Mindfulness Mode Bruce Langford

Spencer Sherman is a financial expert who teaches how to embrace money mindfulness and is known for his unique approach to money. With an MBA and a CFP® designation, he founded and led Abacus, a company that managed $3 billion in assets. Spencer believes in breaking the taboo around money and teaches people that their self-worth is way more important than their net worth. He helps clients transform their relationship with money, guiding them to embrace abundance without shame. Spencer hosts a retreat called the Mindful Advisor Retreat for financial professionals. He is dedicated to helping you discover your “Enough” number and foster a mindful mindset regarding money.
This podcast is for informational purposes only. The opinions expressed are not the opinions of Abacus Wealth Partners, the firm that Spencer Sherman founded. Should you wish to connect with a financial advisor, we welcome you to schedule a free introductory 15-minute phone call. Once your financial needs are understood, we would be happy to help you find the best fit.
 
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Contact Info
Company: Founded and led Abacus
Website: www.spencer-sherman.com
Podcast: The Spencer Sherman Podcast
Most Influential Person
Bhikkhu Analayo (A Buddhist monk from Germany)
Sharon Salzberg
Joseph Goldstein
Effect on Emotions
Mindfulness has made a big difference in how I handle my emotions. It's like this story about an eight-year-old boy. Imagine I received an upsetting email from one of my business partners. I really wanted to respond angrily, but then mindfulness kicked in.
I realized that reacting like that would lead to a pointless argument. So, I decided to let it go and sleep on it. By morning, my partner apologized, and the issue resolved itself without my intervention.
Mindfulness helps me avoid knee-jerk reactions and provides more choices. It's like in the investment world when we panic and sell everything during a market drop. Mindfulness creates space for other options beyond our initial, rigid reactions.
Thoughts on Breathing
Breathing is super basic, right? We can chat about money all day, but you know what? Breathing matters too. It's like finding contentment in something as simple as taking a breath.
I call it the “money breath” because it helps when I'm shopping and anxiety hits. In those moments, our breath can get shallow, denying our brain much-needed oxygen. We need a pause to widen our perspective and consider more choices.
The money breath involves exhaling longer than inhaling, and science says it calms our nervous system, shifting us into a more relaxed state. That's when our money smarts kick in, which, by the way, we all have; we just need to tap into them.
Suggested Resources
Book: A Path With Heart: A Guide Through the Perils and Promises of Spiritual Life by Jack Kornfield
Book: Real Happiness by Sharon Salzberg
Book: Radical Acceptance by Tara Brock
App: 10 Percent Happier
App: Waking Up by Sam Harris
Bullying Story



Spencer Sherman shared a meaningful story about how mindfulness can make a big difference, even in challenging situations. He mentioned two important nonprofit organizations he's involved with, both dedicated to improving school environments. One of them, called Mindful Schools, shared a powerful story about a boy dealing with aggression.
During recess, this boy felt the urge to punch another kid. But instead of acting on that anger, he took a moment to breathe and simply observe his emotions. This act of mindfulness allowed him to acknowledge his negative feelings without letting them control his actions. It's a key aspect of mindfulness: recognizing harmful emotions but choosing not to be controlled by them.
Spencer believes this mindfulness lesson applies to money matters as well. For instance, when you desperately want to buy something like a house, taking a pause and considering your emotions before making a big decision can be wise. Mindful Sch

Nicole Gabai is the author of the best-selling book The Art of Organizing: An Artful Guide to an Organized Life. She also founded ‘B. Organized' in 1999 and is a Golden Circle member of NAPO – National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals.Nicole's unique 6-step organizing system, The Gabai Principles, helps people move from feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or afraid of change to feeling happier and more productive so they can move on with their life!In 1989, Nicole received a BFA in Textile Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology, worked as a textile designer in NYC, and attended Parsons School of Design.
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Contact Info
Website: www.B-Organized.net
Book: The Art of Organizing: An Artful Guide to an Organized Life by Nicole Gabai
Most Influential Person
Pema Chodron (Buddhist teacher, author, nun and mother)
Effect on Emotions
Well, I've learned that thoughts create a feeling.
So if I'm feeling this way, anxious, angry, sad, whichever, I look at my thoughts. Like, what am I thinking about? What's making my feelings this?
And then I realize I am in charge. I can change the thought. And then I change my feeling. And that changes the emotion around it.
So that is all from meditation that I've learned this.
Thoughts on Breathing



I've always known that breathing is important, but I had a brain tumor six years ago, and I needed to go in for surgery, and it just shattered my world.
It was incredibly scary. And I had a friend who was studying mindfulness, and she said she'd come over three times a week for a couple of months before the surgery, and she was going to help me with breathing.
And I was like, how are we going to do that many hours about breathing? Like you go in, you go out. And she said no, you're going to see.
So she taught me a lot about breathing. And one of the exercises is called Sweet 16. I use it whenever I'm getting anxious, I just take that pause. So basically it's. You take a deep breath in and a deep breath out, and then you hold your breath for four seconds, or the count of four beats.
Then you inhale for four beats, hold it for four beats, and then you let the air out for four beats, and hold it for four. So you hold for four, inhale for four, hold it for four, exhale for four. And you start again.
And that was incredibly important. Even though I'm an artist, I do enjoy structure.
So the breathing is what gives me the focus when I'm meditating so that when I do have a fleeting thought, I can be like, Oh, look, there was a thought, or if I have a feeling that comes up, Oh, look at that feeling; okay, let's keep breathing.



Suggested Resources
Book: When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chodron
Book: The Artists Way by Julia Cameron
Book: The Art of Organizing: An Artful Guide to an Organized Life by Nicole Gabai
App: Insight Timer
Bullying Story



I am currently in a situation where I've been dealing with a lot of bullying.
And in the beginning it was painful because  I took it personally and thought, Oh my gosh, what is wrong with me? And it definitely has shifted for me with my meditations because I'm learning in meditation that my thoughts do not define me. My feelings do not define me. Those are all passing things. And my being stays intact no matter what.
 And that's where the non-judgment comes in. That's where the self-acceptance comes in. And then the bullying doesn't hurt so much anymore. It's not pleasant. But you know what? I have a distance from it now. I can put distance between myself and that person.
And what I've learned is, The bullying that's happening is really about that person. It's how they feel about themselves. It's how they talk to themselves. That's really what it is.
It's not about me. And that is through meditation. I've been able to learn that with experiencing when I'm in meditation, now I can bring it to my life and say, wow, that person really has a hard time because look

Clément Decrop is a versatile inventor and author who can help you with mindfulness and with awakening your non-self. Clément is originally from Belgium and moved to the United States at a young age. After earning a Mechanical Engineering degree from Penn State, he embarked on a global career journey, spanning countries like France, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, and the U.S.In his book, “The Idea Space: The Science of Awakening Your Non-Self,” Clément presents a revolutionary solution to Einstein's field equation, offering a layperson-friendly exploration of consciousness. He guides readers to objectively examine their thoughts, facilitating a happier existence and a deeper grasp of life's purpose.Since 2018, Clément has served as a Global Educator, sharing wisdom on meditation, sleep, exercise, and nutrition across 40 countries. His innovative spirit shines through collaborations with prolific inventors, resulting in numerous patents. Beyond his professional pursuits, he enjoys reading, experimental cooking, global travel, coding, and maintaining a focus on health and fitness. Currently residing in Pennsylvania, Clément's life is a testament to his boundless curiosity and creativity.
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Contact Info
Website: https://www.TheIdeaSpace.io
Book: The Idea Space: The Science of Awakening Your Non-Self by Clement Decrop
Most Influential Person
Joseph Goldstein (writer)
Thich Nhat Hanh, Josepthe Zen Buddhist Master.
Effect on Emotions
Mindfulness has helped me notice the half-life of my emotions and reduce them greatly. As soon as you notice emotion, you'll see it's half-life just whoop, shoot down. Something Sam Harris says.
Thoughts on Breathing



Breathing is like the fuel to the function of your whole entire body.
So James Nester wrote a great book called Breath: The New Science Of A Lost Art by James Nestor. So check that out if you haven't.
But one of the key things for breathing is having a breath that you go to every day and  Ocean Breath is my go-to.
So Just put your hand in front of your face and you just try to fog it up like you would a glass. And now you do the same thing except with your mouth closed and you notice you get a lot deeper breath.
And then maintain that breath five and a half seconds. Inhale five and a half seconds. Exhale Whenever you can.



Suggested Resources
Book: Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Awakening by Joseph Goldstein
Book: The Blue Cliff Record by Thomas Cleary
Book: The Large Scale Structure of Space-Time by Stephen Hawking
Book: The Illustrated Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking
App: Waking Up (App by Sam Harris)
Bullying Story



Clement Decrop shared a personal experience from high school where witnessing bullying left a lasting impact on him. He regrets not taking action and believes that a deeper meditation and mindfulness practice could have empowered him to intervene.
Also, Clement emphasizes the importance of teaching meditation to young people to encourage ego detachment. He explains that many instances of bullying stem from kids forming a strong sense of self, akin to developing an identity over time.
Clement draws parallels to the concept of the “illusion of self” and the difficulty of defining oneself precisely. Meditation helps children detach from their egos, which can prevent hurtful words and actions.
Clement Decrop advocates teaching mindfulness scientifically to help kids understand and reduce harm they may cause each other.



Related Episodes

What Is Consciousness; Tom Campbell (Part 1)


What Is Consciousness; Tom Campbell (Part 2)


Ancient Wisdom for Today’s Mindfulness; Master Lama Rasaji

Are you experiencing anxiety & stress? I’m Bruce Langford, a practicing coach and hypnotist helping fast-track people just like you to shed their inner bully and move forward with confidence. Book a Free Coaching Session to get you on the road to a more satisfying life, feeling gro

Melissa Reilly, Psy.D, helps women say goodbye to mom guilt. She is a clinical psychologist, author, and TEDx speaker who combines her personal experience as a mom of two boys and professional expertise to help moms who don't have the support and guidance of a loving mother by their side. With over 23 years in the field, she's designed a personalized coaching program that transforms feelings of loneliness and uncertainty into confidence and resilience. Her passion shines through in her work, creating a beacon of hope for those navigating motherhood without their own mother's support.
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Contact Info
Website: https://www.momswithoutamom.com/
Book: Thriving as a Mom Without a Mom: Guidance for moms who don't have a supportive mother by their side by Melissa Reilly
Most Influential Person
Viktor Emil Frankl , author of Man's Search for Meaning
Thich Nhat Hanh, the Zen Buddhist Master.
Effect on Emotions
Mindfulness has helped me recognize that my emotions feel different when they're regulated versus not regulated.
So the intensity of emotions isn't what's a problem, it's my body's ability to process that emotion so that I'm still functioning in a way that is consistent with my values and priorities.
Thoughts on Breathing



Well, breathing is at the heart of our being. It is the first thing we do and one of the last things we do in life.
And so breathing influences everything, both physiologically as well as emotionally. So when we become aware of our breath and intentionally slow it or change it in certain ways, then we experience a different awareness of ourselves.
As a result, I am very mindful of the way I breathe.
And one of the mistakes I see very often when people are anxious is they think if they take a big, deep breath, it'll help calm them. And that's actually. Not true. Taking a slow out breath is much more calming.



Suggested Resources
Book: Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life by Thich Nhat Hanh
Book: Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
Book: Thriving as a Mom Without a Mom: Guidance for moms who don't have a supportive mother by their side by Melissa Reilly
App: Headspace
Bullying Story



I have a story about bullying and mindfulness. When I was in high school, my younger sister, who had some learning disabilities, was being bullied by another girl. This girl was bigger and threatened to hurt my sister physically.
Even though I was only a year older and couldn't physically defend myself, I knew I had to protect my sister. I stayed calm, spoke assertively, and convinced the bully that violence wasn't the answer.
I had to be mindful of my own emotions and the situation.
Surprisingly, it worked, and the bully and my sister became friends. It taught me the power of staying composed in challenging moments..



Related Episodes
Three Simple Steps To A Balanced Life; Trevor G. Blake
How Thoughts Become Things; Doug Vermeeren
Find Peace With 365 Days of Happiness; Jacqueline Pirtle
Special Offer
Are you experiencing anxiety & stress? I’m Bruce Langford, a practicing coach and hypnotist helping fast-track people just like you to shed their inner bully and move forward with confidence. Book a Free Coaching Session to get you on the road to a more satisfying life, feeling grounded and focused. Send me an email at bruce@mindfulnessmode.com with ‘Time Is Right' in the subject line. We'll set up a call and talk about how you can move forward to a better life.

Today’s episode is entitled A Mindful Getaway. My wife and I decided to get away for a day and enjoy a relaxing, mindful experience outside of our regular circle of existence.We decided to go to an island with almost no traffic, beautiful gardens, breathtaking views, and stunning beaches. Swimming was something we wanted to include. Access to good food and snacks was also required, so we could travel without taking much with us except for water and a bathing suit. It would be a place we had never visited before, a brand-new destination.Sometimes, you can plan a mindful experience if you purposefully set out to do it.I thought about this experience we hoped to have, and then a possible destination popped into my mind.
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Website: www.MindfulnessMode.com
We Did It
Well, we actually did it. And the day included everything I’ve mentioned.Now, to backtrack a bit, I have had a lot of experiences where I drive somewhere and either get mixed up with directions, don’t get there at the expected time, or something else just doesn't go right. I mean, think of anything that can go wrong, and I’ve probably experienced it.
I’ve lost my keys, gotten locked out on a hotel balcony, arrived on the wrong date, gotten sick immediately after arriving somewhere, or forgotten where I parked my car. Usually things go smoothly when I travel, but not always. Listen to the episode to hear more about that balcony story.
Where Did We Go?
When we got to the Island and found out it was even more awesome than we expected. There were not a lot of visitors at all. The amusement park turned out to be more of a kiddy park and the rides were not open because this was a school day. We could still walk around the park and see animals and all the features of the park. It was okay to go anywhere within the park just to look around.
A Fountain and More
Then, we decided to check out more of the island. We saw a beautiful fountain and flower beds that were totally breathtaking. Then we rented a bike. Well, it wasn’t exactly a bike; it was a four-wheeled pedal-powered vehicle with a canopy roof to shade us from the sun. The weather was awesome, and we had an hour to ride around and explore the island. Later, we rented regular bikes for another hour, and after that, we had a swim in the lake.
A Fountain and More
It felt like the whole day was a retreat of sorts, and my level of mindfulness was way up there in the stratosphere. Most of the time, we were on the island, it seemed like we were nowhere near a city at all. Then, once in a while, we’d catch a view of the skyscrapers over the trees.
Suggested Resources
Book: The Surrender Experiment: My Journey into Life's Perfection by Michael A. Singer
Tabletop Waterfountains
App: Insight Timer
Related Episodes

Real Transformation: It’s Not What You Think; Wendy Yellen


Being Mindful Of Sieves and Kettles With Rye Taylor


Life Transformation Through Mindful Living With Joanne King

Special Offer
Are you experiencing anxiety & stress? I’m Bruce Langford, a practicing coach and hypnotist helping fast-track people just like you to shed their inner bully and move forward with confidence. Book a Free Coaching Session to get you on the road to a more satisfying life, feeling grounded and focused. Send me an email at bruce@mindfulnessmode.com with ‘Coaching Session' in the subject line. We'll set up a call and talk about how you can move forward to a better life.

JJ DiGeronimo is an award-winning author who teaches how to raise your frequency with a mindfulness practice. JJ is a former tech industry leader, now empowering women with tried-and-tested strategies, mindfulness, and energetic practices to increase their impact and influence. Her work has been featured in Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and Thrive Global. Through her three books, keynotes, and popular podcasts, Career Strategies for Women that Work and Together WE Seek, JJ shares proven key findings that help women gain more seats at more tables. Discover her work at www.JJDiGeronimo.com or inside her community, TogetherWeSeek.Online.
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Contact Info
Website: jjdigeronimo.com
Podcast: togetherweseek.online
Book: Seeking: 74 Key Findings to Raise Your Energy, Sidestep Your Self-Doubts, and Align with Your Life’s Work by JJ DiGeronimo
Most Influential Person
Oprah
Effect on Emotions
JJ DiGeronimo believes that when things happen in life, it's better to think they are happening for you, not to you. This means instead of feeling like a victim and saying, “Why is this happening to me?” she looks at it like, “Why is this happening for me?”
This small change in thinking has made a big difference in how she deals with everything in her life. Instead of feeling upset and saying, “How could this happen?” she tries to understand the message or lesson in the situation.
Thoughts on Breathing



JJ DiGeronimo talked about a special way to deal with overwhelming thoughts and feelings using breathing. When her mind keeps going in circles about something like a problem at work or a tough conversation, she does a “lassoing” exercise.
She imagines putting her fingers on her forehead and then “lassoing” or roping in those thoughts. She pulls them down from her head, over her face, and into her heart. It's like moving the energy from her mind to her heart to calm down.
If there's still some worry left, she does it again until she feels better. You can also imagine breathing out the stress from the top of your head and out your mouth to help calm your mind. JJ encourages you as a listener to raise your frequency with a mindfulness practice.



Suggested Resources
Book: Seth Speaks: The Eternal Validity of the Soul by Jane Roberts
Book: Seeking: 74 Key Findings to Raise Your Energy, Sidestep Your Self-Doubts, and Align with Your Life’s Work by JJ DiGeronimo
App: Youtube @SteveNoble
Bullying Story



I've faced bullying many times in my life, especially in high school. There was this one girl who had a tough life; her mom passed away early, and her dad made bad choices, so she took it out on others. I was so scared of her that I would hide in the school office, even during lunch, because I was the class treasurer. Every time I saw her, I froze with fear.
One day, I couldn't take it anymore. I decided I had to confront this fear and end it. Bullies may seem tough on the outside, but inside, they often feel weak and lonely. So, I went up to her and said, “Today, one of us is ending up in the hospital, and I won't stop until that happens.” I scared her by facing the problem head-on.
Years later, she apologized on Facebook, and we've become friends. We live in different towns, but we've built a strong virtual relationship, and I've even shared some inspiring books with her. I realized I didn't want someone else to control my energy with their negativity, and that made all the difference.



Related Episodes

Three Simple Steps To A Balanced Life; Trevor G. Blake


How Thoughts Become Things; Doug Vermeeren


Find Peace With 365 Days of Happiness; Jacqueline Pirtle

Special Offer
Are you experiencing anxiety & stress? I’m Bruce Langford, a practicing coach and hypnotist helping fast-track people just like you to shed their inner bully and move forward with confidence. Book a Free Coaching Session to get you on the road to a more satisfying life, feelin