Mindful Matters w Chris Griffin, LPC & Burke Lewis

Mindful Matters is a podcast dedicated to educating, supporting and informing the public about the practice of mindfulness. Your co-hosts are Chris Griffin, LPC and Burke Lewis who discuss the core ideals and principles of mindfulness. They also explore essential concepts of mindfulness and its practice, which can help those who train others in mindfulness, or those who wish to begin and deepen their own practice.

The Thought 12/02/2021

The Thought In this (week late) Thanksgiving episode Chris continues to update listeners about his adventures in cancer treatment and tells a story about treatment. He also compares an MRI machine to the interior of an AT-AT from Star Wars. Also, a shout out to the tune Mantra - by Dave Grohl, Josh Homme and Trent Reznor. Burke discusses a recurring theme of Expectations v. Serenity (Se2, Ep12) /episode/index/show/mindfulmatters/id/21353258

Windows of Tolerance 11/05/2021

Windows of Tolerance Windows of Tolerance is a term coined by Dr. Dan Siegel to describe our abilities as humans to process strong emotions before we become overwhelmed. Chris and Burke discuss this topic in terms of both understanding and making practical use of that knowledge. For more on Dr. Siegel's work click here. /episode/index/show/mindfulmatters/id/21065324

Chris Has Cancer 10/22/2021

Chris Has Cancer Spoiler alert, Chris discusses his cancer diagnosis with Burke, and reveals how mindfulness has helped him cope with a life changing diagnosis. /episode/index/show/mindfulmatters/id/20904740

Ball Headz Interview 08/05/2021

Ball Headz Interview In this special interview episode Chris and Burke speak with Justin Mitchell and Wilton Carraway, Jr. of Ball Headz. Ball Headz is an organization dedicated to helping at-risk youth through athletics, mindfulness, mentorship and community service. Chris also announces the date of a charity golf tournament on August 27th, 2021 at Topstone Golf Club in South Windsor, CT to raise money for the organization. More info @ ballheadzgolf.com /episode/index/show/mindfulmatters/id/20045573

Meditation 06/25/2021

Meditation Meditation is one of the best ways to increase and maintain your health in an increasingly chaotic world. Chris and Burke do their best to simplify the basics of mediation and give listeners a path to beginning or enhancing their practice. PLEASE NOTE THAT WE WILL BE TAKING A BREAK FOR THE MONTH OF JULY 2021 AND WILL BE BACK IN AUGUST. Thanks for listening! /episode/index/show/mindfulmatters/id/19604357

Identification 05/27/2021

Identification Identification, it's not just a piece of plastic in your wallet. Humans identify with all manner of things, including their emotions, objects, and ideas. Chris and Burke explore what it means to have an identity and to identify with things outside of ourselves. The conversation spans from the dangers of identification to how we can identify less with external matters and more with who we are inside. /episode/index/show/mindfulmatters/id/19262297

Joy 05/12/2021

Joy Chris and Burke take on the emotion of joy in this episode. Chris discusses how the term joy is used in psychological literature, as well as ways to use intentionality to find it. Burke gives the listener excellent, real life examples of what Chris is describing. Burke uses his personal experiences while recovering from addiction to enlighten and guide listeners into how practical it can be to search for joy in their lives, whether recovering or thriving. /episode/index/show/mindfulmatters/id/19080461

Start Small 05/04/2021

Start Small Chris and Burke explore the topic of starting small when attempting change or accomplishing goals and tasks. The book that Chris mentions in the episode is Make Your Bed: Little Things Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World by Admiral William H. McRaven (US Navy Retired) /episode/index/show/mindfulmatters/id/18970616

Season 3 Welcome Back 04/16/2021

Season 3 Welcome Back Chris And Burke welcome listeners back for In the season three debut, Chris and Burke get the listeners caught up on events since the end of season two. The discussion centers around how the co-hosts have faired during the pandemic and the mindfulness practices that have helped in the year since the season two launch. And of course, we get some awesome movie analogies from Burke. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/mindfulmatters/id/18751262

Season Two Grand Finale 12/03/2020

Season Two Grand Finale In this last episode of season two we discuss the usefulness of acknowledging impermanence as part of mindfulness practice. Death can be seen as a motivator and a teacher rather than something to fear. /episode/index/show/mindfulmatters/id/17054747

The Fourth Agreement 11/13/2020

The Fourth Agreement We conclude our podcast series on Don Miguel Ruiz’s book The Four Agreements by talking about the fourth and final agreement—always do your best. While this may seem to be a very straight forward agreement, it does have some subtle nuisances that we discuss. Spoiler alert … our best changes due to a variety of factors, it is not a static level. /episode/index/show/mindfulmatters/id/16797086

The Third Agreement 10/29/2020

The Third Agreement In this podcast we move on to discuss the third agreement in the Toltec Mastery of Transformation from Don Miguel Ruiz’s book The Four Agreements—don’t make assumptions. Following this agreement helps to center us in the reality of the present moment, a key component of mindfulness. By not making assumptions we are able to strengthen relationships with those around us, and also with ourselves. /episode/index/show/mindfulmatters/id/16604195

The Second Agreement 10/16/2020

The Second Agreement We continue with our Podcast series focusing on Don Miguel Ruiz’s book The Four Agreements and explore the second agreement—don’t take anything personally. In this episode we discuss how following this agreement helps us to create space, gain perspective and live more mindfully. /episode/index/show/mindfulmatters/id/16427618

The First Agreement 10/01/2020

The First Agreement After our many references to Don Miguel Ruiz’s book The Four Agreements over the last six months, we have decided to end this season of the Mindful Matters Podcast by devoting a podcast to each agreement. /episode/index/show/mindfulmatters/id/16234646

Mindful Tips and Tricks 09/18/2020

Mindful Tips and Tricks On this week’s podcast, recorded in February 2020, we discuss ideas that we use to help us come back to the awareness of the present moment. Waking up to what is happening around us now rather than letting ourselves drift away in thoughts of the past or future is the aim of mindfulness practice. It doesn’t always happen instantaneously and we maintain the point of view that it is best to be compassionate with ourselves in the process so as not to create any negative associations with mindfulness practic /episode/index/show/mindfulmatters/id/16063298

S2 Ep 12 Expectations vs. Serenity 09/04/2020

S2 Ep 12 Expectations vs. Serenity A discussion of how to set appropriate expectations, and how to cope better when they aren't met, by you or others. /episode/index/show/mindfulmatters/id/15883778

Attitude of Gratitude 08/20/2020

Attitude of Gratitude This episode, recorded back in November 2019, deals with gratitude and its power to transform your life. By focusing more on the positive aspects of our lives, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, we can gain perspective in the moment and progress through some difficult obstacles. /episode/index/show/mindfulmatters/id/15693431

S2 Ep10 Awareness 08/07/2020

S2 Ep10 Awareness Chris and Burke engage in a discussion about the concept of awareness and its context within the practice of mindfulness. Both use personal examples and offer hints and help for those beginning and cultivating a mindfulness practice. /episode/index/show/mindfulmatters/id/15524426

2020 Bonus Episode #2 w/ Keren Prescott of Power UP- Manchester 07/24/2020

2020 Bonus Episode #2 w/ Keren Prescott of Power UP- Manchester This is the second episode of the 2020 Racial Equality and Justice Bonus Series featuring activist Keren Prescott of Power Up Manchester CT. Keren takes the mic to discuss how Power Up came into existence and how the group has organized to fight injustice, not just in the City of Manchester, but in surrounding towns in CT. Keren also discusses her experience as a Back woman in America. If you would like more information about Power Up check out the Facebook group or Instagram feed @powerupct #blacklivesmatter /episode/index/show/mindfulmatters/id/15317864

S2 Ep8 Be A Man 07/17/2020

S2 Ep8 Be A Man Chris and Burke discuss the #metoo movement. /episode/index/show/mindfulmatters/id/15248228

S2 Ep6 Open Up and Be Vulnerable 06/26/2020

S2 Ep6 Open Up and Be Vulnerable Vulnerability is our most accurate measurement of courage. /episode/index/show/mindfulmatters/id/14977784

2020 Bonus Episode Juneteenth with Kelvin Young 06/19/2020

2020 Bonus Episode Juneteenth with Kelvin Young Enjoy our Juneteenth Bonus Episode featuring Kelvin Young, sound healer, recovery coach, community activist and Black man in America. We hope this episode can enlighten and educate. Please, if you enjoy the episode, like, share, and/or comment. #juneteenth #blacklivesmatter /episode/index/show/mindfulmatters/id/14889911

S2 Ep5 The Wisdom to Know the Difference 06/11/2020

S2 Ep5 The Wisdom to Know the Difference "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, /episode/index/show/mindfulmatters/id/14784377

S2 Ep4 Self Compassion 05/28/2020

S2 Ep4 Self Compassion “If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete” /episode/index/show/mindfulmatters/id/14600846

S2 Ep3 Healthy Debate 05/14/2020

S2 Ep3 Healthy Debate A discussion about how to better communicate with others about difficult subjects. /episode/index/show/mindfulmatters/id/14402117

S2 Ep2 Pandemic Stillness 04/30/2020

S2 Ep2 Pandemic Stillness This podcast recorded from our homes while sheltering in place focuses on the benefits of developing a mindful practice at this point in time. We touch on how the pandemic is redirecting our focus in everyday life. /episode/index/show/mindfulmatters/id/14163545

Season 2 Intro 04/16/2020

Season 2 Intro Season two of the Mindful Matters podcast kicks off with Chris introducing Burke Lewis as the new co-host. Burke discusses his sobriety, family and trip around the globe, all as part of his mindfulness journey. /episode/index/show/mindfulmatters/id/13999634

Conversation with Kelvin Young, Sound Healer 02/08/2019

Conversation with Kelvin Young, Sound Healer Chris sits down with sound healer and addiction recovery expert Kelvin Young to discuss how holistic healing and mindfulness practices helped Kelvin overcome great odds and his addictive behaviors. A truly inspiring story. /episode/index/show/mindfulmatters/id/8570879

Conversation with Doug Worthen 01/18/2019

Conversation with Doug Worthen Doug Worthen's second appearance on the podcast switches gears from his role as a mindfulness teacher and administrator to that of a more personal tone. Doug discusses his diagnosis and subsequent recovery from Lymphoma, the arduous treatment and ultimately the doctor who saved his life. Doug credits his mindfulness practice with allowing him to let the recovery happen, what Doug calls "unfolding" as opposed to the traditional term of "battling" cancer. He is also not afraid to have a frank and honest talk about death. /episode/index/show/mindfulmatters/id/8306243

Discussion with Lisa Barrett, LPC & Art Therapist 12/28/2018

Discussion with Lisa Barrett, LPC & Art Therapist Lisa and Chris discuss the roots of art therapy, who it is for and how it can help. /episode/index/show/mindfulmatters/id/8061806

Mindful Matters w Chris Griffin, LPC & Burke Lewis

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