The Courageous Life

In this episode I had a deeply moving and powerful conversation with four members of the Parkland community who were impacted by the school shooting that took place at Marjory Stoneman Douglas Senior High School on February 14, 2018. In this conversation MSD students - Danielle Gilbert and Danny Tabares, Adult Chair of March for Our Lives Parkland - Samantha Novick, and community organizer and respected meditation teacher Shelly Tygielski courageously share their experiences of that day and their road to healing. This is one of the most hopeful and inspirational conversations that has taken place on this show (and that I have ever witnessed or been a part of). I hope you enjoy. **This show contains content that some may find to be upsetting, disturbing, or triggering. Please listen at your own discretion. Thank you.**In this episode we explore:Their experiences of Valentine’s Day 2018Insights about transforming pain into purposeStaying hopeful when times get toughHow they have found the courage to be compassionate, and to love after experiencing hateThe importance of listening, and healthy debateWhat they’ve learned about creating conditions that promote healingWhy little acts of kindness are so importantAnd much more. Guest bios - please note these are partial bios. For full bios, show notes, and links to references and resources mentioned in the show please visit www.joshuasteinfeldt.com/episode-29Please share this episode, rate the show, and subscribe by heading to iTunes. Thanks for listening!Danielle Gilbert, StudentDanielle Gilbert is currently a senior at Marjory Stoneman Douglas Senior High School in Parkland, Florida. She has lived in Parkland for her entire life. She was located in one of the classrooms that was shot into on February 14, 2018. She will be attending University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida in the Fall of 2019.  Daniel ("Danny") Tabares, StudentDaniel Tabares is an 18-year old Sophomore at Marjory Stoneman Douglas Senior High School. Danny was a Freshman during the tragic events of February 14, 2018 and experienced, like many others, trauma but he managed to turn that pain into purpose. Originally from Honduras and also part Colombian, Danny has overcome many challenges in his life prior to shooting and has channeled that strength to focus on helping others. He spends a lot of his time volunteering in the organizations that were formed to commemorate and honor the 17 victims of the Parkland shooting. Samantha Novick, Adult Chair of March for Our Lives Parkland, MSD Alumnus Samantha Novick was the Adult Chairperson for March For Our Lives - Parkland which took place on March 24, 2018, a little over a month after the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas Senior High School, her alma mater. Sam's mother, Sharon Cutler, is a teacher at Stoneman Douglas and her father is the Vice Mayor of the City of Parkland, the city where she was raised. She is an ASHA certified speech-language pathologist and the owner of Bridge Therapy, located in Coral Springs, Florida.  She is passionate about giving back to her community, ensuring that the memories of the lives lost are preserved and honored, and supports and leads initiatives that contribute to the eradication of hate. Shelly Tygielski, Community Organizer and Mindfulness TeacherAfter spending almost 20 years in Corporate America, Shelly Tygielski turned to teaching “modern-life mindfulness” full-time. For the past decade, Shelly has volunteered as a community organizer in politics, on campaigns, with social justice organizations and on behalf of underserved school districts as well as helping with Support the show

Thomas Crum is an acclaimed author, martial arts instructor, and presenter in the fields of conflict resolution, peak performance, and stress management. He is known throughout the world for The Thomas Crum Approach, designed to help people become more centered under conflict, more resourceful when facing challenges, and more effective under stress. For over 30 years, Tom has delivered dynamic presentations to management and employees at all levels in corporations, government and non-profit organizations.  Some of his corporate clients include Amgen, Sony Pictures, Sony Entertainment, Intel, the Navy SEALS and the National Football League. You can find out more about Tom, his books, and his teachings at www.aikiworks.comIn this episode we explore:Tom’s unexpected journey to becoming John Denver’s personal body guard and coachWhat aikido taught Tom about working with conflictStrategies to stay centered and perform under pressureTom’s insights about captivating audiencesOvercoming fearIf you enjoyed this episode please rate the show on iTunes or write a review. You can find show notes and all other episodes at www.joshuasteinfeldt.com/podcastThanks for listening!Support the show

Rhonda V. Magee, J.D. is a Professor of Law at the University of San Francisco, and an internationally recognized thought and practice leader focused on integrating mindfulness into Higher Education, Law and Social Justice. She also is a leading expert on how mindfulness can be an effective way to reduce implicit bias. You can find out much more about Rhonda's remarkable background in her bio below.  In this episode we had a deep, authentic, and wide-ranging conversation related to mindfulness, race, and social justice. Some key highlights included: Rhonda’s perspective on building organizational cultures that are diverse and inclusiveImplicit bias - What it is, how it works, the research behind it, and how mindfulness can be an effective means for reducing itHow, and why, Rhonda teaches mindfulness and compassion to law studentsPractices for engaging in meaningful and difficult conversations about race, politics, and other often challenging issuesRhonda’s story, and why she is passionate about mindfulness as a means for addressing race and social justice issuesThemes from her upcoming book, The Inner Work of Racial Justice: Healing Ourselves and Our Communities Through Mindfulness, which arrives September of 2019And more!If you enjoyed this episode please take a moment to rate the show on iTunes. Show notes for this episode can be found at www.joshuasteinfeldt.com/podcastThanks for listening!Rhonda’s background:Rhonda V. Magee, J.D. is Professor of Law at the University of San Francisco, and is an internationally recognized thought leader focused on integrating Mindfulness into Higher Education, Law and Social Justice. A student of a wide variety of Buddhist and other wisdom teachers, including Norman Fischer and Jon Kabat-Zinn, she trained as a mindfulness teacher through the Oasis Teacher Training Institute of the University of Massachusetts Center for Mindfulness. Professor Magee is a Fellow of the Mind and Life Institute, she recently completed a 2-year term on its Steering Council.  She is a member of the Board of Advisors of the University of Massachusetts Center for Mindfulness and the Board of Directors for the Search Inside Yourself Leadership Institute.A Professor of Law for twenty years, Rhonda’s teaching and writing support compassionate conflict engagement and management; holistic problem-solving to alleviate the suffering of the vulnerable and injured; presence-based leadership in a diverse world, and humanizing approaches to education.  She sees mindfulness and the allied disciplines as keys to personal, interpersonal and collective transformation in the face of the challenges and opportunities that social change represents.Rhonda is the author of numerous articles and book chapters on mindfulness in legal education, and on teaching about race using mindfulness. Her debut book titled, The Inner Work of Racial Justice: Healing Ourselves and Transforming Our Communities Through Mindfulnesscomes out September 2019.  Support the show

In this episode I sat down with Frank Ostaseski and had a wide ranging and deep conversation about courage, authenticity, and living life fully by embracing all aspects of one's experience. Frank Ostaseski is an internationally respected Buddhist teacher and visionary cofounder of the Zen Hospice Project (the first Buddhist Hospice in America). He has lectured at Harvard Medical School, the Mayo Clinic, Wisdom.2.0 and teaches at major spiritual centers around the globe. His groundbreaking work has been highlighted on The Oprah Winfrey Show, and honored by the Dalai Lama. He is the author of The Five Invitations: Discovering What Death Can Teach Us About Living Fully.In this conversation we explore:-Background on Frank’s pioneering work in end-of-life care-Frank's remarkable stories, and the lessons he has learned, about living with greater meaning, purpose, and love from the thousands of people he has sat with as they went through the process of dying-How to live authentically-Practical ways of finding rest in the midst of the fast pace of modern life-How mindfulness can be useful as a means for dealing with fear and finding courage-And much more!If you enjoyed this episode please rate the show on iTunes!For more on Frank visit www.fiveinvitations.com or www.mettainstitute.orgFor show notes, other episodes, and more visit www.joshuasteinfeldt.com/podcastThanks for listening and enjoy the show! Support the show

Thupten Jinpa holds his Ph.D. from Cambridge University and has been the principal English translator to the Dalai Lama since 1985. He has translated and collaborated on numerous books by the Dalai Lama including the New York Times Bestsellers Ethics for the New Millennium and The Art of Happiness. He is also the author of A Fearless Heart: How the Courage to be Compassionate Can Transform Our Lives and is the main author of Compassion Cultivation Training (CCT) developed for Stanford University in 2009. In this conversation, Jinpa and I sat down to explore a variety of topics related to compassion including:-How compassion differs from empathy-How compassion can be trained and the some of the neuroscience behind it-What Jinpa has learned about compassion from the Dalai Lama-How compassion training may be the next big wave (particularly in healthcare settings) after mindfulness-How compassion may be able to help bring us together, overcome tribalism and decrease polarizationIf you enjoyed this episode check out www.joshuasteinfeldt.com/podcast for all episodes, show notes, and more. More background on Thupten Jinpa:Thupten Jinpa, Ph.D. was trained as a monk at the Shartse College of Ganden Monastic University, South India, where he received the Geshe Lharam degree. Jinpa also holds a B.A. in philosophy and a Ph.D. in religious studies, both from Cambridge University.Jinpa has been the principal English translator to H.H. the Dalai Lama since 1985, and has translated and collaborated on numerous books by the Dalai Lama including the New York Times Bestsellers Ethics for the New Millennium and The Art of Happiness, as well as Beyond Religion: Ethics for a Whole World. His own publications include A Fearless Heart: How the Courage to be Compassionate Can Transform Our Lives and translations of major Tibetan works featured in The Library of Tibetan Classics series. Jinpa is the main author of Compassion Cultivation Training (CCT) developed for Stanford University in 2009. A frequent speaker at various international conferences on mindfulness, compassion, and contemplative practice, Jinpa serves as an adjunct professor at the Faculty of Religious Studies at McGill University, Montreal and is the founder and president of the Institute of Tibetan Classics. He has been a core member of the Mind and Life Institute and its Chairman of the Board since January 2012.Support the show

Mark Nepo is a world renowned poet, story teller, teacher, New York Times best-selling author and past guest on Oprah Winfrey’s: Super Soul Sunday. In this episode we sat down to explore many topics from his teachings, his life, and his new book, More Together Than Alone, including:Loneliness and it’s antidoteBuilding community, connection, and belongingMark’s creative process and how he approaches writingMark’s journey with cancer and how that has impacted his life and his workCourage and compassionIf you enjoyed this episode please visit www.joshuasteinfeldt.com/podcast for links to show notes, all other episodes, and more!Mark's background:Mark Nepo moved and inspired readers and seekers all over the world with his #1 New York Times bestseller The Book of Awakening.  Beloved as a poet, teacher, and storyteller, Mark has been called "one of the finest spiritual guides of our time," "a consummate storyteller," and "an eloquent spiritual teacher." His work is widely accessible and used by many and his books have been translated into more than twenty languages.  A bestselling author, he has published twenty books and recorded fourteen audio projects.  In 2015, he was given a Life-Achievement Award by AgeNation.  And in 2016, he was named by Watkins: Mind Body Spirit as one of the 100 Most Spiritually Influential Living People, and was also chosen as one of OWN's SuperSoul 100, a group of inspired leaders using their gifts and voices to elevate humanity.  Mark was part of Oprah Winfrey's The Life You Want Tour in 2014 and has appeared several times with Oprah on her Super Soul Sunday program on OWN TV.  He has also been interviewed by Robin Roberts on Good Morning America. Mark continues to offer readings, lectures, and retreats. For more on Mark, visit www.marknepo.comSupport the show

In this episode - Author, renowned meditation teacher, and Senior Director of the NYU Global and Spiritual Life Center, Yael Shy, and I sat down to discuss:Mindfulness (what it is, and why many people practice)How mindfulness and meditation can support people as they navigate major life transitions (like going to college, starting a career, becoming a parent, etc) Why mindfulness can be considered a form of courageHow meditation can help with challenges and difficulties including strong emotions, and feelings of anxietyMore topics out of her outstanding new book: What Now? Meditation for Your Twenties and BeyondIf you enjoyed this episode you can find all episodes, show notes, and more at www.joshuasteinfeldt.com/podcastYael's background: Yael is the Senior Director of the NYU Global Spiritual Life Center and the NYU 'Of Many' Institute for Multifaith and Spiritual Leadership, as well as the Founder and Director of MindfulNYU, the largest campus-wide mindfulness initiative in the country. She teaches regularly at MNDFL in NYC and is a sought after speaker, teacher, and writer on meditation, interfaith engagement and spirituality. She is the author of the award-winning book, What Now? Meditation for Your Twenties and Beyond (Parallax, November 2017). If you are interested to learn more about Yael, please visit: https://www.yaelshy.comSupport the show

Drs. James and Janice Prochaska, and I, sat down to discuss a wide variety of topics related to their new book, Changing to Thrive. Some key highlights include: How we can successfully make changes in our lives, around our health, or in our work that we may have put off, or struggled with in the pastOvercoming fear and other obstacles that hold us back from changingOvercoming self-doubt, and discouragement Finding the courage to changeHow to skillfully support people as they go through the process of changeEvidence-based strategies for thrivingIf you enjoyed this episode you visit www.joshuasteinfeldt.com/podcast for show notes and more!Background (selected highlights from bio):James O. Prochaska is Director of Cancer Prevention Research Center and Professor of Clinical and Health Psychology at the University of Rhode Island. He is the author of over 400 publications, including four books, Changing to Thrive, Changing for Good, Systems of Psychotherapy, and The Transtheoretical Approach. Additionally, Dr. Prochaska is internationally recognized for his work as a developer of the stage model of behavior change and is the founder of Pro-Change Behavior Systems. He has also recently been recognized as one of the top three most preeminent clinical psychologists. For more about James or Janice Prochaska please visit www.jprochaska.com One of the most published authors in the field of social work, Dr. Janice M. Prochaska has led research and development teams for health behavior and organizational change programs as the CEO at Pro-Change Behavior Systems, Inc. from 1997 – 2015. Her collaborations include applying the Model to cutting edge issues like simultaneously reducing multiple risk behaviors and enhancing multiple domains of well-being, healthy weight management in children and adults, preventing bullying, keeping individuals out of trouble with the law, and advancing careers with populations like women scientists.Support the show

In this episode I sat down with Professional Coach, Peace Corps Volunteer, Entrepreneur, and Storyteller, Lisa Daron. Lisa has set off on a mission she calls "The Connection Cure" to see if she can heal herself from chronic illness by traveling across the country and forming meaningful moments of connection with people she meets along the way. Topics we explore in this conversation include: -Lisa's journey with chronic illness and how she came up with the idea for the Connection Cure -What micro moments of connection are and the science behind them-Practical ways Lisa deals with fear and doubt -Lessons she learned about forming connection and relationships from her time as a peace corp volunteer -And much more! If you enjoyed this episode, please visit www.joshuasteinfeldt.com/podcast for show notes and more! Background on Lisa: Lisa Daron Grossman has been a practicing certified Professional Coach from the Coaches Training Institute and the International Coaches Federation since 2010. She is a practitioner of Positive Psychology, holds her MFA in Creative Nonfiction writing, BA in Anthropology, and a certificate in Mind-Body Medicine. As a returned Peace Corps Volunteer, Lisa draws on fifteen years of learning and experience working with non-profits and NGOs in the public health and arts sectors of Swaziland. Prior to working as a coach Lisa worked with storytelling as a documentary filmmaker, a copywriter for the Smithsonian channel, a New York City tour guide, and a professional team builder for over ten years. Lisa is currently living on the road full-time.Support the show

At the tender age of 15 Alison Canavan was catapulted onto the international stage when she represented Ireland in the Supermodel of the World competition in Las Vegas. This spawned a near 22 year career in the fashion industry, which has taken her to the main fashion capitals of London, Paris, Milan and New York and as far around the world as South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Asia. Having travelled the world as one of Ireland’s most successful international models for nearly two decades, in recent years she has devoted her time to her greatest passion: true health and wellbeing. In this episode we explore: -Alison's journey from world-renowned fashion model to health and wellness coach, motivational speaker, and award winning author of the book Minding Mum. -The connection between self-acceptance, courage, and happiness -What Alison has learned through recovery from addiction about lasting happiness and what she terms true health and wellbeing -The relationship between mindfulness and peace and happiness -The courage in vulnerability -Strategies for being more courageous, and attaining meaningful personal or professional goals If you enjoyed this episode please visit: www.joshuasteinfeldt.com/podcast for show notes and links to all other episodes. More background on Alison: Helping people to join the dots with their health and wellbeing is Alison’s primary goal and passion. Her interest in nutrition began in 2009 when she started studying Fitness Nutrition Coaching under NESTA (National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association), in the United States. She graduated with distinction in Nutrition and Health Coaching from Irish Institute of Nutrition and Health (IINH). She holds an Advanced Diploma in Diet and Nutrition therapeutics. In addition to these studies Alison is currently continuing her studies in Mindfulness Facilitation at UCLA. She spoke at The Mindful Life Conference in Washington in April 2017. She has lectured in Trinity College on the module of Motherhood and Mental Health. She delivers talks on stress in the workplace to CEO’s and business leaders across the country. Alison has a weekly wellness column in The Sunday Independent in Ireland and has contributed to numerous publications through the years including You Magazine, VIP Magazine, The Daily Mail, and many more. She was also the featured cover story in the June 2018 edition of Mindful Magazine. For more on Alison please visit www.alisoncanavan.comSupport the show