Deep Dive Resources

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the awareness that arises from paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment and non-judgmentally.

Mindfulness is not a single activity. You can become more mindful in your day-to-day life through practices such as: 

• Meditation (focused attention or body scan practices)
• Breathwork (conscious, intentional breathing techniques)
• Journaling (reflective writing that increases awareness of thoughts and emotions)
• Mindful movement (yoga or walking meditation)

Through regular practice, mindfulness has been associated in research with reduced stress, improved emotional regulation, and greater overall well-being. 

Join us in the pursuit of knowledge, growth, and a deeper understanding of the human experience. View our book recommendations here.

"Our thinking minds deprive us of the happiness that comes when we are living fully in the moment.” – Ram Dass

Meditation

Meditation is an ancient wellness practice that focuses on training awareness, attention, and compassion. It helps you slow down, be present and put a stop to the incessant chatter in our minds.

But when you first dive into the practice, it can be overwhelming as you think there’s a “right” way to do it. But remember there is no such thing as perfect meditation. Sometimes your focus will wander, or you’ll forget to follow your breath. That’s part of the experience. What’s most important is that you meditate consistently.

In recent years, research has found countless benefits when it comes to meditation including its ability to help you reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus and concentration, and increase feelings of calm and relaxation. 

The good news is anyone can do it, and it’s a simple practice to pick up — but it will take practice and consistency to feel the benefits. Not sure where to start? Below are a few helpful resources, including guided YouTube meditations and books that can help jumpstart your meditation journey.

YouTube: Sanity You Can Stream, For Free

• The Honest Guys

High quality guided meditation videos that are freely viewable. Every meditation is produced with genuine care with an ethos to be all-inclusive.

• Jason Stephenson

Brought to you by the founder of Relax Me Online Australia, this channel has a great mix of meditations and relaxing music that have been leading the way for over a decade.

• Michael Sealey

Guided meditations by a trained and certified hypnotist, this channel is a great place to stop, relax, listen in and witness the power of positive meditations.

Books: Read Your Way to a Clear Mind

• Making Space by Thich Nhat Hanh

The perfect book for beginner meditators. In this short read, Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh breaks down how to establish a home meditation practice. It includes lots of creative practices and suggestions that stretch beyond simply sitting in meditation.

• 10% Happier by Dan Harris

This book is written for the skeptics by someone who was one a hard skeptic himself, ABC News anchor Dan Harris. After having a nationally televised panic attack, Harris went on a mission to pivot his life and discovered meditation that helped him do just that.  

• How to Meditate: A Practical Guide to Making Friends with Your Mind by Pema Chödrön

When we look for a meditation teacher, we want someone who has an intimate knowledge of the path. Look no further than Pema Chödrön, whose gentle yet direct guidance has been lifechanging for both first-time and experienced meditators. With this book she explores in-depth what she considers the essentials for an evolving practice that helps you live in a wholehearted way.

• Wherever You Go, There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn

A fantastic “modern” meditation guide from the father of modern mindfulness, Jon Kabat-Zinn. A straightforward guide that doesn’t just teach you how to meditate but teaches you why, on a fundamental level, meditation matters.  

"When there is nothing left to hide, there is nothing left to seek.”― Esther Perel

Whether you’re happily single, navigating a new relationship, or celebrating years of companionship, this curated list of resources spanning books, podcasts and more will enrich your Valentine’s Day experience.

Books:

• “The Five Love Languages” by Gary Chapman: A classic that explores different ways people give and receive love.

• “Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How it Can Help You Find – and Keep Love” by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller

 Podcasts:

• “Where Should We Begin?” with Esther Perel. Real therapy sessions providing insights into various relationship dynamics.
• “Modern Love” with Anna Martin. Explores the complicated love lives of real people, based on the weekly New York Times column.

Apps:

• Headspace: A meditation app that can help with mindfulness and stress reduction, promoting a healthy mindset in relationships.
• Love Nudge: Based on the principles of the 5 Languages, this app helps couples understand and communicate their love languages better.

Websites:

• The Gottman Institute (gottman.com): Offers research-based resources and advice on relationships.
• Tiny Buddha (tinybuddha.com): Features articles on mindfulness, self-love and personal growth.

Movies:

• “Before Sunrise” Trilogy: Explores the dynamics of love and connection over the course of three films.
• “500 Days of Summer”: A non-linear romantic drama that delves into the complexities of relationships.

Online Courses:

• Coursera – “The Science of Well-Being” by Yale University. Explores the science of happiness and includes insights applicable to relationships.
• Mindful Relationships Course on Insight Timer: A course focused on applying mindfulness to improve relationships.

 YouTube:

• School of Life: Covers a variety of topics related to emotional intelligence, relationships and self-understanding.
• TED Talks – Relationships Playlist: A curated collection of TED Talks addressing various aspects of relationships.

These resources offer a blend of wisdom, entertainment, and practical advice to enhance your understanding of relationships, promote self-love, and navigate the complexities of human dynamics.