Mind and Soul Matters

Meditation Exercise: Mindfulness of the Breath

To wrap up season 2 we have a bonus episode with a practical element on meditation. The origins of meditation come from the teachings of Buddhism and Hinduism. Today, the benefits of meditation, both for our emotional and physical well being are extensively researched and documented. This bonus episode includes a "mindfulness of the breath" exercise which is one type of meditation that can be used almost anywhere and any time. 

Healthy Technology Use with Prof. Donna Cross

Technology is a significant part of our lives, but how can we parent our children to use it in a wise, safe, fun and useful way? In this special episode we present a live forum with Professor Donna Cross, whose research over the past 30 years has focused on children and adolescents' social and emotional well being. Prof Cross shares ten practical tips on how we can protect our children and enhance their enjoyment and positive interaction with technology.

Youth Can Move the World: JYSEP

How can young people be empowered to make positive moral choices? How can they contribute meaningfully to their communities? What are the ingredients that help navigate young people through this critical period? Jacob Barron, a graduate with honours in mathematics and physics, shares his personal story and his involvement with a program aimed at answering these important questions and helping empower young people to be positive contributors to their society. Lets find out about the Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program (JYSEP).
References:
www.junioryouth.org.au
Raising Girls by Steve Bidulph (2013)
Raising Boys by Steve Bidulph (2014)
 
 

Mental Health First Aid: How do we support someone with a mental illness?

Given the worldwide prevalence of mental illness, we are sure to encounter a friend, colleague or a family member struggling with mental health challenges. We can find ourselves stuck on how to respond, what to say or know how we can help. Dr Deena Ashoorian, an accredited instructor of the mental health first aid program, shares her insights on how we can support loved ones struggling with mental health challenges.  

Music, Soul and Life’s Journey

Music is a universal language through which emotions are expressed and felt. Shameem Taheri-Lee, a singer, songwriter and producer, joins us to talk about how she has used music to navigate through life's challenges - from fitting in, to dealing with betrayal. What is the inspiration behind Shameem's music, which is described by The Sydney Morning Herald "as an explosion of soul … taking you on a journey to a world full of positivity, love and understanding". 
You can access more of Shameem's music at shameemmusic.com or on your preferred music streaming platform. 

Michael’s Story: Can we T.A.L.K about Suicide?

Varad, joins us to share his personal story of losing a dear friend to suicide and the effect it has had on his life.
Suicide is the leading cause of death for young Australians, aged between 15 and 44. Globally, at least one million people are estimated to die by suicide each year. It's a devastating social issue that leaves behind shattered families, friends and communities.  A must listen - to help us raise awareness and attempt to prevent such tragedies.

Mind and Soul in the Workplace: Effective Management

Dr Duane Varan, CEO of MediaScience - a world-leading media research firm - joins us to talk about effective workplace management. What are the challenges faced by workplace managers and how can these challenges be overcome? Dr Duane Varan shares tips on how we can create a work environment that is nurturing, how we can translate a vision into reality, and how can these principles be applied not only to our workplace, but to the various domains of our life. 

What is a Good Life?

We all want to live a good life, but what does that mean? What does a good life look like? And how can we pave our way towards a good life?
Graham Mabury, a long standing presenter on Radio 6PR and co-founder of LifeLine candidly shares his personal struggles, as well as his insights and experiences on what contributes to living a good life. Graham, a Baptist Minister has devoted his life to advocating for social justice and serving others, receiving numerous accolades for his service to humanity.  He, however differentiates a life of "celebrity" from a life of "significance", giving us practical tips and advice on paving our way towards a good life. 

Parenting: What’s Spirituality Got To Do With It?

Parenting is one of the most rewarding, yet challenging responsibilities of our life.  Veronica Anderson shares her insights from a program aimed at bringing out the best in our children. A program based on the premise that we all have the capacity to do good in the world. But as parents, how do we ensure that we nurture these qualities in our children, and bring out the best in them and in ourselves?
 
"Children are the most precious treasure that a community can possess for in them are the promise and guarantee of the future."
"Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Education can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable mankind to benefit therefrom."
Baha'i Writings
Resources:
https://www.virtuesproject.com/store/family-virtues-guide
Family Virtues Guide: Simple Ways to Bring out the Best in Our Children and Ourselves, by Linda Kavelin-Popov
spiritualvirtuesparenting@gmail.com
 
 
 
 

A Refugee’s Journey: From Displacement to Bettering the World

Given the ever increasing number of refugees worldwide, we are in much need of an inspiring story. Dr Manya Yazdani shares her story - a story of contributing to the betterment of the world. Dr Yazdani fled Iran due to religious persecution, following the 1979 Revolution and arrived in Australia as a young refugee in 1985. Dr Yazdani explains how she has reconciled her displacement and loss, and what fuelled her motivation to pursue a career as a medical doctor.

Luke McPharlin: The Road Less Travelled

Luke McPharlin, Australian Football star, talks candidly about the struggles he faced early in his football career. He chose the road less travelled, the road which was difficult, the road not typical for a professional football player of his generation, but was in line with his values. How did following this path help shape both his career, and post-football life? And what is Luke getting up to post-footy?
"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-
I took the one less travelled by,
And that has made all the difference."  (Robert Frost, 1915)
 
 

Trailer - Season 2

We've been bringing you Mind and Soul Matters for almost a year now, and we are thrilled and grateful to be with you for another season, to continue in our quest to remove stigma surrounding mental illness, and to foster discussion around mental health and spirituality. Through monthly episodes, our team will bring you conversations with everyday people, who will share their inspiration, experiences and lessons. Our episodes will range from parenting, youth issues, suicide, to discussing mind and soul in the workplace.  And so much more. Remember to follow us on the various platforms so that you can keep up to date with new episodes. You can also access episodes via our website – mindandsoulmatters.podbean.com