Podcasts are a great way to use the "strategy of pairing" to make otherwise mundane moments in life more meaningful. You know what I'm talking about: sorting laundry, tidying the kitchen, driving to work--the sorts of things that we won't look back on at the end of our lives and think, "gosh--I wish I did more of that!"
It's like winning that time back by pairing it with something a little more nourishing, growth-oriented, and (hopefully) uplifting. I first caught onto the "strategy of pairing" from Gretchen Rubin, who writes about it in her book, Better Than Before. It was good to notice where I was already employing this strategy in my own life and where I could intentionally utilize it more. Podcasts are a great choice for this because they're simple to tap into and, if you find one or two that you love, there will nearly always be something new. Sometimes, it's great to just kick back and enjoy one on its own, especially if you feel like you're needing some downtime.
Here are some mindfulness podcasts (as recommended by POPSUGAR) plus one of my own favorites (number 10) to help get you started:
Podcast 1:
The Mindful Kind
"Being mindful can be a fun and interesting journey and has amazing potential to increase general wellbeing, from managing stress to improving sleep quality. With The Mindful Kind, you will have weekly access to new ideas, personal experiences and practical mindfulness exercises!" (from the Apple Podcast's Preview)
Rachael's clear, soothing voice and beautiful ideas make this podcast a pleasure from the very first episode you try.
Click here to listen: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-mindful-kind/id1060273831
Podcast 2
Selfie
"From the silly to the serious, Kristen and Roo are taking a vulnerable and often humorous look at body, mind, and spirit . . . all while looking at the distractions and defenses that keep us from caring for ourselves like we should." (from the Apple Podcast's Preview)
Selfie is an Iris Awards nominee. The show has a distinctly more 'upbeat' (energetic?) feel compared to the mellow, almost spa-like ambiance of the previous two. It focuses especially on self-care and women.
Click here to listen: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/selfie/id1289423983
Podcast 3
The Science of Happiness
"Learn research-tested strategies for a happier, more meaningful life, drawing on the science of compassion, gratitude, mindfulness, and awe." (from the Apple Podcast's Preview)
This podcast has a bit of an academic flavour, not surprising as it is co-produced by Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center.
Click here to listen: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-science-of-happiness/id1340505607
Podcast 4
On Being With Krista Tippett
On being is a "conversation about the big questions of meaning — spiritual inquiry, science, social healing, and the arts. Each week a new discovery about the immensity of our lives." (from the Apple Podcast's Preview)
There's a lot of real depth to this one. Krista is a great speaker, with all the right ups and downs in her inflection, while somehow remaining effortlessly well-composed. An intellectual, thoughtful, and articulate podcast.
Click here to listen: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/on-being-with-krista-tippett/id150892556
Podcast 5
Mindfulness Mode
"Reach new heights of calm, focus, and happiness, here on Mindfulness Mode" (from the intro to the show).
A podcast with guest appearances and a myriad of sub-topics explored in over 600 episodes (and counting). Themes include physical intelligence, meditation, "how to fund your dream life", and transformative adversity.
Click here to listen: https://www.stitcher.com/show/mindfulness-mode
Podcast 6
Mindful in Minutes
"Short, weekly guided meditations to help you find mindfulness in simply minutes. Join Kelly Smith, founder of Yoga For You, for simple and grounded meditations that help you with real life issues like anxiety, insomnia, self-esteem and manifestation. All meditations are 20 minutes or less bringing you what you need to find mindfulness in just minutes." (from the Apple Podcast's Preview)
Whereas several of the previous podcasts hover at about the one-hour length, these are short and sweet (as advertised) and are a great way to make the most of those underutilized pockets of time that live in our days. A calming mood is present right from the onset of the episodes. This one is for you if you need something gentle to slow you down and allow you to sink into some mindful relaxation. The sound quality of the show is excellent, and the guided meditations are well done. If Yoga is not for you, but you would still like something shorter, the first podcast (The Mindful Kind) tended to sit at the ten-minute mark. Also see below where I've posted a link to Happier, which includes the sub-podcast, A Little Happier--the sub-podcast (A Little Happier) only run a few minutes each.
Podcast 7
Meditative Story Podcast
"Meditative Story combines human stories with meditation prompts embedded into the storylines — all surrounded by breathtaking music. Think of it as an alternative way into a mindfulness practice through story." (from the Meditative Story Podcast home page).
A combination of "immersive, first-person stories" and music help you to unwind and sink into a mindfulness moment. Join cowboys, baseball players, a former public school chancellor, a concert pianist, and more as they tell their stories.
Click here to listen: https://meditativestory.com/
Podcast 8
100% Guilt-Free Self Care
"You may believe self-care is selfish. It isn’t. You may believe you are broken. You aren’t. From exercise to mindset to books that will change your life, Tami is here to remind you that you matter and self-care is the foundation to your dream life." (from the Apple Podcast's Preview)
Click here to listen: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/100-guilt-free-self-care/id1460142083
Podcast 9
Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris
" In this podcast, Dan explores happiness (whatever that means) from all angles. Guests include legendary meditation teachers -- from the Dalai Lama to Western masters -- as well as scientists, and even the odd celebrity. But the show also ventures beyond meditation, bringing on leading researchers in areas such as social anxiety, bias, creativity, productivity, and relationships."
Click here to listen: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/10-happier-with-dan-harris/id1087147821
Podcast 10
Happier / "A Little Happier"
Happier is a podcast hosted by Gretchen Rubin (a New York Times bestselling author who studies happiness, good habits, and human nature) and her sister, Elizabeth Craft (a TV writer and producer living in L.A). They discuss habit-building strategies, happiness hacks, books, and more. Happier is a podcast about "how to boost happiness in our ordinary lives" and is great if you want practical, pragmatic, and thoughtful strategies to make your life happier and to mindfully apply yourself to more of what you want/ love to do.
The 'main' Happier episodes are usually about 40 minutes to an hour in length and are hosted by both sisters. The 'bonus' episodes, A Little Happier, are hosted by Gretchen Rubin herself and usually include a little nugget of wisdom, an interesting story, a Koen, or some other wonderful thing that just gives you a little boost for the day. :)
Click here to listen: https://gretchenrubin.com/podcasts/
That's all for today! I hope that you find a couple of podcasts that really stand out and that bring a little more joy, peace, and mindfulness to your days.
Happy New Year!
Victoria Murgante
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