The Chris Voss Show

The Chris Voss Show Podcast – How to be a Good Dog Learning to Sit, Stay, and Heal By Phyllis Coletta

Sep 25, 2025
Join Phyllis Coletta, an ordained Zen Buddhist chaplain and former attorney, as she dives into the chaotic world of our minds with her book about meditation. She uses a playful puppy metaphor to explain how to train our minds for calmness and focus. Phyllis shares practical meditation practices like 'sit', 'stay', and 'leave it', and highlights the importance of personal transformation. Her insights on avoiding social media noise and the notion that one cannot train others in mindfulness make for an engaging and enlightening conversation.
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INSIGHT

Mind As A Puppy

  • Phyllis Coletta frames the restless mind as an untrained puppy that needs discipline and training.
  • A well-trained mind becomes the driver of a calmer, more successful life.
ADVICE

Simplify Meditation To Three Commands

  • Stop overcomplicating meditation and simply commit to sitting still.
  • Learn three simple commands: sit, stay, and leave it to train your mind effectively.
ADVICE

Use A Verbal 'Leave It' Cue

  • When negative thoughts arise, name them and tell yourself 'leave it'.
  • Use a brief verbal cue to interrupt toxic mental patterns in real time.
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