Stage Combat The Podcast: Episode Summary – "It's All In Your Mind(fulness)"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Stage Combat The Podcast
• Host/Author: Haywood Productions, LLC
• Host: Sean Hayden
• Episode: "It's All In Your Mind(fulness)"
• Release Date: August 19, 2024

Introduction

In the episode titled "It's All In Your Mind(fulness)," Sean Hayden delves deep into the concept of mindfulness, exploring its definitions, applications, and personal significance. Drawing from his own experiences and engaging with various experts and friends, Sean investigates how mindfulness can aid in mental health, especially within the high-pressure environment of the theatre industry.

Defining Mindfulness

Sean opens the discussion by addressing the ubiquity of the term "mindfulness" in recent years, acknowledging its evolution from a specialized practice to a widely recognized buzzword.

• Andrea Kohler (02:21): "Everybody's using it. It's the go to mindfulness this, wellness that. It's just become ubiquitous."

Sean attempts to define mindfulness, recognizing its multifaceted nature and personal relevance.

• Sean Hayden (00:55): "I exploded when you texted that to me. But let's repeat it. So what's our answer? Chris? Does method acting suck? I'm gonna go with yeah. And you're gonna be a little more nuanced."

Origins and Commercialization of Mindfulness

Sean traces the roots of mindfulness back to its Buddhist origins, explaining its translation and contemporary commercialization.

• Sean Hayden (05:12): "Mindfulness comes from a Buddhist term. It's a translation of the word sati from one of India's ancient languages, Pali. And that word roughly translates to awareness."

He critiques the commercialization of mindfulness, highlighting the surge in related products and services.

• Sean Hayden (05:38): "Today, that buzzword mindfulness has turned into a multi-billion dollar industry."

Expert Insights on Mindfulness

Sean engages with Dr. Brian Tierney, a clinical psychologist, to unpack the essence of mindfulness beyond popular misconceptions.

• Dr. Brian Tierney (05:12): "Simply put, it's an observational style. It's a way of cultivating observational skills to just observe what's happening in present time in the mind, in the environment and sensory experience and what's happening in the body."

Dr. Tierney introduces the concept of "McMindfulness," criticizing the superficial adoption of mindfulness practices devoid of their deeper philosophical roots.

• Dr. Brian Tierney (06:55): "McMindfulness is a way that identity propagates. People get into mindfulness and then feel important because they're mindful."

Sean resonates with this critique, emphasizing the potential alienating effect of such superficial approaches.

• Sean Hayden (07:32): "I think that attitude and it becomes very daunting and the arrogance of it is off-putting."

Sean’s Personal Journey with Mindfulness

Sean shares his transformative journey into mindfulness, prompted by a mental health crisis stemming from his experience at the Goodspeed Opera House.

• Sean Hayden (15:14): "I have notes that I had written when I first met you, because I started. Well, I was. I was writing a mental health log really shortly after I was fired from the Goodspeed to make sense of what was happening."

He recounts his first session with Adam, a licensed massage therapist, highlighting the pivotal role of binaural beats in achieving a meditative state.

• Sean Hayden (17:23): "What led you to a hypnotherapist?"

Conversations with Friends and Guests

Mary Jane Waddell – Yoga Instructor

Sean reconnects with his friend Mary Jane Waddell, a yoga instructor, to explore mindfulness through yoga.

• Mary Jane Waddell (10:09): "I feel it's overused. I always say awareness. It really is awareness. Just awareness. That, to me, is being mindful."

They discuss the challenges Sean faces with traditional yoga practices and explore alternative approaches to incorporate mindfulness without the intimidation of conventional yoga classes.

• Sean Hayden (13:25): "Maybe I don't need to put this pressure on myself that I have to get to this yoga going into meditation thing."

Andrea Kohler – Coloring Broadway

Sean introduces Andrea Kohler, the creator of Coloring Broadway, to discuss mindfulness through creative activities like coloring.

• Andrea Kohler (21:27): "Mindfulness really is about being present. It's about being in the moment that you're at."

They explore how strategic creativity, such as coloring, can serve as a meditative practice.

• Andrea Kohler (22:40): "Coloring, as an activity slows your brain down. It allows you to do a repetitive motion, and at the same time, you're making strategic choices."

Alexander Evans – Listener Story

Sean shares the story of listener Alexander Evans, a West End actor, who found solace in cognitive hypnotherapy after a personal loss.

• Alexander Evans (25:21): "I thought, I just need someone to go, you know, what is hypnotherapy?"

Alexander describes his transformative experience with hypnotherapy, emphasizing the importance of personalizing mindfulness practices.

• Alexander Evans (28:59): "That's a lovely little tool that he's given me."

Yogi Master Yoshi’s Guidance

Sean revisits his interactions with Yoshi, a yogi master, to further understand the integration of breath work and chakras in achieving mindfulness.

• Yoshi (36:10): "It's a belief thing. You have to believe a little bit in there is more to you than just bones. Right. And muscles hopping around on planet Earth."

Yoshi introduces Sean to the concept of chakras and pranayama (breath work), explaining their roles in energy and stress reduction.

• Yoshi (36:53): "Once you know a little bit about the chakras and what they're in charge of, and you're adding pranayama, the breath work to it."

Sean reflects on his evolving understanding and acceptance of these practices, acknowledging their impact on his mental health journey.

• Sean Hayden (38:34): "So I came to see you, and before we even started doing any of this work, you said, sit down on the stool. And we talked for like an hour. And I was like, what is this, like, therapy?"

Practical Applications of Mindfulness

Sean experiments with various mindfulness practices, integrating insights from his conversations and personal experiences.

Yoga Practice with Mary Jane

Sean participates in a one-on-one yoga session with Mary Jane, overcoming his initial apprehensions and experiencing a moment of peace during the tree pose.

• Sean Hayden (32:24): "I feel tall, really tall, lengthening up to the sky. I feel at peace. I thought, oh, mindfulness."

Coloring as Mindfulness with Andrea

Exploring creative mindfulness, Sean engages in a Coloring Broadway session, appreciating the therapeutic benefits of focusing on meaningful lyrics through art.

• Andrea Kohler (23:09): "But I really try and focus on the lyrics that aren't just super popular from the show, but that carry an elevated meaning for me."

Lessons Learned and Conclusions

Sean synthesizes the diverse perspectives and experiences discussed in the episode, emphasizing the non-linear and personalized nature of mindfulness.

• Sean Hayden (43:11): "So what have I learned in this investigation? Be curious, keep exploring. And there's no one road that fits everyone when it comes to mindfulness."

He advocates for exploring various mindfulness practices beyond conventional methods, encouraging listeners to find what resonates with them individually.

• Sean Hayden (30:30): "I'm in New York City, so I'm sure you've got everything. I'm sure we have. Well, you can get everything in New York City, right? Do it."

Sean wraps up the episode by highlighting the importance of community and shared stories in fostering mindfulness and advocating for mental health within the acting industry.

• Sean Hayden (30:51): "If you get anything from this episode, I hope with a desire to just slow down, put away the emails, the text messages, the phone and slow down."

Notable Quotes

• Dr. Brian Tierney (06:55): "McMindfulness is a way that identity propagates. People get into mindfulness and then feel important because they're mindful."

• Mary Jane Waddell (10:26): "With yoga, there were no mirrors and there was no judgment. And really, it was about feeling everything in a judgment, free way."

• Andrea Kohler (22:32): "Mindfulness really is about being present. It's about being in the moment that you're at."

• Alexander Evans (28:59): "That's a lovely little tool that he's given me."

• Yoshi (36:10): "There's an energy in you. There's a vibration in you. There is a life force in you that wants to move you forward."

• Sean Hayden (43:11): "Be curious, keep exploring. And there's no one road that fits everyone when it comes to mindfulness."

Conclusion

In "It's All In Your Mind(fulness)," Sean Hayden masterfully intertwines personal narratives with expert insights, offering listeners a comprehensive exploration of mindfulness. By sharing his journey and engaging with friends and professionals, Sean demystifies mindfulness, presenting it as an adaptable and accessible tool for mental well-being. The episode underscores the importance of personalized practices and community support in navigating mental health challenges, especially within demanding fields like theatre.

For those seeking to embark on their mindfulness journey, this episode serves as both an informative guide and an inspiring testament to the transformative power of self-awareness and intentional living.