Send us Fan Mail
What if some of the most powerful tools for navigating modern stress have been with us for thousands of years?
In this episode of Transforming Stress with Dr Ash, Dr Ash is joined by Andrew Keaveney, an Art of Living teacher whose journey took him from Stanford University to spending several years in India immersed in meditation, yoga, Sanskrit, service, and the study of consciousness.
Andrew shares how his search to better understand the mind led him deeper into ancient wisdom—and to a powerful realization: we can spend years trying to perfect our external circumstances, but lasting change often begins with what is happening within us.
Together, Dr Ash and Andrew explore the relationship between our thoughts, emotions, breath, and stress, and why fighting against difficult thoughts can sometimes create even more suffering.
Andrew also guides Dr Ash through a simple Ujjayi (Victory) breathing practice, demonstrating how working with the breath can help us feel more grounded and relaxed in just a few minutes.
The conversation also explores the Boiling Frog phenomenon—how chronic stress can gradually become our normal without us even realizing it—and why developing self-awareness is so important for recognising when the "temperature" is beginning to rise.
In this episode, you'll discover:
- Andrew's journey from Stanford University to India and his exploration of meditation and spirituality
- Why trying to control our thoughts isn't always the answer
- How the breath and emotions are interconnected
- A practical breathing technique for grounding yourself during stressful moments
- How meditation can help us work with deeper patterns of stress
- Why chronic stress can operate beneath our conscious awareness
- The importance of self-awareness in preventing the Boiling Frog effect
- How to build resilience through consistent daily practices
- Why happiness shouldn't simply be something we pretend to feel
- Andrew's powerful idea of making happiness a practice rather than a mood
- The impact of social media, smartphones, and constant distraction on our inner world
- How meditation and silence can unlock creativity
- The difference between the science of achievement and the art of living
- Why rest is just as important as action and achievement
- Andrew's message for anyone feeling overwhelmed, trapped, or unable to see a way forward
A powerful reminder from this conversation:
We cannot always control what is happening around us—but we can learn how to work with what is happening within us.
Through awareness, breath, meditation, and consistent practice, we can become better equipped to recognise stress earlier, regulate our inner state, and respond to life's challenges with greater calm and resilience.
As Andrew reminds us, even when life feels overwhelming, there is always hope and there is always a way forward.
🎙️ Transforming Stress with Dr Ash
Featuring Andrew Keaveney
Follow Andrew and learn more about his work through the Art of Living and his social channels.
LinkedIn: Andrew Keaveney
Website: The Art of Living
Connect with Dr. Ash
- Website: www.drashkumar.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doctorashkumar/
- Podcast: Transforming Stress with Dr. Ash
#TransformingStress #AndrewKeaveney #Meditation #Breathwork #Mindfulness #StressManagement #ChronicStress #ArtOfLiving #InnerPeace #Resilience #MentalWellbeing #BoilingFrog
Ready to transform stress into strength? The journey starts here.