The Happier Life Project is the official podcast from My Possible Self, the award-winning, free mental health and wellness app partnered with The Priory Group, supporting hundreds of thousands of users worldwide. Life comes with stress, setbacks, and overwhelming pressures. Each week, journalist and broadcaster Gabby Sanderson sits down with world-leading psychologists, bestselling authors, and inspiring voices in wellness to unpack the challenges we all face. Together, they share simple, sc ...
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Priory Group Podcasts
Priory supports thousands of people each year with their mental health and addiction challenges, and our new podcast, ‘Sporting Highs and Lows’ will be looking into the prevalence of addiction and poor mental health across the sporting world. Hosted by Luke Sutton, ex-cricketer and now a sports agent, who himself underwent addiction treatment with Priory, along with Priory addiction therapist Pamela Roberts, we’ll be speaking to a range of people from across sport, who can give their own ins ...
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Bonus: 8 Tools to Keep a Calm Christmas with Gabby Sanderson
20:56
20:56
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20:56The festive period can be a beautiful time of year, but it can also be incredibly challenging. Routines change, expectations rise, social calendars fill up, people feel financial pressure, and old family dynamics often resurface. Many of us end up emotionally stretched and overwhelmed long before the big day arrives. So in this episode, host Gabby …
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Clearer Water, Clearer Mind… Small Sips Toward a Healthier You with Dr. Sherri A. Mason
35:48
35:48
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35:48Microplastics are in most of the water we drink, but what does that mean for our health and wellbeing? In this episode of The Happier Life Project, host Gabby Sanderson sits down with Dr. Sherri “Sam” Mason, one of the world’s leading researchers on plastic pollution, to uncover the truth about what’s in our tap and bottled water. Together they exp…
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Bonus: Cuffing Season — How to Navigate Winter Loneliness & Stay Emotionally Strong with Dr Marianne Trent
22:51
22:51
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22:51As the nights grow longer and temperatures drop, many people find themselves drawn to the idea of "cuffing season", the tendency to seek short‑term relationships during the winter months. In this conversation, host Gabby Sanderson and Dr Marianne Trent unpack the psychology behind this seasonal phenomenon, exploring why loneliness can intensify aro…
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The Consent Conversation: Boundaries, Desire, Pressure & People Pleasing with Dr Nina Burrowes
30:46
30:46
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30:46Content warning: This episode contains potentially distressing content on the subject of sexual consent and blurred boundaries. Although this has been handled sensitively and compassionately, listeners who feel triggered by this content may wish to skip this episode or listen at a time when they feel ready. In this episode of The Happier Life Proje…
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Bonus: What It Means to SELF CARE & Embracing the Seasons of Change with Chlo Hodgkinson
22:20
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22:20In this bonus episode of The Happier Life Project, Gabby Sanderson talks with Chlo Hodgkinson from My Possible Self about something we all need, but often neglect: self-care. Just like the year moves through spring, summer, autumn, and winter, our emotions move in seasons too. Some phases energise us, others slow us down. Some feel expansive, other…
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Living with Headaches & Migraine and Finding Relief with Dr Katy Munro
45:51
45:51
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45:51Headaches and migraine are often dismissed as minor annoyances, but for millions of people, they are debilitating conditions that affect every aspect of life. In this episode of The Happier Life Project, Gabby Sanderson sits down with Dr Katy Munro, Senior Headache Specialist at the National Migraine Centre, to explore the complex world of headache…
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Bonus: Yoga Without Borders - Changing Futures One Breath at a Time with Gopala Amir Yaffa
19:46
19:46
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19:46This bonus edition of The Happier Life Project shines a spotlight on a remarkable collaboration bringing yoga, education, and empowerment to children in India. Host Gabby Sanderson welcomes Gopala Amir Yaffa, the visionary behind Rainbow Yoga, whose journey from Hindu monk to father and global yoga educator has inspired communities across more than…
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From Compulsion to Creativity, Connection & Calm with Liz Atkin
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41:30This powerful episode of The Happier Life Project explores the healing potential of creativity and self-expression with artist, educator, and mental health advocate Liz Atkin — a woman who has transformed her experience of Compulsive Skin Picking and anxiety into extraordinary works of art, compassion, and connection. Liz’s story is one of resilien…
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Bonus: Nighttime Relaxation Meditation from Perfect Pose Yoga with Ria Humphreys
15:44
15:44
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15:44This episode features a calming guided meditation led by the lovely Ria from Perfect Pose Yoga, as featured on the My Possible Self App. This session is designed to help you gently transition from the busyness of the day into a peaceful night’s rest. Whether you're winding down before bed or already tucked in, this meditation invites you to lie dow…
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How Detachment Transforms Love, Life & Self-Worth with Sabrina Bendory
48:52
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48:52This episode dives into the concept of detachment, learning how to let go, stop overthinking, and stop settling for less in relationships. Sabrina Bendory, author of 'Detached: How to Let Go, Heal, and Become Irresistible,' joins Gabby to share her approach to reclaiming self-worth and embracing emotional freedom. Sabrina’s work as a relationship c…
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How To Talk To Kids About Food with Dr Anna Colton
14:48
14:48
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14:48In this bonus episode of The Happier Life Project, host Gabby Sanderson welcomes back Dr Anna Colton, a leading clinical psychologist specialising in adolescence and eating disorders, to explore her book How To Talk To Kids About Food. With over 20 years of experience - from Great Ormond Street Hospital and The Tavistock Clinic to her thriving priv…
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Rewriting the Life Scripts That Shape—and Sabotage—You with Dr Anna Colton
31:28
31:28
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31:28What if the way you see yourself; your worth, your relationships, your fears, even your achievements, was being quietly directed by a story you didn’t even write? Life scripts are unconscious, childhood-rooted narratives that shape how we perceive ourselves, others, and the world. Formed through early interactions with caregivers, these internal “s…
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Bonus: Lessons from a UN Goodwill Ambassador on Peace, Purpose & Personal Resilience with Aliza Ayaz
25:41
25:41
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25:41October 24th marks United Nations Day; a celebration of global cooperation, peace, and human rights. But beyond politics and policy, what can an international organization built to unite nations teach us about creating peace within ourselves? In this special bonus episode of The Happier Life Project, host Gabby Sanderson welcomes Aliza Ayaz an inte…
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The Psychology of Colour and How to Use It Every Day with Karen Haller
35:44
35:44
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35:44Ever wondered why you're instantly drawn to some colours and completely turned off by others? Why certain shades can lift your mood, calm your nerves, give you confidence, or even make you feel uneasy? Colour is far more than decoration. It is a powerful and universal language that speaks directly to our emotions, often without us even realising it…
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Bonus: The Truth About Cold Water Immersion, According to Science with Prof. Mike Tipton
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26:15In this episode of The Happier Life Project, host Gabby Sanderson dives into the icy depths of cold water immersion. Is it really as good for our health as it’s made out to be? From ice baths to open-water swims, cold water therapy has become a wellness trend, but what does the science actually say? To find out, Gabby speaks with one of the world’s…
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How to Harness Your Senses for Enhanced Wellbeing with Prof. Charles Spence
39:12
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39:12In this episode of The Happier Life Project, we dive into the hidden power of our senses with world-renowned experimental psychologist Professor Charles Spence, an expert in multisensory perception and experience design, and founder of Oxford’s Crossmodal Research Laboratory. From working with global brands and celebrity chefs to decoding how we ta…
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Bonus: Turning Struggle into Song: Music, Mental Health & Meaning with ADMT
21:21
21:21
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21:21In this very special bonus episode of The Happier Life Project, airing on World Mental Health Day and marking the podcast’s four-year anniversary, Gabby Sanderson sits down with singer-songwriter Adam Taylor, better known as ADMT, to explore the powerful intersection of music and mental health. ADMT is an artist unafraid to de-stigmatise conversati…
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Escaping the Body Image Trap in the Age of Ozempic with Lucie Vallée
36:41
36:41
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36:41By My Possible Self
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Bonus: Self-Image, Connection & More Ways to Soothe with Nahid de Belgeonne
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15:04In this bonus episode of The Happier Life Project, we’re sharing extra insights from Gabby’s conversation with Nahid de Belgeonne, author of our October Book of the Month, 'Soothe: The Book Your Nervous System Has Been Longing For'. (If you haven’t listened to the full episode yet, now’s a great time to catch up!) 'Soothe', is a fantastic read fill…
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Soothe Your Nervous System & Restore Balance with Nahid de Belgeonne
40:21
40:21
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40:21Ever felt wired, restless, or unable to switch off; yet not sure how to calm yourself down? In this episode of The Happier Life Project, we explore what it really means to self-soothe and support the nervous system with guest Nahid de Belgeonne; somatic movement coach, breath and yoga teacher, and widely known as “the nervous system whisperer.” Wit…
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Bonus: Navigating Trauma in Relationships with Dr. Aimie Apigian
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17:55Welcome to this bonus episode of The Happier Life Project with host Gabby Sanderson. We’re following on from Tuesday’s main episode with Dr. Aimie Apigian, and today we’re diving even deeper. This bonus conversation explores the powerful connection between relationships and trauma; how to support someone close to us who is struggling, and the vital…
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The Trauma Response: Why Your Body Holds Fear & Keeps You Stuck with Dr. Aimie Apigian
42:19
42:19
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42:19Trauma isn’t one-size-fits-all; it exists on a spectrum, from quiet emotional wounds to experiences that reshape an entire life. Living through it is hard enough, but revisiting or reliving it can feel even more overwhelming. Joining host Gabby Sanderson is Dr. Aimie Apigian, double board-certified physician in Preventive and Addiction Medicine, fo…
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Bonus: Handling the "Back To" Scaries with Chlo Hodgkinson
20:36
20:36
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20:36Welcome to the very first bonus episode of The Happier Life Project! From now on, alongside our regular Tuesday deep-dive episodes with expert guests, we’ll be dropping shorter, lighter episodes every Friday. These bonus episodes will explore a wider range of topics, share extra content from the main shows, introduce meditations we’re loving, or ev…
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Befriend All Your Parts & Align Your Mind with Britt Frank
38:34
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38:34Welcome to a brand-new season of The Happier Life Project! Gabby Sanderson is back with fresh conversations designed to bring you practical tools, insights, and inspiration for living a happier life. To kick things off, our The Happier Life Project host is joined by friend of the show Britt Frank; author, speaker, and licensed neuropsychotherapist.…
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Pour Decisions (Replay): Breaking Free from Unhealthy Drinking Patterns with Amanda E. White
38:42
38:42
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38:42Let’s get curious about our drinking habits! In this episode of The Happier Life Project we are looking at the role alcohol plays in our life; as a comforter, socializing tool, way to relax, blow off steam, or avoid uncomfortable emotions. Guest Amanda E. White is a licensed therapist and the creator of the popular Instagram account @therapyforwome…
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Heal Childhood Wounds (Replay): Breaking Family Patterns to Transform Your Relationships with Vienna Pharaon
1:02:35
1:02:35
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1:02:35None of us had a perfect childhood; we are all carrying around wounds and behaviours that don’t serve us. But what if we could break free from unhealthy family patterns to liberate the way we live and love? As children we observe and absorb everything around us. And we teach ourselves to behave in a way that helps to make us feel safe. But at what …
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Emotionally Equipped (Replay): Tools for Managing Strong Feelings with Dr Emma Hepburn
49:56
49:56
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49:56Emotions play a crucial role in our overall mental health, acting as both messengers and influencers of our psychological well-being. Positive emotions like joy, gratitude, and love can enhance mental resilience, foster strong social connections, and improve our ability to cope with stress. But on the flip side, the more challenging emotions such a…
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Lost & Found (Replay): Reconnecting with Who You Are with Dr. Sara Kuburic
46:55
46:55
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46:55"What if I die before I have the chance to exist?" An existential crisis, or existential dread, can be described as persistent negative feelings and emotions linked to questioning the value of your life and how you are spending it. An existential crisis may result from intense feelings of despair as you consider questions like, "What is the point?”…
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The Breakup Episode: Heartache, Grief & Coping with Separation with Adrienne Everheart
58:11
58:11
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58:11Breakups can shake your world; emotionally, mentally, and even physically. In the final episode of our romantic relationships mini-series, we’re diving into the pain of separation, the grief that follows, and how to take care of your mental health in the aftermath of heartbreak. When it comes to our mental wellbeing, the ending of a relationship or…
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Sex on the Brain: How Your Sex Life Affects Your Mental Health with Kate Moyle
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46:30
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46:30When we explore the link between sex and mental health, it becomes clear that many complex factors are at play. A satisfying and healthy sex life can support emotional wellbeing and boost our mental health. But on the flip side, unenjoyable or painful sex can contribute to anxiety, low mood, and emotional distress. Despite how central sex is to man…
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Toxic Relationships, Narcissistic Behaviour & When to Walk Away with Dr. Jamie Zuckerman
47:11
47:11
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47:11Continuing The Happier Life Project’s ‘relationship month’ series, this week’s episode takes a powerful look at narcissists, narcissistic abuse, and toxic relationships with Dr. Jaime Zuckerman, licensed clinical psychologist, media contributor, and global expert in narcissistic abuse. Dr. Z is a three-time published author and host of the podcast …
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Foundations for Love: How to Date Confidently & Communicate Clearly with Hayley Quinn
55:30
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55:30Dating and communication, whether with a partner or potential partner, can feel overwhelming and confusing. But with the right tools, it can actually be empowering… and even fun! In this episode of The Happier Life Project, we continue our mini-series on romantic relationships and mental health by focusing on one of the most important skills in lov…
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From Cringe to Connection: Your Guide to Dating Better Online with Therapy Jeff
53:00
53:00
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53:00While the team at My Possible Self is busy behind the scenes working on a podcast revamp for the new season, we didn’t want to go too quiet on you until September! So The Happier Life Project is bringing you a handpicked selection of standout episodes from our archives, starting with a mini-series all about mental health and romantic relationships.…
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Congratulations on completing the Month of Mindfulness Challenge! 🌿 The Happier Life Project is taking a little break from broadcasting while we prepare for an exciting new season of the podcast; complete with a fresh look and format. Stay tuned for updates on our Instagram page: @mypossibleself Thank you for being part of our community, we can’t w…
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Generosity is about turning away from self-focused actions and offering our time and attention to the needs of others. It doesn’t have to be monetary or material, generosity can be as simple as giving someone your full, undivided attention in a conversation, offering a smile to a stranger, or helping someone with a task they’re struggling with. Gen…
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Contentment means feeling at peace with who you are, where you are, and what you have. In a world that constantly throws us curveballs and sends messages suggesting we need more to be happy, it’s easy to lose sight of this. But mindfulness can help us reconnect with a sense of inner well-being and self-satisfaction, without needing validation from …
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The practice of mindfulness includes nine key pillars or attitudes, these are: non judging, gratitude, patience, a beginner's mind, trust, non-striving, acceptance, letting go, and generosity. The attitudes support each other and are deeply interconnected. Throughout the month of mindfulness challenge we have been making our way through these pilla…
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Day 27: A Meditation for Focus and Productivity
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10:55This guided meditation is designed to help you find clarity, focus, and a calm sense of control... even on your busiest days. Led by mindfulness practitioner and founder of Mynd, Andrew Swiney, this short session will guide you to quiet mental distractions, reset your energy, and re-centre your attention so you can move through your day with more p…
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Start your day in the best possible way by adding a little mindfulness to your morning routine. In today’s challenge, host Gabby shares two short and simple mindful exercises to help you begin your day with clarity and calm. If your morning has already passed, no worries, just make a note to try them out tomorrow instead. Join our Month of Mindfuln…
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Acceptance means noticing your experience and simply acknowledging it, rather than judging it as good or bad. Many of us grow up with the belief that we need to constantly achieve, improve, or become something more. We're taught, often subtly, that we must “make something” of ourselves. These unspoken expectations can lead us into a cycle of strivi…
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Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) is a stress-management mindfulness technique. The idea behind PMR is that there is a relationship between a person's mind and body. It works by helping to relieve physical tension, such as tight, aching muscles, through a simple process of tensing and relaxing specific muscle groups. PMR is a two-step practice: f…
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Mindful eating is a powerful technique that helps you slow down, increase your awareness of food, and build healthier eating habits, all while strengthening your relationship with what you eat. In the second of two mindful eating sessions in the Month of Mindfulness Challenge, Gabby shares ways to shift from mindless, to mindful eating, followed by…
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Mindful eating is about tuning into how you feel while you eat, paying attention to the experience with awareness and intention. Being more mindful with food can support better digestion, help you feel satisfied with less, and lead to healthier, more conscious choices. It can also free you from unhelpful eating habits and patterns. In today’s chall…
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Non-striving is one of the core principles of mindfulness. It’s the conscious decision to let things be as they are, without immediately reacting or trying to change them. With the mindfulness attitude of non-striving, there is no goal other than to simply be yourself. It’s about trying less and being more. Today’s challenge is an invitation to do …
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Day 20: Building Self-Esteem with the 5 C’s
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11:27The five C’s of self-esteem are: Competence, Confidence, Character, Connection, and Caring. Day 20 of the Month of Mindfulness Challenge invites you to reflect on each of these key areas, to check in with yourself and assess where you are, and consider what small actions you can take to grow and strengthen your self-esteem. For this challenge, you’…
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A fundamental part of learning to meditate is learning to trust yourself; your instincts, your sensations, and your emotions. In mindfulness, we often say the body holds more wisdom than the mind. Practicing the mindful attitude of trust means tuning in and learning to listen to that wisdom. This practice is about taking responsibility for being yo…
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Host Gabby gently guides you through a calming meditation designed to help you examine your current mindset, shift your emotional state, and intentionally invite in positive energy. This practice encourages you to let go of negativity and create space for uplifting thoughts, empowering intentions, and a renewed sense of well-being. Whether you're f…
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Day 17: A Beginner’s Mind For A Fresh Perspective
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6:22A Beginner’s Mind is a powerful aspect of mindfulness, it means approaching each moment as if you’re seeing it for the very first time. When we cultivate a beginner’s mind, we open ourselves to fresh perspectives and possibilities, rather than falling into automatic habits or old patterns of thinking. This mindset helps us let go of assumptions and…
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The Eye of the Hurricane meditation offers a powerful way to step back from the chaos of the world around you (the hurricane), and turn inward toward stillness and peace (the eye). Using the metaphor of a hurricane, this practice guides you to connect with the calm, silent center within. Through your breath, you’ll learn to become like the eye of t…
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Too many people struggle with low self-esteem and a lack of confidence, often driven by persistent negative thoughts. But meditation can be a powerful tool for building self-confidence. Confidence isn’t about being perfect, it’s about having a clear mind and a positive connection to your goals. Mindfulness helps by increasing your self-awareness. I…
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