A New Way of Being Beyond Thought: A Journey from Prison to Presence - Matt Tenney
Jun 30, 2025
Matt Tenney, a leadership coach with over 10,000 hours of meditation, shares his transformative journey from military officer to mindfulness advocate after facing solitary confinement. He discusses how suffering stems from our thoughts, not external circumstances. The conversation dives into the power of mindfulness, emphasizing its practical application in daily life. Matt highlights that true happiness is discovered when we detach from limiting thoughts, and he offers insights on creating space in our responses, cultivating awareness, and transforming everyday routines into mindful practices.
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Matt's Arrest and Solitary Confinement
- Matt Tenney arranged a delivery of unauthorized government money and was arrested going to the airport.
- He faced arrest and traumatic treatment but found relief in honesty and later transformation.
Meditation Transforming Prison Life
- Matt began mindfulness and meditation in solitary confinement, turning daily tasks into practice.
- He became happier in prison than before by focusing on the present moment and dropping identification with thoughts.
Comparative Thinking Fuels Suffering
- Comparative thinking roots much dissatisfaction by making us judge present moments against other times.
- Freedom arises by fully embracing each moment without comparisons or mental judgments.
