Awakening Mindfulness at Work: A Conversation That Matters!

Pierre Khawand & Sarah Killeen
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Our podcast is a space for meaningful conversations, for exploring the insights that arise in our mindfulness-at-work programs, and for sharing the wisdom that emerges when we slow down and tune in. The journey of mindfulness is one of discovery—of presence, awareness, and transformation. As mindfulness teachers, we have had the privilege of witnessing its impact in real time: the shifts in perspectives, the newfound resilience, the quiet moments of clarity that ripple into powerful change. We've seen it in the eyes of our participants when something clicks, when a deep breath dissolves tension, when an insight sparks a new way of engaging with life.

  1. 1D AGO

    Mindfulness Is Not About Perfection: The Practice of Coming Back

    In this episode of Awakening Mindfulness at Work, we reflect on a simple yet powerful reminder: mindfulness is not about getting it right—it’s a practice and a promise to come back to yourself again and again. We explore how perfectionism, self-judgment, and “all-or-nothing” thinking can quietly undermine mindfulness practice, and why kindness, patience, and repetition matter more than consistency or duration. Through metaphors, personal reflections, and familiar teachings—like working with the wandering mind and gently returning to the breath—we unpack how practice builds resilience, self-trust, and a deeper relationship with ourselves. This conversation is an invitation to let go of striving, soften the inner critic, and rediscover mindfulness as a supportive, human practice—one return at a time.

    17 min

  2. FEB 12

    Working with Difficult People: Compassion, Boundaries, and Self-Care

    In this episode of Awakening Mindfulness at Work, we explore one of the most challenging—and common—topics in mindfulness at work: dealing with difficult people. We begin by acknowledging the power of compassion and understanding, and why they are often a necessary first step. But we also examine their limits. What happens when compassion is not reciprocated? When empathy turns into exhaustion? When kindness starts to drain rather than heal? This conversation looks at how to discern when to lean in and when to step back, how to practice equanimity without disengaging from values, and how to set boundaries that protect well-being—especially for highly empathic people. We also discuss the importance of community, “mindfulness friends,” and trusted perspectives when situations become emotionally charged. A grounded, honest exploration of how to stay human, wise, and whole in difficult relationships—at work and beyond.

    20 min

  3. FEB 5

    Working with Difficult Thoughts: Awareness and Wisdom in Action

    In this episode of Awakening Mindfulness at Work, we explore how to relate skillfully to difficult, recurring thoughts—especially those rooted in worry, self-doubt, comparison, and self-criticism. We begin with mindfulness of thoughts: noticing, labeling, and letting thoughts pass without getting entangled. From there, we introduce two additional approaches for when thoughts feel “sticky” and hard to release. The first is dialoguing with the thought—questioning it with curiosity and kindness. The second is taking small, wise actions to test beliefs and gather real-world data, becoming “your own scientist.” This conversation weaves together mindfulness, cognitive inquiry, habit formation, and neuroplasticity—offering a grounded, empowering framework for influencing our thoughts without trying to control or eliminate them.

    18 min

  4. JAN 29

    Pain Is Unavoidable—Suffering Is Optional: A Mindful Exploration

    In this episode of Awakening Mindfulness at Work, we explore the difference between pain and suffering—and how mindfulness can help us meet discomfort with more ease and less resistance. We talk about physical pain, emotional pain, and the everyday discomfort that shows up when we slow down and pay attention. Through practical reflections, personal examples, and a simple but powerful formula—suffering = pain × resistance—we unpack how our relationship to pain often matters more than the pain itself. This conversation is an invitation to pause, set your burdens down for a moment, and explore how curiosity, kindness, and presence can transform difficult experiences into gateways for awareness and care—at work and in life.

    18 min

  5. JAN 15

    Discipline and Flexibility: Friends or Enemies?

    In this episode of Awakening Mindfulness at Work, Pierre and Sarah explore the often-misunderstood relationship between discipline and flexibility — not as opposing forces, but as complementary qualities that shape how we live, work, and practice mindfulness. Together, they reflect on how discipline can provide a grounding container — offering stability, safety, and continuity — while flexibility allows us to stay responsive, present, and compassionate in a constantly changing world. Drawing from mindfulness practice, habit formation, leadership contexts, and personal experience, they discuss non-negotiables, resistance to structure, and the importance of choosing consciously rather than defaulting to all-or-nothing patterns. Whether you tend toward structure or prefer going with the flow, this conversation invites you to explore what it means to cultivate flexibility within a container of discipline — and how that balance can support sustainable growth, resilience, and clarity at work and beyond.

    20 min

  6. JAN 8

    Mindful Intelligence: Staying Human in the Age of AI

    As artificial intelligence becomes ever more integrated into our lives and workplaces, how do we ensure we don’t lose touch with what makes us human? In this timely conversation, Pierre and Sarah explore the meeting point of AI and mindfulness — the balance between automation and awareness. They reflect on the quote “You will never be able to automate your humanness,” and discuss how to use AI thoughtfully, maintain emotional intelligence, and choose connection over disconnection in a digital world.

    17 min

  7. JAN 1

    Letting Go to Begin Again: Habits, Expectations, and Mindful New Beginnings

    As a new year begins, we often focus on what we want to create — but just as important is what we’re ready to let go of. In this episode of Awakening Mindfulness at Work, Pierre and Sarah explore how letting go can create space for clarity, presence, and more intentional living. They reflect on three key areas where release can be especially powerful: habits that no longer serve us, expectations that quietly create pressure and disappointment, and our complex relationship with to-do lists. Together, they unpack common patterns such as over-preparing, comparing ourselves to others, believing everything is urgent, and holding ourselves to unrealistic standards — all through a lens of mindfulness, compassion, and practical awareness. This conversation offers gentle prompts for reflection as you move into the new year, inviting you to soften, simplify, and make room for what truly matters — at work and beyond.

    18 min

  8. 12/11/2025

    Making Time Matter: Focus, Intention, and the Shape of Our Days

    How do we make time truly matter? In this follow-up to Meditation Makes Time, Pierre and Sarah explore how mindfulness sharpens focus and helps us reclaim scattered moments through presence and intention. They discuss the art of noticing when the mind wanders, the power of writing down intentions, and how each day becomes a reflection of the attention we give it. A thoughtful conversation on inhabiting our days with purpose and grace.

    16 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Our podcast is a space for meaningful conversations, for exploring the insights that arise in our mindfulness-at-work programs, and for sharing the wisdom that emerges when we slow down and tune in. The journey of mindfulness is one of discovery—of presence, awareness, and transformation. As mindfulness teachers, we have had the privilege of witnessing its impact in real time: the shifts in perspectives, the newfound resilience, the quiet moments of clarity that ripple into powerful change. We've seen it in the eyes of our participants when something clicks, when a deep breath dissolves tension, when an insight sparks a new way of engaging with life.

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