summary

In this conversation, Thomas discusses the importance of embracing imperfection and taking action rather than waiting for the perfect moment. He shares insights from his journey into coaching and the launch of his website, emphasizing the value of personal growth and self-reflection. The discussion then shifts to exploring happiness through Buddhist philosophy, particularly the concept of the eight worldly concerns, which highlight the dualities of human experience such as hope and fear, gain and loss, and praise and criticism. Thomas encourages listeners to find balance in these areas to cultivate a more fulfilling life, ultimately inviting them to practice gratitude and mindfulness.

takeaways

• Embrace imperfection and take action.
• Personal growth often requires stepping out of comfort zones.
• Happiness is influenced by our attachments and expectations.
• The eight worldly concerns illustrate life's dualities.
• Finding balance is key to emotional well-being.
• Comparison can detract from our joy and satisfaction.
• Time is a precious commodity that should be valued.
• Self-worth should not be dependent on external validation.
• Practicing gratitude can shift our perspective positively.
• Mindfulness helps us appreciate the present moment.

• The Importance of Time in Our Lives
• The Power of Gratitude in Daily Life

• "Get started over perfection."
• "I finally pulled the trigger and I uploaded it."
• "We have much less control over life's events."

Chapters

00:00Embracing Imperfection and New Beginnings

02:25Exploring Happiness Through Buddhist Philosophy

13:06The Eight Worldly Concerns: Balancing Life's Extremes

This one comes off warts and all. I was fumbking for words and really working through my thoughts. Decided to share the process. Enjoy.

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summary

In this meditation session, TJ Belasco guides listeners through a visualization exercise using the ocean as a metaphor for the mind. The session begins with deep grounding breaths and focuses on regulating emotions and finding calmness. The visualization involves imagining being on a boat in the ocean, experiencing both turbulent and calm movements. The exercise highlights the power of the mind to control thoughts and find peace. The session ends with a reminder to practice gratitude.

keywordsmeditation, visualization, ocean, mind, emotions, calmness, grounding, breath, gratitude

takeaways

• The mind is like the ocean, with its turbulent and calm movements.
• Through deep breaths and visualization, we can regulate our emotions and find calmness.
• By focusing on our breath and practicing gratitude, we can bring our mind back to a peaceful state.
• Acknowledging and letting go of thoughts is a key aspect of mindfulness.

• Regulating Emotions with Visualization
• Practicing Gratitude for a Peaceful Mind

• "Our mind is like that ocean."
• "Take that boat out on the ocean."
• "Practice gratitude, my friends."

Chapters

00:00Introduction and Setting the Context

02:44Preparing for the Meditation

05:28Acknowledging Thoughts and Focusing on Breath

08:37Experiencing Turbulent Movements

12:34Returning to the Present Moment

14:54Closing the Meditation and Practicing Gratitude

summary

In this conversation, TJ Belasco shares a poem called 'All Things Shall Pass Away' by Theodore Tilton and discusses the importance of embracing the impermanence of life. He emphasizes the need to lean into grief and experience the emotions fully, while also appreciating the joyous moments. TJ reflects on the value of meditation and self-discovery, encouraging listeners to dive into themselves to find their purpose and values. He also mentions the significance of minimalism and experiences over material possessions. TJ concludes by promoting his coaching services for personal growth and college application assistance.keywordspoetry, impermanence, grief, joy, meditation, self-discovery, purpose, values, minimalism, experiences, coaching, college application

takeaways

• Embrace the impermanence of life and understand that both good and bad times will pass away.
• Lean into grief and allow yourself to experience the emotions fully, knowing that they will lessen over time.
• Find joy in the present moment and appreciate the fleeting nature of happiness.
• Practice meditation to cultivate mindfulness and self-discovery.
• Value experiences over material possessions and embrace a simpler life.
• Consider seeking coaching services for personal growth and assistance with college applications.

• Diving into Self-Discovery
• Finding Joy in the Present Moment

• "Even this will pass away."
• "Understand the emotions, experience the emotions."
• "What is truly important?"

Chapters

00:00Introduction and Poetry

04:16Embracing the Impermanence of Life

06:46Finding Joy in the Present Moment

08:57Diving into Self-Discovery

09:27The Value of Minimalism and Experiences

10:05Coaching for Personal Growth and College Applications

summaryIn this episode, TJ Belasco wraps up his discussion on Benjamin Franklin's 13 necessary virtues. He explores the virtues of moderation, cleanliness, tranquility, chastity, and humility, examining their relevance in today's world. TJ reflects on the importance of self-reflection and the impact it can have on personal growth and improvement. He emphasizes the need to consistently strive towards these virtues and develop a purpose to contribute to the betterment of oneself and the world.keywordsBenjamin Franklin, virtues, moderation, cleanliness, tranquility, chastity, humility, self-reflection, personal growth, improvementtakeaways

• Self-reflection and critical reflection are important for personal growth and improvement.
• Striving towards virtues like moderation, cleanliness, tranquility, chastity, and humility can lead to a better life.
• Improving oneself contributes to the betterment of the world.
• Consistently reflecting on one's actions and striving to be a better person can lead to significant personal growth over time.

• The Relevance of Virtues in Today's World
• Striving Towards Virtues for a Better Life

• "Can we hold a center ground? Can we keep things in perspective and avoid those extremes?"
• "Just being a controlled person, holding on to our own center point and our own center compass."
• "Not being disturbed at trifles or accidents common or unavoidable."

Chapters

00:00Introduction and Recap of Benjamin Franklin's 13 Necessary Virtues

02:14Exploring the Virtue of Moderation

04:21The Significance of Cleanliness

06:42Finding Tranquility in Life

10:03The Relevance of Chastity in Today's World

14:09Conclusion and Reflection on Personal Growth

summary

In this conversation, TJ Belasco discusses the virtues of frugality, industry, sincerity, and justice. He reflects on how these virtues apply in today's society and shares personal anecdotes and examples. TJ emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our time and resources, being mindful of waste, and cultivating sincerity and justice in our actions. He also explores the concept of pragmatism and the power of belief and effort in achieving success.

keywords

frugality, industry, sincerity, justice, prioritization, waste, mindfulness, virtues, pragmatism, belief, effort

takeaways

We all have the same 24 hours, and it's what we prioritize that determines how we spend our time.Frugality is an important virtue that encourages us to be mindful of waste and to simplify our lives.Industry is about being productive and finding purpose in our daily activities.Sincerity involves being honest, kind, and considerate in our interactions with others.Justice calls us to do no harm and to consider the well-being of others in our actions.Pragmatism reminds us that there is always room to maneuver and find solutions to difficulties.Belief and effort are key in achieving success and overcoming challenges.

Sound Bites

"We always have time to do things. It's what we prioritize in our lives that we make the time for.""But if we really simplify those things we have, it makes our life much, much easier.""The anonymity and facelessness of Twitter and X and even to some degree, the comments on Facebook and Instagram have allowed us to just say things we would never or should never say in person."

Chapters

00:00Introduction and Prioritization

06:11Industry: Finding Purpose and Productivity

08:29Sincerity: Honesty and Kindness

10:15Justice: Doing No Harm

13:03Pragmatism: Overcoming Difficulties

14:26Belief and Effort: Keys to Success

Also, the example I mentioned but could not remember the name was Douglas Rushkoff. His book I am reading currently is Team Human.

Summary

In this conversation, TJ Belasco discusses the virtues mentioned by Benjamin Franklin in his autobiography and how they can be applied to our lives today. The virtues include temperance, silence, order, resolution, frugality, industry, sincerity, justice, moderation, cleanliness, tranquility, chastity, and humility. TJ explores the relevance of these virtues in 2024 and provides insights on how they can help us improve ourselves and contribute to the well-being of society. He emphasizes the importance of balance, positive communication, organization, and keeping our commitments. TJ plans to discuss four virtues in each upcoming posting.

Keywords

virtues, Benjamin Franklin, self-improvement, balance, communication, organization, commitment

Takeaways

• The virtues mentioned by Benjamin Franklin, such as temperance, silence, order, and resolution, are still relevant and can help us improve ourselves in 2024.
• Finding balance between self-improvement and the well-being of others is crucial.
• Positive communication and avoiding trifling conversation can contribute to a more harmonious society.
• Maintaining order and organization in our lives can lead to increased productivity and satisfaction.
• Keeping our commitments and resolving to perform what we resolve is essential for personal growth and success.

• "Temperance."
• "Silence."
• "Order."

Chapters

00:00Introduction and Background

03:50Chapter 1: Temperance

07:23Chapter 2: Silence

10:45Chapter 3: Order

14:09Chapter 4: Resolution

Summary

The conversation is about the mindful classroom, which is both a YouTube channel and a coaching business. The host, TJ Belasco, explains that the mindful classroom is a combination of his experience as a meditation mindfulness teacher and his 32 years of teaching in a classroom. He discusses the importance of finding purpose and honing performance in life and offers coaching services to help individuals in these areas. The conversation also touches on the difference between coaching, mentoring, therapy, and consulting. TJ shares a stoic quote about true joy and ends by inviting listeners to engage with the mindful classroom.

Keywords

mindful classroom, YouTube channel, coaching business, purpose, performance, coaching, mentoring, therapy, consulting, stoic quote, true joy

Takeaways

• The mindful classroom is a combination of meditation mindfulness teaching and 32 years of classroom teaching experience.
• Finding purpose and honing performance are important aspects of personal growth.
• Coaching, mentoring, therapy, and consulting serve different purposes in helping individuals achieve their goals.
• True joy comes from purpose, excellence, and duty, and is not merely surface-level cheerfulness.
• The mindful classroom offers coaching services to help individuals find their purpose and improve their performance.

• "We throw around the word joy casually. But none of these examples really touches on true joy. Joy to Seneca is a deep state of being."
• "If you can't get up in the morning and know that you have a purpose that drives you through that day, it's really hard to get the most out of life."
• "The first aspect of my coaching business is helping you find your purpose."

Chapters

00:00Introduction and Love for the Olympics

04:19Coaching for Purpose and Performance

08:23Finding Purpose and Honing Performance

11:48Different Approaches to Personal Growth

17:21True Joy: A Serious and Deep State of Being

18:55Conclusion and Invitation to Engage

If you are only interested in the Metta (Lovingkindness) Meditation, advance to the 15 minute mark

Summary

TJ Belasco reflects on his retirement from teaching and the joy he finds in working with young adults. He shares his experience of conducting a workshop on social and emotional learning and emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for students. TJ also discusses the power of gratitude and the practice of giving small tokens of appreciation. He then explores the negative impact of online negativity and encourages focusing on positive support and celebration. The episode concludes with a loving-kindness meditation.

Keywords

retirement, teaching, workshop, social and emotional learning, gratitude, positivity, loving-kindness meditation

Takeaways

• Retirement can provide opportunities to pursue new interests and gain more control over one's time.
• Creating a safe and supportive environment is crucial for effective teaching and learning.
• Expressing gratitude and giving tokens of appreciation can bring joy and positivity to both the giver and the recipient.
• Focusing on positive support and celebration can counteract the negativity and divisiveness prevalent online.
• Loving-kindness meditation can cultivate compassion and positive energy towards oneself and others.

• Choosing Positivity and Support over Negativity
• The Power of Gratitude and Tokens of Appreciation

• "I had absolutely one of the best days I could have asked"
• "When we can encourage them to... take off their armor and be willing to feel vulnerable because they feel safe, they trust you."
• "It's nice when what we do isn't just a job, but it gives back to us as well."

Chapters

00:00Introduction and Reflection on Retirement

03:09Creating a Safe and Supportive Learning Environment

05:11The Power of Gratitude and Tokens of Appreciation

07:43Choosing Positivity and Support over Negativity

13:29Cultivating Compassion through Loving-Kindness Meditation

Summary

The conversation revolves around the theme of enjoying the present moment and reflecting on one's accomplishments. Thomas emphasizes the importance of finding satisfaction in where one is in life while still striving for self-improvement. He encourages daily reflection on the positive things that have been achieved and suggests focusing on a smaller, accomplishable to-do list. The conversation concludes with the message of making each day count and making a difference in the world.

Keywords

enjoying the moment, reflection, satisfaction, self-improvement, accomplishments, positive mindset, making a differenceTakeaways

• Find satisfaction in where you are in life while still striving for self-improvement.
• Reflect on the positive things that have been achieved each day.
• Focus on a smaller, accomplishable to-do list to feel a sense of accomplishment.
• Make each day count and make a difference in the world.

• Making Each Day Count
• Enjoying the Present Moment

• "Benefits of an ice bath or a cold plunge or a chilly plunge. You take the label."
• "If you never enjoy where you are today and you're constantly beating yourself up for not having achieved enough or not gotten there fast enough, then you're gonna live a miserable life."
• "Reflecting on our accomplishments is also an important thing because it's something we can build"

Chapters

00:00Enjoying the Present Moment

01:05Reflecting on Accomplishments

02:25Striving for Self-Improvement

03:16Making Each Day Count

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Summary

The conversation revolves around the importance of family, humility, gratitude, and perspective. It emphasizes the need to find humor in life and not take oneself too seriously. The concept of looking at setbacks as opportunities for growth is discussed, as well as the idea of becoming a healer through personal experiences of pain. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the divisiveness in society and the need to see individuals beyond their political beliefs.

Keywords

family, humility, gratitude, perspective, growth, healing, setbacks, humor, divisivenessTakeaways

• Family and staying connected are important for personal growth.
• Humility and finding humor in life can lead to a more positive perspective.
• Setbacks and pain can be opportunities for personal growth and becoming a healer.
• It is important to see individuals beyond their political beliefs and stereotypes.

• "The importance of family and staying connected and knowing your roots."
• "Laugh at yourself and don't be so pompous and serious."
• "Life is a matter of perspective."

Chapters

00:00The Importance of Family and Staying Connected

00:59Humility and Finding Humor in Life

02:05Setbacks as Opportunities for Growth

03:04Becoming a Healer Through Personal Pain

04:09Seeing Individuals Beyond Political Beliefs

Summary

In this episode, TJ Belasco reflects on the power of positive thinking and the ability to find joy and gratitude in any circumstance. He shares the story of Steve Gleason, an American football player with ALS, who maintains a positive outlook despite his struggles. TJ discusses the importance of facing fear, overcoming isolation, and understanding the nature of suffering. He explores Buddhist philosophy and the concept of letting go of craving and desire. TJ concludes with a passage from Epictetus on positive thinking and encourages listeners to choose how they see the world.

Keywords

positive thinking, gratitude, fear, isolation, suffering, Buddhist philosophy, letting go, desire, joy

Takeaways

Maintaining a positive outlook can help us find joy and gratitude in any circumstance.Facing fear and understanding what is within our control can alleviate anxiety.Isolation can occur even when surrounded by others, and it is important to seek meaningful connections.Suffering is a part of life, but it is temporary, and letting go of craving and desire can lead to the end of suffering.Choosing how we see the world can greatly impact our happiness and well-being.

Sound Bites

"For those of you who have never felt fear, isolation, and suffering, take your sanctimonious asses out of here.""If I only had, then I would be.""Fear is hurting the time that I'm living."

Chapters

00:00Introduction and Steve Gleason's Story

03:25The Pursuit of Happiness and Letting Go of Craving

06:37Understanding the Nature of Suffering08:38Isolation and Meaningful Connections

12:11Finding Alternatives and Choosing How We See the World

15:45Conclusion and Encouragement

Steve Gleason https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzQKCgzIC6ISteve Gleason

ESPY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?

Summary

In this conversation, Thomas reflects on the importance of staying true to oneself and not seeking validation from others. He discusses the concept of the ego and how it can lead to suffering and frustration. Thomas shares Stoic quotes that emphasize the power of controlling one's thoughts and not being affected by external criticism. He encourages listeners to have a clear vision, morals, and beliefs, and to not let others shake them. In the second part of the conversation, Thomas announces the launch of his Mindful Classroom Purpose and Performance Coaching, where he helps individuals find their purpose and achieve their best performance while maintaining work-life balance.

Keywords

ego, validation, suffering, frustration, Stoic quotes, staying true to oneself, controlling thoughts, criticism, vision, morals, beliefs, Mindful Classroom Purpose and Performance Coaching, purpose, performance, work-life balance

Takeaways

• Stay true to yourself and don't seek validation from others.
• The ego can cause suffering and frustration.
• Control your thoughts and don't let external criticism affect you.
• Have a clear vision, morals, and beliefs.
• Announcement: Launch of Mindful Classroom Purpose and Performance Coaching.

• Having a Clear Vision, Morals, and Beliefs
• Staying True to Yourself and Not Seeking Validation

• "If you believe in it, it's what you should be"
• "being offended by other people or being hurt by other people or even being criticized by other people. That's really the result of ourselves and we can let that go."
• "The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts."

Chapters

00:00Staying True to Yourself and Not Seeking Validation

02:27The Ego and Its Impact on Suffering and Frustration

03:16Controlling Thoughts and Not Being Affected by Criticism

04:21Having a Clear Vision, Morals, and Beliefs

06:11Announcement: Launch of Mindful Classroom Purpose and Performance Coaching

Contact info:

Email: tjbelasco@gmail.com

phone: 609.780.2510

Summary

The conversation revolves around the theme of living a great story and taking control of one's own destiny. The speaker emphasizes the importance of reflection and making positive changes in our lives. He encourages listeners to examine the areas of their lives that are working well and accentuate those, while also identifying areas where they feel stuck and taking action to change those patterns. The key takeaway is that we have the power to write our own story and make the changes we want to see.

Keywords

living a great story, reflection, positive changes, taking control, destinyTakeaways

• Reflection is an important practice in life.
• We have the power to write our own story.
• Identify areas of your life that are working well and accentuate them.
• Take action to change patterns in areas where you feel stuck.

• "Reflection, looking at things with new eyes is always a good quality in life."
• "Comfort might be the most challenging thing we have in our lives."
• "One change leads to two changes, two changes leads to three changes. And pretty soon, our story's changed."

Chapters

00:00Introduction

00:29Reflection and Living a Great Story

02:02The Challenge of Comfort

03:38Making Positive Changes

04:08Taking Control of Your Destiny

04:56Conclusion

Summary

The conversation explores the concept of 'believe, behave, become' as an alternative to 'fake it until you make it'. It emphasizes the importance of believing in oneself, shaping behavior to align with beliefs, and ultimately becoming the person one aspires to be. The conversation also touches on the significance of having a North Star or purpose in life, and the need for reflection and gratitude. The host shares personal examples and quotes prayers that inspire him.

Keywords

believe, behave, become, fake it until you make it, self-belief, behavior change, purpose, North Star, reflection, gratitude

Takeaways

Instead of 'fake it until you make it', adopt the mindset of 'believe, behave, become'.Believe in yourself and your abilities, and align your behavior with that belief.Have a clear purpose or North Star that guides your actions and decisions.Regularly reflect on your behaviors and make adjustments to stay on track.Practice gratitude to cultivate a positive mindset and appreciation for life.

Sound Bites

"Fake it until you make it.""Believe behave become.""Are your behaviors taking you toward your goals?"

Chapters

00:00Introduction: Rethinking 'Fake it Until You Make it'

00:59Believe: The First Step to Success

05:46Become: Transforming into the Person You Aspire to Be

09:37Finding Your North Star: Discovering Your Purpose

12:59Reflection and Gratitude: Keys to Personal Growth