This week my guest is Michael O'Brien, renowned meditation teacher and creator of the transformative Pause Breathe Reflect Meditation and Relaxation app. Join us as we explore Michael's incredible journey from surviving a life-altering accident to thriving through the power of meditation. Discover practical insights tailored for busy mothers, unraveling the myth that meditation requires ample time. Michael shares invaluable wisdom on turning small ripples into big waves, offering a lifeline for overwhelmed mothers seeking balance. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how mindfulness can be seamlessly woven into your daily routine, bringing peace, resilience, and transformative joy to your life. Tune in for an enriching discussion that promises to empower mothers worldwide on their journey to holistic well-being.

Connect with Michael

Web: https://www.michaelobrienshift.com

App: https://www.pausebreathereflect.com

IG, Facebook, YouTube @PauseBreatheReflect
Tiktok @pbrwithmichael

Connect with Liz

Website: https://www.motherhoodunstressed.com

Instagram @motherhoodunstressed

Your feedback means the world to me. If this episode has been helpful to you, please take a moment to leave a review.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Liz

Podcast Episode Summary

Mindfulness Transforms Michael's Life

Michael experienced a life-changing event that led him to a mindfulness practice. He initially viewed mindfulness as a hippie dippy practice, but after a health scare and a full recovery, he learned about the benefits of mindfulness from his mentor. Michael's mentor taught him that everything is neutral until labeled by the individual, a concept that helped Michael reclaim his life and identity after their health scare.

Michael's Mindfulness Journey

Michael shared his personal journey of discovering mindfulness, particularly through his experiences following a serious accident. He rejected the binary concept of labeling a day as good or bad and emphasized the importance of moments. He explained that he began practicing box breathing, a technique he learned from the Navy Seals, to manage overwhelming feelings and stress, particularly while in the hospital. He also expressed his desire to return home, where he found comfort and familiarity.

Michael's Mindfulness Journey and Sharing

Michael shared his personal journey with mindfulness, starting from his early practice in 2001 to his decision to share his experiences during the pandemic. He explained how his mindfulness practice helped him manage stress and alter his relationships with others and himself. Initially, he kept his practice private while in the corporate world, but as he transitioned into full-time mindfulness practice in 2014, he began to share it more openly, including in blog posts. His goal was to help others through mindfulness during challenging times, such as the pandemic.

Mindfulness and Reflection in Challenging Times

Michael and Liz discussed the need for mindfulness and reflection during challenging times, such as the Covid pandemic. Michael shared his concept of the "ultimate barista" (MUG - Mother Earth, Universe or God) as a metaphor for being more mindful in daily life, and suggested short, frequent mindfulness practices as a practical way to incorporate mindfulness into busy schedules. He also mentioned leading public meditations based on this approach.

Mindfulness Practices and Personal Journey

Michael shared his personal journey of using mindfulness practices, especially through challenging times such as a bike accident and the pandemic. He expressed his commitment to helping others access mindfulness in a secular and relatable way, especially those who may not have time for traditional practices. Liz agreed, noting that Michael's experiences seemed to prepare him for sharing his insights with others. Michael also mentioned his intention to offer various mindfulness practices, such as silent retreats online, to help people build a practice over time. He stressed the importance of taking small, consistent steps towards mindfulness, rather than seeking quick fixes.

Mindful Ripples: Small Actions, Big Impact

Michael shared his personal experience of being mindful and the concept of making small ripples leading to big waves. He emphasized that we are all energy and have the power to choose the kind of energy we bring into the world. Liz asked for an explanation and Michael explained how small actions can have a ripple effect and how we need to be mindful of the kind of ripple we put into the world. The conversation suggested the importance of being thoughtful about the impact of our actions.

Meditation and Mindfulness for Open Conversations

Michael discussed the benefits of practicing meditation and mindfulness, emphasizing its ability to improve focus and expand awareness. He highlighted the practice of open awareness, which involves noticing sensations in the body and the soundscape, and considering other perspectives. Michael suggested that mindfulness could help overcome divisiveness by promoting open conversations and the consideration of different viewpoints. Liz expressed agreement with Michael's points.

Surfing Life's Waves: Mindfulness and Balance

Michael shared his analogy of life being like surfing on waves, emphasizing the need for equanimity to maintain balance and make micro adjustments. He clarified that mindfulness is not just about relaxation, but about finding a sweet spot between hyperarousal and hypoarousal to better navigate life's challenges. Liz agreed with Michael's comparison, noting that being present in the moment is empowering.

Mindfulness Practice and Emotional Regulation

Michael and Liz discussed the challenges and benefits of practicing mindfulness. Michael emphasized that while mindfulness may be simple to understand, it's difficult to implement, but gets easier with practice. He highlighted the importance of recognizing distractions and returning one's attention back to the present moment. Michael also shared his approach to help people prevent negative emotions from escalating throughout the day. He stressed that while bad moments will happen, it's crucial to bring oneself back to the present and avoid fueling the situation. Finally, Michael encouraged listeners to start practicing mindfulness, even for a minute, and to view their bodies as their 'home' where they can always return to and reconnect with themselves.

App Launch and Website Information

Michael shared information about the Pause, Breathe, Reflect app, including where it can be downloaded, the affordable price, and the potential for people to join for as little as a dollar. He also mentioned the availability of further information about himself on his website, https://www.pausebreathereflect.com. Liz expressed her appreciation for the work Michael has been doing and the release of the app.