Owen Marcus, a well-known and widely respected leader of men's work - joins Mindful Somatic Coach Brett Hill to discuss the transformative power of emotional wellness for men, emphasizing the importance of creating safe spaces where men can connect authentically with their emotions. Through his organization, MELD, Owen offers insights into how men's groups can facilitate personal growth and healing by integrating mindfulness and somatic practices. He shares his journey from Rolfing to founding men's groups, illustrating how these experiences can help men break free from societal pressures and outdated notions of masculinity. The conversation highlights the significance of vulnerability and connection, revealing that many men feel inadequate and alone in their struggles. Owen encourages listeners to embrace their emotions and seek support, reinforcing the idea that healing is possible with the right tools and community.

Owen Marcus, a trailblazer in the field of men's emotional wellness, engages in a heartfelt conversation on the Mindful Coach podcast, shedding light on his extensive journey toward fostering emotional intelligence among men. Starting with the formation of his first men's group in 1995, Owen discusses how his experiences have shaped his mission to help men navigate the complexities of their emotions in a society that often discourages vulnerability. Central to his philosophy is the idea of assertive vulnerability, which challenges traditional notions of masculinity that equate emotional expression with weakness. Instead, Owen advocates for an approach that embraces vulnerability as a crucial aspect of healthy masculinity, allowing men to connect deeply with themselves and others.

Throughout the episode, Owen elaborates on the somatic practices that underpin his work, emphasizing the connection between the body and emotional health. He draws from his expertise in Rolfing and somatic therapies to illustrate how unprocessed trauma can manifest physically, creating a disconnect from one's emotions. By encouraging men to engage with their bodily sensations and emotions, Owen provides them with tools to process and release pent-up stress and tension. This somatic mindfulness not only facilitates personal healing but also enhances relational skills, ultimately leading to more fulfilling relationships.

The discussion extends beyond individual healing to consider the broader societal implications of emotional wellness. Owen argues that when men learn to express their emotions authentically, they can cultivate deeper relationships with their partners, families, and communities. This shift in emotional dynamics has the potential to break down barriers and foster understanding across genders. By sharing poignant stories from his practice and the transformative impact of his groups, Owen inspires listeners to reconsider their own emotional journeys and the importance of building supportive communities that celebrate emotional connection. The episode serves as a powerful invitation for men to embrace their emotional lives fully, paving the way for a more compassionate and understanding world.

Takeaways:

• Owen Marcus emphasizes the importance of emotional wellness and relational skills for men.
• The podcast discusses how to create safe spaces for men to express vulnerabilities.
• Understanding the physiological connection to emotions is crucial for personal growth.
• Men often struggle with societal pressures to suppress their feelings and emotions.
• The journey of healing and emotional awareness can lead to profound life changes.
• Community support among men fosters connection and reduces feelings of isolation.

Connect with Marcus and his great work:

http://instagram.com/meld.men

How can we reclaim the power of mindful communication in a world where harsh words and thoughtless comments seem to dominate public discourse? This episode of The Mindful Coach Podcast explores the importance of owning your impact and choosing your words with intention.

As a communication specialist and coach, I delve into the heart of what it means to be truly responsible for the language we use. It's not about censorship or limiting free speech; it's about recognizing the profound effect our words have on others and ourselves.

I introduce the concept of "embodied authority" - a form of personal power that comes from within, rather than from external sources. This inner strength allows us to:

• Engage authentically with others
• Remain centered in challenging situations
• Communicate with clarity and purpose

Throughout the episode, I offer actionable advice for improving your communication skills:

• Pause before responding: Create space for thoughtful replies
• Consider your impact: Reflect on how your words might affect others
• Connect with your core values: Align your speech with your authentic self

I share personal anecdotes that illustrate how a single comment can profoundly influence someone's life path. These stories highlight the responsibility we carry when we speak and the potential for positive change through mindful communication.

Learn strategies for maintaining your center during challenging interactions:

• Recognizing when others are in pain
• Setting clear boundaries while remaining compassionate
• Creating conditions for meaningful dialogue

This episode serves as a call to action for all of us to elevate our communication. By owning our impact and choosing our words with care, we can foster deeper connections, resolve conflicts more effectively, and contribute to a more understanding world.

Whether you're a coach, leader, or simply someone looking to improve your relationships, this discussion offers valuable insights into the transformative power of mindful speech.

Are you interested in learning more about mindful communication? Check out the new Mindful Communication and Presence for Professionals course at https://themindfulcoach.com

Have you ever wondered why you react strongly to certain situations or why your emotions sometimes seem to take control? In this enlightening episode of The Mindful Coach Podcast, I explore the fascinating world of the limbic system - a crucial part of our nervous system that shapes our emotional experiences and responses - and holds the key to helping us learn to make better choices instead of being reactive.

Drawing from my experiences with Hakomi training and insights from John Eisman, I explain the limbic system's role in our daily lives. From the joy of greeting a beloved pet to the instant defensiveness when criticized, our limbic system is constantly at work, influencing our behaviors and relationships.

• The limbic system as the emotional powerhouse of our brain
• How automatic responses can hinder genuine presence and connection
• The importance of recognizing limbic reactions in ourselves and others

I discuss practical techniques to develop a more conscious relationship with your limbic responses:

• Intentional Presence: Learning to bring focused attention to everyday interactions
• Pausing and Savoring: A simple yet powerful exercise to enhance positive experiences
• Choosing Response over Reaction: Developing the ability to make conscious choices in emotionally charged situations

By understanding and working with our limbic system, we can transform our automatic reactions into thoughtful responses. This shift not only enhances our personal relationships but also empowers us in our professional lives, especially as coaches and helping professionals.

Whether you're looking to improve your emotional intelligence, enhance your coaching skills, or simply live a more mindful life, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tools to help you navigate the complex world of emotions with greater ease and intention.

Takeaways:

• Understanding the limbic system is essential as it influences our emotional responses daily.
• Mindfulness allows us to consciously choose how we respond to our limbic reactions.
• Noticing and savoring positive moments can enhance our overall emotional well-being significantly.
• Developing awareness of our responses can prevent us from reacting impulsively in challenging situations.
• Practicing mindful awareness helps us recognize subtle emotional cues in ourselves and others.
• Embracing the present moment can transform mundane experiences into profound moments of joy.

Links referenced in this episode:

• themindfulcoach.com