’s MediMindful Moments Podcast, co-hosts Judith Dreyer, Jeff Nelder, and Henry Edinger interview Sixcia Devine, Founder and Creative Director of Caritas Smile. Sixcia talks about the program they launched called Caritas Smile and shares her three mindfulness tips.
Listen HERE!
Episode Highlights:
● Judith introduces Sixcia Devine. (00:37)
● Sixcia shares that what they do at Caritas Smile is they bring volunteers from all over the United States, travel to developing countries, and connect the volunteers on the ground with real service-learning opportunities. (1:25)
● Sixcia mentions that Caritas Smile doesn’t only transform the lives of the volunteers, but it certainly transforms the lives of the communities they serve. (1:55)
● Sixcia leads the mindful moment exercise. (4:53)
● Sixcia thinks that the simple process of putting yourself in a position where you're able to alleviate somebody's pain and create vibrational love takes us out of the elements that we’re used to. (10:25)
● Sixcia shares that the majority of their volunteers are from the United States. (10:49)
● Sixcia mentions that the opportunities where you can put yourself in a position where you can help others, take you out of your own inner struggles. (12:31)
● Sixcia shares that their program is typically a week-long, and they always include some kind of mindfulness meditation and yoga. (16:12)
● Sixcia mentions their centering affirmation, “Today I let go of the endless need to understand everything and choose to love and embrace myself and humanity.”. (17:25)
● Sixcia’s first mindfulness tip is to use music as a healing technique and as a mindful technique. (23:21)
● Sixcia’s second mindfulness tip is to listen with compassion and courage to everything that's happening in the world. (24:25)
● Sixcia’s third mindfulness tip is breathing, feeling, and following your breath. (25:34)
Key Quotes:
● “There's a lot of work for us to do, but our program is 100% volunteer-based and it is truly an opportunity for people to become connected with nature, with humanity, and the purpose of our existence.” - Sixcia Devine
● “At times, there are certain words that elicit an emotional response. So to your point, there are very powerful words, like embracing love and humanity, and we can hear it once and the feeling might come to us. But if we hear it three times, then the ability to connect that word, that content with feeling is stronger.” - Sixcia Devine
● “When you start to see the real struggles or other struggles of other people that might be fighting poverty, that might be fighting hunger injustice, and if you extend that helping hand like, I think it changes the way you perceive life and your whole purpose in life. And I think that also helps to clarify your life's mission.” - Sixcia Devine
Resources Mentioned:
MediMindful Moment: Meet Dr. Reginald Eadie
In this episode of Cloud 9 Online’s MediMindful Moment Podcast, co-hosts Judith Dreyer, Jeff Nelder, and Henry Edinger interview Dr. Reginald Eadie, MD, MBA, President and CEO of Trinity Health of New England. Dr. Reginald talks about the 61 Day Challenge and how significant a community can be.
In this episode of Cloud9 Online’s MediMindful Moments Podcast, co-hosts Judith Dreyer, Jeff Nelder, and Henry Edinger interview Dr. Reginald Eadie, MD, MBA, President and CEO of Trinity Health of New England. Dr. Reginald talks about the 61 Day Challenge and how significant a community can be.
Listen HERE!
Episode Highlights:
● Judith introduces Dr. Reginald Eadie. (00:40)
● Reginald mentions that he’s an emergency medicine physician and he’s the founder of the 61 Day Challenge. (1:07)
● Jeff proceeds with the mindful moment exercise. (3:13)
● Reginald shares that the purpose of the 61 Day Challenge is to identify the necessities within the community, and they have a different theme every year that they must consider the mind, the body, and the spirit. (7:16)
● Henry mentions that it’s significant to take time for your own mental well-being. (10:16)
● Reginald shares that whenever two or three of them gather, they start their meeting or conversation with a reflection. (11:20)
● Reginald mentions that Trinity Health of New England is a Catholic healthcare system, and reciting scripture versus taking time to be in the moment, are two different actions. (12:02)
● Reginald shares that the 61 Day Challenge is held every year, starting November 1 through December 31. (19:48)
● Reginald mentions that they have seen an increase in behavioral health issues within the community. (22:00)
● Reginald shares that this year, they’re going to address the most significant aspect of the pandemic. (23:28)
● Henry shares the idea that Reginald’s team and the Cloud 9 team came up with a new feature that will be available on the app called, Counting Mindful Minutes. (23:49)
● Reginald shares that from a colleague’s perspective, they’re doing it as a region and they will become a much stronger organization. Therefore, they’re more equipped to handle the community and its needs, as they interact with Trinity Health of New England. (27:00)
Key Quotes:
● “We’ve learned a lot from our experiences through the pandemic and we are grateful that we were able to establish a relationship with you guys and the work that you do.” - Dr. Reginald Eadie
● “I think I'm blessed to have men or women who do a great job in putting together, and this year's partnership with you guys is evident that we need to look in the rearview mirror, and try to control the post-pandemic impact that it will have on our minds, our bodies, and our spirits.” - Dr. Reginald Eadie
● “So just this interaction, just the time we will take regardless, of the number of minutes to sort of reset and become present at the moment, has the same impact with the food that you eat because of the hormones, foods, and things in that nature.” - Dr. Reginald Eadie
● “I think negotiating with the kids is very favorable because it gives them the ability to participate in the decision, they have ownership, it builds responsibility, and instills accountability.” - Dr. Reginald Eadie
● “What we've gone through from a pandemic perspective and what we will likely go through again, for the remainder of this calendar year. We can't go through this alone, and we have to have a partnership as you indicate, we've got to be the change you want to see.” - Dr. Reginald Eadie
Resources Mentioned:
MediMindful Moment: Meet Dr. Leesa Sklover
In this episode of Cloud 9 Online’s MediMindful Moment podcast, co-hosts Judith Dreyer, Jeff Nelder, and Henry Edinger interview Leesa Sklover, Ph.D., LPC, MA-CMT, CRC, IKYTA, C-IAYT, ACA, the Director of Sklover LoveLife Productions. Leesa talks about integrating the use of meditation, music, and creative therapies and the significance of vibration in words and music.
In this episode of Cloud9 Online’s MediMindful Moments podcast, co-hosts Judith Dreyer, Jeff Nelder, and Henry Edinger interview Leesa Sklover, Ph.D., LPC, MA-CMT, CRC, IKYTA, C-IAYT, ACA, the Director of Sklover LoveLife Productions. Leesa talks about integrating the use of meditation, music, and creative therapies and the significance of vibration in words and music.
Listen HERE!
Episode Highlights:
● Judith introduces Dr. Leesa Sklover. (00:40)
● Leesa shares that she started her career as a musician and a professional singer-songwriter. (1:16)
● Leesa mentions that most of what she’s doing incorporates the use of meditation, music, and healing through all of the creative therapies. (1:26)
● Leesa leads the mindful moment exercise. (4:10)
● Leesa shares that her music genre is country pop-rock. (9:41)
● Leesa mentions her new single entitled, Throw My Arms All Around You. (9:49)
● Leesa shares that the majority part of our brain is musical rather than verbal, and from her perspective, meditating using sound is the key. (10:05)
● What would Leesa suggest to someone that’s new to meditation? (11:37)
● Leesa shares that she usually gives people a certain kind of meditation, for every session that she does for psychotherapy. (11:44)
● Leesa mentions that vibration is a huge element in creating your own mantra. (12:54)
● Leesa thinks that mindfulness is grounding, and meditation or other types of integrated therapies helps you to open yourself. (13:30)
● How can people carry exercises with them throughout the day, so they can practice mindfulness? (19:40)
● Leesa thinks that meditation is an opportunity to think through what’s bothering you, and to process it, and to figure out what you should do about it. (25:00)
● From a music therapy perspective, Leesa thinks that everything is about the archetype of the heartbeat. Therefore, the whole world is set to the tempo. (25:13)
● Leesa mentions her podcast series entitled, See Me As I Am. (29:13)
Key Quotes:
● “Just think of the idea that at this moment in time, we need to bless ourselves, and bless every single person and being that we see.” - Dr. Leesa Sklover
● “Imagine yourself just singing this in your mind anywhere you are, anywhere you go. Imagine sending that circle to yourself and to those you care about, and to the things in nature that you care about. Just connecting those anchor cords everywhere you go and slowly feel your feet on the floor, feel yourself in the room, and slowly open your eyes.” - Dr. Leesa Sklover
● “Making sure you have the dusk and dawn ritual in your life and making sure that you keep that mindfulness allows people to slow down, and some people who are having a really difficult time, they've had to learn how to be mindful.” - Dr. Leesa Sklover
● “Think about those words, remember, remind. I'm reminding myself, like Humpty Dumpty fell, you had to build them back up, you have to remind yourself all the time to bring yourself back into the moment that you're in.” - Dr. Leesa Sklover
● “Slow yourself down and really breathe too and receive from what's around you and use mantra and chant as part of your mindfulness practice.” - Dr. Leesa Sklover
Resources Mentioned:
MediMindful Moment: Meet Lois Grasso-Barrett
In this episode of Cloud 9 Online’s MediMindful Moment Podcast, co-hosts Judith Dreyer, Jeff Nelder, and Henry Edinger interview Lois Grasso-Barrett, Holistic Health Coach, Public Speaker, Founder, and Director at OxyGenesis Institute. Lois talks about the ability to focus on our breathing and becoming mindful of our breath. She also shares her knowledge and expertise in understanding the different types of breathing exercises.
In this episode of Cloud9 Online’s MediMindful Moments Podcast, co-hosts Judith Dreyer, Jeff Nelder, and Henry Edinger interview Lois Grasso-Barrett, Holistic Health Coach, Public Speaker, Founder, and Director at OxyGenesis Institute. Lois talks about the ability to focus on our breathing and becoming mindful of our breath. She also shares her knowledge and expertise in understanding the different types of breathing exercises.
Listen HERE!
Episode Highlights:
● Judith introduces Lois Grasso-Barrett. (0:40)
● Lois shares her background. (1:08)
● Lois shares that she teaches people how to use their breathing, to become present, to own themselves, and we can use the breathing to own and take responsibility for our feelings. (3:58)
● Lois leads the mindful moment exercise. (5:47)
● Henry mentions that as the world's coming back together again a little bit, even with masks on, being compassionate is more vital. (10:21)
● Lois thinks that all our hearts want is more compassion. (10:35)
● Lois mentions that laughter is one of her favorite breathing exercises. (11:25)
● Lois shares that she’s done a lot of laughter yoga, bringing a group of people together and laughing for no reason, we come up with silly little games and silly little exercises to play. (11:35)
● Lois shares that when you're laughing, you're in the moment where you’re present and enjoying yourself. (13:08)
● Henry mentions that they have a meditation on MediMind called laughter meditation. (14:28)
● Lois mentions that yawning is also a breathing exercise and contagious, as well. (15:40)
● Lois mentions that crying is also a breathing exercise and contagious, as well. (16:28)
● How does Lois stay mindful, or coach people to be mindful when it’s not laughter? (17:06)
● Lois shares that when we do deep breathing, it leads us out of the fight or flight mode, where our nervous system is when we are angry, afraid, or anxious. (18:16)
● Lois explains the belly button breathing. (18:28)
● Lois mentions that she has a children’s book entitled, Maven and The Magic Buttons. (18:37)
● How do mindfulness programs in school work? (21:36)
● Lois shares that by tapping on acupuncture points, it calms down the amygdala, which is the fear center of the brain. (22:40)
● Lois shares her fantasy and goal (25:39)
● What’s Lois’ vision for her mindfulness programs? (26:17)
● Judith shares that we have to learn how to accept uncertainty and the techniques to help children come into a sense of peace, within themselves at the moment. (28:488)
● Judith mentions that we're learning scientifically that by focusing on our breath, we change our whole biochemistry, and people don't realize that those three to six breaths, could help our immune system to stay strong. (29:18)
● Lois shares a brain hack. (29:45)
● Lois shares that there are different purposes for different breathing exercises, and everybody needs to become aware of and focused on our breathing. (32:23)
● Lois mentions that all we need is to master our breathing. (34:35)
Key Quotes:
● “The number one way to claim ourselves on all these levels is to claim our breathing and learn how to breathe fully, which is not just a conscious learning thing, it's a process whereby we have to reclaim our feelings, or our willingness and our ability to cry.” - Lois Grasso-Barrett
● “Laughter is ultimately a breathing exercise and gets us breathing big. It has all the benefits of breathing, and it's a beautiful thing not to mention, it kicks into gear all those happy hormones in our brain and makes us feel blessed.” - Lois Grasso-Barrett
● “I want to make sure people who are listening to this understand that when they're feeling anger, or fear or anxiety or any of the unpleasant emotions, what it usually means is that they have been breathing shallowly, and those emotions can exacerbate shallow breathing.” - Lois Grasso-Barrett
Resources Mentioned:
MediMindful Moment: Meet Rich Tyler
In this episode of Cloud 9 Online’s MediMindful Moment Podcast, co-hosts Judith Dreyer, Jeff Nelder, and Henry Edinger interview Richard Tyler, R.Ph, Pharmacist at Westown Pharmacy. Rich talks about his career in the pharmaceutical industry and his experiences working in an independent community pharmacy.
In this episode of Cloud9 Online’s MediMindful Moments Podcast, co-hosts Judith Dreyer, Jeff Nelder, and Henry Edinger interview Richard Tyler, R.Ph, Pharmacist at Westown Pharmacy. Rich talks about his career in the pharmaceutical industry and his experiences working in an independent community pharmacy.
Listen HERE!
Episode Highlights:
● Judith introduces Richard Tyler. (0:38)
● What does Rich see in his workplace? (1:03)
● Rich mentions that he prefers to work in an independent community pharmacy. (1:22)
● Rich shares that COVID-19 has changed them in many ways as an independent pharmacy. Because they extended their services in the big box stores with their delivery, and their community outreach services have dramatically increased. (1:38)
● Rich shares that they’re a solid team that has been together for a long time and everybody knows each other personally, and professionally. (2:12)
● Judith shares that Rich has the wisdom and the experience, for the history of some medications that most of us don't have. (3:28)
● Rich thinks that pharmacists nowadays are more academic than it was back in 1977. (4:00)
● Judith mentions that Rich has a great reputation in the community. (4:22)
● Rich mentions that his first job was in a small retail independent pharmacy. (4:39)
● Jeff proceeds with the mindful moment exercise. (6:45)
● How is Rich helping himself to stay mindful when the interactions are changing? (9:33)
● What is Rich doing to help their staff mindful of the fact that the world's changing around them and they're at steady state for the customers? (9:44)
● Rich shares that he’s a firm believer of leading by example. (10:05)
● Henry shares that if somebody’s having anxiety, making them stabilize is one of the most significant aspects, and taking a few deep breaths. (12:17)
● What are some of Rich’s daily practices, before going into the pharmacy, with the right mindset? (12:42)
● What role does Rich notice that mind-body connection plays in people's lives these days, whether it's on the team, or in terms of the people coming in? (16:31)
● Rich mentions that everybody's a little frightened, and when the fear comes to them, they lose their way. (16:53)
● Rich shares that it’s necessary to recognize who you're dealing with. Because some people are more open to suggestions than others. (19:03)
● Judith shares that staying true to our way of working, and how we want to be for people is what matters in the long run. (20:33)
● Judith mentions what she loves about their podcasts and the MediMindful team is that they try to walk their talk, with what they’re doing. (20:47)
● Based on everything that's happening, does Rich have any tips for everybody? (21:39)
● Henry shares that if everyone could do a little more introspection, the whole world would be so much better. (22:24)
● Rich mentions that pharmacies are an accessible part of the healthcare system. (25:35)
● Jeff mentions that the more time we spend present, the more time we spend awake, the more we appreciate how powerful and fulfilling it is to have that level of compassion without having the ego in it. (27:24)
Key Quotes:
● “Sometimes you have to grow with the times and stay current. I think we do a pretty good job of telling people, informing people, and keeping people in the loop of what has to happen and what's going to occur for them.” - Richard Tyler
● “We're all humans. If I have a bad day and I bring it to the pharmacy, and I spike up in emotional outbursts, then everybody goes downhill quick and spirals down. So you have to recognize that they're looking to you to be the rock, so to speak, and the basis to be mindful, and to be present with the situation that's occurring and move forward with that.” - Richard Tyler
● “Not everybody can be athletic, yoga wise. But if you can just bring your breath, your focus to the center, then you're in a good place right there.” - Richard Tyler
● “You guys are all involved in the mindfulness, and that's what this is about. Just breathing, staying present, knowing we can't change the world but, we can do our best to try and make it a little bit better, every day.” - Richard Tyler
Resources Mentioned:
MediMindful Moment: Meet Craig Floyd
In this episode of Cloud 9 Online’s MediMindful Moment Podcast, co-hosts Judith Dreyer, Jeff Nelder, and Henry Edinger interview Craig Floyd, Farm Manager of the Giving Garden at Coogan Farm, part of the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center. Tenth-generation farmer Craig Floyd, talks about connecting people to nature through working in the soil and utilizing regenerative gardening practices.
In this episode of Cloud9 Online’s MediMindful Moments Podcast, co-hosts Judith Dreyer, Jeff Nelder, and Henry Edinger interview Craig Floyd, Farm Manager of the Giving Garden at Coogan Farm, part of the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center. Tenth-generation farmer Craig Floyd, talks about connecting people to nature through working in the soil and utilizing regenerative gardening practices.
Listen HERE!
Episode Highlights:
● Judith shares that Craig is not only the Farm Manager but also the Master Gardener, and the planner along with hundreds of volunteers that provide organic food to the New London county food banks. (00:48)
● What is Coogan Farm, and what do Craig’s people do at the farm? (1:18)
● Craig shares that 100% of what they grow is donated to help feed the 32,000 food-insecure people in London County. (1:47)
● Craig mentions that as of today, they have donated over 65,000 pounds of food. (2:11)
● Jeff proceeds with the mindful moment exercise. (4:17)
● Craig shares that they normally have 300 to 400 volunteers. (7:12)
● Craig mentions that a lot of different people with special needs come and benefit in so many ways because they are interacting with the soil, and microbiology in the soil. (7:26)
● Craig shares a story about two veterans that came into his garden. (7:48)
● Henry mentions that Craig is helping people to live a mindful life. (8:42)
● How is Craig feeling today? (9:08)
● What does Craig feel when he’s at the farm? (9:22)
● Craig mentions that he received an email from Hunts Brook Farm, and they wanted to donate 300 heads of lettuce, to the Gemma Moran Food Bank in London. (9:44)
● Craig mentions that there are local farmers who have extra harvests and donate it to the food insecure. (11:21)
● Craig shares that there are a lot of positive results, from neighbor to neighbor, and farm to farm that people don’t know. (11:48)
● What role does mindfulness have to play in farming and gardening? (12:14)
● Jeff mentions that Craig presented at TED Talk. (12:25)
● Craig shares the feeling of being able to provide food to those standing in line at the mobile food pantry. (13:27)
● What would Craig think if more people in the world could take dedicated time each day to be with Mother Nature and breathe? (13:58)
● Craig shares another story about a young man that came in a parachute harness. (14:29)
● Craig mentions that nature heals people. (19:29)
Key Quotes:
● “This is not your normal garden. This is a regenerative no-till, no-spray garden, and the food is 80% better than anything you've ever put your mouth on nutritionally. So it's really good, especially for those people that are in need.” - Craig Floyd
● “To be out there in that field with people, on a hot and sweaty day, watching the dragonflies, harvesting lettuce, and taking it to the food bank and seeing the smiles on everybody's faces. Knowing that somebody was going to get some good lettuce today.” - Craig Floyd
● “You become one with Mother Nature. People don't understand the strength of the garden, and what the garden can do for us. Whether you're just a 73-year-old, 10th generation farmer, or whether you're a young teenager, with special needs, unable to verbally communicate, what a garden does for us to be in the garden, and to be growing and knowing that we're going to give somebody a meal.” - Craig Floyd
● “You need to get outside and volunteer in a garden or just put some parsley in the ground or something. Do something with the soil. You know, we are 90% better bacterial cells, what do you think the soil is? I mean, we are the soil. It just does so much good for us. You've got to get out in nature, people. Take your shoes off. Just enjoy it.” - Craig Floyd
Resources Mentioned:
● Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
● TED Talk: Feeding & Healing The Community Through A Regenerative Giving Garden
MediMindful Moment: Meet Ajamu Ayende
In this episode of Cloud9 Online’s MediMindful Moment podcast, co-hosts Judith Dreyer, Jeff Nelder, and Henry Edinger interview Ajamu Ayinde, MA, ACH, Certified Medical Hypnotherapist at Advantage Enterprises. Ajamu shares his knowledge and expertise as a Hypnotherapist, and his experience in Transpersonal Therapy. He also talks about the healing tools of mindfulness and the significance of gentle awareness.
In this episode of Cloud9 Online’s MediMindful Moments podcast, co-hosts Judith Dreyer, Jeff Nelder, and Henry Edinger interview Ajamu Ayinde, MA, ACH, Certified Medical Hypnotherapist at Advantage Enterprises. Ajamu shares his knowledge and expertise as a Hypnotherapist, and his experience in Transpersonal Therapy. He also talks about the healing tools of mindfulness and the significance of gentle awareness.
Listen HERE!
Episode Highlights:
● Have you wondered how our mental health practitioners are coping with the COVID-19 crisis? (1:38)
● How do mental health practitioners incorporate mindful practices? (1:47)
● Judith introduces Ajamu Ayinde. (1:53)
● Jeff proceeds with the mindful moment exercise. (2:29)
● After Ajamu experienced the exercise, does he have any feelings or sensations that he wants to share? (5:51)
● Henry shares that gentle awareness is significant in our current situation. (6:34)
● What states of mind were the most distracting for Ajamu? (6:44)
● Ajamu shares that feeling overwhelmed is an emotion that a lot of people are experiencing, and many people are feeling very overwhelmed by the information overload and by the changes that are happening. (6:56)
● What role does mindful awareness play in hypnotherapy? (8:43)
● Ajamu shares that if we're used to ignoring our bodies, ignoring our minds, and ignoring our states of being, then it's easy to allow other elements to also be ignored. (9:17)
● Ajamu mentions the principle tenet of Buddhism. (9:29)
● Jeff shares that if we're going to have any chance to transform fear and anger, it's going to have to start with each of us. (13:59)
● Ajamu mentions a book entitled Love Is Letting Go of Fear, by Gerald Jampolsky. (14:14)
● Ajamu shares that these states of mind are the most unresolvable states that we can hold, and it's impossible to inspire people if we're all collapsed inward on ourselves and sticking our heads in the sand. (15:01)
● Ajamu mentions that the Buddha came to teach us, to use his words, and allow us to make sense of this world that we're living in. (15:42)
● Ajamu feels that every holistic practitioner, every mindfulness teacher, and every yoga teacher, were called to be the light bearer, to be of compassion, and to be the force of love. (15:57)
● Henry mentions that you don't necessarily have to grab a sign and go to your local town square, to spread knowledge and to spread an understanding. (18:32)
● Does Ajamu have a story to share about his experience during our current situation? (19:18)
● Ajamu shares that it has been difficult for him to be in nature, and draw strength from the natural world in a way that he had, all his life. (19:58)
● Ajamu shares that as a black man, the focus on police brutality is something that he has dealt with his entire life. (20:24)
● Ajamu mentions that one of the greatest healing tools that he has is nature and being out in the weather. (22:50)
● Ajamu shares that one of the elements of transpersonal healing and therapy is that it’s very honest, and spirituality is about rawness and realness. (23:06)
● Ajamu mentions that one of the issues that is not being talked about in psychology or spirituality is race and ethnicity. (23:21)
● How can we use the tools of mindfulness to help us, within a difficult situation? (24:47)
● Ajamu shares one of the mindful tools that he learned from different martial arts teachers. (24:21)
● Jeff shares that the idea that Ajamu can surface wisdom among people, in a very short period of time is something precious, and we should never take it for granted. (26:56)
● Jeff thinks that a lot of people share the feeling of not being safe outside their home for a variety of reasons, and letting them know that they're not alone, is very significant. (28:15)
● Ajamu mentions that he’s a product of hypnotic childbirth, back in 1968. (29:00)
Key Quotes:
● “As a hypnotherapist, I always want to remind people that they are much more resourceful than they would give themselves credit for being. One of the central tenants of neuro-linguistic programming is that we have all the resources that we need within us. And I do my best to share that philosophy and presupposition with as many of my clients as I can.” - Ajamu Ayinde
● “The central idea is that one must be awake to deal and address what's going on. We could all wish things were different or the way they used to be or the way that they might be in some distant future. But what is right now is what we must all grapple with.” - Ajamu Ayinde
● “When we bring love into our hearts, when we ignite that love when we acknowledge that love, we extend it to ourselves, we extend it to the other, whoever that other is, then that’s where the hope comes from. That's where the solution comes from. That's where the plan comes from.” - Ajamu Ayinde
● “We’re not superhuman, we're not Gods, so to speak. We are vulnerable as well, but it's our practices that make us able to do what we do. But we must rely on one another, we must lean on each other, we must be vulnerable amongst one another so that we can rebuild ourselves, renew ourselves, and restore ourselves so that we continue shining.” - Ajamu Ayinde
● “Disproportionate numbers of people who are being affected are people of color, and that's not something that is easy for people to talk about, black or white. But it is real, it is what is. And it's the underlying medical conditions that many people of color have that they bring to the COVID crisis that make them more vulnerable. But that has to be addressed, and it can't just be written off.” - Ajamu Ayinde
Resources Mentioned:
MediMindful Moment: Meet Javier Colon - Winner of The Voice (Season One)
Music touches us, moves us, soothes us, stimulates us in so many ways. How does music move you?
In this episode of Cloud 9 Online’s MediMindful Moment podcast, co-hosts Judith Dreyer, Jeff Nelder, and Henry Edinger interview Javier Colon, an American singer-songwriter and musician and winner of Season 1 of The Voice. Javier talks about his creation experience, meditation, and songwriting process. Javier also discusses how different styles of music help people express their emotions.
Music touches us, moves us, soothes us, stimulates us in so many ways. How does music move you?
In this episode of Cloud9 Online’s MediMindful Moments podcast, co-hosts Judith Dreyer, Jeff Nelder, and Henry Edinger interview Javier Colon, an American singer-songwriter and musician and winner of Season 1 of The Voice. Javier talks about his creation experience, meditation, and songwriting process. Javier also discusses how different styles of music help people express their emotions.
Listen HERE!
Episode Highlights:
Henry introduces the guest, Javier Colon. (0:40)
Javier shares his background story. (0:58)
Javier mentions that he was a bit shy as he came up, but ended up winning the first season of The Voice. (1:39)
Judith says that every person has the ability to become mindful in the current moment, and all it takes is the ability to focus on our breath. (2:50)
Jeff shares that this show is dedicated to helping not only the audience but each of them recording this podcast to share more mindful moments together. (3:29)
How does Javier feel when singing out his mantra? (7:00)
Aside from winning, what was Javier’s unforgettable moment about being on The Voice? (9:36)
Javier shares that he sang Time After Time at the audition, and got all four coaches turned around. (10:11)
Javier shares that he was able to sing with Stevie Nicks on the final day of The Voice. (11:54)
Javier talks about his kids who meditate. (12:30)
What is Javier’s favorite song that he has written? (15:39)
Javier shares that he meditates every time he jumps into a song. (19:31)
Jeff says that meditation is all about becoming present and increasing your awareness. (21:24)
Javier talks about the experience of creating, and how it brings him into the moment. (22:22)
Javier shares that he loves the writing process. (26:21)
Javier mentions that he was a vegetarian for 18 years. (30:00)
What advice would Javier give to the listeners? (33:06)
Does Javier sing in the shower? (39:21)
Judith says that Javier is a great example of embracing the creative moment. (40:05)
Judith mentions that the MediMind Guided Meditation App is available on all devices, and it is free for 90 days. (41:30)
Key Quotes:
“Honestly, singing mantras…just brings me to this place of calm that I don’t feel in any other thing that I sing. It brings me just a sense of peace, a sense of fluidity if that makes sense. I don’t feel any restrictions on my body, on my voice. I just feel very free.” – Javier Colon
“I love the writing process. One of my favorite parts of my job is getting to go in and create something out of nothing, something that did not exist before.” – Javier Colon
“When I’m not having the greatest day, sometimes I put on a certain kind of music that will either make me feel happy…that is kind of putting yourself in a mindful place.” – Javier Colon
MediMindful Moment: Meet Dr. Eric Secor
In this episode of Cloud 9 Online’s MediMindful Moment Podcast, co-hosts Judith Dreyer, Jeff Nelder, and Henry Edinger interview Dr. Eric R. Secor, ND, PhD, LAc, Chief of Integrative Medicine at Hartford Hospital. Dr. Secor shares his knowledge and expertise in integrative medicine and explains the complexity of stress and the benefits of mindfulness. Dr. Secor, a key player within our medical system, on the medical front lines throughout COVID-19's arrival and impact on our medical system, shares his experiences about how mindfulness played and continues to play a role in his practice and approach to his patients and their medical care.
Join us for an engaging conversation experience.
In this episode of Cloud9 Online’s MediMindful Moments Podcast, co-hosts Judith Dreyer, Jeff Nelder, and Henry Edinger interview Dr. Eric R. Secor, ND, PhD, LAc, Chief of Integrative Medicine at Hartford Hospital. Dr. Secor shares his knowledge and expertise in integrative medicine and explains the complexity of stress and the benefits of mindfulness. Dr. Secor, a key player within our medical system, on the medical front lines throughout COVID-19's arrival and impact on our medical system, shares his experiences about how mindfulness played and continues to play a role in his practice and approach to his patients and their medical care.
Join us for an engaging conversation experience.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1D964TJ33vUl1z6MINzwOK
Episode Highlights:
● Dr. Eric Secor shares his background and his career in the industry of medicine. (1:12)
● Dr. Eric Secor mentions that only a few medical programs had Nutrition Lifestyle as a key component of their program. (2:16)
● Dr. Eric Secor shares that when he joined Hartford, he helped them oversee the transition of their old integrative medicine model into their current model, and look for novel ways to integrate therapies through applications and cloud-based applications. (4:26)
● Judith mentions that she loves integrative and holistic medicine. (4:53)
● Judith shares that mindfulness practices provide a refuge from those daily distractions that are fueled by everything going on today. (5:08)
● Jeff mentions that this episode is dedicated to creating mindful moments together. (5:59)
● Jeff proceeds with the four questions. (6:10)
● What are Dr. Eric Secor’s thoughts about the need for more mindful moments? (8:15)
● Dr. Eric Secor thinks that everybody’s set point is a little bit higher, therefore our threshold for managing stress, anxiety intention, will ebb and flow throughout our workweek and throughout our year. (9:12)
● Dr. Eric Secor thinks that challenges are coming at us from multiple different angles and locations. In a general sense, the setpoints are higher, the stress is enhanced, and anxiety is enhanced. (10:35)
● Dr. Eric Secor mentions that heightened stress response is significant to help us react and adapt in the short term. (12:00)
● Dr. Eric Secor shares the fact that when we’re in a heightened sense of chronic stress, those chronic recurrent conditions can become more active and can become more potent over time, with chronic stress. (13:03)
● What role does mindfulness play in Dr. Eric Secor’s work environment, with employees, and patients? (13:42)
● Dr. Eric Secor shares that with COVID-19, their workforce has to be more vigilant about daily temperatures, logins, and all the patients that they see daily, have to be screened, questionnaires have to be done. (14:57)
● Dr. Eric Secor shares that they have a new resiliency committee, as part of the new wellness initiative at Hartford healthcare, they were starting pre-COVID, and they had their first organizational meeting. (16:20)
● Dr. Eric Secor mentions that they have deployed Cloud9's MediMind Meditation App. (17:08)
● Henry mentions that Dr. Eric Secor’s patients are lucky to have him at Hartford healthcare, and his thoughtfulness about patient needs. (19:13)
● Dr. Eric Secor mentions that 30 years ago, the nurses at Hartford Healthcare began the program from a Reiki perspective which is fundamental meditative mindfulness, and adaptation. (21:27)
● Dr. Eric Secor shares about their newly opened site located in Westport. (22:34)
● Dr. Eric Secor thinks that there is a realization that they have to begin to look at the lifestyle wellness, mindfulness options, and provide them a rigorous and reproducible way to provide this to staff and patients. (24:08)
● Dr. Eric Secor shares a story about his patient who came in with anxiety and palpitations. (25:17)
● What does Dr. Eric Secor think about pain and mindfulness? (28:58)
● Dr. Eric Secor mentions that pain management is the number one reference to their practice. (29:06)
● Dr. Eric Secor shares that with chronic pain, there is a place for recognizing the lack of deep breathing that directly corresponds to elevated blood pressure. (33:01)
● Dr. Eric Secor mentions that mindfulness lends itself as adjunct care to helping patients to breathe better, improve their circulation, and improve their body temperature. (34:16)
Key Quotes:
● “When we think about the stress response and the relaxation response, that heightened sense of stress is really about the fight or flight response. So it's nice to have a fight or flight response when we have an acute stressful situation that we have to react to...the caveat to that is that we want that response to go up and we want that response to go down in a proper time frame. When that response continues, it's like we're running away from that bear every single day. ” - Dr. Eric Secor
● “If we step back a minute and think about the work that we do, anyone that has a job that requires precision and requires extended attention to detail, in a sense, does need to practice mindfulness.” - Dr. Eric Secor
● “If you're thinking from a large system perspective, if you're not improving the health of your 30,000 employees, it's very difficult to contain your costs and have people be highly effective in very stressful changing situations.” - Dr. Eric Secor
● “We all know and take for granted that when we breathe very shallowly, our brain gets the signal that we don't have enough oxygen, and the brain likes oxygen because that's what it needs to survive.” - Dr. Eric Secor