Ep. 59 - Mindfully Managing MS - with Melanie Lown, MA
Unpacking Possibility with Dr. Traci Stein
Release Date: 08/01/2024
Unpacking Possibility with Dr. Traci Stein
Have you ever felt the need to prove your point or set the record straight, but the effort left you drained, more aggravated, and no closer to a resolution? Psychologist Traci Stein explores when and why sometimes it may be worth letting go of the need to have “the last word,” even if you’re “right.” Topics Covered: Why it’s so hard not to respond to other people’s provocative comments and social media posts, misinformation and disinformation Key questions to ask yourself before weighing in online or in person Why sometimes...
info_outline Ep. 73 - Taming the Inner Critic & Rediscovering Your Inner AllyUnpacking Possibility with Dr. Traci Stein
Is your "Inner Critic" running the show? In this episode, psychologist Traci Stein sheds light on the origins of this hyper-critical inner voice and how it can threaten everything from our self-esteem to our relationships and emotional health – and why we may secretly believe we need the Critic to avoid feared failures. Traci also shares 5 tools for disarming the Inner Critic and rediscovering our Inner Ally – as well as greater happiness and well being.
info_outline Ep. 72 - How to Break Free From Self-Imposed SufferingUnpacking Possibility with Dr. Traci Stein
All of us are vulnerable to feeling worse than we need to. In this solo episode, psychologist Traci Stein talks about 6 ways we cause ourselves to suffer emotionally (and how to stop doing this). She also shares a simple, free but very powerful technique for easing self-criticism and alleviating anger, anxiety, regret and self-judgment while fostering greater ease, forgiveness and self-love.
info_outline Ep. 71 - 2024 Election Forecast with Astrologer Leslie McGuirkUnpacking Possibility with Dr. Traci Stein
Astrologer Leslie McGuirk is back with insights on the astrological influences surrounding Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, and the United States during this 2024 election season! Leslie explains how our natal astrological charts are like our personal sheet music - laying out the influences we come into the world with and how these play out for us at different times in our lives. Leslie also discusses the larger astrological influences relating to the divisions in our country, and how we can better navigate trying times (and hopefully come together). In addition, Leslie shares...
info_outline Ep. 70 - Medical Intuition: the Life and Work of Dr. Mona Lisa SchulzUnpacking Possibility with Dr. Traci Stein
Traci Stein highlights the work and legacy of Dr. Mona Lisa Schultz, a neuropsychiatrist, medical intuitive, author and educator who profoundly influenced our understanding of the connections between mental, physical, and spiritual health. Traci reflects on Mona Lisa's unique insights into health and healing, particularly through the lens of the energy centers or chakras. In this episode, Traci lists the 7 major energy centers and gives specific examples of the organ systems, emotional, and relationship issues that correspond to each, and discusses how you can use Dr....
info_outline Ep. 69 - Acoustic Awakening: Garrett Stevens on Hemi-Sync Audio Technology for Personal TransformationUnpacking Possibility with Dr. Traci Stein
In this episode of “Unpacking Possibility,” Traci Stein interviews Garrett Stevens, The Chairman and President of Hemi-Sync, about his journey from spiritually awakened child to Wall Street executive. Garrett shares how the impact of a personal crisis set him on a path of profound transformation. After a personal tragedy led him to discover the work of consciousness pioneer Robert Monroe, including Hemi-Sync technology, Garrett decided to marry his interests in business and personal development. Garrett shared how he is helping others to experience profound positive shifts on mental,...
info_outline Ep. 68 - “Nah-Mutt-Stay!” Mindful Pet Parenting with Denise MangeUnpacking Possibility with Dr. Traci Stein
In this episode, certified dog trainer, animal communicator and pet numerologist Denise Mange talks about her bestselling book, “Translating Your Pet’s Behavior: A Mindful Approach to Dog Training.” Denise explains why “sometimes a bark is not just a bark. Accidents in the house can signal something bigger going on in your life.” Specifically, our pets’ behaviors and challenges often mirror what is going on inside of us - even if we may not yet be conscious of our own issues. By shifting our own awareness and mindfully attuning to our animals, both we and they can be happier,...
info_outline Ep. 67 - The Art of Manifesting: Tips for Enhancing Success and Managing MisstepsUnpacking Possibility with Dr. Traci Stein
In this episode of “Unpacking Possibility,” Traci Stein shares an update on her journey with manifesting, discussing what she’s learned about the essential ingredients for successful manifestation, including the importance of gratitude and how to navigate and make meaning out of “manifesting missteps.” Traci also clarifies the importance of shifting into the expectation of success, and discusses how to embrace optimism even when you are feeling anything but optimistic. And she shares a key phrase for releasing the “vice grip” on a specific outcome so you can open up to receiving...
info_outline Ep. 66 - Paving the Way: Helping Young Girls Nail a Career in Construction, with Keller HayesUnpacking Possibility with Dr. Traci Stein
Keller Hayes is empowering girls and young women to find jobs in the transportation and construction industries via the Transportation and Construction Girl™ initiative. These industries offer paid training and highly competitive, more equitable wages than many others; however, historically, girls and young women have been steered toward more traditional career paths. Keller shed light on how accessing opportunities in the construction and transportation fields is helping young women change the career landscape and forge a more empowered path forward. For more information on Keller...
info_outline Ep. 65 - The Conscious Landscape: Damien Ball on the Soul of Landscape DesignUnpacking Possibility with Dr. Traci Stein
Landscape designer, philosopher, and plant lover Damien Ball discusses everything from whether plants have consciousness to the healing and spiritual aspects of the natural world. He also spoke about how he connects with the energy of natural spaces, why he believes designing with nature is the highest form of art, and how to create a transformative natural space. For more on Damien Ball, his landscape design services, plants, and handmade pots, visit: For more on Traci Stein, visit: Episode Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Damian Ball 02:52 The Healing Power of...
info_outlineIn this episode of “Unpacking Possibility,” Traci Stein interviews Melanie Lown, a mindfulness teacher and advocate, about the utility of mindfulness in living with and thriving despite multiple sclerosis (MS). Melanie shares her personal journey with mindfulness and how it helped her accept her circumstances with kindness and compassion. Melanie emphasizes the importance of being present in the moment and how mindfulness can help individuals with chronic illnesses navigate the sometimes intense and competing emotions that can arise. Melanie also discusses the concepts of toxic positivity and spiritual bypassing, highlighting the need to acknowledge and hold space for uncomfortable feelings while inviting positive and supportive thoughts. She explains how mindfulness can help individuals make lifestyle changes, such as adopting healthier eating habits and engaging in regular exercise, by approaching these changes with curiosity and non-judgment.
For more on Melanie Lown, visit https://www.melanielown.com/ or follow her on Instagram: @melanie_lown
mindfulness, multiple sclerosis, chronic illness, acceptance, compassion, present moment, toxic positivity, spiritual bypassing, lifestyle changes, curiosity, non-judgment
Takeaways
Mindfulness can help individuals with chronic illnesses accept their circumstances with kindness and compassion.
Being present in the moment and accepting discomfort can lead to a sense of ease and equanimity.
Toxic positivity and spiritual bypassing can hinder the healing process by denying or suppressing uncomfortable feelings.
Mindfulness allows individuals to hold space for both discomfort and positive thoughts, fostering a balanced and authentic experience.
Approaching lifestyle changes with curiosity and non-judgment can help individuals make sustainable and beneficial choices.
Chapters
00:00 Guest Introduction - Melanie Lown
02:31 Discovering Mindfulness and Accepting Circumstances
20:53 Defining Mindfulness and Managing MS
29:35 Toxic Positivity and Spiritual Bypassing
36:40 Mindfulness and Lifestyle Changes
44:07 Disentangling Pain and Suffering
48:52 Upcoming Engagements and Conclusion