Zen Commuter

Welcome to Zen Commuter and day four of Tricycle Week! Today, we’re diving into a topic that challenges the way we see productivity and rest—laziness. Is laziness a real obstacle, or is it simply a rejection of society’s constant push to always be moving? We’ll explore the three aspects of laziness and question whether what we call “being lazy” is actually an intentional choice to be rather than do. Plus, we’ll feature a reading from Working on Laziness by Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche, offering a deeper perspective on how mindfulness helps us navigate our relationship with effort and ease. Let’s reframe laziness and uncover what it really means to live with purpose. Topics Covered: ✅ Definitions of the three types of laziness ✅ The understanding that laziness might be a response to societal expectations ✅ How to evaluate if laziness is real or imagined in your body. Tricycle: The Buddhist Review Meditation Coaching Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultation)   THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of

Welcome to Zen Commuter and day three of Tricycle Week! Today, we’re tackling a challenge that tests even the most mindful among us—dealing with toxic people. Whether it’s a difficult coworker, a critical family member, or someone who constantly drains your energy, these interactions can leave us feeling powerless and frustrated. But here’s the truth: our inner peace doesn’t have to be at their mercy. In this episode, we’ll explore how mindfulness helps us safeguard our power, and respond with compassion instead of reaction. Let’s learn how to keep our calm—even in the presence of chaos. Topics Covered: ✅ Origins and Expansion of Mindfulness Practices: The article traces the development of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) from its inception by Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979 to its widespread application in adult mental health. ✅ Introduction of Mindfulness in Educational Settings: It discusses the rationale behind implementing mindfulness programs in schools, aiming to address rising mental health issues amo

Welcome to Zen Commuter and day two of Tricycle Week! Today, we dive into an important question: Is meditation truly beneficial for young students? Across the country, schools have introduced mindfulness programs with the hope of improving focus, reducing stress, and fostering emotional well-being. But do these programs actually deliver on their promise? We’ll explore key research, including insights from Emma Varvaloucas’ article, Classroom Mindfulness Put to the Test, which examines the largest study to date on mindfulness in schools. Are these programs helping, or do they come with unintended consequences? Let’s uncover the science behind meditation in the classroom. Topics Covered: ✅ Origins and Expansion of Mindfulness Practices: The article traces the development of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) from its inception by Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979 to its widespread application in adult mental health. ✅ Introduction of Mindfulness in Educational Settings: It discusses the rationale behind implementin

Welcome to Tricycle Week on Zen Commuter! I’m kicking things off with a reading from Tricycle: The Buddhist Review, featuring Thich Nhat Hanh’s insightful article, "Listening to Our Ancestors." In this episode, we explore how connecting with our spiritual and familial lineage can bring wisdom, healing, and a deeper sense of peace. Tune in to reflect on the presence of those who came before us and how their guidance can shape our journey today. Topics Covered: ✅ Three Practices to cultivate listening ✅ Using “The Bell” to help us become mindful ✅ Thoughts on embracing our “wounded child” Meditation Coaching Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultation)   THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the Show Thanks again for listening to the show! If it has helped you in any way, please share it using the social media buttons you see on the page. Be a part of the show! Send me a message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter Email: thom@zencommuter.com Instagram: @thom_walters Twitter: @thom_walters Faceboo

What if the key to peak performance and lasting well-being was as simple as stillness? In this episode of Ze Commuter, I sit down with Richard Earney, a leading expert in fitness and movement, to explore how meditation enhances physical and mental well-being. Richard shares his insights on the mind-body connection, explaining how mindfulness isn’t just for relaxation—it’s a powerful tool for focus, recovery, and resilience. Whether you’re an athlete, a fitness enthusiast, or simply looking for more balance in life, this conversation will show you how meditation can elevate your overall well-being. Tune in and discover how a few moments of mindfulness can transform your energy, clarity, and performance. Topics Covered: ✅ The difference between meditation and mindfulness ✅ Defining meditation to address consistency and “success at practicing” ✅ Why meditation is sometimes difficult to keep up with without physical proof of benefit Richard Earney is the founder of MindStrong Wellbeing, a coaching platform dedica

What if the key to peak performance and lasting well-being was as simple as stillness? In this episode of Ze Commuter, I sit down with Richard Earney, a leading expert in fitness and movement, to explore how meditation enhances physical and mental well-being. Richard shares his insights on the mind-body connection, explaining how mindfulness isn’t just for relaxation—it’s a powerful tool for focus, recovery, and resilience. Whether you’re an athlete, a fitness enthusiast, or simply looking for more balance in life, this conversation will show you how meditation can elevate your overall well-being. Tune in and discover how a few moments of mindfulness can transform your energy, clarity, and performance. Topics Covered: ✅ The difference between meditation and mindfulness ✅ Defining meditation to address consistency and “success at practicing” ✅ Why meditation is sometimes difficult to keep up with without physical proof of benefit Richard Earney is the founder of MindStrong Wellbeing, a coaching platform dedica

In this episode of Zen Commuter, actor Matt Drago shares how he stays grounded in the unpredictable world of Hollywood. From his experience on Somewhere in Montana to his personal mindfulness practices, Matt reveals how staying present has helped shape his career and personal life. Tune in to hear his insights on resilience, creativity, and inner peace. Topics Covered: ✅ How mindfulness helps actors stay calm under pressure ✅ Behind-the-scenes insights from Somewhere in Montana ✅ Daily practices Matt uses to stay centered Matt Drago is an actor living in Los Angeles. Best known for his role as Fabian in SOMEWHERE IN MONTANA, he has appeared in a variety of other projects including Disney's Counting Scars viral video,What Would Jesus Do: The Journey Continues, Ridley Scott's Prophets of Science Fiction, and the popular audio drama podcast No Other Way. He also has his own production company, which is currently in development on its first feature film.

Sonal is a certified meditation teacher and the founder of CONNECT Meditation. In her workshops and sessions, she blends ancient Eastern wisdom with modern science to make mindfulness accessible to today’s practitioners. Raised in India and now based in Boston, Sonal’s background in corporate human resources, learning and development, and life coaching allows her to connect deeply with both individuals and organizations. She also teaches at WITHIN, a San Francisco-based meditation organization. With a foundation in psychology, human resource development, and Somatic EMDR, Sonal specializes in trauma-sensitive mindfulness. She also offers sound baths that utilize healing frequencies to promote relaxation and inner balance. Passionate about guiding people to discover the transformative benefits of meditation, Sonal helps enhance well-being, boost productivity, and cultivate compassion. Sonal finds great joy in sharing meditation as a powerful tool for personal and professional growth, helping others connect wit

Catherine is an integrative spiritual consultant, former trauma and hospice chaplain, and first time author of the book Everyday Awakening. In her book as well as her private practice, she counsels people on what it means to be alive, and how to awaken into their heart and soul. She has faced death twice and companioned hundreds of people as they died. The deep peace and sense of the other side she witnessed was profound and soul shaping. We can all awaken and it is a choice how we are choosing to live each day. Meditation Coaching Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultation) Links from the Episode: https://www.catherineduncan.org/ THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the Show Thanks again for listening to the show! If it has helped you in any way, please share it using the social media buttons you see on the page. Be a part of the show! Send me a message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter Email: thom@zencommuter.com Instagram: @thom_walters Twitter: @thom_walters Facebook: www.facebook.com/z

Jeff Patterson, from Portland, OR, USA, has over 36 years of experience, practicing and teaching the meditative and martial arts. As the founder of Northwest Fighting Arts/Portland Tai Chi Academy and The Yielding Warrior, where he emphasizes the transformative power of meditative and martial arts practices, particularly the yielding concept. He has published two books and hundreds on instructional videos. Founder of The Yielding Warrior online program and has worked with 1000's of students from around the world. Meditation Coaching Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultation) Links from the Episode: Get a FREE copy of The Yielding Warrior THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the Show Thanks again for listening to the show! If it has helped you in any way, please share it using the social media buttons you see on the page. Be a part of the show! Send me a message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter Email: thom@zencommuter.com Instagram: @thom_walters Twitter: @thom_walters Facebook: www.facebo

Visualizing is an important aspect of meditation, yet some people struggle with how to it. My Insight Timer friend Alberto asked if I could help him with becoming better at it, and to that end, I thought I would record an episode to help not just him, but anyone who could use some practice at becoming better at imagining. Enjoy. Meditation Coaching Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultation)   THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the Show Thanks again for listening to the show! If it has helped you in any way, please share it using the social media buttons you see on the page. Be a part of the show! Send me a message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter Email: thom@zencommuter.com Instagram: @thom_walters Twitter: @thom_walters Facebook: www.facebook.com/zencommuter Donate: Support the Podcast! Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Rate and review us in Apple Podcasts! zencommuter.com/review

Some people fear being alone with their thoughts. those people understand the benefit of calm that a practice brings, the cost for getting there is too great; the cost of being alone with painful, denigrating. thoughts. Today I talk about how to become comfortable with ‘troublesome” thoughts so that you can meditate if you think it would be beneficial (and it will be) ;0) Meditation Coaching Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultation)   THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the Show Thanks again for listening to the show! If it has helped you in any way, please share it using the social media buttons you see on the page. Be a part of the show! Send me a message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter Email: thom@zencommuter.com Instagram: @thom_walters Twitter: @thom_walters Facebook: www.facebook.com/zencommuter Donate: Support the Podcast! Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Rate and review us in Apple Podcasts! zencommuter.com/review

The last time we got together we had the joy of hanging out with Forrest Rivers, Author of tHumanity’s Spiritual Rebirth. As is customary on ZC, when I interview an author, I like to read an excerpt from their book; and today is no exception. Meditation Coaching Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultation)   Connecting with Forrest: Website: https://forrestrivers.com/ Social Media Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069110064900 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelwlenz/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@forrestrivers475   THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the Show Thanks again for listening to the show! If it has helped you in any way, please share it using the social media buttons you see on the page. Be a part of the show! Send me a message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter Email: thom@zencommuter.com Instagram: @thom_walters Twitter: @thom_walters Facebook: www.facebook.com/zencommuter Donate: Support the Podcast! Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Forrest Rivers has become a good friend of mine. So when his publicist sent me an email to have him on the show I jumped at the chance. He is a man who truly sees thing in such a wonderfully rich way. He drops the labels of good and bad, and helps us see every moment as an opportunity to grow, to understand “ourselves” on a deeper level. Yeah, you can imagine why I have love and respect for him. Today we talk about the ways we as a planet can grow through seemingly challenging curcumstances. Meditation Coaching Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultation)   Connecting with Forrest: Website: https://forrestrivers.com/ Social Media Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069110064900 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelwlenz/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@forrestrivers475   THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the Show Thanks again for listening to the show! If it has helped you in any way, please share it using the social media buttons you see on the page. Be a pa

I am very happy to be back on the air after a three week hiatus. The longest one in the 10 year history of Zen Commuter. So thank you all for your patience and understanding. I can’t think of a better topic to talk about on my return, than Tonglen Meditation. Today I read an article that talks about how we can reduce our fear of suffering by engaging in a meditation practice that has us voluntarily taking on the suffering of others. Meditation Coaching Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultation) THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the Show Thanks again for listening to the show! If it has helped you in any way, please share it using the social media buttons you see on the page. Be a part of the show! Send me a message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter Email: thom@zencommuter.com Instagram: @thom_walters Twitter: @thom_walters Facebook: www.facebook.com/zencommuter Donate: Support the Podcast! Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Rate and review us in Apple Podcasts! zencommuter.com/revi

For some people, a new year is approaching. That may mean that they are looking to start a meditation practice. Well, before you start, it may be a good idea to understand what meditation is a little better. Actually, it may be more beneficial to talk about what it isn’t, or what it can’t do. With this talked about, you won’t have unrealistic expectations when you get to you cushion, chair or bed. :0) Meditation Coaching Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultation) THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the Show Thanks again for listening to the show! If it has helped you in any way, please share it using the social media buttons you see on the page. Be a part of the show! Send me a message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter Email: thom@zencommuter.com Instagram: @thom_walters Twitter: @thom_walters Facebook: www.facebook.com/zencommuter Donate: Support the Podcast! Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Rate and review us in Apple Podcasts! zencommuter.com/review

I have been fortunate enough to speak with a bounty of guests who are changing the world in a wonderful way. Sara Webb is one of those amazing people. The moment we connected on Zoom I felt her warmth and grace. As you will hear in our interview, she is wonderfully candid and vulnerable. As a resilience coach it is clear she knows what she is talking about. Per her own admission, she faced many challenges. But as you would expect, none of them bested her or diminished her light. Come listen to an interview that left me smiling more than I typically do. Meditation Coaching Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultation)   Connecting with Sara: www.sarawebbsays.com Sara on YouTube Sara on Facebook   THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the Show Thanks again for listening to the show! If it has helped you in any way, please share it using the social media buttons you see on the page. Be a part of the show! Send me a message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter Email: thom@zencommuter.com Instagram: @thom

Even though it isn't Tricycle week I thought I would share an article with you that I know you can relate to.  How do I know? Because you have a body. And if you have a body, that means at some time you have experienced pain. Vidyamala Burch takes us through a practice that helps us see pain with kindness, sympathy and compassion; a much better energy that resentment and anger. Come listen Meditation Coaching Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultation)   Be a part of the show! Send me a message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter Email: thom@zencommuter.com Instagram: @thom_walters Twitter: @thom_walters Facebook: www.facebook.com/zencommuter Donate: Support the Podcast! Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Rate and review us in Apple Podcasts! zencommuter.com/review

Enzo Dal Verme is a photographer; but not just any photographer. With a decades old meditation practice, he is able to use his mindfulness practice to fully bring himself into the moment, to exist within the creative process of portrait photography. Suffice it to say, because of this he is able to capture the essence of his subjects that might be lost with other artists. His transformative retreats help beginners and experts learn their version of the process. Come listen as we talk about art, meditation and how the two can help us live more fulfilling lives. Meditation Coaching Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultation) Connecting with Enzo: Portrait Photography Retreats website: https://www.photography-retreats.com/ Portrait Photography Guide Free Download: https://www.photography-retreats.com/blog/download-for-free-the-portrait-photography-guide Portrait Photography Retreats Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photographyretreats/ Enzo Dal Verme Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enzodalverme/

Last week I introduced you to a wonderful guest who is helping us all connect to our divinity. Her name was Emma Rowena. Today I have a very special treat for us. I am going to read a few passages from her book, You. Me. And All That We Are. Meditation Coaching Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultation)   Connecting with Laura: You. Me. And All That We Are on Amazon   Become a Super-Fan of the Show Support ZEN commuter and get access to patron bonuses THANKS FOR LISTENING! Thanks again for listening to the show! If it has helped you in any way, please share it using the social media buttons you see on the page. Also, reviews for the podcast on iTunes are extremely helpful, they help it reach a wider audience.  The more positive reviews the higher in the rankings it goes.  Of course that means more peace in the world.  So please let me know what you think.  I read ever one of them. Did you enjoy the podcast?