Whether it’s presenting, facilitating, sharing in a large meeting, hosting, or some other form of being in the spotlight,Speaking in public is one of people's greatest fears which may show up in various forms:DoubtFeeling anxious or nervousOver-focusing on oneselfThe list goes on. So today, we are re-releasing one of the most popular practices we've ever done, which addresses working with these fears by making a mindset shift from performance to curiosity.If you have a moment where you will be speaking, interviewing, facilitating, coaching, hosting, or just generally interacting…and you find yourself getting nervous.Give this a try, and see if it helps.Curious to explore this topic further? Here are some conversations on the podcast we think you'll love:The Six Word Novel - I Died and Now I'm Back | Kevin CashmanLeadership From the Inside Out | Kevin CashmanUnlocking the Mindset of a Champion | Shane O'SullivanThank you for your practice today!I look forward to continuing together next Thursday!-JoshuaWant these practices delivered via text? If you are located in the U.S. text the word COURAGE to 805-430-6801 to join Joshua's text community and you'll get a text once/week with a link directly to the practice. Looking for more practice opportunities? Check out:Free Meditation Events - 60 minute community gatherings with Joshua held 2x a month over zoom.The Practice Pass - An annual membership that gives you on-demand access to robust practice experiences including the 28-Day Practicing Courage Challenge and The 5-Day Transforming Stress Challenge. Past Practicing Courage episodes in the podcast feedThe FREE Practice LibrarySupport the show

How do we find the courage to create?The courage to listen to, and follow our heart? Particularly when that means living a life that may not follow the beaten path?And how might we expand our capacity to hold more than one emotion at a time, accepting and embracing the messy experience of being human, and the inevitable ups and downs of the creative process?Today we will dive into these questions as we explore how art, and creative expression, may offer a path for living into the answers. We'll also discuss the practice of returning to that unabashed childlike boldness for bringing our artistic potential into the world. Remember that? That simple, and very human, practice of creativity (without apology or inhibition). A practice that can lead to feeling more fully alive.Today’s guest is the incredibly talented artist, designer, and educator, Rukmini Poddar. Our conversation is deep but playful, moving at times, and practical as Rukmini shares a variety of helpful insights from her extensive experiences creating and teaching art, and facilitating workshops that foster greater emotional intelligence, wisdom, and compassion. Enjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen to your podcasts!Did you find this episode inspiring? Here are other conversations we think you'll love:Giving Everyone Permission to Feel | Dr. Marc BrackettReclaiming Our Freedom, Energy, and Power | Dr. Emma SeppäläMore about Rukmini:Rukmini Poddar is the author of  Draw Your Feelings: A Creative Journal to Help Connect with Your Emotions through Art. She has found her creative voice in participating in the #100DayProject for over 9 consecutive years and has grown her instagram community to over 100,000 followers. She is best known for her drawings that give life to her emotions. She teaches people how to draw their emotions and leads workshops with corporate teams, schools, and large gatherings of over 400+ people.For more on Rukimini please follow her instagram @rockinruksi, or check out her website at dearruksi.com. You can pick up a copy of her book, Draw Your Feelings wherever books are sold. Thanks for listening!Support the show

Yesterday we released a Courageous Life conversation with Dr. James Doty.Together we explored themes from his new book: Mind Magic The Neuroscience of Manifestation and How it Changes Everything.In both the book and our conversation Dr. Doty challenges the popular narrative around manifestation, A narrative that has narrowly emphasized outward success, materialism, and individual benefit.As an alternative James calls upon his work as a neurosurgeon, neuroscientist, and leader in the field of compassion science, As he invites us into a deep exploration of how our brains work, And what happens when we pair their full power with the intention for a kinder, better world. What I appreciate so much about this new book, and the work Dr. Doty has done over his career is, that he continues to offer evidence-based practices that can change the structure of our brain. These Practices harness the power of attention, meditation, visualization, and compassion. He argues that over time and with dedication they can support us in moving through the world in ways that help us see clearly—reclaiming our agency, realizing our dreams, and reaching out to help others along the path.Toward the end of our time together I  asked James if he would offer a guided practice that could be used as a starting point for anyone who is looking to begin manifesting more of what they want in their lives. What he offered is truly a place to begin, and serves as the practice for today. For more on the manifestation process, including a 6 week program that Dr. Doty created with more practices like this, you can pick up a copy of Mind Magic wherever books are sold. And be sure to check out the conversation with James (if you haven't already):Using Neuroscience to Manifest a Kinder, Better World | Dr. James DotyThank you for your practice. I look forward to continuing together next Thursday!-JoshuaWant these practices delivered via text? If you are located in the U.S. text the word COURAGE to 805-430-6801 to join Joshua's text community and you'll get a text once/week with a link directly to the practice. Looking for more practice opportunities? Check out:Free Meditation Events - 60 minute community gatherings with Joshua held 2x a month over zoom.The Practice Pass - An annual membership that gives you on-demand access to robust practice experiences including the 28-Day Practicing Courage Challenge and The 5-Day Transforming Stress Challenge. Past Practicing Courage episodes in the podcast feedThe FREE Practice LibrarySupport the show

For decades the practice of manifestation has been widely dismissed as self-involved, materialistic pseudoscience. Today, neuroscientist and founder of the Center for Compassion at Stanford, Dr. James Doty is back on the podcast for the 3rd time. This time to discuss what he calls an antithesis to this popular narrative around manifestation, which narrowly emphasizes outward success and individual benefit.During our conversation, and in his new book: Mind Magic The Neuroscience of Manifestation and How it Changes Everything, he will invite us into a deep conversation about how our brains work, and what happens when we pair their full power with the intention for a kinder, better world. What I appreciated so much about this book, and the work Dr. Doty has done over his career is that he continues to offer evidence-based practices that can change the structure of our brains by harnessing the power of attention, meditation, visualization, and compassion. He argues that over time and with dedication they can support us in moving through the world in ways that help us see clearly—reclaiming our agency, realizing our dreams, and reaching out to help others along the path.In today's episode James will share:Why it’s important to reflect on what you have been manifesting in your life already (as a starting point).Ways to shift what you’re manifesting if you’re not finding the fulfillment and meaning you've been yearning for.Some of his story of learning to manifest, including how and why his initial way of practicing, which yielded a lot of material success, ultimately left him feeling empty and unfulfilled.Insight into manifesting with an open heart and practices that support doing so.Highlights from the neuroscience of manifestation including why cultivating calm and setting a compassionate intention lead to our brain networks working at their full potential.Insight about ways to work with mental barriers that can arise in the manifestation process such as fear, shame, and doubt.How childhood experiences can influence our ability to practice manifestation Why manifestation isn’t a quick fix, and why it’s important to start smallA brief guided practice for manifestation.Enjoying the show? Please share with friends, and rate it wherever you listen to your podcasts. Did you find this episode inspiring? Here are other conversations we think you'll love:Moving from Fear to Love | Dr. James Doty and Dr. Jacinta JiménezReclaiming Our Freedom, Energy, and Power | Dr. Emma SeppäläInto the Magic Shop | Dr. James DotyMore about James:James R. Doty, MD, is a neurosurgeon, neuroscientist, adjunct professor at Stanford University, and the director of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE). He serves on the board of a number of nonprofits and is the former chairman of the Dalai Lama Foundation. He is the host of the Into the Magic Shop podcast, which is also the title of his beloved and bestselling first book. His new book titled Mind Magic: The Neuroscience of Manifestation and How It Changes Everything is out now. You can find it wherever books are sold. For more, please visit jamesrdotymd.com.Thanks for listening!Support the show

Yesterday we released a moving Courageous Life conversation with Juliana Tafur.Juliana is a journalist, award winning documentary filmmaker, and bridge builder. She serves as the Program Director for the Greater Good Science Center’s Bridging Differences initiative. During our time together she shared shared some of her story, and insights from her incredible work as we explored the art and science of listening in ways that lead to: Meaningful connectionDeeper relationshipsAnd ultimately that build bridges across difference. Today I’d like build on that conversation and dig further into how we can find ways to connect. Particularly when it’s difficult.Given that we’re human, imperfect, and not always at our best (at least speaking for myself) this idea of finding ways to connect when it’s difficult, when we are in conversations that are charged, or there’s reactivity etc…Can be quite a useful inquiry to explore. Today's practice will infuse a blend of storytelling, research backed insights from leading organizational scholars, and simple ways to deepen self-awareness and tap into more empathy, understanding, and compassion.For more ways to have constructive conversations, including insights and practices for connecting across difference, check out the conversation with Juliana Tafur (if you haven't already):Building Bridges Back to Each Other | Juliana TafurLearn more about Juliana's award winning documentary Listen at listencourageously.comThank you for your practice. I look forward to continuing together next Thursday!-JoshuaWant these practices delivered via text? If you are located in the U.S. text the word COURAGE to 805-430-6801 to join Joshua's text community and you'll get a text once/week with a link directly to the practice. Looking for more practice opportunities? Check out:Free Meditation Events - 60 minute community gatherings with Joshua held 2x a month over zoom.The Practice Pass - An annual membership that gives you on-demand access to robust practice experiences including the 28-Day Practicing Courage Challenge and The 5-Day Transforming Stress Challenge. Past Practicing Courage episodes in the podcast feedThe FREE Practice LibrarySupport the show

How does it feel to be seen? What is it like to be listened to in a way that you feel deeply understood? How often have you listened to others in this way? And, how often have you been listened to like this? In his book, Caring Enough to Confront, David Augsberger writes:"Being heard is so close to being loved that for the average person they are almost indistinguishable."During our time together Juliana Tafur shared this beautiful quote with me as we explored the art and science of listening in ways that lead to meaningful connection, deeper relationships, understanding, empathy, and compassion. And ultimately how we can build bridges across difference. In this beautiful and practical conversation Juliana will share some of her story, insights from her work as a journalist, documentary filmmaker, and Program Director for the Greater Good Science Center’s Bridging Differences Program. Highlights include:A framework for compassionate listeningThe importance of giving ourselves and others grace while engaging in the imperfect and messy process of constructive dialogueWhy opening the heart across difference begins with tuning into selfDiscerning when to engage in constructive dialogue and when it’s safer, and wiser, not to. The power of asking questions from a place of genuine curiosityLetting go of winning as a fundamental practice of effective listeningWhy listening is an act of courageThe importance of recognizing and appreciating complexity in other people’s stories, and lived experiences Ways to quiet the ego in tough conversations including recognizing our common humanityIf you find today’s conversation intriguing check out the Bridging Differences Program at the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley as they offer a a lot of free resources including the Bridging Differences Playbook. Did you find this episode inspiring? Here are other conversations we think you'll love:Rediscovering the art of constructive dialogue | Dr. Mylien DuongPracticing the art of principled rebellion | Dr. Todd KashdanIs curiosity a superpower? | Dr. Jud BrewerMore about Juliana:Juliana Tafur is the program director for GGSC’s Bridging Differences Program, applying her experience as social entrepreneur and founder of Listen Courageously, and as Emmy-nominated senior television producer and award-winning documentary filmmaker. Juliana creates resources rooted in science to bridge political and cultural divides. She also forges strategic partnerships across sectors—government, education, philanthropy, and public service—and oversees communities of practice, to ensure bridge-building skills and resources reach people and strengthen social cohesion across the US. As a Colombian-American devoted to listening to bridge what divides us (as seen on her TEDx talk), fostering a broader culture of belonging—through dialogue, connections, and understanding—is her life’s mission.Support the show

In yesterday’s Courageous Life episode with Dr. Todd Kashdan, the author ofThe Art of Insubordination, we unpacked the recipe for what he calls, principled rebellion:A courageous practice of going against the stream, Challenging conformity and questioning conventional ideas.But doing so from a place of heart. Rebelling in ways that are generative as opposed to destructive. Along these lines, Todd offered practical research-backed insights into how we can dissent in ways that lead to:Being heard, Making change, And effectively defying an unhealthy status quo.  As part of our conversation we explored the courage it takes to be a principled rebel, including how these moments, when we push back against conformity, often bring with them a good deal of discomfort.Today’s practice will hone in on a simple way we can get better at skillfully working with discomfort. And how doing so can be part of our preparation to speak up and push back with courage, wisdom, and heart, When it matters. For more ways to dissent and defy effectively check out the conversation with Todd Kashdan (if you haven't already):Practicing the Art of Principled Rebellion | Dr. Todd KashdanOr  pick up a copy of his book: The Art of Insubordination: How to Dissent and Defy EffectivelyThank you for your practice. I look forward to continuing together next Thursday!-JoshuaWant these practices delivered via text? If you are located in the U.S. text the word courage to 805-430-6801 to join Joshua's text community and you'll get a text once/week with a link directly to the practice. Looking for more practice opportunities? Check out:Free Meditation Events - 60 minute community gatherings with Joshua held 2x a month over zoom.The Practice Pass - An annual membership that gives you on-demand access to robust practice experiences including the 28-Day Practicing Courage Challenge and The 5-Day Transforming Stress Challenge. Past Practicing Courage episodes in the podcast feedThe FREE Practice LibrarySupport the show

For ideas to evolve and societies to progress, Dr. Todd Kashdan argues it's vital to cultivate principled rebels. Those who who are willing to go against the stream, to challenge conformity and question conventional ideas,But to do so from a place of heart - to practice rebellion in ways that are generative (vs. destructive). This type of authentic insubordination is fueled by  a motivation to contribute to the greater good.Today Todd and I will dive deep into themes from his book, The Art of Insubordination, as we explore the recipe for principled rebellion. Highlights from our conversation include:The importance of growing a wide range of psychological resourcesThe ingredients of principled rebellion: deviance, authenticity, contribution, and social pressureStrategies for influencing the majority (when in the minority) including inviting curiosity vs. inciting fearWhy being open about experiencing discomfort reduces defensiveness, increases compassion, and helps rebellious ideas to be heard. Ways to skillfully work with feelings that arise when trying to rebelCreating the conditions for dissent, critical thinking, and productive conversationsWhy dissent is the ultimate protection against conformity mistakesThe importance of creating mechanisms for gathering diverse voicesLessons from Nelson Mandela  on winning graciously**Please note: In this conversation Todd shares a personal story of experiencing suicidal thoughts, and how he moved through this experience to the other side. There is a possibility that some listeners may find parts of this episode triggering. Please listen at your own discretion and in a caring and supportive way for you. If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health issues, including those related to suicide please reach out for help. The International Association for Suicide Prevention is one organization that offers lots of free support, helplines, and resources globally. More at: https://www.iasp.info/ Did you find this episode inspiring? Here are other conversations we think you'll love:Rediscovering the Art of Constructive Dialogue | Dr. Mylien DuongMoving from Fear to Love | James Doty and Jacinta JiménezMore about Todd:Todd Kashdan is among the world’s top experts on the psychology of well-being, psychological strengths, mental agility, and social relationships. His research has been featured in hundreds of media outlets, including Harvard Business Review, The New York Times, Fast Company, and Forbes. Over 5 million readers enjoy his Psychology Today blog and Provoked Newsletter. Todd is the author of five books including The Art of Insubordination. Todd founded the Well-Being Lab at George Mason University which has produced over 225 peer-reviewed journal articles. He is among the top 1% most cited scientists in the world. For more please visit toddkashdan.comSupport the show

When I was first learning to be a coach we had a saying before stepping into a coaching conversation:Leave your assumptions at the door and embrace curiosity. In reality we often know SO little about someone’s experience, and about their story.And when we recognize that, what seems to make the most sense is to get curious.To ask questions,And to listen deeply. In yesterday's episode with Dr. Jonah Paquette which took a dive into the depths of awe and wonder he offered a beautiful reminder of the power of curiosity. And that reminder is the inspiration for today’s practice which centers around finding ways to let go of your assumptionsAnd to choose learning over knowing. If you want to dive deeper into this topic I would encourage you to check out the interview with Jonah Paquette (if you haven't already):Awe, Wonder, and Everyday Miracles | Dr. Jonah PaquetteOr  pick up a copy of his book: Awestruck: How Embracing Wonder Can Make You Happier, Healthier, and More Connected.  Thank you for your practice. I look forward to continuing together next Thursday!-JoshuaWant these practices delivered via text? If you are located in the U.S. text the word courage to 805-430-6801 to join Joshua's text community and you'll get a text once/week with a link directly to the practice. Looking for more practice opportunities? Check out:Free Meditation Events - 60 minute community gatherings with Joshua held 2x a month over zoom.The Practice Pass - An annual membership that gives you on-demand access to robust practice experiences including the 28-Day Practicing Courage Challenge and The 5-Day Transforming Stress Challenge. Past Practicing Courage episodes in the podcast feedThe FREE Practice LibrarySupport the show

What do you feel when you gaze up at the Milky Way, take in a beautiful sunset, stand before a mountain that seems impossibly high, or witness an extraordinary act of courage, kindness, or love?Often, it's a profound sense of awe - the overwhelming feeling we experience when we encounter something vast that transcends our understanding. In his book Awestruck,  clinician, researcher, and multi-time author, Dr. Jonah Paquette, reminds us that awe-inspiring moments are all around us.Ranging from the grand to the commonplace, its these moments that hold part of the key to living a deeply fulfilling life.Today, Jonah and I will dive into a wide ranging conversation about the life-changing potential of awe.Together we'll explore:How this powerful emotion can help alleviate some of the struggles in our daily lives, including stress, and social isolation.How awe can help us more effectively navigate polarization and division as we find the curiosity and compassion to build bridges across difference.The groundbreaking science behind awe including how it impacts our brain and nervous system. Powerful insights into the effects of awe and how it can transform life in flashbulb moments.Moving stories of people who inspire awe.Simple practices aimed at bringing more wonder, curiosity, empathy, and courage into our lives.If you want to dive deeper into the topic of Awe I  would highly encourage you to check out Jonah’s book Awestruck: How Embracing Wonder Can Make You Happier, Healthier, and More Connected.  Did you find today's episode inspiring? Please share with friends!Here are other conversations we think you'll love:The Transformative Power of Humility | Dr. Daryl Van TongerenThe Key to Resilience, Growth, and Possibility | Sharon Salzberg and Dr. Barbara Fredrickson. More about Jonah:Jonah Paquette is a clinical psychologist, author, and keynote speaker specializing in the science of well-being and the promotion of emotional fitness for individuals, teams, and organizations. Jonah conducts keynote presentations with top organizations throughout the world, and teaches skills for well-being so that individuals and organizations can flourish. He is the author of four books. Prior to his career as a speaker and trainer, Jonah spent over a decade working in healthcare leadership at Kaiser Permanente. For more, please visit jonahpaquette.comSupport the show