Summary

Mark Coleman is the author of Make Peace with Your Mind and Awake in the Wild.  He is the founder of the Mindfulness Institute and has guided students on five continents as a corporate consultant, counsellor, meditation teacher, and wilderness guide. He lives in Northern California.

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Many of us are well acquainted with our “Inner Critic.” It is the voice that makes us second-guess our every step by saying “not enough,” “not good enough,” or sometimes “too much.” At times the Inner Critic can be so strong that it feels invincible, but Mark Coleman promises that it is not.

In this episode we explore Mark’s work while also offering practical tools for developing the awareness and compassion necessary to make a radical shift in the way we think and feel. Mark states that the good news coming out of neuroscience is that your brain and negative habits can change based on how you use your attention. Enjoy this chat and leave your thoughts/comments below.

Key Take Outs

• Awake in the wild. In nature we create space to search deeper within. We get this greater sense of unity and with this perspective it shifts life towards what is truly important. Everyday it’s beneficial to our overall wellbeing to get amongst nature.
• Meandering meditation, meandering life. Mark talks about meandering meditation that is simply just being present with where you are and wandering without any greater purpose. It’s like getting in the flow without an ultimate driving force. I believe in life this approach may be more greatly beneficial than having all these goals and things to aim for. I believe in this sense when we allow life to unfold we will find more joy, peace and happiness. Food for further thought.
• Person centred vs process centred. The inner critic is not constructive in its approach in most situations however the reality and negative aspect of thought can be beneficial in guiding us in progression. Don’t allow you negative self-talk to question your self-worth. It should not be an attack on character but rather an assessment of process.
• Be mindful of your attention. Where our attention lays will be the driver for how and what we do. If you focus on the negative, if you focus on the anger, if you focus on the hate you will likely bring about more of these. Instead focus on the positive, the wins, the gratitude’s, the love and watch the abundance flow.

Do you have any routines and rituals that you believe contribute to your success?

Getting out in nature every day. Daily contact is essential mental and physical component in life.

What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?

Ease off on the self-judgement and criticism. Notice your great qualities and be patient and kind on yourself to allow yourself to grow.

What is the meaning of success?

Success to live a life that is happy, meaningful and fulfilled.

What is your number one productivity advice?

The more you can recognise and not listen to your inner critic the more it will free you up to make better decision, see more clearly and to therefore function better.

Quick round questions

Favourite Food

Chocolate

Favourite Leisure Activitiy

Hiking

Favourite book(s)

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

Make Peace with Your Mind: How Mindfulness and Compassion Can Free You from Your Inner Critic

Awake in the Wild: Mindfulness in Nature as a Path of Self-Discovery

Quote

“Whatever the mind frequently dwells and ponders upon that becomes the inclination of the mind and heart.” Buddha

Do we all have a why?

Yes! It may not be as explicit as some of us believe it to be.

What does living with passion and purpose mean?

It’s the only life worth living. Without it life is difficult and sad.

How to find Mark Coleman

Visit him online at www.awakeinthewild.com or at Mark Coleman.

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