The Universal Lens

Episode #82 - Mindfulness is the only sustainable practice.

In this episode of The Universal Lens, John and Anthony discuss the importance of mindfulness and acceptance as sustainable practices for coping with life's challenges. They explore the role of storytelling in conversations, the significance of inner peace, and how mindfulness can help filter negative thoughts. The conversation also touches on the intersection of religion and mindfulness, emphasizing that true peace comes from within and is not dependent on external circumstances. The hosts share personal anecdotes and insights, making the discussion relatable and engaging for listeners.
Takeaways
Mindfulness is a sustainable practice that doesn't require constant change.
Acceptance and surrender are crucial for inner peace.
Coping mechanisms like substance abuse are unsustainable.
Storytelling can facilitate deeper conversations.
Mindfulness helps filter negative thoughts and emotions.
Awareness is key to understanding one's thoughts.
Suffering can lead to greater understanding of mindfulness.
The journey to inner peace involves letting go of questions.
Mindfulness can coexist with religious beliefs.
Practicing acceptance renews one's energy and perspective.

Episode 81 - Timeless Wisdom

In this episode, John and Henry discuss their recent retreat in Greece with Eckhart Tolle, exploring themes of mindfulness, awareness, and the importance of stillness in daily life. They reflect on the teachings of Tolle, the connection between individuals, and the responsibility of sharing wisdom with others. The conversation emphasizes the significance of being present and the impact of thoughts and emotions on personal growth. They also touch on the influence of media on awareness and the future of spiritual teachings.
Takeaways
The retreat experience was enlightening and transformative.
Eckhart Tolle's teachings emphasize the importance of presence and awareness.
Practicing stillness can help navigate daily challenges and emotions.
There is a collective consciousness that connects all individuals.
Sharing wisdom and insights is a responsibility for those who understand it.
Thoughts and emotions are not inherently ours; we can choose how to respond to them.
Media often promotes fear and anxiety, impacting our awareness.
Personal growth involves recognizing and detaching from negative thought patterns.
Awareness can lead to breakthroughs in understanding oneself and others.
 
 

Episode 80 - Fear as a Mental Prison

The conversation explores the theme of fear and its impact on decision-making and personal growth. It discusses how fear can be used as a tool of persuasion, both on a macro level through media and on a micro level in personal ambitions. The hosts share personal experiences of fear holding them back from pursuing their dreams and how fear can create mental prisons. They emphasize the importance of self-awareness in recognizing and overcoming fear, and the need to choose between feeding fear or excitement in order to live a fulfilling life. They emphasize the importance of not letting fear hold you back and instead feeding the right wolf(excitement. They also explore the concept of the ego and how it can either hinder or support personal growth. The hosts share personal experiences and insights on mindfulness, decision-making, and the journey of self-discovery.

Episode 79 - The Power of Perception: Seeing Life from a Different Lens

The conversation begins with a discussion about the host's recent trip and the unique convocation event at Embry Riddle. The convocation event is described as a psychological exercise to show students what a graduation can look like and to keep them focused on their goals. The importance of framing one's perception and being present in the moment is emphasized.  The episode revolves around the theme of parenting and raising aware children and dealing with a child leaving the nest. The hosts discuss the importance of teaching children to be aware of their thoughts and emotions, and how to navigate through difficult situations. They emphasize the need for parents to let go and allow their children to live their own lives, while still providing guidance and support. Overall, the conversation highlights the role of parents in shaping the mindset and awareness of their children.

Episode 78- Building Layers thru the Habit of Meditation

The conversation explores the concept of meditation and the importance of consistency and layering in the practice. The hosts discuss how meditation is like going to the gym, where each session adds a layer of progress. They emphasize that meditation is not about achieving immediate results, but rather about developing mindfulness and awareness over time.  As time progresses you add layers of practice. They share personal experiences and provide tips for beginners, such as starting with shorter meditation sessions and focusing on the breath. They explore the idea that being mindful and present in any activity can have similar benefits to formal meditation. They also discuss the importance of self-discipline and following one's values. The hosts share personal experiences and insights on how to navigate anxiety and stressful situations. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the practice of meditation and the freedom it can bring.

Episode 77 - Taking Breaks from Our Minds: Understanding and Balancing Desires and Overcoming Phobias

The conversation explores the topics of subjective reality, universal connectivity, and the use of substances to alter perception. It delves into the concept of desire and the importance of taking breaks from the mind. The hosts discuss the role of awareness in navigating biases and the need for balance in consuming news and information. They also touch on the power of music to evoke memories and the importance of being present in the moment. In this conversation, the hosts discuss the concept of extreme acceptance and how it can be applied to facing fears and phobias. They explore the idea that everyone's mind is wired differently and that what works for one person may not work for another. They also touch on the importance of empathy and understanding when helping someone face their fears. The hosts share personal experiences and examples to illustrate their points.
 

Special Episode - Exploring Acceptance Commitment Therapy and Mindfulness - one on one with John Emilio

In this conversation, Anthony interviews John about his journey with acceptance, commitment therapy, and mindfulness. John explains that his interest in these practices was sparked by his experience with obsessive-compulsive disorder. He describes acceptance commitment therapy as a form of therapy that teaches individuals how to accept and make committed choices towards their values, rather than being controlled by their thoughts and emotions. John shares how long it took him  to gain a good handle on Acceptance using these techniques. He also discusses how these practices have changed his life for the better and why he is passionate about sharing them with others through his book and podcast. Special thanks to Anthony Lisi for agreeing to do this interview. 

Episode 76 - Faith Beyond Stories and Labels

The conversation explores the importance of mindfulness and awareness in today's society. It discusses how life has become easier in terms of practicality, but the mind has more time to worry and create issues. The hosts emphasize the need for awareness to navigate through life and not get caught up in the manipulation tactics of the media. They also touch on the idea that suffering is a choice and that carrying the metaphorical cross of life can be reframed. The conversation concludes by highlighting the importance of collaboration and the role of mindfulness in mental health. In this conversation, the hosts discuss the concept of faith and the power of belief. They explore the idea that faith can be found in both religious and mindfulness practices, and that it is not dependent on a specific story or label. They emphasize the importance of forgiveness, healing, and awareness in both paths. The hosts also touch on the topics of suffering, the nature of time, and the significance of living in the present moment. Overall, the conversation highlights the interconnectedness of different belief systems and the importance of finding a path that resonates with each individual.

Episode 75 - The Deeper Meaning of Gratitude

Today John Henry and Anthony's conversation explores the topic of gratitude and its different meanings. The hosts discuss the traditional definition of gratitude as being thankful for what one has and appreciating the people and things in one's life. They also delve into the spiritual perspective of gratitude, which focuses on being grateful for the present moment and one's awareness. They explore how gratitude goes beyond being thankful for what you have and extends to being grateful for the present moment and the ability to be aware and mindful. The hosts also touch on the physiological effects of gratitude, such as the release of dopamine and the reduction of stress hormones. Overall, the conversation highlights the transformative power of gratitude and its role in cultivating a more positive and fulfilling life. We also discuss finding enjoyment in the process rather than just focusing on completing tasks. They discuss the balance between mindfulness and practicality, acknowledging that there are times when deadlines and societal expectations need to be met.  

Episode 74 - Persuasion with Mindfulness

In this conversation, the hosts discuss the importance of mindfulness and self-awareness in sales and business. They emphasize the power of active listening and understanding the needs and priorities of clients. They also explore the role of persuasion in sales, highlighting the difference between using persuasion with mindfulness versus without. The hosts share personal experiences and examples to illustrate the impact of mindfulness and self-awareness in building trust and long-term relationships with clients. In this conversation, the hosts discuss the power of mindfulness and self-awareness in navigating life's challenges. They explore the concept of wiping the mind clean and starting with a clean slate, and how this can lead to personal growth and transformation. They also touch on the importance of accepting and embracing change, even if it means losing friendships or facing consequences. The hosts share personal anecdotes and techniques for managing anxiety and negative thoughts, emphasizing the need to separate oneself from these thoughts and not give them power. They discuss the applicability of mindfulness in dealing with PTSD and how it can help ground individuals in the present moment. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of self-awareness, mindfulness, and making conscious choices in order to live a more fulfilling life.