The Mindful Living

Learning Love: The 5 Components for Building Healthy Relationships with Dr. Mark A. Hicks

Episode Summary:
Reema sits down with Dr. Mark A. Hicks, author of "Learning Love: Building a Life that Matters and Healthy Relationships," to explore the concept of love as a learned skill. Mark shares insights on the five core components of love—grief, emotional connection, self-love, acceptance, and passion—and explains how they shape healthier relationships. From managing grief to embracing self-love, the episode provides practical guidance for cultivating meaningful connections. Dr. Mark also previews his upcoming book, "The 5 Components of Love," and offers listeners a free eBook download on his website.
About the Guest:
Dr. Mark A. Hicks is a relationship expert, author, and podcast host dedicated to teaching the art of love as a skill. Drawing from his personal journey and years of research, Mark empowers individuals to foster emotional connections, heal from past traumas, and build fulfilling relationships. His upcoming book, "The 5 Components of Love," delves into actionable strategies for achieving deeper relational success. Connect with Dr. Mark at markahicks.com for resources, YouTube channel, podcasts, and update on his upcoming book in June, 2025 through Morgan James publishing. Also check out his free ebook on his website - The 5 Components of Love
Key Takeaways:
Love is a Learned Skill:
Love isn’t instinctive; it requires intentional learning and practice.
Like walking, it’s a capacity everyone has but needs to develop.
The Five Components of Love:
Grief: Healing through grief strengthens emotional bonds.
Emotional Connection: Vital for maintaining deep relationships.
Self-Love: The foundation for loving others authentically.
Acceptance: Embrace others and yourself as they are.
Passion: Foster joy and excitement to sustain relationships.
Healing Through Grief:
Grief is an essential part of love that promotes healing and growth.
Self-Love and Acceptance:
Loving oneself is key to forming and maintaining healthy connections.

Listeners will leave inspired to approach love as a skill they can learn, practice, and master for deeper connections and fulfilling relationships.

Turning Fear into Fuel: Mindfulness, Courage, and Bold Action with Eric Simpson

Episode Summary:
In this insightful episode, life coach and fearless adventurer Eric Simpson shares his transformative journey of embracing discomfort, overcoming self-doubt, and living a life of purpose through mindfulness and intentional action. Reema and Eric delve into strategies for facing fears, taking risks, and navigating societal expectations, offering listeners practical tools to turn fear into fuel for personal growth. The conversation highlights the importance of resilience, mindfulness, and courage in achieving meaningful change, and concludes with reflections on adapting to new environments and future aspirations.
About the Guest:
Eric Simpson is a life coach and fearless adventurer who helps individuals embrace mindfulness, overcome fear, and live with intention. After leaving a stable corporate career, Eric followed his dream of living in Europe, a journey inspired by a single bold leap—skydiving to conquer his fear of heights. Now based in the UK, Eric combines his coaching expertise with personal experiences to guide clients in taking courageous steps toward their goals. Listeners can visit the website ⁠ericsimpsoncoaching.com⁠ and take the free assessment on the website. Listeners can connect on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ and ⁠TikTok⁠.
Key Takeaways:
Embrace Fear as a Catalyst for Growth:
Fear is a natural protective mechanism but can be reframed as an opportunity for personal growth.
Replace "what if" with "I am" to shift from doubt to action.
Intentional Living Through Mindfulness:
Align with core values and practice self-awareness to navigate life’s challenges.
Use exercises like "wouldn't it be cool if" to identify and pursue true desires.
Take Small, Courageous Steps:
Break goals into manageable steps to build momentum and resilience.
Visualize success and assess both best- and worst-case scenarios to minimize fear.
Navigate Expectations with Self-Awareness:
Stay true to your values and choices, even in the face of societal or familial resistance.
Mindfulness provides clarity and grounding for bold decision-making.
The Role of Environment in Transformation:
Adapting to new surroundings, as Eric did in the UK, offers fresh perspectives and opportunities for growth.
Listeners are encouraged to explore Eric's coaching services and connect with him for personalized guidance in overcoming fears and achieving their goals.

Emotional Freedom and Transformation with NLP: Allan Gallang’s Journey

Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Mindful Living Podcast, host Sana welcomes Allan Gallang, an NLP practitioner and emotional restoration expert, to share his remarkable journey of personal transformation. Allan opens up about overcoming drug addiction and attempted suicide through Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), a method that empowered him to reshape his beliefs, emotions, and mindset. Together, they explore the concept of emotional freedom, the role of subconscious programming, and practical NLP techniques to reverse negative emotions and overcome self-limiting beliefs. Allan also introduces actionable steps for listeners to start their journey toward emotional healing and invites them to explore additional resources.
About the Guest:
Allan Gallang is a passionate practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and an expert in emotional restoration. His life journey includes triumphing over severe challenges, including drug addiction and suicidal ideation, through the transformative power of NLP. Allan is dedicated to helping individuals break free from emotional pain, overcome limiting beliefs, and achieve personal and professional success. He shares his expertise through his platform, Emotional Enlightenment Consulting, providing free resources, chat and guidance to help others unlock their potential.
Key Takeaways:
Emotional Freedom is Key: Allan emphasizes that achieving emotional freedom allows individuals to live optimally in their relationships, careers, and personal lives.
Understanding and Reframing Emotions: Techniques like "emotional reframing" can help reinterpret past experiences, letting go of negative triggers and transforming them into positive growth opportunities.
NLP as a Transformational Tool: NLP offers practical methods to change self-talk, overcome limiting beliefs, and align thoughts with desired outcomes.
Programming and Self-Limiting Beliefs: Identifying and rewriting subconscious programming from childhood can free individuals from emotional barriers and fears, such as rejection or guilt.
Using NLP in Daily Life: Simple practices, like asking the subconscious mind clear and specific questions (similar to querying Chat GPT), can lead to unexpected insights and resolutions.
Resources for Growth: Allan recommends starting with Richard Bandler's "Beginner's Guide to NLP" and exploring his website for additional free tools and Q&A opportunities.
The Power of Awareness: Building awareness of one's emotions is a foundational NLP technique that fosters emotional health and transformation.
Listeners are encouraged to explore Allan's website, engage with NLP techniques, and share the episode to inspire others on their journey toward emotional freedom.

Embracing Inclusion: Autism, Leadership, and the Power of Mindfulness with Murphy Monroe

Episode Summary:In this inspiring episode of The Mindful Living Podcast, host Sana speaks with Murphy Monroe, an autistic leader, City Commissioner of Evanston, and executive director of an award-winning circus school. Murphy shares his deeply personal journey with autism, discussing his experiences, leadership philosophy, and innovative approaches to inclusion. The conversation explores the challenges faced by autistic individuals, the importance of creating accessible spaces, and how mindfulness and creativity can foster empathy and understanding. Murphy also shares insights on sensory deprivation therapy, interoception, and the transformative power of play in building inclusive communities.
Listeners will leave with a greater appreciation of neurodiversity and actionable ideas for promoting inclusion and understanding in their own lives.
About the Guest:Murphy Monroe is a City Commissioner in Evanston, Illinois, and an advocate for disability justice. As an autistic leader and the executive director of The Actors Gymnasium, Murphy uses creativity and play to inspire bravery, discipline, and mindfulness. His personal experiences with autism, sensory deprivation therapy, and interoception have shaped his approach to leadership and community building. Murphy is dedicated to fostering inclusive environments and raising awareness about neurodivergent conditions. Learn more about his work at murphymonroe.com
Key Takeaways:
Mindfulness and Autism: Murphy’s diagnosis brought a sense of relief and understanding, leading to mindful choices in his personal and professional life.
Leadership with Empathy: His leadership approach values individual strengths and promotes team cohesion through understanding and acceptance.
Power of Sensory Deprivation Therapy: Floating in a sensory deprivation tank enhanced Murphy’s self-awareness and mindfulness, helping him embrace his autism journey.
Interoception and Healing: Connecting with his body and mind through interoception has deepened Murphy’s understanding of himself, positively impacting his relationships and spiritual growth.
Inclusion Through Creativity: Creativity and play, particularly through circus arts, can break barriers and inspire inclusion for individuals of all abilities.
Advocating for Accessibility: Simple, intentional changes in infrastructure can make communities more accessible for disabled individuals, fostering participation and inclusion.
Creating Inclusive Spaces: Embracing neurodivergent traits like masking and stimming in public spaces is crucial for fostering acceptance and reducing judgment.
Mindfulness as a Path to Inclusion: Murphy emphasizes the importance of empathy, self-reflection, and understanding in creating inclusive and supportive environments for all.
Murphy’s story serves as a powerful reminder that embracing neurodiversity can enrich our communities and relationships. Don't miss this heartfelt episode filled with wisdom, hope, and actionable insights!

The Transformative Power of Daily Reading and Mindfulness with Dennis J Henson

Episode Summary
In this episode of The Mindful Living Podcast, Sana sits down with Dennis J Henson to discuss the life-changing benefits of cultivating mindfulness and forming positive habits, especially through daily reading. Dennis introduces his book, Real Impact: Daily Inspiration, which is a collection of motivational poems, quotes, and stories designed to inspire consistency and growth. They explore how daily reading can serve as a tool for personal transformation, helping individuals overcome challenges, build self-discipline, and align with their goals. Dennis also shares personal anecdotes and insights from his lifelong journey of seeking inspiration through books, along with practical tips on how to integrate reading and mindfulness into daily life.
Listeners will discover how to harness the power of habits, the importance of desire and action in achieving success, and how a simple practice like reading can unlock their potential. The episode concludes with an invitation to download Dennis’s free ebook and explore the concept of Lectio Divina for deeper personal growth.
About the Guest:
Dennis J Henson is a former band director turned motivational author and speaker with decades of experience inspiring others to live their best lives. He is the author of Real Impact: Daily Inspiration, a collection of 45 years’ worth of motivational content designed to foster positive habits and personal growth. A lifelong learner and avid reader, Dennis has compiled wisdom from hundreds of life-changing books that have guided him through challenges and successes. He is passionate about helping individuals achieve their dreams through consistent action and a positive mindset. Visit ⁠realimpactbook.com⁠, scroll to the bottom, and click “Podcast Attendee” to receive a free ebook of Real Impact: Daily Inspiration. Consider purchasing the book as a meaningful gift for young adults or recent graduates. Start a daily reading habit by dedicating a few minutes each day to motivational or inspirational content. Practice Lectio Divina to deepen reflection and connect with the messages in the material you read. Update your routines with mindful habits to cultivate success and happiness in your life.
Key Takeaways:
The Power of Daily Reading: Consistent reading of motivational and inspirational content can form habits that lead to success and personal growth.
The Formula for Success: Dennis emphasizes four elements—desire, faith, will, and action—as the key components to transforming one’s life.
Mindfulness Through Habits: Building a daily reading habit parallels the practice of mindfulness, fostering focus, self-discipline, and clarity.
Books as Catalysts: Dennis shares how books like Think and Grow Rich and The Greatest Salesman in the World shaped his life and continue to provide motivation.
Lectio Divina for Secular Texts: This contemplative reading practice enhances understanding and reflection, even with non-religious texts, and can be a valuable evening ritual.
The Genie's Lamp Metaphor: The lamp on Dennis’s book cover symbolizes the transformative potential of daily reading, akin to unlocking one’s dreams.
Practical Application: Readers are encouraged to download Dennis’s free ebook and gift Real Impact to young people or graduates as a tool for self-discovery and growth.

Experiential Learning and Inspired Action: Transform Your Life with Larry Easto

Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Mindful Living Podcast, host Sana sits down with Larry Easto, an expert in personal transformation with over 30 years of experience. Together, they explore the power of experiential learning and its role in bridging the gap between where we are and where we aspire to be. Larry shares practical insights on mindfulness, setting meaningful goals, and taking inspired action to achieve them. They also delve into the art of manifestation, maintaining a positive mindset, and the importance of self-awareness in personal growth.
The episode concludes with Larry’s announcement of his upcoming video program, Your Transformation Connection, set to release in early 2025. Listeners are encouraged to visit Larry’s LinkedIn profile and website for additional resources on personal transformation.
About the Guest:
Larry Easto is a seasoned professional in personal transformation with more than three decades of experience helping individuals unlock their potential and achieve meaningful change. Known for his holistic approach that integrates mindfulness, intuition, and spirituality, Larry empowers people to navigate life's challenges with clarity and purpose. He is also the creator of Your Transformation Connection, an upcoming video program designed to guide individuals through transformative change. Connect with Larry on his LinkedIn or at larryeasto.com for insightful articles and tools for growth. Larry’s new video program, Your Transformation Connection, will offer structured guidance for transformation. His LinkedIn profile and website feature valuable resources for those on a journey of growth.
Key Takeaways:
Experiential Learning for Personal Growth
Reflecting on and learning from experiences is a skill that enhances personal transformation.
Drawing lessons from others' experiences can be equally valuable.
Inspired Action Over Routine Efforts
Setting goals is important, but aligning actions with strengths and values leads to greater success.
Inspired action combines mindfulness and intentional effort to create meaningful results.
Positive Mindset and Energy
Small, incremental steps help shift from negativity to positivity.
Focusing on pleasurable and calming activities can re-center the mind and improve overall well-being.
Self-Awareness and Holistic Growth
Understanding one’s strengths, weaknesses, and passions fosters alignment in decision-making.
Integrating body, mind, and spirit creates a strong foundation for personal growth.

Listeners are invited to tune in and discover actionable steps to start their own transformation journey today

From Challenges to Miracles: Amirah Daley’s Fertility Journey and Nature’s Healing Power

Episode Summary:
In this heartfelt episode of The Mindful Living Podcast, Sana welcomes Amirah Daley, a fertility mentor and former archive producer, to share her incredible journey from navigating personal fertility challenges to guiding women toward natural solutions for improving their fertility. Amirah opens up about her experiences with miscarriage, the role of inflammation in infertility, and how she found healing and empowerment through nature, energy work, and the Body Code technique.
The discussion explores the importance of self-reflection, mindset, and connection with nature in overcoming stress and overwhelm during fertility journeys. Amirah also highlights the significance of addressing root causes of inflammation and integrating natural methods like acupuncture and visualization alongside medical approaches.
Listeners will gain valuable insights into managing stress, prioritizing self-care, and leveraging nature’s wisdom to achieve a more positive mindset. Amirah’s inspiring story offers hope and practical tools for those navigating their own fertility challenges.
About the Guest:
Amirah Daley is a fertility mentor and energy healer who helps women naturally boost their fertility and increase their chances of pregnancy, particularly those with PCOS. A former archive producer for natural history documentaries, Amirah transformed her life after facing her own fertility struggles, becoming a mother to two daughters. Through her work, she empowers women to connect with their bodies and nature to enhance fertility, reduce stress, and foster healing. Amirah shares her insights and techniques, including the Body Code and energy healing, on Instagram and through her resources. Visit Amirah’s ⁠Instagram⁠ page for tips, tools, and updates on her work. Download her free resource - ⁠link⁠ to begin your fertility wellness journey. Spend time in nature, even in urban areas, to shift your mindset and reduce stress. Explore complementary therapies like acupuncture and energy healing to support overall well-being. Share this episode with anyone navigating fertility challenges to inspire and empower them.
Key Takeaways:
Healing Through Nature: Amirah discovered the power of connecting with nature through walks, yoga, and meditation to overcome stress and find balance during her fertility journey.
Addressing Inflammation: Tackling the root causes of inflammation, such as toxins and mental health challenges, is essential for improving fertility. Techniques like the Body Code and acupuncture can support this process.
Mindset and Visualization: Cultivating a positive outlook through visualization and energy work can enhance intuition and support fertility goals.
The Role of Support: Sharing the journey with a supportive person is crucial for emotional well-being and resilience during challenging times.
Balancing Career and Self-Care: Prioritizing health and making time for self-care activities, even in a demanding career, is vital for physical and emotional health.
Practical Steps for Women: For those feeling overwhelmed by their fertility journey, Amirah recommends starting with simple actions like spending time in nature and finding a supportive companion.

Wealth Consciousness: Alara Sage on Abundance, Creative Energy, and Transforming Business Strategy

Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Mindful Living Podcast, Sana welcomes Alara Sage, known as the Oracle of Wealth, to explore the transformative power of wealth consciousness. Alara shares her journey of losing and rebuilding a 6-figure business, uncovering limiting beliefs about money, and embracing abundance. The conversation dives into the connection between wealth, creative life force energy, and spiritual alignment, offering insights for entrepreneurs seeking to shift their mindset, align with their passions, and achieve strategic growth. Alara also introduces her Quantum Wealth Blueprint, a free resource for entrepreneurs ready to transform their revenue strategy.
About the Guest:
Alara Sage, the Oracle of Wealth, is a transformational coach, speaker, and host of the Wealth Embodied Podcast. With a background in helping entrepreneurs align their business strategies with their inner truths, Alara empowers individuals to release scarcity, harness creative life force energy, and achieve abundance. Her teachings focus on self-reflection, breaking free from limiting beliefs, and connecting with one’s true desires. Through her Wealth Flow Framework, Alara helps clients transform their energy, messaging, and strategies for business success. Download the free Quantum Wealth Blueprint at ⁠alarasage.com and follow her on social media platforms.
Key Takeaways:
1️⃣ Wealth Consciousness and Transformation:
Wealth consciousness is about aligning with abundance in all forms, not just financial.
Scarcity is conditioned, not innate, and can be shifted through awareness and self-reflection.
2️⃣ Harnessing Creative Life Force Energy:
Creative life force energy is the driving force of creation, connected to desires and passions.
Aligning with what truly lights you up can unlock effortless flow and abundance.
3️⃣ Transforming Business Strategy:
Successful entrepreneurs align business strategy with spiritual intuition and personal truth.
Ignoring inner intuition in favor of external strategies often leads to misalignment and frustration.
4️⃣ Practical Tools for Entrepreneurs:
Alara’s Quantum Wealth Blueprint provides a roadmap for revenue growth rooted in alignment.
Reflecting on your beliefs and habits around money is the first step to transformative change.
✨ "Align your energy, embrace your passions, and step into abundance with ease."
🎧 Listen now on Apple Music, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform!

Achieving Harmony: Body, Mind, and Spirit Alignment with Jennifer Pilates

Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Mindful Living Podcast, Sana and Jennifer Pilates dive into the transformative concept of body, mind, and spirit alignment. Jennifer shares her personal journey of overcoming a traumatic car accident and discovering the holistic wellness path that led her to the Pilates method and spiritual healing. Together, they explore practical tips for balancing work and personal life, the role of energy in our well-being, and the profound impact of cleanliness and organization on mental health. Jennifer also explains how she integrates movement, mindset, and spiritual practices to help her clients unlock their full potential.
The episode concludes with an inspiring discussion on spirituality’s role in personal growth, self-love, and compassion, offering listeners actionable steps to align and thrive in their daily lives.
About the Guest:
Jennifer Pilates is a celebrated holistic wellness expert, Pilates coach, and intuitive healer with over two decades of experience. Her journey began after a life-altering car accident that inspired her to explore the connection between movement, mindset, and spirituality. Jennifer now guides clients worldwide to achieve body-mind-spirit alignment through personalized sessions and holistic practices. Connect with her and learn more at jenniferpilates.com
Key Takeaways:
Body-Mind-Spirit Alignment: Small, intentional actions, such as mindfulness practices and environmental adjustments, can significantly enhance harmony in life.
Balancing Work and Personal Life: Shift activities that feel like work to regain joy and prioritize self-care practices like nature walks and energy-clearing rituals.
The Role of Energy: Recognize the influence of external energies (like nature and food) and internal energies (like thoughts) on overall well-being.
Holistic Living for Mental Health: Cleanliness and organization can create a more balanced mental state and lead to improved physical health.
Integrative Transformation: Combining intuitive healing, movement practices, and spiritual guidance can help address the root causes of physical and emotional challenges.
Spirituality in Personal Growth: Self-love, self-compassion, and understanding the scientific basis of spiritual practices can enhance transformation and healing.
Tune in to gain actionable insights and start your journey toward alignment and holistic well-being.

Vicarious Trauma in the Workplace: Understanding, Addressing, and Healing with Tanya Hallett

Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Mindful Living Podcast, host Sana engages in a heartfelt conversation with mental health advocate Tanya Hallett about vicarious trauma in the workplace. Tanya, a PTSD survivor, shares her personal experiences of navigating the emotional toll of supporting individuals from severely traumatized backgrounds. Together, they explore the distinctions between vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and burnout, shedding light on how these challenges impact mental health and overall well-being.
The discussion emphasizes the importance of trauma-informed practices in organizations and highlights the critical role of leaders in prioritizing mental health literacy. Tanya offers practical strategies for managing vicarious trauma, fostering work-life balance, and creating supportive team environments. This episode is an essential listen for anyone looking to understand and address the psychological impacts of workplace stress and trauma.
About the Guest:
Tanya Hallett is a mental health advocate and PTSD survivor with a passion for raising awareness about trauma and its effects. With years of experience working in educational and support roles, Tanya has witnessed firsthand the impact of vicarious trauma on individuals and teams. Her journey through PTSD has inspired her mission to help organizations implement trauma-informed practices and support employees dealing with the cumulative effects of exposure to others’ trauma. Listeners can connect with Tanya on LinkedIn, also visit the website - tipt.com.au or can also email Tanya @tanya@tipt.com.au
Key Takeaways:
Understanding Vicarious Trauma:
It is the cumulative effect of being exposed to others' traumatic experiences, often leading to intrusive thoughts, emotional exhaustion, and a distorted worldview.
Vicarious trauma differs from compassion fatigue (emotional depletion from caring) and burnout (chronic workplace stress).
The Importance of Trauma-Informed Practices:
Organizations should prioritize mental health literacy and systemic change to foster safe, supportive environments.
Leaders must demonstrate empathy, authenticity, and a commitment to staff well-being.
Signs of a Workplace Ignoring Trauma:
Staff burnout, exhaustion, and disengagement from personal activities are indicators of an unhealthy work environment.
Lack of support systems can exacerbate emotional and psychological challenges.
Strategies for Managing Vicarious Trauma:
Encourage self-care activities that bring joy and mindfulness to daily life.
Build a culture of mutual support where team members check in with each other without overburdening anyone.
Seek professional help, such as therapy or employee assistance programs, when needed.
Leadership’s Role in Mental Health:
Leaders should cultivate emotional intelligence, create trust, and provide resources to support mental health.
A trauma-informed approach benefits not only employees but also organizational productivity and morale.
Tune in for a compassionate and insightful conversation on recognising and addressing vicarious trauma in the workplace!