Artfully Mindful
Welcome to the w3 award-winning podcast, 'Artfully Mindful', hosted by D. R. (Don) Thompson. Don is a filmmaker, essayist, and playwright. He also teaches meditation because meditation has helped him understand life more deeply and be more effective as a creative. In addition to degrees in Film and Media Studies from UCLA, Don is certified to teach mindfulness meditation through UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center and Sounds True. He is also a founding partner with the Center for Mindful Business and a university professor and mentor. His website is: www.nextpixprods.com
Episodes
103 episodes
Embracing Change: A Sabbatical Journey
Kicking off 2025 with a whirlwind of changes, I, Don Thompson, bring you a podcast episode filled with personal insights and professional shifts. As we usher in a new presidency, the potential impacts on our administrative state—especially for ...
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Season 2
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Episode 52
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16:09
New Year, New Beginnings
Ever wondered how a simple shift in language could transform your life? Join me, Don Thompson, as we kick off 2025 with an episode brimming with personal insights aimed at sparking positive change. We unravel the unsuspecting impact of the phra...
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Season 2
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Episode 51
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16:39
Trump's Return: Threat or Catalyst for Change?
Is the re-election of Donald Trump a threat to the values of mindfulness, compassion, and kindness, or could it be an unexpected catalyst for positive change? As we unpack the implications of Trump's surprising return to the presidency, we expl...
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Season 2
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Episode 50
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19:14
REPLAY: Body Scan: A Mindful Journey to Self-Awareness
Unlock the secrets of mindfulness and transform your relationship with your own body with Don Thompson's guided journey through the powerful practice of the body scan. Imagine experiencing each moment with heightened awareness and compassion, b...
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Season 2
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Episode 49
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12:42
REPLAY: Breathing into Tension
Discover the transformative power of mindful breathing with this episode of the podcast, where Don Thompson leads you through the art of "Breathing into Tension." What if you could unlock a simple technique to alleviate the burden of daily stre...
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10:44
REPLAY: Points of View
Have you ever wondered how truly understanding different perspectives could transform your worldview? Join me, Don Thompson, as I guide you through a powerful mindful exercise inspired by Sean Fargo. This episode promises to teach you practical...
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11:08
Saying Thank You
Curious to learn why expressing gratitude could be a game-changer for your mental health? Join me, Don Thompson, in an enlightening conversation where we uncover how the simple act of saying thank you can transform your well-being. Drawing insp...
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Season 2
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Episode 46
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12:58
Sticking Up for Yourself
What if you could assert your worth in a way that is both gentle and powerful? Join me, Don Thompson, as I explore the nuanced world of self-advocacy from a mindful perspective. You'll discover how to stand up for yourself without crossing the ...
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Season 2
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Episode 45
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15:57
Errors in Thinking
Can recognizing and combating common cognitive distortions really transform your life? Join me, Don Thompson, as we explore this intriguing question by diving into the teachings of acclaimed psychologists Aaron Beck and Dr. David Burns. Drawing...
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Season 2
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Episode 44
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14:37
Mindful Choices
Can mindful personal choices really make a difference in combating climate change, or is it too little, too late? Join me, Don Thompson, as we navigate the intricacies of love, personal connection, and the political landscape during an election...
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Season 2
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Episode 43
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16:10
Joyful Effort in Meditation
What if finding joy in meditation could transform your entire mindfulness practice? Discover the profound impact of joyful effort, or virya, as we explore how approaching meditation with a sense of joy and skillful effort can lead to greater ha...
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Season 2
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Episode 42
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15:27
The Transformative Power of Mindfulness
Want to learn how mindfulness can revolutionize your life? Join us as we sit down with Debby Germino, an Emmy-winning editor turned mindfulness and somatic coach, who brings a unique perspective from her extensive background in the entertainmen...
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Season 2
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Episode 41
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54:24
The Fluid Self
What if the "self" you think you know is just another part you're playing? Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with Don, who draws from his rich theater background to challenge the notion of a fixed personal identity. Through the lens ...
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Season 2
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Episode 40
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17:03
Keeping it Simple
Can the simple act of breathing transform your life? In this episode, we explore that profound possibility. Join me as I recount an enlightening meditation session with mindfulness coach Debby Germino, which led to a groundbreaking realization ...
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Season 2
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Episode 39
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12:29
Connecting with Nature
What does flowing water teach us about life? Join us as we uncover the profound lessons from a week spent by the Potomac River, reflecting on its symbolism of impermanence and continuous change. We delve into the unique rhythms of nature, disti...
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Season 2
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Episode 38
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18:03
Observer Theory: Fact or Fiction?
Can reality exist without an observer? Tune in to our latest episode where we unlock the mysteries of observer theory in philosophy. We'll take you on a journey through quantum mechanics with mind-bending concepts like the Copenhagen interpreta...
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Season 2
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Episode 37
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19:34
REPLAY: The Mindful Blank Page
Note: This was one of my favorite podcasts, so once in a while I like to replay it. I hope you enjoy.Ever felt stuck staring at a blank page, unsure of what to create? Discover how embracing the "mindful blank page" can turn obstacles i...
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Season 2
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Episode 36
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13:29
Your Story
Can the stories you tell yourself about who you are shape your reality? Join me, Don Thompson, as I navigate the profound influence of self-narratives on our identities and behaviors, inspired by Sean Fargo's insightful worksheet. Through perso...
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Season 2
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Episode 35
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15:52
The Great Seal of Mahamudra
Unlock the mysteries of Tibetan Buddhism and transform your understanding of reality with our latest episode. Join me, Don Thompson, as we navigate the profound concept of Mahamudra, or the Great Seal. Drawing on my experiences with esteemed Ti...
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Season 2
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Episode 34
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17:43
REPLAY: Creative Intuition
Can creativity be taught, or is it an innate gift that only a few possess? Discover how blending creative intuition with the rational mind can unlock unparalleled artistic expression and innovation. This episode features the groundbreaking rese...
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Season 2
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Episode 33
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21:16
The Body Scan Meditation
Can a simple body scan meditation transform your connection with yourself? Join me, Don Thompson, as I guide you through a full-body scan meditation inspired by the teachings of Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield. This episode promises to enhance yo...
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Season 2
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Episode 32
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12:42
Ancient Yogic Wisdom for Modern Minds
What do Greek democracy and the meditative state of samadhi have in common? Embark on a journey with me, Don Thompson, where we unravel the intriguing connections between ancient Western philosophies and Indian yogic traditions. In this episode...
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Season 2
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Episode 31
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24:37
Embodying Confidence
What if you could unlock your full potential by simply believing in yourself? Discover the remarkable impact self-confidence can have on every aspect of your life, from career success to personal relationships. Join me, Don Thompson, as I guide...
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Season 2
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Episode 30
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12:03
Points of View
Have you ever wondered how truly understanding different perspectives could transform your worldview? Join me, Don Thompson, as I guide you through a powerful mindful exercise inspired by Sean Fargo. This episode promises to teach you practical...
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Season 2
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Episode 29
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11:08
Can We Handle The Truth?
What if everything you believed to be true was merely an illusion? Inspired by the iconic line, "You can't handle the truth," from "A Few Good Men," we embark on a journey to unravel the complexities of truth. We explore the human craving for c...
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Season 2
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Episode 28
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18:42