The Universal Lens

Episode 73 - Breaking the Stigma: Men's Mental Health

In this episode of The Universal Lens, the hosts discuss the importance of men's mental health and the societal pressures that prevent men from seeking help. They explore the programming and social structures that contribute to the stigma around men's mental health and the need for men to be strong and stoic. They emphasize the importance of men opening up and seeking support from friends, therapists, or religious leaders. The hosts also discuss the need to redefine what it means to be a man and break free from societal expectations. They highlight the importance of mindfulness and acceptance in navigating mental health challenges. In this part of the conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of acceptance in dealing with traumatic thoughts and experiences. They emphasize that accepting these thoughts does not mean surrendering or giving up, but rather acknowledging their presence without allowing them to control one's life. They also explore the connection between acceptance and PTSD, highlighting the role of memories and triggers in causing distress. The speakers discuss the limitations of talk therapy and the benefits of acceptance and mindfulness in managing PTSD symptoms. They also touch on the challenges faced by individuals in high-stress professions, such as the military and law enforcement, when transitioning to civilian life. In this final part of the conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of sharing knowledge and experiences to help others. They compare finding a solution to a buried treasure and emphasize the desire to pass on that knowledge to help others. They also discuss the challenges of opening up about mental health issues, particularly in certain professions. They highlight the importance of self-awareness and recognizing the need for help. They also discuss the difficulty of breaking out of societal expectations and the importance of not identifying oneself solely with a job or role. They encourage reaching out for support and resources and emphasize the need to break free from societal stigmas and labels.

Episode 72 - The Power of Choice in your Mental Health, A Deep Dive into Suicide

The conversation delves into the topic of mental health, suicide, and the power of choice in the face of adversity. It explores the impact of negative thoughts, the importance of engaging in life, and the choice to move forward despite challenges. The conversation emphasizes the need for open dialogue and vulnerability in addressing mental health issues. It explores the importance of recognizing and managing one's thoughts, as well as the role of therapy in addressing mental health challenges. The conversation also touches on the significance of understanding the nature of thoughts and emotions, especially in the context of children's emotional development. John Henry and Anthony delve into the impact of societal pressures and emotional attachment, the importance of embracing a range of emotions, the role of passion and identity, and the practice of meditation as a tool for mental well-being. It also addresses the need for parental support and the significance of seeking professional help in critical situations.

Episode 70 - Choosing Empathy and Mindfulness over Ego in PATRIOTIC Conversations

Today we discuss the importance of detaching from ego in order to be able to have conversations not argument's. We explore the idea that society is programmed to fight and argue over political beliefs, and emphasize the need for mindful conversations without attachment to personal biases. They also touch on the concept of free will and how humans are continuously programmable beings.  We explore the importance of awareness and mindfulness in navigating political and patriotic discussions. It emphasizes the need to have conversations with open-mindedness and empathy, rather than reacting with anger or defensiveness. They highlight the potential for individuals to create positive change in the world by cultivating awareness and making mindful choices. The conversation concludes with a cameo of Johns newest addition to the family, their new Puppy Milo.... 

Episode 69 -Letting Go of Ego: The Key to Truly Living

Sitting in for Henry Beltra this week again is my good friend and future addition to the show Anthony Lisi. We discuss the concept of living life to the fullest and not waiting until a life-altering event to appreciate life. They also explore the role of ego and how it can hold people back from truly living.  They highlight the fleeting nature of life and the need to have awareness so you can live life presently and not for the next moment only. People often say later in life how it went by in a blink. That is a direct cause of following the mind and not watching it. The conversation explores the concept of mindfulness and the importance of observing one's thoughts rather than attaching to them. It emphasizes the practice of acceptance and moving on from negative experiences. The hosts discuss the potential benefits of teaching mindfulness to children from a young age and how it can lead to a mentally aware and emotionally resilient population. They also touch on the idea of not allowing emotions to overpower rational thinking and the importance of lowering the temperature in conflicts.

Episode 68 - The Inner Voice: A Filter for Decision-Making

Today we explore the concept of the inner voice or conscious voice and how it guides decision-making. The inner voice is described as a feeling or knowing rather than an actual voice. It is the filter that helps filter out the noise and make choices that align with one's genuine desires and values. The importance of awareness and mindfulness in connecting with the inner voice is emphasized. Following the inner voice may not always lead to the easiest path, but it is the path that aligns with one's true self.  We discuss the importance of listening to your intuition and explain that the internal conscious voice is the one that gives you answers and guidance, while the mind is filled with various voices and opinions. We emphasize that it's crucial to filter out the noise and tune into your intuition, which always has your best interests at heart.We also highlight the power of choice and the ability to change your path in life based on what genuinely feels right to you

Episode 67- DO you GOT TO or DO you GET TO ?

In this conversation, John and Henry discuss their experience of witnessing a solar eclipse and reflect on the importance of taking time to appreciate the wonders of the universe. They emphasize the need to be present and mindful in order to fully experience life and reframe negative situations. they discuss the theory of GOT TO or GET TO, the privilege of being alive and the opportunity to make the most of each day. They also discuss as always the importance of mindfulness and awareness in navigating life's challenges. They emphasize the power of choice and the ability to decide how to perceive and respond to situations. They also explore the concept of the intuitive voice and the importance of listening to it which is the basis of Johns Coaching . The conversation touches on the benefits of therapy and the role of acceptance in finding peace and living a fulfilling life. John also encourages listeners to read his book, which offers practical guidance on mindfulness and changing perspectives.

Episode 66- How prayer and meditation play into your everyday life

In this conversation, The Universal Lens discusses their recent experiences and reflections on the concepts of God and the universe. They share personal stories about praying to God and manifesting through the universe, highlighting the similarities and differences between the two. They emphasize the importance of connecting with something greater than oneself and the role of mindfulness, awareness, and presence in this process. The hosts also discuss the significance of religion and the universal nature of the message to alleviate suffering and help others. They conclude by encouraging listeners to find their own path and connect with their hearts and minds. In this conversation, The Universal Lens discusses the similarities between meditation and prayer, emphasizing that both practices require personal effort and a pure heart. They highlight that the labels and rules associated with religion can sometimes hinder the true connection to a higher power. They encourage listeners to strip away labels and focus on being a good person, as all religions ultimately share the same message of caring for others. They also discuss the importance of connecting with the divine power in a way that works for each individual, whether through meditation, prayer, or other practices.

Episode 65 -Your tribe, willingness and distractions and how being mindful is the key to success.

In this episode, John F Emilio invites his life long friend Anthony Lisi(Retired  NYPD ESU Sergeant)  to join him on the show. They discuss the power of friendship and loyalty and what a tribe is and how mindfulness and acceptance play into those relationships. They also explore the concept of how willingness to achieve something is amplified with being mindful and applying acceptance.  The importance of language and self-discipline is emphasized, along with the practice of mindfulness and redirecting focus when distractions arise when working towards what is truly important. The conversation also emphasizes the significance of living in the present moment and shifting perspective to reduce suffering as John emphasizes with his tinnitus experiences. . They highlight the benefits of helping others and how it can lead to personal fulfillment. They end the conversation encourages listeners to embrace the journey of life and find meaning in reducing the suffering of those around them.

Episode 64 - Go Calm Yourself with special guest John Skomski

We welcome John Skomski as he shares his journey of overcoming panic and anxiety and how it led him to start his podcast, Think, Live, Repeat. He also discusses the concept behind his brand, Go Calm Yourself, and the importance of investing in personal development. John shares his strategies for networking and getting guests on his show, as well as his approach to monetization and playing the long game. He opens up about a recent failure at a college showcase and the lessons he learned from it.  
We start the episode talking about some more language reframing which plays right into what our guest John Skomski had to say. 

Episode 63 - Forming new thought patterns with an anxious mind

In this episode we discuss the power of acceptance and rewiring thoughts and the traps that we can fall into.  The practice of acceptance and attention and the empowerment it brings is a catalyst and main ingredient in wanting to manifest a new future for yourself.  The concept of acceptance and rewiring the brain is not something new but we emphasize the importance of envisioning a better future while accepting the present. If that acceptance is not there we can easily get caught on a hamster wheel battling our thoughts. We highlight the significance of making choices aligned with personal values and becoming aware negative self-talk.