Thoughts are powerful - but they're not always the truth.

In this episode, Lora and Jeff wade into the murky waters of our thinking minds, exploring how thoughts shape our emotions, actions, and sense of self. We unpack the difference between active and passive thoughts, where our thoughts come from, and why missing information can cause us to fill in gaps with fear or negativity. Together, we explore tools for holding thoughts more lightly, building awareness, and finding more clarity and compassion in the noise.

We explore:

• The difference between active and passive thoughts

• How environment and experience shape the way we think

• Why missing data points often create false assumptions

• The impact of negativity bias on our daily lives

• Practical strategies for managing thought patterns

• How meditation, mindfulness, and even humming can help soothe the mind

Our adventurer rows into a heavy fog, the path ahead completely hidden. In the thick silence, every small splash, every creak of the boat feels bigger, scarier, more urgent. It would be easy to panic—to imagine monsters in the mist. But instead, he hums softly to himself, steadies his breathing, and remembers: not every sound is a threat, and not every thought needs chasing.

Connect with So What Who Cares

Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mail.sowhatwhocares@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@sowhatwhocarespodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@sowhatwhocarespodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠So What Who Cares Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠@sowhatwhocarespodcast⁠⁠⁠

Find Lora McCarville at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.loramccarville.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Chapters
00:00 Navigating the Fog of Thoughts
02:57 Understanding the Nature of Thoughts
05:59 The Source of Our Thoughts
09:04 The Impact of Missing Data Points
11:49 The Influence of Negativity Bias
15:10 Balancing Positive and Negative Thinking
17:51 The Role of Meditation and Mindfulness
20:56 Tools for Managing Thoughts

#SoWhatWhoCares #SoWhatWhoCaresPodcast #LoraMcCarville #JeffKalasky #MindfulnessMatters #EmotionalIntelligence #MentalClarity #SelfCompassion #ThoughtAwareness #CognitivePatterns #ManagingAnxiety #InnerStrength #HealingJourney #NavigatingTheMind #PersonalGrowth #FogOfThoughts

In this meditation, Lora invites listeners to cultivate compassion by recognizing our shared human experiences. By setting aside notions of difference, shame, and fear, this practice encourages a felt sense of common humanity - that all individuals wish for happiness and freedom from suffering.

What you'll experience:

- Mindful Awareness: Techniques to center your attention and become present.

- Visualization: Guided imagery to foster empathy toward others

- Compassionate Reflection: Phrases and thoughts to deepen understanding of shared human desires and struggles

Ideal for:

- Individuals seeking to enhance empathy and understanding in their relationships

- Those looking to expand their circle of compassion

- Anyone interested in mindfulness practices that promote emotional well-being

Connect with So What Who Cares

Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mail.sowhatwhocares@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@sowhatwhocarespodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@sowhatwhocarespodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠So What Who Cares Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠@sowhatwhocarespodcast⁠⁠⁠

Find Lora McCarville at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.loramccarville.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

#meditation #guidedmeditation #mindfulmoments #meditationpractice #compassion #selfcompassion #lovingkindness #empathy #innerpeace #mentalwellness #emotionalhealth #healingjourney #selfcare #justlikeme #sowhatwhocares #sowhatwhocarespodcast #loramccarville

Compassion, both outward and inward, is a skill. One that can transform how we relate to ourselves, others, and the hardest moments of being human.

In this episode, Lora and Jeff explore the practice of compassion - what it is, what is isn't, and how it helps stay present with hard things without spiraling into shame. From noticing the stories we tell ourselves, to staying curious in conflict, to recognizing when we need to offer compassion inward before reaching outward.

We explore:

• What compassion really means (and how it’s different from being “nice”)

• Why compassion is a powerful tool for regulation

• How self-compassion helps us stay in relationship with others

• Noticing the gap between what we feel and what we intend

• The role of curiosity in staying open during conflict

• What gets in the way of giving ourselves grace—and how to move through it

  
  

Our adventurer is jolted from calm to chaos - losing grip on a very important tool on his journey. He begins to slip into a spiral of shame and guilt, until he remembers the words of his teacher - reminding him to be compassionate to himself.

Connect with So What Who Cares

Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠mail.sowhatwhocares@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@sowhatwhocarespodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@sowhatwhocarespodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠So What Who Cares Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠

TikTok: ⁠⁠@sowhatwhocarespodcast⁠⁠

Find Lora McCarville at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.loramccarville.com/⁠⁠⁠

Chapters

00:00 The Journey Begins: A Traveler's Reflection

04:05 Understanding Compassion: A Deep Dive

10:32 The Importance of Self-Compassion

15:52 Compassion vs. Niceness: Defining Boundaries

22:54 Compassion in Community: Collective Care

28:43 Navigating Political Divisions with Compassion

35:42 Practicing Compassion: Steps to Take

#SoWhatWhoCares #SoWhatWhoCaresPodcast #LoraMcCarville #JeffKalasky #SelfCompassion #CompassionPractice #EmotionalRegulation #MindfulnessMatters #CuriosityOverJudgment #HealingJourney #MentalHealthSupport #RelationalHealth #KindnessStartsWithin #EmotionalIntelligence #StayingPresent #PersonalGrowth #GraceNotPerfection