On The Mindful Living with host Sana, we cut through the noise and look at how the ego quietly fuels stress—and how to step out of the loop. Danielle Matthews, who rebuilt her inner world after a traumatic brain injury, explains four common ego patterns (resistance, control, identity, urgency) and offers grounded tools—acceptance, nervous-system awareness, and Yoga Nidra—to move from reactivity to calm. Clear language, relatable examples (the “mental tigers” and the “don’t jump in the hole” analogies), and practical next steps make this a direct, no-fluff guide you can apply today across work, relationships, and self-care.  About the guest: Danielle Matthews is a teacher of mindfulness modalities including Yoga Nidra and yoga therapy. After a traumatic brain injury, she found inner peace first—and later explored tools that supported physical recovery. She now shares practical frameworks to help people witness triggers, regulate the nervous system, and live with honest presence. Key takeaways : Resistance vs. acceptance: Resisting what’s happening (traffic, people’s behavior) locks the body into stress; accepting facts opens access to calm and better choices. Action over outcome: You control actions, not results. Do what’s in your locus of control and release the rest to reduce anxiety about the future. Identity glue: Helpful labels (high-achiever, caregiver, survivor) can become traps. Don’t chain your worth—or others’ outcomes—to those roles. Support without sinking: With struggling loved ones, stand “at the edge of the hole” to help—don’t jump in and carry their burden. Nervous-system literacy: Notice sympathetic (fight/flight) spikes vs. parasympathetic states. Many “threats” are mental habits, not real danger. Triggers are teachers: Present-moment reactions often grow from old “seeds” (unfinished past experiences). Use awareness to heal the root, not just the symptom. Practice that builds space: Yoga Nidra (guided, non-sleep deep rest) expands the capacity to witness thoughts/emotions without being pulled under. Simple daily reps: Breath cues, body sensation check-ins, and pausing before responding create real-world mindfulness off the cushion. Connect with the guest: YouTube: @healwithdanielle All of Danielle’s social links are listed on her channel’s About section. Website: https://brainbodyself.com/  Want to be a guest on The Mindful Living? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik Disclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik™️. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer. Healthy Mind By Avik™️ is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. Born during the pandemic, it’s become a sanctuary for healing, growth, and mindful living. Hosted by Avik Chakraborty—storyteller, survivor, wellness advocate—this channel shares powerful podcasts and soul-nurturing conversations on: • Mental Health & Emotional Well-being• Mindfulness & Spiritual Growth• Holistic Healing & Conscious Living• Trauma Recovery & Self-Empowerment With over 4,400+ episodes and 168.4K+ global listeners, join us as we unite voices, break stigma, and build a world where every story matters. 👉 Subscribe and be part of this healing journey. Contact 💼 Brand: Healthy Mind By Avik™📧 Email: join@healthymindbyavik.com | podcast@healthymindbyavik.com🌐 Website: www.healthymindbyavik.com📍 Based in: India & USA 🎙️ Open to collaborations, guest appearances, coaching, and strategic partnerships. Let's connect to