A New Way of Being

Dr. Guy Meadows, an expert in acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for insomnia and anxiety, shares profound insights on transforming our relationship with uncomfortable thoughts. He emphasizes that fighting anxiety only makes it stronger, whereas embracing it can be liberating. Meadows also discusses playful techniques for managing anxious thoughts, highlighting the importance of reframing fear. By accepting discomfort, individuals can cultivate a calmer mindset, leading to better sleep and overall mental well-being.

A deep and honest conversation about what happens when your identity dissolves, and how awakening isn’t what most people think. In this episode of A New Way of Being, Simon speaks with spiritual teacher Lisa Cairns about the raw and real experience of spiritual awakening. Lisa shares how a spontaneous shift in Bali completely changed her perception of reality — dissolving her sense of self, shaking her identity, and opening her to a sense of vast, loving awareness. Far from being a blissed-out fairytale, her journey included disorientation, vulnerability, and deep questioning. This conversation explores: What spiritual awakening actually looks and feels like Why awakening doesn’t make life easier — but can make it more honest The illusions we live by and what happens when they fall away How to navigate the loss of identity with self-awareness and care Why freedom is always available — even in the mess This is a challenging and inspiring listen that cuts through spiritual clichés and gets to the heart of what it means to wake up. I offer 1:1 flow and inner alignment coaching — book a free consultation here: https://calendly.com/simon-wgw/find-your-flow-intro-chat And my free online course on moving from burnout to flow is here: https://www.simonmundie.com/restore-balance-mini-course My other links: Book: https://www.simonmundie.com/book YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/YouTubeSimonMundie Website: simonmundie.com Substack Newsletter: https://simonmundie.substack.com/ Lisa Cairns website: https://www.lisacairns.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this bitesize episode, I speak to gut health expert Tim Spector about the link between the microbiome and mental health. Tim explains how the bacteria in your gut produce key brain chemicals like serotonin and GABA — and how what you eat affects stress, mood, energy and even sleep. We also talk about the hidden signs of poor gut health, why 'five-a-day' advice isn’t enough anymore, and how ultra-processed foods are quietly reshaping our national health. I share a personal story of how fermented foods helped turn around my own anxiety — and why the gut is a good place to start if you're feeling off balance. I offer 1:1 flow and inner alignment coaching — book a free consultation here: https://calendly.com/simon-wgw/find-your-flow-intro-chat And my free online course on moving from burnout to flow is here: https://www.simonmundie.com/restore-balance-mini-course My other links: Book: https://www.simonmundie.com/book YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/YouTubeSimonMundie Website: simonmundie.com Substack Newsletter: https://simonmundie.substack.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Peter Crone, a mindset mentor specializing in freeing individuals from subconscious limitations, discusses the deep-rooted beliefs formed in childhood that hinder adult lives. He highlights how these unconscious stories fuel fear and overthinking. Crone emphasizes the importance of recognizing and releasing these patterns to reconnect with our inner wisdom. The conversation also touches on the psychological hurdles athletes face, using a relatable example from the NBA to illustrate how compassion can help overcome anxiety and enhance performance.

Dr. Jeff McNairy, Chief Medical Officer at Rythmia Life Advancement Center, bridges clinical medicine and plant healing. He shares insights on the transformative power of Ayahuasca, discussing emotional purging and its connection to trauma and neuroplasticity. The conversation emphasizes the importance of integration after ceremonies and critiques the limitations of Western medicine in addressing root causes of suffering. Jeff highlights the potential for deep emotional release and personal growth, illustrating Ayahuasca as a serious path for self-discovery.

In this intriguing conversation, cognitive scientist Donald Hoffman, author of The Case Against Reality, challenges our perceptions of existence. He argues that what we see is merely a user interface, shaped by evolution to aid survival rather than reveal truth. Hoffman explores the implications of this idea on our pursuits for status and approval, suggesting they may be misguided. He compares our sensory experiences to a computer desktop, urging listeners to consider the deeper processes behind what we perceive.

In this enlightening discussion, the speaker explores the art of inner alignment, emphasizing the dangers of overthinking and its link to burnout. Discover how our minds weave stories that often mask the truth, and learn ways to reconnect with your intuitive knowing. Personal anecdotes, including wisdom from a spirited 103-year-old grandmother and a fascinating split-brain experiment, illustrate the unreliability of our thoughts. This conversation is a refreshing invitation to shift from mental chaos to a more flowing, centered existence.

Brian Cunningham, a leadership expert with 45 years of experience, dives into the concept of the Awareness Quotient—a framework for understanding our relationships with ourselves and others. He emphasizes leadership as a journey of personal growth rather than a skill set. The discussion covers the connection between heart and head, the transformative power of flow, and the importance of presence and empathy in leadership. Cunningham also shares insights from his unique experiences, advocating for a heart-centered approach to enhance personal and professional effectiveness.

Join neuroscientist Sam Harris, creator of the Waking Up app, as he dives into the transformative power of meditation. He reveals that meditation isn't just about calming the mind; it's about seeing through the illusion of self. Discover why people become entangled in their thoughts and learn how recognizing thoughts as mere fleeting appearances can lead to liberation. Harris emphasizes a crucial shift: you are not your thoughts, but rather the awareness behind them. This perspective could change everything!

Wyn Morgan, a coach and speaker of the Three Principles, shares his inspiring journey from battling chronic depression and insomnia to discovering peace through understanding thought. He delves into how our thoughts are not our identity and introduces the nature of emotions as temporary experiences. Wyn emphasizes the perils of resisting feelings and highlights the innate wisdom and joy that arise from recognizing the transient nature of thoughts. His insights offer a transformative perspective on emotional well-being and the essence of being a conscious human.