Trigger Warning:This episode contains discussion of suicide, grief, and traumatic loss. Please listen with care.

In this powerful and unflinchingly honest episode, Buddhist teacher and punk rocker Mikey Livid shares his journey from bar fights and blackout nights to Buddhist practice, pastoral counseling, and teaching on death row. Mikey speaks with raw compassion about grief, addiction, and the punk scene that first gave him permission to scream about suffering—and the Dharma that taught him how to sit with it.

He and host Beth Herzig explore the transformative potential of loving-kindness meditation, the value of authentic service in recovery, and Mikey’s upcoming book Blood, Guts and Buddhism. From horror movies to heartbreak, this conversation covers the full spectrum of what it means to be human—and to meet it all with love.

More about Mikey:

Mikey Livid (he/him) is a Buddhist teacher, author, and counselor. Mikey is the guiding teacher at Wild Heart Meditation Center in Nashville, TN. He regularly brings Buddhist meditation classes into addiction treatment centers, prisons, and a variety of settings. Mikey is the author of his upcoming book Blood, Guts, & Buddhism: The Dharma of Horror Movies, Heartbreak, and The Nature of Suffering. Mikey is the co-host of the punk rock, mental health podcast Punks On Hope and is the singer for the punk band The Rip Taylors.

LINKS:

⁠https://linktr.ee/MikeyLivid⁠

⁠https://www.wildheartmeditationcenter.org⁠

Join Us for the BRN JULY ACADEMY WITH MIKEY LIVID

⁠https://givebutter.com/JULY25⁠

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Keywords: mindfulness, meditation, anxiety, trauma, emotional wellness, nervous system, online workshops, mental health, grounding techniques, self-care

SUMMARY

In this episode of the Flowering Lotus Meditation Podcast, host Beth Herzig interviews Jennifer Sigrest, a Licensed Professional Counselor and mindfulness teacher, about her upcoming workshop 'Finding Firm Ground: Mindful Tools for Uncertain Times.' Jennifer shares her personal journey into mindfulness, the impact of her training on her therapeutic practice, and the importance of mindfulness in navigating emotional overwhelm. The conversation explores the 3S framework (Slow, Sense, Scan) that Jennifer teaches in her workshop, emphasizing practical tools for grounding oneself in stressful situations. The discussion also touches on the accessibility of mindfulness for beginners and the significance of understanding the nervous system's role in emotional responses.

Takeaways

• Jennifer Sigrest is a licensed professional counselor and mindfulness teacher.

• Her workshop focuses on practical tools for navigating uncertainty.

• The 3S framework includes Slow, Sense, and Scan techniques.

• Mindfulness training has enhanced Jennifer's effectiveness as a therapist.

• Understanding the nervous system is crucial for managing emotional overwhelm.

• Mindfulness can be accessible for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike.

• Creating a mindful space online is possible and effective.

• Nature plays a significant role in grounding and mindfulness practices.

• Rest is essential for preventing burnout and emotional distress.

• The workshop aims to provide participants with practical strategies for daily life.

  
  

Sound Bites

• "Nature is grounding."

• "There's no time to rush."

• "We are a mind and body."

Jennifer’s links to learn more:

• Website (Mindfulness Programs)

• Website (Counseling Practice)

• Instagram

• Facebook

• Workshop Video Intro

Register for the June 28 workshop here: https://www.floweringlotusmeditation.org/

KEY WORDS: Right Intention, Wise Intention, Mindfulness, Compassion, Buddhism, Eightfold Path, Meditation, Personal Growth, Kindness, Non-harming

SUMMARY: In this episode of the Flowering Lotus Meditation Podcast, Beth Herzig explores the concept of Right Intention, a key aspect of the Eightfold Path in Buddhism. She discusses how our intentions shape our actions and the importance of aligning our thoughts with kindness, compassion, and non-harming. Through real-world examples, Beth illustrates how practicing Right Intention can lead to more peaceful interactions and a deeper understanding of ourselves and others. She also shares practical tips for cultivating Right Intention in daily life, emphasizing the transformative power of setting intentions and mindful communication takeaways

• Right intention is about aligning our thoughts and actions.
• It involves cultivating kindness, compassion, and non-harming.
• Our intentions shape our words and actions.
• Realigning with our highest values is essential.
• Practicing right intention includes treating ourselves with kindness.
• Setting daily intentions can guide our actions.
• Mindful speech helps ensure our words align with our values.
• Choosing goodwill is a radical act in times of division.
• Right intention can transform our interactions and communities.
• With practice, right intention becomes part of who we are.

• Living with Intention: The Power of Right Intention
• Aligning Heart and Action: Understanding Right Intention

• "Our intentions shape our words, our actions."
• "Right intention invites us to look deeper."
• "Our intention is what shapes our lives."

titles

Sound Bites

Chapters

00:00 Living with Intention: An Introduction

00:30 Understanding Right Intention

01:27 Real-World Applications of Right Intention

04:41 Cultivating Right Intention in Daily Life

06:37 The Impact of Intention on Our Lives

Article:

⁠How to Practice Wise Intention (Lion’s Roar)⁠

⁠Why Intention is so important in Meditation (Tricycle)⁠

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