If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the chaos of the world, this episode is your invitation to breathe, reflect, and reset. 🙏
Join Brian Smith in a transformative conversation with former Buddhist monk, author, and mindfulness teacher Stephen Schettini, as they explore the raw truth of human suffering—and how mindfulness can become your lifeline.
In this soul-nourishing episode of Grief 2 Growth, you’ll discover:
🧘♂️ How to use practical mindfulness for anxiety in today’s noisy world
🧠 Why self-knowledge is the key to emotional resilience
🌪️ The surprising connection between grief and growth
🪞 How Stephen redefined his identity after leaving the monastery
💡 And why true inner peace starts with facing your own mind
If you’ve ever thought “I can’t meditate,” or felt frustrated with your spiritual path, Stephen’s grounded wisdom will speak to your heart. He doesn’t promise enlightenment. He offers something far more useful—real tools for real life.
👉 Whether you're dealing with grief, navigating uncertainty, or just craving stillness, this episode is a gentle reminder: you’re not broken. You’re becoming.
💬 After listening, join the conversation at: https://www.grief2growth.com/community
📚 Learn more about Stephen’s books:
• The Novice: Why I Became a Buddhist Monk, Why I Quit, and What I Learned
• It Begins With Silence: The Art of Mindful Reflection
🌐 Visit Stephen’s community and classes: https://mindfulnesslive.ca
– – – Let’s Connect: – – –
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00:00 🌱 Introduction: From Grief to Growth
01:10 🧘 Meet Stephen Schettini: Ex-Monk, Author & Teacher
03:19 ❓ Why Would a 22-Year-Old Become a Monk?
06:46 🧠 Lessons from the Monastery: Concentration & Awareness
08:40 🔍 The Science of Mindfulness vs. Religion
10:50 📚 What We Should Be Teaching Kids
11:57 🤔 What Is Mindfulness, Really?
14:55 🚪 Leaving Monastic Life: Hardest Transition Ever
17:27 ✂️ Separating the Essence from the Ritual
19:36 👥 Finding Community After the Monastery
22:12 📖 Getting Back to the Original Buddha
25:12 🧍♂️ The Balance of Self-Reliance & Community
26:31 💔 Loneliness, Self-Esteem, and Modern Struggles
27:08 🧘♀️ “I Can’t Meditate”—Breaking the Myth
32:10 🌍 Mindfulness in a Chaotic World
34:41 💥 Grief as the Gateway to Growth
38:04 🗳️ When Spirituality Meets Social Responsibility
41:09 🧭 Practical Structure: Zoom Classes for Support
44:00 ⏰ How to Stay Consistent with Meditation
47:33 🧠 Unlearning as the Heart of Mindfulness
50:53 💭 You're Not Your Thoughts—How to Let Go
54:29 🕊️ Anchoring in the Present Moment
57:29 🧬 Biology, Survival, and the Power of Mind
1:00:27 📘 Stephen’s Books & How to Connect
