

Mindfulness Exercises, with Sean Fargo
Sean Fargo
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 homeUpdated 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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 23, 2025 • 14min
Guided Meditation for Balance and Spacious Awareness with Sean Fargo
In this deeply restorative episode of Mindfulness Exercises Podcast, Sean Fargo leads a guided meditation to help you reconnect with your body, breath, and present awareness. This practice gently invites you to explore balance, ease, and spaciousness, fostering a deeper sense of calm and clarity.With Sean’s years of experience as a mindfulness teacher and former Buddhist monk, this meditation offers practical tools to center yourself amidst the busyness of life.Whether you’re a seasoned mindfulness practitioner or just beginning, this episode provides an accessible way to ground yourself in the present moment.What You’ll Discover:How to tune into your body’s posture and energy with gentle awareness.Breathing techniques that engage the belly, heart, and head for holistic mindfulness.Ways to find balance and ease, whether sitting, standing, or moving.Practical tips for practicing mindfulness with eyes open or closed.This episode is an invitation to reconnect with yourself and approach your day with greater spaciousness and balance.Timestamps:[00:00:00] Starting the Practice: An invitation to reconnect with your body and breath.[00:02:00] Awareness of Energy: Noticing physical sensations and carrying awareness through the body.[00:05:00] Breathing with the Whole Body: Engaging the belly, heart, and head.[00:07:00] Finding Balance: Allowing movement and stillness to guide your sense of ease.[00:10:00] Spacious Awareness: Cultivating mindfulness in a way that carries into the rest of your day.Want to teach mindfulness? Certify.MindfulnessExercises.comMindfulness 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 teachingsConversations with respected meditation teachers, clinicians, authors, and researchersReal-world insights for therapists, coaches, yoga teachers, educators, and caregiversGentle reflections for anyone navigating stress, anxiety, burnout, grief, or changeIf you’re interested in:Mindfulness meditation for everyday lifeTrauma-sensitive and compassion-based practicesTeaching mindfulness in an authentic, non-performative wayDeepening your own practice while supporting others…you’re in the right place.Learn more at MindfulnessExercises.com.Email: Sean@MindfulnessExercises.com

Jan 20, 2025 • 23min
(Part 1) Reconnecting with Mother Nature through Mindfulness with Baba Mandaza
In part one of this special two-part series on Mindfulness Exercises with Sean Fargo, we are joined by Baba Mendoza, a healer, activist, and peacemaker, to explore the profound connection between mindfulness and nature. Baba shares his heartfelt wisdom on how humanity can rekindle its relationship with Mother Nature, emphasizing that we are not separate from her but integral branches of her creation.Through his teachings, Baba inspires us to reflect on our personal relationship with the Earth and how mindfulness can guide us to a more compassionate, sustainable, and harmonious existence.This episode lays the foundation for understanding the gifts of the natural world and invites us to begin healing our collective relationship with the planet.Stay tuned for part two, where Baba dives deeper into practical ways to embody mindfulness and honor our connection with the Earth.Timestamps[00:01:00] Introduction [00:05:00] The Gifts of Nature: Baba reflects on how everything we use, from beds to food, originates from Mother Nature.[00:15:00] The Forgotten Connection: Why humanity treats nature as a separate entity and the consequences of this disconnection.[00:25:00] Nature as Ancestor and Creator: A spiritual perspective on the Earth as our living ancestor and provider.[00:35:00] A Call for Healing: Baba invites listeners to reflect on their relationship with nature and take steps to heal it.[00:45:00] Guided Silent Meditation: Baba leads a two-minute meditation to honor and connect with Mother Nature.Want to teach mindfulness? Certify.MindfulnessExercises.comMindfulness 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 teachingsConversations with respected meditation teachers, clinicians, authors, and researchersReal-world insights for therapists, coaches, yoga teachers, educators, and caregiversGentle reflections for anyone navigating stress, anxiety, burnout, grief, or changeIf you’re interested in:Mindfulness meditation for everyday lifeTrauma-sensitive and compassion-based practicesTeaching mindfulness in an authentic, non-performative wayDeepening your own practice while supporting others…you’re in the right place.Learn more at MindfulnessExercises.com.Email: Sean@MindfulnessExercises.com

Jan 13, 2025 • 26min
Justice, Compassion and Ethical Mindfulness with Pamela Ayo Yetunde
In this profound episode of Mindfulness Exercises with Sean Fargo, we are joined by Dr. Pamela Ayo Yutende, JD, PhD—author, pastoral counselor, and co-editor of Black and Buddhist. Ayo shares her unique insights on integrating mindfulness with ethical leadership and social justice. Drawing from her Buddhist practice and professional experiences, Ayo dispels myths about mindfulness being separate from activism, showing how mindfulness-based ethics can empower individuals to foster equality, compassion, and healing.Together, Sean and Ayo explore how mindfulness practitioners can engage in justice-oriented practices while staying true to the principles of awareness and social balance.This episode is an invitation to cultivate an ethical posture that embraces both personal growth and collective healing.Timestamps[00:01:00] Introduction [00:03:00] The Journey to Advocacy: How Ayo’s experiences with the Brethren Volunteer Service and anti-apartheid activism shaped her justice orientation.[00:10:00] Mindfulness as an Ethical Practice: Exploring the roots of mindfulness in Buddhist ethics and its application in modern leadership.[00:15:00] Justice Through Compassion: Why mindfulness encourages compassion for all sentient beings, human and non-human.[00:20:00] Lessons from Leadership Ethics: A Buddhist perspective on compassionate governance, avoiding greed, and addressing poverty.[00:30:00] Redistribution and Generosity: The role of generosity in ethical leadership and social transformation.[00:40:00] The Power of Awareness: How mindfulness counters narratives of separation and conflict to build unity and truth.Connect with Pamela Ayo YetundeWebsite: Buddhist Justice ReporterBooks: Casting Indra’s Net, Black and BuddhistWant to teach mindfulness? Certify.MindfulnessExercises.comMindfulness 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 teachingsConversations with respected meditation teachers, clinicians, authors, and researchersReal-world insights for therapists, coaches, yoga teachers, educators, and caregiversGentle reflections for anyone navigating stress, anxiety, burnout, grief, or changeIf you’re interested in:Mindfulness meditation for everyday lifeTrauma-sensitive and compassion-based practicesTeaching mindfulness in an authentic, non-performative wayDeepening your own practice while supporting others…you’re in the right place.Learn more at MindfulnessExercises.com.Email: Sean@MindfulnessExercises.com

Jan 7, 2025 • 34min
Mindfulness, Storytelling, and the Power of Transformation with Erik Ireland
Welcome to another enriching episode of Mindfulness Exercises with Sean Fargo. In this episode, Sean Fargo is joined by Erik Ireland, creator of the globally celebrated Listen to Sleep podcast, for a deep dive into how mindfulness and storytelling can transform our lives.Erik shares his personal journey and introduces his Awaken Your Myth method, a practical framework inspired by the Hero’s Journey. Erik shares his personal transformation from acting to mindfulness and storytelling, shedding light on how each of us can awaken our unique inner hero. Also, he explores how mindfulness can help us overcome resistance, embrace transformation, and connect with our inner wisdom.This conversation delves into the ancient archetype of the hero’s journey and its relevance to modern mindfulness practices, inspiring listeners to embrace their authentic paths.Dive into a rich conversation about the transformative power of mindfulness, the importance of storytelling, and how understanding the hero’s journey can unlock your true potential.Whether you’re a mindfulness teacher, a coach, or someone seeking inner peace, this episode offers profound insights and actionable tools for personal growth.Timestamps[00:01:00] Introduction[00:05:00] Erik’s Journey: From acting to mindfulness—how Erik discovered the limits of external success and the power of inner work.[00:10:00] The Hero’s Journey Framework: What it is and how it relates to mindfulness and personal transformation.[00:19:00] Breaking Through Resistance: Erik discusses how mindfulness helps us face and embrace resistance as part of growth.[00:29:00] The Myths Method Explained: A practical breakdown of the five pillars—Mindfulness, Yielding, Transformation, Healing, and Storytelling.[00:40:00] Guided Meditation with Erik: A visualization exercise to help you uncover your personal myth and inner wisdom.[00:50:00] Practical Applications: Sean and Erik share how to integrate mindfulness and storytelling into daily life for lasting change.Connect with ErikWebsite: Awaken Your MythPodcast: Listen to SleepWant to teach mindfulness? Certify.MindfulnessExercises.comMindfulness 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 teachingsConversations with respected meditation teachers, clinicians, authors, and researchersReal-world insights for therapists, coaches, yoga teachers, educators, and caregiversGentle reflections for anyone navigating stress, anxiety, burnout, grief, or changeIf you’re interested in:Mindfulness meditation for everyday lifeTrauma-sensitive and compassion-based practicesTeaching mindfulness in an authentic, non-performative wayDeepening your own practice while supporting others…you’re in the right place.Learn more at MindfulnessExercises.com.Email: Sean@MindfulnessExercises.com

Nov 20, 2024 • 8min
How to Alleviate Pain with Mindfulness | Simple Techniques for Chronic Pain Relief
Did you know mindfulness can help alleviate pain?In this episode, Sean Fargo, founder of Mindfulness Exercises and former Buddhist monk, explains how to use mindfulness techniques to explore and manage pain with compassion. Whether you're dealing with chronic pain or temporary discomfort, mindfulness offers a gentle, effective approach to alleviate pain without resistance.Mindfulness isn't about ignoring pain but engaging with it gently, helping you alleviate pain and build resilience.For best results, practice mindfulness daily or several times a week to gradually strengthen your ability to alleviate pain through presence. 🌿Want to teach mindfulness? Certify.MindfulnessExercises.comMindfulness 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 teachingsConversations with respected meditation teachers, clinicians, authors, and researchersReal-world insights for therapists, coaches, yoga teachers, educators, and caregiversGentle reflections for anyone navigating stress, anxiety, burnout, grief, or changeIf you’re interested in:Mindfulness meditation for everyday lifeTrauma-sensitive and compassion-based practicesTeaching mindfulness in an authentic, non-performative wayDeepening your own practice while supporting others…you’re in the right place.Learn more at MindfulnessExercises.com.Email: Sean@MindfulnessExercises.com

Nov 18, 2024 • 4min
Why Meditation Can Be More Powerful Than Morphine for Pain Relief
Can mindfulness meditation be more powerful than medication? Studies show that mindfulness meditation can reduce chronic pain by up to 40%, sometimes even more—outperforming morphine’s 25% average. In this video, Sean Fargo, founder of Mindfulness Exercises and former Buddhist monk, explains how mindfulness meditation can help relieve pain, build resilience, and empower patients with chronic pain.Through mindfulness meditation, you can engage with your pain in a new way… reducing both physical and emotional discomfort.Whether you’re managing pain or supporting others in their healing journey, this video highlights how mindfulness meditation can be an effective, empowering alternative to medication. 🌱Want to teach mindfulness? Certify.MindfulnessExercises.comMindfulness 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 teachingsConversations with respected meditation teachers, clinicians, authors, and researchersReal-world insights for therapists, coaches, yoga teachers, educators, and caregiversGentle reflections for anyone navigating stress, anxiety, burnout, grief, or changeIf you’re interested in:Mindfulness meditation for everyday lifeTrauma-sensitive and compassion-based practicesTeaching mindfulness in an authentic, non-performative wayDeepening your own practice while supporting others…you’re in the right place.Learn more at MindfulnessExercises.com.Email: Sean@MindfulnessExercises.com

Nov 16, 2024 • 13min
How to Introduce Mindfulness to Beginners
Curious about how to introduce mindfulness effectively? In this episode, Sean Fargo, founder of Mindfulness Exercises and former Buddhist monk, shares his approach to introducing mindfulness to different groups in a simple and relatable way. Rather than focusing on theory, Sean’s method emphasizes experience, guiding new practitioners to connect with mindfulness directly.Learn how to:Introduce mindfulness by engaging others with real-life experiencesGuide beginners to notice sensations and emotions without judgmentUse foundational techniques to build an understanding of mindfulnessWhether you're a mindfulness teacher or new to the practice, Sean’s approach will help you see how introducing mindfulness can be both accessible and impactful. Want to teach mindfulness? Certify.MindfulnessExercises.comMindfulness 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 teachingsConversations with respected meditation teachers, clinicians, authors, and researchersReal-world insights for therapists, coaches, yoga teachers, educators, and caregiversGentle reflections for anyone navigating stress, anxiety, burnout, grief, or changeIf you’re interested in:Mindfulness meditation for everyday lifeTrauma-sensitive and compassion-based practicesTeaching mindfulness in an authentic, non-performative wayDeepening your own practice while supporting others…you’re in the right place.Learn more at MindfulnessExercises.com.Email: Sean@MindfulnessExercises.com

Oct 29, 2024 • 6min
How to Open a Closed Heart with Mindfulness Compassion
Have you ever been in a room filled with closed hearts, feeling the energy of resistance?In this episode, Sean Fargo, founder of Mindfulness Exercises and a former Buddhist monk, explores how mindfulness and compassion can gently help open a closed heart.Through Sean’s thoughtful guidance, you’ll learn how to hold space for closed hearts with presence and curiosity, creating room for healing and connection. Whether you're a mindfulness teacher or practitioner, this video offers profound insights on how to work with resistance and cultivate an open heart.Want to teach mindfulness? Certify.MindfulnessExercises.comMindfulness 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 teachingsConversations with respected meditation teachers, clinicians, authors, and researchersReal-world insights for therapists, coaches, yoga teachers, educators, and caregiversGentle reflections for anyone navigating stress, anxiety, burnout, grief, or changeIf you’re interested in:Mindfulness meditation for everyday lifeTrauma-sensitive and compassion-based practicesTeaching mindfulness in an authentic, non-performative wayDeepening your own practice while supporting others…you’re in the right place.Learn more at MindfulnessExercises.com.Email: Sean@MindfulnessExercises.com

Oct 27, 2024 • 6min
Can You Really Handle Distractions During Meditation?
How do you handle distractions during meditation as a teacher?In this episode, Sean Fargo, founder of Mindfulness Exercises and a former Buddhist monk, shares practical advice on managing distractions in meditation practice, both for beginners and seasoned practitioners.Whether you're leading a group meditation or practicing on your own, Sean’s tips will help you approach distractions with patience and mindfulness. This offers valuable strategies for making meditation accessible and supportive for all.Want to teach mindfulness? Certify.MindfulnessExercises.comMindfulness 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 teachingsConversations with respected meditation teachers, clinicians, authors, and researchersReal-world insights for therapists, coaches, yoga teachers, educators, and caregiversGentle reflections for anyone navigating stress, anxiety, burnout, grief, or changeIf you’re interested in:Mindfulness meditation for everyday lifeTrauma-sensitive and compassion-based practicesTeaching mindfulness in an authentic, non-performative wayDeepening your own practice while supporting others…you’re in the right place.Learn more at MindfulnessExercises.com.Email: Sean@MindfulnessExercises.com

Oct 25, 2024 • 7min
Should Mindfulness Teachers Show Vulnerability?
In this episode, Sean Fargo explores the question: Should mindfulness teachers show vulnerability to build trust with their students?Sean shares his insights on how to balance authenticity with professionalism when teaching mindfulness. Drawing from his experience at Google and Spirit Rock, Sean explains the fine line between sharing personal challenges and maintaining credibility. Want to teach mindfulness? Certify.MindfulnessExercises.comMindfulness 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 teachingsConversations with respected meditation teachers, clinicians, authors, and researchersReal-world insights for therapists, coaches, yoga teachers, educators, and caregiversGentle reflections for anyone navigating stress, anxiety, burnout, grief, or changeIf you’re interested in:Mindfulness meditation for everyday lifeTrauma-sensitive and compassion-based practicesTeaching mindfulness in an authentic, non-performative wayDeepening your own practice while supporting others…you’re in the right place.Learn more at MindfulnessExercises.com.Email: Sean@MindfulnessExercises.com


