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Health & Fitness
Julie Merica
@MYDBpodcast is a bite sized, real talk, daily motivation podcast to play while you make your bed every morning. Build momentum - better your life.Each episode is around 10 minutes and intended to encourage, motivate, and inspire you to get out of bed - so you can start making it! Julie Merica and Make Your Damn Bed Podcast is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.All content, including text, graphics, images and information, is for general information purposes only. This content is presented on an "as-is" basis. Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Day 345 || Negative Mindset Shift

Day 345 || Negative Mindset Shift

If you are struggling with negative thoughts, it’s normal. Our brains are programmed to think negatively. But just because it’s normal doesn’t mean it’s helpful. If you practice redirection long enough, you can shift your mindset completely which can literally improve your life, by changing nothing else. If you start to notice yourself falling back into negative thinking patterns, pay attention to where they stem from. When does it start in the morning? What triggers these negative thoughts? As you begin to objectively analyze your negative thinking patterns, you can start noticing more quickly when it happens and can focus on redirection towards more positive or neutral frames of thought. We all are prone towards negative thinking. There is nothing wrong with it, but it’s not helpful or encouraging. And we already know how I feel about the power of encouragement. Life is hard enough - when we train our brains to see the bright side first, we can start to really shift our perception and responses to the world around us. Mentality and mindset is everything. When we take control of our mindset, we no longer get controlled by it. You have the power to change your worldview for the better - and it starts with noticing where it can improve. This doesn’t mean everything will be positive and joyful and sunshine and rainbows, but it does mean we can finally stop searching for rainclouds where there are none.  Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
07:2523/01/2022
Day 344 || George Costanza

Day 344 || George Costanza

Saturday Scatterbrain: We’re in control of our own happiness. We have the power to control a lot of our environment. So, if you want the sheets untucked, get up and untuck them yourself.  Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
07:3322/01/2022
Day 343 || You're the Prize

Day 343 || You're the Prize

BE FEARLESS THIS FRIDAY: When it comes to job interviews and the like, we all know how intimidating it can be. Whether you’re going on a date, having a performance review, auditioning, whatever… there are gonna be sometimes, that the idea of having to “perform” like this can shake your confidence, but I encourage you to remember… you are the prize. They are interviewing you because they need you. They want you to do well. And if it’s really meant to be, you will! As a person who has been on both sides of the interview and audition table, it is rarely personal reasons that don’t get you an opportunity. So don’t be afraid to dig in and ask questions for yourself too. Asking relevant questions can prove you are unafraid and are aware your own worth, and trust me… you are very worthy. You are valuable regardless of what is going on behind the scenes. Remember that. Stay confident in who you are. If you struggle to remember how it feels to stand in alignment with your confidence, think of someone you admire that always seems to embody confidence and channel them, instead. Ideally, we can get to a place that no matter who we’re with, what we’re doing, or how hangry or tired we feel, we can show up as our best and highest self. Stand like a boss, talk like a boss, and act like a boss, and nobody will doubt that you do indeed, own your shit. But as silly as this one may feel, if you’re anything like me - it will successfully get you out of your head and into your body and remind you of how fun and easy life can be if you just let your personality shine without overthinking it. Overthinking is the enemy of confidence. Stay present. Stay You’re a badass.  You got this. You are the prize. Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
09:1521/01/2022
Day 342 || Other Your Inner Voice

Day 342 || Other Your Inner Voice

If you’re like most people, the voice inside your head is probably pretty incessant. It’s probably very critical and anxious.  That voice is not you. If it was you, it wouldn’t need to share all of it’s wild ideas with you. You would know the message and have already made decisions, instead you engage in these dialogues or arguments with yourself because you’re not that voice. You know it’s wrong or mean or negative and you recognize it. The work you must do is continue to recognize it. Continue to notice when it’s chatting with you. Other the voice and name it, or address it with love - because in reality the voice is looking out for you in the only way it knows how. Which, yeah, we can agree this voice is not a great parent, but it does love us. So address this voice, ask it to sit down. Hear it out, and then thank it for its concern. Remind it you’re safe and that the advice it is sharing is not helpful or needed at the moment. Then you can move on with you leading the way, rather than this wildcard with random ideas and thoughts leading you through fear. Other it, welcome it, and recognize our thoughts and feelings are often valid but not always rooted in truth or reality.  Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
06:0820/01/2022
Day 341 || Asking For Help

Day 341 || Asking For Help

Next time you find yourself hesitating in asking for help, remember that it not only helps cut out a lot of confusion - it also invites others to connect with us on a real level and it creates deeper trust in your relationships.You’re not just asking for help, you’re deepening a bond. You’re creating more trust. And you’re showing other people it’s okay to be human. We all need help sometimes, the better we get at communicating directly, the better our lives become in return.  Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
06:0519/01/2022
Day 340 || Vision Board

Day 340 || Vision Board

ACTIONABLE TIP TUESDAY: It’s good to consider your goals, visions, and dreams once in a while. It’s even better to meditate on it through the process of creating a dream board. So next time you need to do a little creative introspection, consider creating a visual tool of all of the things that inspire you, that fire you up, that you want to see or do in your life, or that you’d like to focus more on.  Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
05:3218/01/2022
Day 339 || Languish Mode

Day 339 || Languish Mode

THE ARTICLE I USED: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/19/well/mind/covid-mental-health-languishing.htmlLanguishing is not merely in our heads — it’s in our circumstances. You can’t heal a sick culture with personal bandages. We still live in a world that normalizes physical health challenges but stigmatizes mental health challenges. As we head into a new post-pandemic reality, it’s time to rethink our understanding of mental health and well-being. “Not depressed” doesn’t mean you’re not struggling. “Not burned out” doesn’t mean you’re fired up. By acknowledging that so many of us are languishing, we can start giving voice to quiet despair and lighting a path out of the void.ADAM GRANT'S POD: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1346314086 Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
07:4217/01/2022
Day 338 || Adult Toy Box

Day 338 || Adult Toy Box

This means we all need to consciously create room and space for play. I personally have a fun bin where I collect goodies and activities for play time that actually make ME excited and I really want to encourage you to create your own! OOOH YOU NASTY! This can be bag, basket, box, bin, shelf, or drawer - where you will start a collection of all the things that make your inner child sing. Add toys, squirt guns, play doh, tops, games, crafts, coloring books, markers, magazines for collages, paint by numbers, puzzles, hot glue and sequins, mad-libs and whatever other fun shit that appeals to you and your inner child. Any time you find yourself having a good time, playing, and leaning into the fun, as a grown up - write it down. Save it for a future you to come back to and do again and again. Indulge your inner child. How did you stave off boredom when you were little? Let yourself explore, make messes, play and create. Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
07:3916/01/2022
Day 337 || 2 drinks + 45 minutes + 1 reminder

Day 337 || 2 drinks + 45 minutes + 1 reminder

A ramble about the power of preparing 2 waters (ideally in a fancy cup, a slice of lime with a lotta imagination), putting shit in your calendar immediately, and how giving yourself an extra 45 minutes in the mornings can change your life.  Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
07:0615/01/2022
Day 336 || Challenge 'Em

Day 336 || Challenge 'Em

As I get older, I continue to see in real time just how many people in “high places” are fumbling clumsily through their lives. So many grown ups in places of power with so much control - spend more of their time pretending to know what they are doing than they spend actually doing anything. The people who swear they hold the one and only key to existence and you can hear the secrets to life if you agree not not to question a damn thing and to promise to obey blindly and defeat all doubt, those kinds of people? Are not to be trusted. If someone tries to gain power, leverage, or conviction over you, but doesn’t encourage critical or analytical thinking, it’s usually not a great sign. Your voice is worthy of taking up space and your words are important. Challenge what needs to be challenged when you’re safe to do so. When the world is controlled by villains attempting to drown each other out with their loud ass voices, you never know who may be relieved by the sound of yours. Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
07:3614/01/2022
Day 335 || Islands + Bridges

Day 335 || Islands + Bridges

REDDIT thread, user widebrim said “Your island might be magnificent and filled with wonderful things but that's how everyone else views their island too. Make the effort to build bridges and walk across to other people's islands even though it might be uncomfortable and scary, your own island will always be there and you can always get back to it.”  Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
05:5513/01/2022
Day 334 || Life Path

Day 334 || Life Path

Human life is an undeniably complicated, ongoing process that we all are experiencing simultaneously but separately. As humans, we often share similar emotions and experiences, but because each of our perspectives, upbringings, surroundings, and ways of processing are so damned unique, we all have to tread forward on our own individual paths without much help from anyone else. Even though we’re all also trudging our own way through the intensely complicated path of human existence. The fact that each of us as humans are so similar, experiencing much of life so similarly, while simultaneously experiencing so much of life so fucking vastly different is the wildest thing on the planet to me. Life is and always will be a complicated process. This is why it takes a literal lifetime to move through it. Never forget that simply sharing your story, can make a huge difference on someone else’s.  Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
06:5712/01/2022
Day 333 || Shake Out

Day 333 || Shake Out

A joyful movement technique that I am slowly beginning to really love is the shakeout method. If you ever feel the need to shake off bad vibes, a rough day, or a weird energy, this is the move. Shakeouts are also great for just giving yourself an energy boost or getting you out of your head when you’ve had a bit of thought chaos happening. I recognize that every body is different, so if I mention something that isn’t available to you, adapt or ignore it and follow only what feels appropriate to your body, mind, and space, today. If it’s comfortable and safe for you to do so, just spend the next few minutes literally shaking your body in any way that feels good to you. Do it in your chair, stand up if you can, whatever works and feels right and good in YOUR beautiful and unique body.  Shimmy and jiggle your shit until the next part of you wants to shimmy and jiggle along with it. You can do this in silence, but it’s honestly far more fun and feels less strange with music - so I encourage you to find time to put on a song and literally vibrate.  Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
07:5711/01/2022
Day 332 || Good News

Day 332 || Good News

Mondays can be a bit of a struggle for a lot of us, so I want to begin jumpstarting your Mondays with a bit of motivation. And, nothing motivates me more than a bit of good news to give me a sense of hope and progress. In today's episode - Julie highlights a lot of environmental wins that our world has made over the last few months! Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
06:5310/01/2022
Day 331 || Celebrate Luxury

Day 331 || Celebrate Luxury

Are there things you are saving for a special occasion that deep down you know you will never actually use? Is it a fancy facial cream or a nice bottle of wine? Maybe it’s a pedicure you’re saving for the next vacation. If you’re the type of person who withholds luxuries and joyful acts from yourself, start to question why?You deserve luxury. You deserve to feel celebrated. Celebrate yourself. Create tiny moments of luxury. Take the time. it's worth it. Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
06:4809/01/2022
Day 330 || Bullshit Rules

Day 330 || Bullshit Rules

There is no such thing as “falling behind”. We can only fall behind if we disregard ourselves. When we ignore own wisdom and learning, we betray ourselves, and that’s the closest thing I can think of to falling behind. Honestly, if society says you’re behind, but you’re doing better than you were five years ago (or five minutes ago), I think it's safe to say society is very wrong and should mind it’s own dang business. Sometimes societal rules keep us and those around us, safe. Other times, they're trash. Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
08:1408/01/2022
Day 329 || Old Ass Success Stories

Day 329 || Old Ass Success Stories

If an 80 year old will take his first ice skating class, you can google something you are passionate about to see where it takes you. Get inspired by the people out there doing it. Getting out of their comfort zones, and recognizing that it’s only too late if you tell yourself it’s too late. And like I said yesterday, it’s never too fucking late.  Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
07:1007/01/2022
Day 328 || Too Late To Try

Day 328 || Too Late To Try

Because it’s never too late to be bad at things. It’s never too late to try and to mess up and to try again. It’s never too late to quit and start fresh in a new way. It’s never too late to try and say, never mind, hated that, glad I tried it. Until you take your last breath on this beautiful planet, it’s never too fucking late.  Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
06:2906/01/2022
Day 327 || Pain Signals

Day 327 || Pain Signals

Don’t ignore the shit that is bugging you. Anything painful, scary, or overwhelming, typically has something behind it that needs to be addressed. The more you build walls up around it, the more power you give that shit. Instead of building walls, build tables and invite whatever you fear or causes you pain to sit, ask plenty of good questions, get real, and see if anything changes. Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
06:2605/01/2022
Day 326 || Some Dicks

Day 326 || Some Dicks

Even if the people we love desperately choose never to try to level up, there’s no shame in the lessons learned on the level they remain at. Their lessons will be much different than yours - but it’s not really your business. So, you can hold people accountable for the choices they make that affect you by establishing a foundation of safety in yourself. And you can  sustain the boundaries you establish to keep you feeling safe, regardless of other’s decisions, and that puts the ball in their court. You deserve respect from the people you spend your time with - and it’s okay to let go of those who are struggling with that.   Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
06:3204/01/2022
Day 325 || Defensive Driving

Day 325 || Defensive Driving

We're in this together, whether we like it or not. We all must account for other’s potential miscalculations without losing sight of our own. We are first responsible for what happens inside our car, but we are equally responsible for what happens around and to it. And while we aren’t responsible for other people’s actions, we are responsible for how we react to them. Shit happens. Luckily, because we are all aware that shit happens, we can be on the look out so we can dodge that shit before it hits our windshields. Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
07:5803/01/2022
Day 324 || Between Times

Day 324 || Between Times

You can do pretty much any online activity, from bed. Research a topic you’re interested. Watch a ted talk or an online lecture while you color or do a craft. Meal plan with recipes and make a grocery list. Play games on a language learning app like duo lingo. Write a to do list. Budget and plan for tax season.  Low energy days are normal, and healthy for you. If you’re struggling to get back on track, that’s normal too. Start slow, gently, and realistically. And don’t force it. One day you’ll wake up with a normal burst of energy again and you’ll be grateful you weren’t so hard on the temporary down time.  Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
07:2402/01/2022
Day 323 || Comfortable Discomfort

Day 323 || Comfortable Discomfort

 I encourage you to lean into the often uncomfortable nature of being comfortable. Eventually comfortable will begin to feel comfortable in your body, once you prove it’s a safe place to sit.  Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
08:0701/01/2022
Day 322 || New Year New Upgrades

Day 322 || New Year New Upgrades

As a gentle reminder, life is not about optimization. It won't matter who can make the most growth or gains or progress if we’re miserable throughout the entire process. Nobody looks back on their lives and wishes they had focused more on resolutions. And, ideally you will want to make healthier choices because you deserve to feel healthy. Ideally, you’ll want to move your body more because you deserve to feel stronger + less stressed. Ideally, you’ll want to create financial stability because you deserve financial stability. You won’t do this shit because you feel like you’re missing out or falling behind. You’ll do it because it feels good, and you deserve to feel good. There are appropriate, helpful, and healthy ways to accomplish any of your deepest foundational desires - but you have to get really intimate with them first. Then, take aim and upgrade your systems so you can get a little bit closer to those deep desires every day. The time is gonna pass either way, so you may as well be doing something worthwhile to YOU.  Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
08:2431/12/2021
Day 321 || Resolutions II

Day 321 || Resolutions II

Make appointments and meetings with yourself. Show up for yourself as you do for everyone else. Become your own personal trainer, your own lunch date, your own at home spa appointments. And show the fuck up. You deserve it! Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
06:5530/12/2021
Day 320 || Resolutions

Day 320 || Resolutions

Ad free episodes (and exclusive merch and bonus content) now available! https://www.patreon.com/MYDBpodcastThe new year is approaching and if you are planning to make any resolutions, I want to remind you to be gentle and reasonable with them. If you choose to do no resolutions this year because its a fucking pandemic or just cuz you don’t fucking feel like it - that’s also valid and dope, but this is for those of us choosing to make a few changes and using the new year as as starting point. To make an effective resolution you must first take into account where you’ve been and how far you’ve come. Then you must, quite literally, show yourself some gratitude for surviving a pandemic and doing the shit you had to. And practice showing yourself grace and allowing a substantial amount of time to marinate on the feeling of everything you have shown up for in the past year and if it still feels like nothing, practice more grace. And know I am fucking proud of you. You should be too.  Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
07:4329/12/2021
Day 319 || Love Yourself Like a Baby

Day 319 || Love Yourself Like a Baby

I want every one of us to feel encouraged on a daily basis to get back in touch with that adorable baby who gave no fucks and just focused on the experience. The toddler that didn’t hide their belly and felt no shame if a booger happened or a fart came out in a public place. The kid that understood that laughing too loud felt good and didn’t worry about making themselves smaller or less or different only to make other people comfortable.  Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
07:1828/12/2021
Day 317 || Mindfulness 8 - The Conclusion

Day 317 || Mindfulness 8 - The Conclusion

Consciousness is a beautiful gift, and if we learn to hone it, it can really become our superpower. We can learn to better trust ourselves, understand our intuition, and become more fulfilled and honest and peaceful humans. You are your own best resource. Don't be afraid to tap into it. Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
07:0427/12/2021
Day 316 || Mindfulness 7 - The Trial Run

Day 316 || Mindfulness 7 - The Trial Run

Today, just practice coming back to your breath. As it is now. Coming back to your body, as it is now. Practice consciousness. If your mind starts to wander and get lost in the sauce of chaos… come back to the way your body and breath feels in that very moment. You always have you to return to. Stay grounded in that knowledge.  Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
06:1026/12/2021
Day 315 || Mindfulness 6 - The Resistance

Day 315 || Mindfulness 6 - The Resistance

I encourage you to implement a few minutes of this mindfulness and meditation practice into your daily routines, as often as you can, so you can start to see the rewards and keep showing up for yourself. If it feels like work at first, that’s because it can be a bit of work, at first. We have to remember that meditation is an active form of brain training. We have been lead to believe it’s inactive. Sitting and doing nothing - but it’s actually an active process of choosing inactivity to increase awareness of your own thoughts and feelings to get more comfortable within your own body and mind so you can manage negative symptoms that naturally occur to our consciousness.   Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
08:1525/12/2021
Day 314 || Mindfulness 5 - The Practice

Day 314 || Mindfulness 5 - The Practice

This is a process and the practice is meant to enhance your life over time by improving your relationship with yourself. Don’t rush it. Don’t get frustrated. Some days will be harder than others. Don’t worry about doing well or doing bad, don’t cling to any expectations. And don’t start looking forward to some grand explosion of enlightenment. If you have brilliant thoughts, dope. Write em down, then go back to breathing. If you feel strong emotions, dope. Feel them and then go back to breathing. Simply breathe, sit, and relax into whatever the hell comes up for you. No matter what. Good or bad, weird or comfortable, calm or busy, It’s all human, which is the point of this practice. To simply embrace what it is to be human. Article cited in episode:  https://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/meditation.html A Guided Meditation on the Body, Space, and Awareness with Yongey Mingyur Rinpoch  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GSeWdjyr1cGuided Wim Hof Method Breathing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tybOi4hjZFQ Isha Kriya: A Guided Meditation For Health And Wellbeing | 15-Minutes  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwQkfoKxRvo REA EARTH: Self Love for Your Subconscious Mind https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVcur3OPNvg Taming Your Wandering Mind – TEDxCoconutGrove https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=Df2JBnql8lc&feature=youtu.be Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
08:5824/12/2021
Day 313 || Mindfulness 4 - The Collective Effect

Day 313 || Mindfulness 4 - The Collective Effect

Almost 50 studies have been done further confirming the benefits of global meditation and its direct impact on everything in the world, according to results published in the Journal of Crime and Justice in 1981. We shouldn’t be meditating for the perks. But being aware of them doesn’t hurt. Clinging to the outcomes or the changes or the enlightenment will only hurt your practice in the long run - so go in with only the expectation to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect to yourself, which will in turn allow you to better connect to the collective without having to try so damned hard. Meditation is about being human and connecting to your own human-ness, for better or for worse. It’s about sitting with yourself, without expectation, and just being. Of course, as a result, it can absolutely become a way to tap into the energetic resources that live within you and share them with the world, but only by practicing the release of the need to do or be anything at all.  Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
08:1923/12/2021
Day 312 || Mindfulness 3 - The Science

Day 312 || Mindfulness 3 - The Science

The Forbes Article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/alicegwalton/2015/02/09/7-ways-meditation-can-actually-change-the-brain/?sh=76a285111465Official, scientific studies, as well as my own anecdotal experiential evidence supports the fact that meditation helps balance emotions, and increases memory, focus, and productivity. Studies show an increase on creativity, reasoning skills, and standardized test scores. It is also proven to decrease depression, stress, and anxiety while improving your pain tolerance. It’s not a cure-all, of course, nothing is but it’s an amazing resource for helping manage symptoms and improve your relationship with yourself and others.   Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
07:3922/12/2021
Day 311 || Mindfulness 2 - The Implications

Day 311 || Mindfulness 2 - The Implications

So, although the history can be incredibly off-putting, it shouldn’t steer you away from the practice. Instead, it should empower you to embrace mindfulness with intentionality to honor those who came before us and made it possible for us to do so.In reality, we should all be practicing mindfulness but so we can better our lives, not optimize them. It’s meant to increase our awareness, not numb it. and we should be meditating so we can improve our relationships, not just with ourselves, but with the rest of humanity.  Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
06:0021/12/2021
Day 310 || Mindfulness 1 - The Historical Context

Day 310 || Mindfulness 1 - The Historical Context

Youtube channel of Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche:  https://www.youtube.com/user/MingyurRinpocheThe article I referenced: https://www.zerotothree.org/resources/3715-perspectives-defunding-mindfulness-while-we-sit-on-our-cushions-systemic-racism-runs-rampant  I could spend a whole season talking about the value of establishing a conscious mindfulness and meditation practice. I’ll spare you the full season but for the next few days I am going to be doing a series on how to get started with a meditation practice, even if you’ve never considered doing it before. The history of mindfulness and meditation is incredibly important and often overlooked, so today we’re starting there because honoring roots is a critical piece in learning and respecting cultures without appropriating them. Plus, if we continue to choose to skip learning the real history of things, we will end up perpetuating negative cycles and losing sight of the meaning of these practices that are meant to do the opposite. So, today, I wanted to start with touching briefly on the history of meditation.  Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
07:1320/12/2021
Day 309 || Get That Shit Done

Day 309 || Get That Shit Done

It’s officially time to get that thing you have been putting off done. Once and for all, today is the day. This week is the week. You know exactly the thing I am talking about, too. That damned thing that you’ve been putting off, doesn’t need to wait any longer.  Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
05:5919/12/2021
Day 308 || Unionize for the Collective

Day 308 || Unionize for the Collective

People have far less power when we act individually. Acting together as group is where real, substantial change is made. Unions are built on this reality. And while no union is perfect, they are the collective voice of the workers, which is incredibly important in a world determined to take advantage of individuals. Unions work to put power in the people to ensure the rights and wages are protected.  Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
06:5418/12/2021
Day 307 || Pleasure Bait

Day 307 || Pleasure Bait

Our thoughts, feelings, and even experiences are not always rooted in reality. More so, they are rooted in survival. The fact that we can often take a step back from a real, tangible, valid feeling and realize that we no longer feel the same affects of those feelings, proves they are real but not trustworthy advisors in our behaviors. Deception and distortion is built into the natural human mind for our survival. It’s our job to recognize that and change our relationship with suffering so we can not fall victim to creating more suffering than necessary just as a means of basic survival.  Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
05:5117/12/2021
Day 306 || Synthetic Happiness

Day 306 || Synthetic Happiness

If we are truly stuck with a choice, our best hope for happiness is to simply lean in. Our brains have this miraculous power to make us feel happy, as long as we don’t focus on the what could’ve beens of life. True suffering comes less from making a “wrong" choice, and more from regretting making it. Regardless of what happens in life, our minds will typically work to synthesize happiness once again, which is in no way less valuable than the happiness we may come to expect from making what seemed to be a better choice. So, keep leaning in, don’t worry so damn much, and enjoy the choices you did make because they lead you here, now, which is a truly beautiful place to be.  Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
05:4516/12/2021
Day 305 || Experience Simulator

Day 305 || Experience Simulator

Watch the Ted Talk here: The Surprising Science of Happiness by Dan Gilbert - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4q1dgn_C0AUSo, if we are stuck with things going one way or the other, we often overrate how much it will actually affect us, when in reality, being stuck with the less preferred choice not only will effect us less than we’d expect, we are pretty damned good at synthesizing happiness around our bad gets, anyway. This study shows that real suffering comes from the questioning of if we made the right choice, rather than the choice itself. The decision doesn’t really matter, but dwelling on that decision does. Proving, that overthinking can be our greatest enemy.  Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
07:2715/12/2021
Day 304 || Cancelling Plans

Day 304 || Cancelling Plans

Be honest and up front with your people. If you feel the need to rain check and can foresee that change happening ahead of time, let them know as soon as you figure it out. You don’t have to over-explain your reasonings, but respecting other people’s time means giving them substantial time to make more plans.  Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
08:0314/12/2021
Day 303 || Remembering Names

Day 303 || Remembering Names

I have often expressed how important it is to make others feel heard and seen, and that feeling we get when a stranger thinks you’re worthy of remembering your name immediately, is the most efficient way to make this happen. It’s hard to show someone you give a shit about them if you cant bother to remember their most basic identifier. Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
07:0813/12/2021
Day 302 || Weaponized Mindfulness

Day 302 || Weaponized Mindfulness

Practicing mindfulness is to make your life better, not to make you a better employee. Ideally, we can get to a place where we can choose our well-being over the well-being of our employers. Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
07:1312/12/2021
Day 301 || Bad Sh*t's Accessibility

Day 301 || Bad Sh*t's Accessibility

If you want to get something done and cant stop getting distracted? Make it difficult to access your distractions.  Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
07:3411/12/2021
Day 300 || Simplify + Consolidate

Day 300 || Simplify + Consolidate

When you slow down consciously - you start to notice how much the world opens up. Oddly enough - when you intentionally choose less, you make room to experience more.  Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
06:1710/12/2021
Day 299 || Habitual Identity

Day 299 || Habitual Identity

When we associate our decisions with a part of ourselves that we take pride in, we are less likely to question whether we should put in effort or not. It becomes the natural progression of events. If you care, you’ll be far more likely to put in effort. If you can create a way to care more - you can improve that effort dramatically without fighting yourself internally.  Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
05:3009/12/2021
Day 298 || Culturally Speaking

Day 298 || Culturally Speaking

We should be striving to treat individuals as individuals. All humans, regardless of race, age, gender identity, sexuality, religion, preferences, or personal choices should b e treated as humans. Of course, we can protect our boundaries by addressing different behaviors that may affect us personally, but every single living being deserves to be treated with the same level of respect - as long as they aren’t violating your boundaries. Individuals should be treated as individuals.  Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
06:5908/12/2021
Day 297 || Schadenfreude

Day 297 || Schadenfreude

In my experience there are two types of thinking when it comes to suffering. There are people who think, “I experienced something terrible and I don’t want anyone else to ever experience something like that.” And there are people who think, “I experienced something terrible, and everyone else should have to, too.” Ideally, we’re all in the first camp.  Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
06:0207/12/2021
Day 296 || Gradual Slow Progress

Day 296 || Gradual Slow Progress

Unless something drastic happens, real change is hard to notice until consistent effort has been put in and enough time and has passed to show those results. If you see an old friend after 20 years, you will be far more likely to notice their signs of aging than if you saw them aging slowly and gradually every single day. Same with gaining or losing weight. You aren’t likely to notice a few pounds a year being added or lost on your body until you look back and realize you’ve gained or lost forty pounds without noticing the impact. Slow, gradual change is far less noticeable by the naked eye. You may feel like you blinked and everything changed, when in reality - it had been slowly and steadily changing for years and years.  Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
05:5806/12/2021
Day 295 ||  Toxicity Attractors

Day 295 || Toxicity Attractors

Being open, honest and kind is a valuable asset in a closed off, dark, and often mean world. That said, being an honest, open, kind and vulnerable person can definitely put a target on your back when it comes to toxic people looking for prey. “Unspoken boundaries are invisible, and they often sound like “They should’ve known better” or “Common sense would say . . .” Common sense is based on our own life experiences, however, and it isn’t the same for everyone. That’s why it’s essential to communicate and not assume that people are aware of our expectations in relationships. We must inform others of our limits and take responsibility for upholding them.”― Nedra Glover Tawwab, Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
06:1805/12/2021