For episode 214 of the Metta Hour, we continue our Mental Health Series with teacher and author George T. Mumford.

In this series, Sharon is speaking with teachers, experts, and health advocates to explore and destigmatize mental health, applying the tools of Buddhist wisdom and spiritual practice. This multi-part series aires every other week in the coming months. In this episode, Sharon is joined by author and teacher George T. Mumford, a.k.a. The Mindfulness Performance Whisperer.

George Mumford is a highly acclaimed and leading expert in sports psychology & performance. Phil Jackson’s ‘Secret Weapon’ to winning eight NBA Championships. George is the author of “The Mindful Athlete” and his 2023 book, “Unlocked: Embrace Your Greatness, Find the Flow, Discover Success.” In this conversation, George and Sharon discuss:

• George’s mental health journey

• Looking at mental health as a spectrum

• The myth that mental illness is rare

• Transforming roadblocks into stepping stones

• The public stigma for athletes

• Learning how to relate to ourselves 

• Every experience is valuable

• The inspiration for George’s new book

• Growth mindset versus fixed mindset

• Cultivating agency and empowerment

• Finding your flow state

• Working with failure

• George’s translation of Buddhist teachings

• Abiding in love in our growth

• George’s three cornerstones

The conversation closes with a guided meditation on awareness led by George. To learn more about George’s work, and to get a copy of his new book, Unlocked, you can visit his website at https://georgemumford.com/

Mental Health Resources:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline call 988 or (800) 273-8255

Psychology Today Find a Mindfulness-Trained Therapist 

Active Peace Yoga with Reggie Hubbard

The Psychology Podcast with Scott Barry Kaufman

Mark Epstein Psychiatrist & Author with a Buddhist Lens

Nalanda Institute Contemplative Psychotherapy Program

Express Yourself Black Man Healing Community for Black Men

Black Boys Om Black Boys & Men Healing & Wellness Education

Cloud Sangha Community For Meditation & Wellness

The Trevor Project Support for LGBTQ Mental Health 

Therapy for Black Girls Mental Wellness for Black Women and Girls 

The Friendship Bench Creating Safe Spaces & Community

Hope for Bereaved Grief Support Groups

Option B Grief, Trauma and Loss Support

Sharon's newest book, Real Life, is now available from Flatiron Books in hardcover, ebook, and audiobook formats. To learn more about the book or get a copy, you can visit Sharon’s website here.

If you would like to suggest a topic for this series, you can email admin@sharonsalzberg.com with your questions and suggestions.

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