Todd gives an introduction to the podcast for new listeners.
Additionally, the show now sometimes features dialogues with transformational thought leaders in the fields of art, music, science, philosophy, public service and beyond. Look for episodes with “Live Free or Dialogue” in the title.
You can support this work and access bonus content via Patreon: https://patreon.com/kindmind
and send mail to: michaeltoddfink@gmail.com
One of the most important ways we can improve mindfulness in our everyday life is through acceptance. Acceptance is part of the practice of open awareness in the present moment. It means allowing experiences to come and allowing them to go – both pleasant and unpleasant. It also involves assenting to the reality of a situation and letting go of what cannot be controlled or changed.
Music “In the Mysterious Distance” by Ethereal Ephemera. Episode artwork by Dove Dahlia.
All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light in a single heart…
Light is the symbol of knowledge and illumination. This episode gives some analogies for protecting the inner light.
(Music “Somewhere in the light II” by Bing Satellites and episode artwork by Dove Dahlia)
Beautiful people are not always good, but good people are always beautiful.
Kindness forms a virtuous feedback loop. Kindness generates happiness, and happiness motivates people to be kind. But there is a catch - intention matters. It does not work if you do something kind for others for the sake of becoming happy or gaining something in return. This is known as "strategic kindness" and only yields pleasure as opposed to "altruistic kindness" which means without the desire for a reward and leads to real happiness. fMRI studies reveal that separate regions of the brain are activated for each kind of kind, putting the "true" back in altruism.
"To a wise one, the whole earth is open - because the true country of a virtuous soul is the entire universe." –Democritus
(Image by Dove Dahlia)
Surveys reveal that audiences cannot tell the difference between musical compositions written by humans and those by artificial intelligence and often rate the AI compositions as more "inspiring" and "soulful."
However, there are some timeless principles for how to appreciate beauty, such as those elucidated by the heavily Buddhist-influenced yet culturally endangered Japanese aesthetic of Wabi Sabi. Perhaps the outlook is more critical than the outcome. By mindfully tuning to the reality that nothing is perfect, nothing is complete and nothing lasts - we can experience more freedom, acceptance and a deeper sense of spiritual wonder for the unfolding of the drama of it all.
”Technology has flooded the world with music. We used to have to pay for music or make it ourselves. Playing, hearing and experiencing it was exceptional - a rare special experience. Now, hearing it is ubiquitous and silence is the rarity we pay for and savor.” –David Byrne
(Episode image by Dove Dahlia)
Beyond the clouds, the sky is always clear. Similarly, most diamonds have flaws known as cloud inclusions, which reduce the clarity of the otherwise precious crystal and limit its brilliance or shine. A diamond is the most concentrated form of pure carbon on Earth, and the flaws are often hard to detect with the naked eye.
The human mind also has subtle clouds that obstruct mental clarity. In psychology, these are known as cognitive biases or heuristics - patterns of flawed shortcuts in the brain.
This episode explores some of the most interesting distortions that block clear thinking. By cutting through these clouds, we can naturally illuminate the mind and let the light of knowledge shine through us.
(Episode artwork by Dove Dahlia)
It flies and heals. People try to make it, buy it, save it and kill it. Yet, there is never enough of it, and it might not be real. It is T I M E.
Many cultures personify and deify Time. Kronos is the father of Zeus in Greek mythology and therefore older than god. Hindus may worship Mahakala or the lord of time. In America, we have the expression, "Father Time is undefeated." Even if only imaginative mythology, it can teach the importance of respecting time and using it wisely.
This episode breaks down our ideas and beliefs about time to illuminate a radically different but potentially happier and saner approach and like a child, even a slowing down of this strangely beautiful flash of life.
(Music intro by E. Fink and song "Timeless" by Lee Rosevere and episode artwork by Dove Dahlia)
Is silence really silent? Ordinarily, we have minimal access to and even avoid silence until it's time to retire for sleep. This episode explores the deeper significance of silence as evidenced in the work of two legendary musician philosophers of the 20th century - one trained in Western Classical music and the other in Eastern Classical music.
(Music "Through The Prism" courtesy of and written by Chris Russell and episode artwork by Dove Dahlia)
This episode explores the basic brain science behind our habits and routines and how to utilize those scientific insights, along with techniques from wisdom traditions, to experience more fulfillment.
“You must habit yourself to the dazzle of the light and of every moment of your life.” -Walt Whitman
(Music by Christopher Lloyd Clarke, licensed from Enlightened Audio)