Mindfulness Exercises, with Sean Fargo

Sean Fargo
  • 5.0 (68)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Practical, trauma‑sensitive mindfulness for everyday life — and for the people who teach it. Expect grounded guided meditations, evidence‑informed tools, and candid conversations with leading voices in the field. Hosted by Sean Fargo — former Buddhist monk, founder of MindfulnessExercises.com, and a certified Search Inside Yourself instructor—each episode blends compassion, clarity, and real‑world application for practitioners, therapists, coaches, educators, and wellness professionals. What you’ll find:• Guided practices: breath awareness, body scans, self‑compassion, sleep, and nervous‑system regulation  • Teacher tools: trauma‑sensitive language, sequencing, and ethical foundations for safe, inclusive mindfulness  • Expert interviews with renowned teachers and researchers (e.g., Sharon Salzberg, Gabor Maté, Byron Katie, Rick Hanson, Ellen Langer, Judson Brewer)  • Clear takeaways you can use today—in sessions, classrooms, workplaces, and at home Updated 2-3x weekly. Follow the show, try this week’s practice, and share one insight in a review to help others discover the podcast. Explore more resources and training at MindfulnessExercises.com and the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification.

  1. 1D AGO

    Wishing Care For Self & Others - Dealing With The Inner Critic (Day 7 / Last Day)

    Ever wish your inner critic would finally give you a break? Sean Fargo closes our seven-day journey by teaching a simple, reliable practice that replaces self-attack with grounded compassion. We start where warmth is easiest—thinking of someone or an animal that naturally opens the heart—then repeat four steady phrases: may you be safe, may you be healthy, may you be happy, may you live with ease. From that genuine warmth, we turn the same phrases inward and, yes, even toward the inner critic itself. Across this guided session, we explore why loving-kindness is more than feel-good language; it’s a trainable response that reshapes the brain and nervous system. By pairing intention with repetition, the practice becomes a habit you can call on the next time you make a mistake, fall short of a goal, or feel the urge to spiral. Sean offers practical cues—eyes open or closed, breath linked to phrases, starting with an easy person—to make the ritual stick without forcing emotion. You’ll learn how wishing safety and ease disarms shame, how happiness loosens perfectionism, and how ease keeps problem-solving clear and creative. We also step into the advanced edge: extending goodwill to the parts we resist—the inner critic and even people we dislike. This move isn’t about excusing harm; it’s about reducing inner conflict so you can set boundaries without carrying the weight of resentment. Listeners often report less rumination, faster repair after missteps, and a gentler, more courageous approach to growth. By the end, you’ll have a compact script you can use anytime to soften harsh self-talk and build resilience from the inside out. If this practice helps, subscribe, share the episode with a friend who needs a kinder inner voice, and leave a review to tell us which phrase landed most for you. Support the show Certify To Teach Mindfulness: Certify.MindfulnessExercises.com Email: Sean@MindfulnessExercises.com Mindfulness Exercises with Sean Fargo is a practical, grounded mindfulness podcast for people who want meditation to actually help in real life. Hosted by Sean Fargo — a former Buddhist monk, mindfulness teacher, and founder of MindfulnessExercises.com — this podcast explores how mindfulness can support mental health, emotional regulation, trauma sensitivity, chronic pain, leadership, creativity, and meaningful work. Each episode offers a mix of: Practical mindfulness and meditation teachings Conversations with respected meditation teachers, clinicians, authors, and researchers Real-world insights for therapists, coaches, yoga teachers, educators, and caregivers Gentle reflections for anyone navigating stress, anxiety, burnout, grief, or change If you’re interested in: Mindfulness meditation for everyday life Trauma-sensitive and compassion-based practices Teaching mindfulness in an authentic, non-performative way Deepening your own practice while supporting others …you’re in the right place. Learn more at MindfulnessExercises.com.

    5 min

  2. 2D AGO

    How To Stop Ruminating - Dealing With The Inner Critic (Day 6)

    Ever catch your mind replaying a cringe moment on loop? We take you inside that spiral and show how mindfulness breaks the pattern—not by arguing with thoughts, but by starving the loop of fuel and returning attention to the raw, steadying details of the present moment. Instead of wrestling with the inner critic, we practice kind curiosity and let the body lead the way back to clarity. Across this focused, guided session, we map the hallmarks of rumination—repetition without resolution, shrinking perspective, and rising tension—and explain why the brain confuses looping with problem solving. Then we offer a step‑by‑step reset that anyone can try on a commute, in bed, or during a stressful workday: feel gravity where your body meets the chair or floor, listen for the rhythm of sound without chasing its source, open to the colors and light in your field of view, and notice texture and temperature on the skin. As attention reconnects with the senses, muscles soften, breath evens, and new angles on the same situation emerge. You’ll hear how this shift reduces the power of harsh self‑talk and creates conditions for wiser choices—like making an apology, adjusting a plan, or simply letting go. The aim isn’t to silence the mind forever; it’s to relate to thoughts differently, with gentleness and precision, so they lose their grip. If you’ve felt stuck in overthinking, this practice offers a grounded path out of the loop and back into the world right in front of you. If this resonated, follow the show, share it with someone who overthinks, and leave a quick review with one insight you’re taking into your week. Your notes help others find practical mindfulness when they need it most. Support the show Certify To Teach Mindfulness: Certify.MindfulnessExercises.com Email: Sean@MindfulnessExercises.com Mindfulness Exercises with Sean Fargo is a practical, grounded mindfulness podcast for people who want meditation to actually help in real life. Hosted by Sean Fargo — a former Buddhist monk, mindfulness teacher, and founder of MindfulnessExercises.com — this podcast explores how mindfulness can support mental health, emotional regulation, trauma sensitivity, chronic pain, leadership, creativity, and meaningful work. Each episode offers a mix of: Practical mindfulness and meditation teachings Conversations with respected meditation teachers, clinicians, authors, and researchers Real-world insights for therapists, coaches, yoga teachers, educators, and caregivers Gentle reflections for anyone navigating stress, anxiety, burnout, grief, or change If you’re interested in: Mindfulness meditation for everyday life Trauma-sensitive and compassion-based practices Teaching mindfulness in an authentic, non-performative way Deepening your own practice while supporting others …you’re in the right place. Learn more at MindfulnessExercises.com.

    5 min

  3. 3D AGO

    The Voice of a Good Friend - Dealing With The Inner Critic (Day 5)

    What would change if your inner critic had a microphone and your best friend could hear every word? We put that scenario to work and build a practical way to answer harsh self-talk with grounded compassion. Instead of arguing with the critic or pretending it isn’t there, we slow down, test its claims, and invite the voice of a true friend to sit at the table with us. We start by imagining our most judgmental thoughts broadcast aloud, then ask a simple question: how would a caring friend respond? That shift unlocks clarity. Suddenly, “I’m incompetent” becomes “I made a mistake and I’m learning.” “I’m unworthy” turns into “I matter even when I miss the mark.” Along the way, we separate facts from exaggerations, replace sweeping labels with specific observations, and learn language that pairs honesty with warmth. This is not empty positivity; it is accurate compassion that acknowledges error without attacking identity. Then we flip the lens. Picture a friend speaking about themselves with the same cruelty. What would you say to them? Most of us instinctively challenge the lies, point to real strengths, and offer steps forward. We bring that same approach inward: write the critic’s claim in one line, answer it like a friend in one paragraph, and list three pieces of evidence that support your competence, worth, or likability. The effect is cumulative—less shame, more energy for growth, and a steadier mind when challenges arise. By the end, you’ll have a repeatable exercise to calm negative self-talk, build resilience, and strengthen self-trust. If this practice helps you breathe a little easier and stand a little taller, share it with someone who needs a kinder inner voice today. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us: what would your best friend say to you right now? Support the show Certify To Teach Mindfulness: Certify.MindfulnessExercises.com Email: Sean@MindfulnessExercises.com Mindfulness Exercises with Sean Fargo is a practical, grounded mindfulness podcast for people who want meditation to actually help in real life. Hosted by Sean Fargo — a former Buddhist monk, mindfulness teacher, and founder of MindfulnessExercises.com — this podcast explores how mindfulness can support mental health, emotional regulation, trauma sensitivity, chronic pain, leadership, creativity, and meaningful work. Each episode offers a mix of: Practical mindfulness and meditation teachings Conversations with respected meditation teachers, clinicians, authors, and researchers Real-world insights for therapists, coaches, yoga teachers, educators, and caregivers Gentle reflections for anyone navigating stress, anxiety, burnout, grief, or change If you’re interested in: Mindfulness meditation for everyday life Trauma-sensitive and compassion-based practices Teaching mindfulness in an authentic, non-performative way Deepening your own practice while supporting others …you’re in the right place. Learn more at MindfulnessExercises.com.

    5 min

  4. 4D AGO

    Feeling Acceptance - Dealing With The Inner Critic (Day 4)

    What if the question “Do people really like me?” is less about others and more about how we meet ourselves? On day four of our inner critic series, we turn toward acceptance and likability with a grounded, practical approach that blends mindfulness, body awareness, and compassionate realism. Rather than debating the critic on its terms, we slow down, listen to the stories that surface in social spaces, and feel their imprint in the body—tight jaws, tense shoulders, or a breath that never quite lands. We walk through a brief guided practice designed to help you contact safety and support in the present moment. Feet on the floor, attention in the body, we gently test phrases like “I am likable,” “I accept myself,” and “There are people who genuinely like me,” noticing what resonates and where the critic objects. You’ll learn to label the critic’s voice without fusing with it, shift focus from arguments to sensations, and use those signals as data for kinder action. Along the way, we explore common triggers—work dynamics, friendship circles, and family roles—and sketch simple ways to prepare your nervous system before you step into those rooms. By the end, acceptance becomes a trainable skill rather than a verdict from the crowd. We highlight how to gather balanced evidence of real connection, set intentions that align with your values, and carry this awareness throughout your day and week. If you’re ready to loosen the grip of self-doubt and show up with more ease and congruence, this session offers a calm, clear path forward. If this resonates, subscribe, share with a friend who could use it, and leave a review with one insight you’re taking into your next conversation. Support the show Certify To Teach Mindfulness: Certify.MindfulnessExercises.com Email: Sean@MindfulnessExercises.com Mindfulness Exercises with Sean Fargo is a practical, grounded mindfulness podcast for people who want meditation to actually help in real life. Hosted by Sean Fargo — a former Buddhist monk, mindfulness teacher, and founder of MindfulnessExercises.com — this podcast explores how mindfulness can support mental health, emotional regulation, trauma sensitivity, chronic pain, leadership, creativity, and meaningful work. Each episode offers a mix of: Practical mindfulness and meditation teachings Conversations with respected meditation teachers, clinicians, authors, and researchers Real-world insights for therapists, coaches, yoga teachers, educators, and caregivers Gentle reflections for anyone navigating stress, anxiety, burnout, grief, or change If you’re interested in: Mindfulness meditation for everyday life Trauma-sensitive and compassion-based practices Teaching mindfulness in an authentic, non-performative way Deepening your own practice while supporting others …you’re in the right place. Learn more at MindfulnessExercises.com.

    5 min

  5. 5D AGO

    Feeling Worthy - Dealing With The Inner Critic (Day 3)

    What if the voice that says “You’re not a good person” isn’t telling the truth, just repeating an old script? Today we take aim at the inner critic’s favorite storyline—unworthiness—and replace it with clear seeing, honest accountability, and a steadier sense of worth. We start by naming where this story shows up most: pressure at work, tensions at home, friction in relationships, or those late-night existential doubts. Then we slow down with a brief guided practice—grounded posture, steady breath, and focused attention—that helps us notice what the critic says and what is actually happening. Instead of collapsing into shame, we examine intentions with care. Most of us don’t act from one pure motive; we move from a mix of fear, hope, habit, and love. Recognizing that complexity lets us learn from missteps without branding ourselves as bad. From there, we reframe worth as something deeper than flawless performance. When worth is inherent, mistakes become information, not identity. That shift makes room for proportionate action: repair a conversation, clarify a boundary, or rest so you can show up with more care. We offer a simple mantra to keep handy when the critic spikes: “My intentions are sometimes complex, and I am worthy of love.” Use it to pause, breathe, and choose one small step that aligns with the kind of person you want to be. If you’ve been measuring your goodness by impossible standards, this session offers a kinder, more effective approach. You’ll leave with practical mindfulness tools, language for mixed intentions, and a compassionate reminder that growth and dignity can live side by side. If this resonated, follow the show, share it with someone who needs a softer inner voice, and leave a review so others can find these practices too. Support the show Certify To Teach Mindfulness: Certify.MindfulnessExercises.com Email: Sean@MindfulnessExercises.com Mindfulness Exercises with Sean Fargo is a practical, grounded mindfulness podcast for people who want meditation to actually help in real life. Hosted by Sean Fargo — a former Buddhist monk, mindfulness teacher, and founder of MindfulnessExercises.com — this podcast explores how mindfulness can support mental health, emotional regulation, trauma sensitivity, chronic pain, leadership, creativity, and meaningful work. Each episode offers a mix of: Practical mindfulness and meditation teachings Conversations with respected meditation teachers, clinicians, authors, and researchers Real-world insights for therapists, coaches, yoga teachers, educators, and caregivers Gentle reflections for anyone navigating stress, anxiety, burnout, grief, or change If you’re interested in: Mindfulness meditation for everyday life Trauma-sensitive and compassion-based practices Teaching mindfulness in an authentic, non-performative way Deepening your own practice while supporting others …you’re in the right place. Learn more at MindfulnessExercises.com.

    5 min

  6. 6D AGO

    Feeling Competent - Dealing With The Inner Critic (Day 2)

    Ever catch your mind declaring you incompetent after a single slip. We go straight to the heart of that voice and gently dismantle its all or nothing rules with a short, steadying practice you can repeat anytime. Instead of debating the critic, we map its favorite phrases, notice how it lands in the body, and build a kinder, truer standard for competence that leaves room for learning. We start by naming the core question the critic attacks—am I competent—and get specific about where it shows up: presentations, parenting, creative work, or decisions under pressure. Then we set up a simple posture that feels relaxed and alert, soften the jaw and shoulders, and follow the breath. When the mind wanders and the inner critic jumps in, we label it and return to the breath without drama. That move from judgment to observation trains the nervous system to settle rather than spiral. Along the way, we explore how criticism feels physically—tight chest, closed throat, fluttering belly—and how meeting those sensations with patience builds resilience. To anchor a new narrative, we add a compassionate phrase: I will make mistakes and that’s okay; everyone makes mistakes. From there, we shift into constructive action: one small step that proves capability in real time. This episode blends mindfulness, self-compassion, and practical coaching so you can interrupt perfectionism, reduce cognitive distortions, and reclaim a grounded sense of competence at work, at home, and in creative projects. If the inner critic has been loud lately, this is your daily reset—simple, repeatable, and honest. If this resonated, tap follow, share it with someone who needs a gentler standard today, and leave a quick review to help others find the show. Support the show Certify To Teach Mindfulness: Certify.MindfulnessExercises.com Email: Sean@MindfulnessExercises.com Mindfulness Exercises with Sean Fargo is a practical, grounded mindfulness podcast for people who want meditation to actually help in real life. Hosted by Sean Fargo — a former Buddhist monk, mindfulness teacher, and founder of MindfulnessExercises.com — this podcast explores how mindfulness can support mental health, emotional regulation, trauma sensitivity, chronic pain, leadership, creativity, and meaningful work. Each episode offers a mix of: Practical mindfulness and meditation teachings Conversations with respected meditation teachers, clinicians, authors, and researchers Real-world insights for therapists, coaches, yoga teachers, educators, and caregivers Gentle reflections for anyone navigating stress, anxiety, burnout, grief, or change If you’re interested in: Mindfulness meditation for everyday life Trauma-sensitive and compassion-based practices Teaching mindfulness in an authentic, non-performative way Deepening your own practice while supporting others …you’re in the right place. Learn more at MindfulnessExercises.com.

    5 min

  7. FEB 11

    Dealing With The Inner Critic (Day 1)

    Ever notice how the harshest voice in the room lives in your own head? We kick off a seven-day journey to name that voice, understand what it targets, and learn how to meet it with mindfulness instead of fear. Drawing on years of teaching and monastic practice, Sean Fargo offers a simple framework that turns vague self-judgment into something you can observe, question, and gently transform. We break the inner critic into three clear identity targets: competence, goodness and worthiness of care, and acceptability or likability. By naming these patterns, you’ll see exactly where the sting lands and why certain moments trigger spirals of perfectionism, shame, or people-pleasing. Sean walks you through a brief, accessible practice: settle the body, soften the breath, and ask three focused questions—Am I competent? Am I a good person or worthy of care? Am I acceptable or likable? As you notice which question activates a stronger reaction, you gain a compass for the work ahead. From there, we connect insight to action. If competence anxiety shows up, choose one concrete step toward skill-building or a clear “good enough” boundary. If worthiness feels tender, practice self-compassion to rebuild trust from the inside out. If acceptability is the hot spot, map supportive relationships and practice small, honest bids for connection. Throughout, mindfulness remains the anchor—grounding attention in the body so you can respond with clarity rather than habit. This is a short, focused start designed to shift your relationship with self-criticism in real time. Join us, try the guided prompts, and mark which identity needs the most care so tomorrow’s practice can meet you where you are. If this helps, subscribe, share with a friend who could use a kinder inner voice, and leave a review to let us know which question revealed the biggest insight. Support the show Certify To Teach Mindfulness: Certify.MindfulnessExercises.com Email: Sean@MindfulnessExercises.com Mindfulness Exercises with Sean Fargo is a practical, grounded mindfulness podcast for people who want meditation to actually help in real life. Hosted by Sean Fargo — a former Buddhist monk, mindfulness teacher, and founder of MindfulnessExercises.com — this podcast explores how mindfulness can support mental health, emotional regulation, trauma sensitivity, chronic pain, leadership, creativity, and meaningful work. Each episode offers a mix of: Practical mindfulness and meditation teachings Conversations with respected meditation teachers, clinicians, authors, and researchers Real-world insights for therapists, coaches, yoga teachers, educators, and caregivers Gentle reflections for anyone navigating stress, anxiety, burnout, grief, or change If you’re interested in: Mindfulness meditation for everyday life Trauma-sensitive and compassion-based practices Teaching mindfulness in an authentic, non-performative way Deepening your own practice while supporting others …you’re in the right place. Learn more at MindfulnessExercises.com.

    5 min

  8. FEB 10

    From Fear Of AI To Finding Community Through Mindfulness

    We explore how to stay human amid fast tech change through the voice of a 75-year-old practitioner who turns doubt into community practice. We share practical mindfulness tools for ADHD and point to resources and teachers who make presence feel doable. • analog wisdom meeting digital anxiety • community as the cure for isolation • humility and lineage informing practice • ADHD-friendly mindfulness techniques • sensory anchors and open awareness • resources from Mark Coleman and Loch Kelly • podcasting as a bridge for connection • closing with tenderness and intention Support the show Certify To Teach Mindfulness: Certify.MindfulnessExercises.com Email: Sean@MindfulnessExercises.com Mindfulness Exercises with Sean Fargo is a practical, grounded mindfulness podcast for people who want meditation to actually help in real life. Hosted by Sean Fargo — a former Buddhist monk, mindfulness teacher, and founder of MindfulnessExercises.com — this podcast explores how mindfulness can support mental health, emotional regulation, trauma sensitivity, chronic pain, leadership, creativity, and meaningful work. Each episode offers a mix of: Practical mindfulness and meditation teachings Conversations with respected meditation teachers, clinicians, authors, and researchers Real-world insights for therapists, coaches, yoga teachers, educators, and caregivers Gentle reflections for anyone navigating stress, anxiety, burnout, grief, or change If you’re interested in: Mindfulness meditation for everyday life Trauma-sensitive and compassion-based practices Teaching mindfulness in an authentic, non-performative way Deepening your own practice while supporting others …you’re in the right place. Learn more at MindfulnessExercises.com.

    20 min
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Hosts & Guests

5
out of 5
68 Ratings

About

Practical, trauma‑sensitive mindfulness for everyday life — and for the people who teach it. Expect grounded guided meditations, evidence‑informed tools, and candid conversations with leading voices in the field. Hosted by Sean Fargo — former Buddhist monk, founder of MindfulnessExercises.com, and a certified Search Inside Yourself instructor—each episode blends compassion, clarity, and real‑world application for practitioners, therapists, coaches, educators, and wellness professionals. What you’ll find:• Guided practices: breath awareness, body scans, self‑compassion, sleep, and nervous‑system regulation  • Teacher tools: trauma‑sensitive language, sequencing, and ethical foundations for safe, inclusive mindfulness  • Expert interviews with renowned teachers and researchers (e.g., Sharon Salzberg, Gabor Maté, Byron Katie, Rick Hanson, Ellen Langer, Judson Brewer)  • Clear takeaways you can use today—in sessions, classrooms, workplaces, and at home Updated 2-3x weekly. Follow the show, try this week’s practice, and share one insight in a review to help others discover the podcast. Explore more resources and training at MindfulnessExercises.com and the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification.

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