Season 2 Bonus - Dr Sears guides you through the contemplative practice of bringing compassion to our anxiety and forging a new, healthier relationship with ourselves.

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We would love to hear from you!

What would you like to know about mindfulness or how it can help you with the issues you are facing? Record your question for our podcast team. If your message is selected, we will answer it on the podcast!
Ask us a question on our website at https://www.austinmindfulness.org/podcast

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Season 2 Special Guest Dr. Richard W. Sears, PsyD PhD MBA is a board-certified clinical psychologist, speaker, and consultant. He is a core faculty member of the PsyD Program in Clinical Psychology at Union Institute & University, where he is the Director of the Center for Clinical Mindfulness & Meditation. He is also Volunteer Associate Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences at the UC College of Medicine, Clinical Assistant Professor at Write State University School of Professional Psychology, and clinical/research faculty at the University of Cincinnati Center for Integrative Health and Wellness. He runs a private psychology practice in Cincinnati and conducts mindfulness groups at the Alliance Institute for Integrative Medicine.
On top of all that, Dr. Sears is a sixth degree black belt in To-Shin Do / Ninjitsu. He has studied and practiced mindfulness and the Eastern Wisdom traditions over 30 years, and was given a doctorate in Buddhist Studies from Buddha Dharma University. He received ordination in the Japanese Tendai lineage, Bodhisattva ordination and authority to teach kõans (inka) under Paul Wonji Lynch in the Zen lineage of Seung Sahn, and ordination in the Vietnamese Zen tradition of Thich Thien An under Suhita Dharma.
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Host Lance Vaughn, co-owner of Austin Mindfulness Center and self-described ‘mindfulness student.’

Co-host Claudio Barrientos, Certified Mindfulness Instructor at Austin Mindfulness Center.

Season 2 Bonus - Dr Sears guides you through the contemplative practice of bringing awareness to how we're feeling and what might be stressing us out.

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We would love to hear from you!

What would you like to know about mindfulness or how it can help you with the issues you are facing? Record your question for our podcast team. If your message is selected, we will answer it on the podcast!
Ask us a question on our website at https://www.austinmindfulness.org/podcast

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Season 2 Special Guest Dr. Richard W. Sears, PsyD PhD MBA is a board-certified clinical psychologist, speaker, and consultant. He is a core faculty member of the PsyD Program in Clinical Psychology at Union Institute & University, where he is the Director of the Center for Clinical Mindfulness & Meditation. He is also Volunteer Associate Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences at the UC College of Medicine, Clinical Assistant Professor at Write State University School of Professional Psychology, and clinical/research faculty at the University of Cincinnati Center for Integrative Health and Wellness. He runs a private psychology practice in Cincinnati and conducts mindfulness groups at the Alliance Institute for Integrative Medicine.
On top of all that, Dr. Sears is a sixth degree black belt in To-Shin Do / Ninjitsu. He has studied and practiced mindfulness and the Eastern Wisdom traditions over 30 years, and was given a doctorate in Buddhist Studies from Buddha Dharma University. He received ordination in the Japanese Tendai lineage, Bodhisattva ordination and authority to teach kõans (inka) under Paul Wonji Lynch in the Zen lineage of Seung Sahn, and ordination in the Vietnamese Zen tradition of Thich Thien An under Suhita Dharma.
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Host Lance Vaughn, co-owner of Austin Mindfulness Center and self-described ‘mindfulness student.’

Co-host Claudio Barrientos, Certified Mindfulness Instructor at Austin Mindfulness Center.

Our episode today is being published around the holiday season. I couldn’t imagine a better gift than this: the gift of mindful communication, or skillful communication.
We all know that communication is a fundamental part of human interaction and plays a crucial role in shaping our relationships and human experiences. I wish topics like effective communication and emotional regulation were taught in a more intentional way at home and school.
There is a wealth of power hidden in the simple-yet-challenging act of bringing awareness to the language we use in our lives. And by that I mean not just the world we live in, but also the world within us. There is so much to be discovered when we practice bringing awareness to our thoughts and emotions and learning how to express ourselves in a skillful and helpful way.
Our interview today is with Mudita Nisker and Dan Clurman, the authors of "Let's Talk: An Essential Guide to Skillful Communication.” In our discussion, we have the opportunity to explore their insights and perspectives on this important subject. Their book offers practical guidance and strategies for improving communication skills and cultivating deeper connections with others.
Mudita Nisker is a licensed marriage family therapist (LMFT), coach, and trainer. A strong advocate of lifelong learning, she’s led women’s communication-training groups for over thirty-five years.
Dan Clurman is a coach, trainer, and professor. Over the past thirty years, he has provided communication training and coaching to individuals and organizations in the private, public, government, and nonprofit sectors.
Let’s Talk offers invaluable guidance for anyone looking to improve their communication skills and relationships. Whether you are a parent, lover, teacher, or leader, you can benefit greatly from the kindly guidance provided in this book. By reading and applying the strategies outlined in "Let's Talk," you can improve your communication with everyone in your life and find yourself getting into fewer conflicts. And when conflicts do arise, you will be better equipped to navigate them with more skill and grace.
Since this interview with Dan and Mudita, I have purchased multiple copies of their book and I even started a little book club with my wife and three young boys. Not just for me and my learning, but also for them and preparing them for their lives. I don’t want them to be challenged in the same way that I was. I hope to give them the gifts of self awareness, emotional literacy, self regulation, and effective communication. And I couldn’t think of a better book to use as our guide to transform the way we relate to ourselves and others — one conversation at a time.
Learn more at letstalkmethod.com
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We would love to hear from you! - What would you like to know about mindfulness or how it can help you with the issues you are facing? Record your question for our podcast team. If your message is selected, we will answer it on the podcast!
Ask us a question on our website at https://www.austinmindfulness.org/podcast
Host Lance Vaughn, co-owner of the Austin Mindfulness Center and mindfulness student.
Co-host Claudio Barrientos, LMSW, Certified Mindfulness Instructor at Austin Mindfulness Center.

Season 1 Bonus - Lance and Claudio briefly discuss the essential attitude of Non-Judging, and then Lance leads us on a short guided meditation.

Season 2 Bonus - Dr Sears guides us through the act of opening up to what is present in our mind and body when making space for processing trauma.

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We would love to hear from you!

What would you like to know about mindfulness or how it can help you with the issues you are facing? Record your question for our podcast team. If your message is selected, we will answer it on the podcast!
Ask us a question on our website at https://www.austinmindfulness.org/podcast

--
Season 2 Special Guest Dr. Richard W. Sears, PsyD PhD MBA is a board-certified clinical psychologist, speaker, and consultant. He is a core faculty member of the PsyD Program in Clinical Psychology at Union Institute & University, where he is the Director of the Center for Clinical Mindfulness & Meditation. He is also Volunteer Associate Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences at the UC College of Medicine, Clinical Assistant Professor at Write State University School of Professional Psychology, and clinical/research faculty at the University of Cincinnati Center for Integrative Health and Wellness. He runs a private psychology practice in Cincinnati and conducts mindfulness groups at the Alliance Institute for Integrative Medicine.
On top of all that, Dr. Sears is a sixth degree black belt in To-Shin Do / Ninjitsu. He has studied and practiced mindfulness and the Eastern Wisdom traditions over 30 years, and was given a doctorate in Buddhist Studies from Buddha Dharma University. He received ordination in the Japanese Tendai lineage, Bodhisattva ordination and authority to teach kõans (inka) under Paul Wonji Lynch in the Zen lineage of Seung Sahn, and ordination in the Vietnamese Zen tradition of Thich Thien An under Suhita Dharma.
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Host Lance Vaughn, co-owner of Austin Mindfulness Center and self-described ‘mindfulness student.’

Co-host Claudio Barrientos, Certified Mindfulness Instructor at Austin Mindfulness Center.