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The Listening Ear Recommends
The Listening Ear Recommends is my way of sharing podcast episodes, and other audio content. That have helped me create ways to comfort, support and motivate myself as I navigate a life-long journey.
I hope the content shared can be a source of inspiration. That introduces you to new ideas, or deepens your understanding of pre-existing ones. With the intention of helping you create your way to feel comfort, support and motivation while navigating a life-long journey.
Please note not all content will be suitable for all audiences. Most of the content shared will contain their own audience listening disclaimers with further details on potential sensitive content.
Podcast episode
What I loved/learnt?
I have tried to practice meditation sooo many times. And I have always felt like I’m failing because my mind is never 100% clear.
What I love about this episode is how it uses elements of history, research and cultural backstory to give meditation, and meditative practice, a broader scope.
Learning the variety of ways meditation can be practiced, has been such a relief. I am no longer worried about doing it “the right way”. Rather doing it in a way that is right for me. So I can get all the feel good benefits from it.
Why listen?
Do you want to find ways to incorporate meditative practices into your everyday activities?
A lot of us are interested in unlocking the benefits of meditation. However, the requirement to commit to the practice for 30 consecutive minutes can be off putting.
This episode includes an outline of 4 different types of meditative practice. And the best part is that they do not all need a commitment of 30 consecutive minutes to complete. So you’ll be sure to find a practice to help you to begin to acknowledge and guide your racing thoughts.
Podcast episode
What I loved/learnt?
A lot of affirmation practices I have been introduced to require a vocalisation of the affirmation. Which, even in the privacy of my own home, can feel very cringy and not genuine. As if I am saying the words because someone has told me too, not because I want to.
The practice in this episode is a written practice, which is a big tick in my book. It cleverly combines a mindfulness practice with an affirmation practice. So your awareness is of the thoughts you have about yourself, it’s pretty cool. And did I mention it’s less than 10 minutes!
Towards the end of the practice there are moments to reflect on what’s been written. A stopping point to notice any themes and consider how what you have written will influence how you show up for the rest of your day.
For me because these affirmations have come from my own thoughts. And are written in my handwriting. They feel more genuine.
Why listen?
Are you wanting to explore different kinds of self-affirmation practices?
Self-affirmation practices can take many forms. The most common version it to stand in front of a mirror and say the affirmations to your reflect. But that is not the only way to do it.
And sometimes the affirmations you are repeating to yourself don’t give the support you need in the present moment. The practice covered in this episode combines a mindfulness practice with a self-affirmation practice. So the focus is on returning your thoughts back to how you feel about yourself in the present moment.
This is a good practice to try out. If you are on the look out for a technique that can improve your connection with yourself.
Podcast episode
What I loved/learnt?
Athletes have to develop a level of mental resilience. That allows for things that go wrong, but for that to have an adverse impact their next action. But how do they do it?
This episode gives insight to the techniques athletes use to prepare their mind for a competition. I liked how it was clear that, though one form of mental preparation may work for one athlete. It may not work for another. So it is necessary for each athlete to develop their own unique way to get mentally prepared for a competition.
They also discussed the value mental preparation can have in the face of unpredictable circumstances. Having the confidence of knowing you’re prepared to face what may come. Can help an athlete maintain their composure.
I think a job interview is a fair comparison to a competition from a pressure to succeed point of view. And a familiar arena for things going wrong. Maybe the train is running late. Or maybe there is a technical issue that means the presentation won’t work. Having an awareness of how you would respond in those moments, can help focus your mind away from negatives. So that despite it all, you’re still able to show up confidently.
Why listen?
Do you want to develop the skills to show up confidently despite the changing environment?
We’ve all had moments when things have felt effortless. Thoughts are clearer, runs are faster, heavier weights are lifted. Everything is dialled in.
And then there’s the times when things don’t feel so free flowing. And infact the more stuff you do the worse it gets. This episode discusses the ways athletes train their minds to maintain a level of cool, calm and collectedness. So that they can limit the impact one negative action can have on their overall ability to succeed in the moment.
