Embracing the Moment: an introduction to mindfulness https://embracingthemoment.podbean.com What is mindfulness? Is it hard to do? Is it worth the effort? Mindfulness is a capacity we all have, but the chatter in our minds can make it difficult to access. Join Paul Deger, MA, LPC, PT, in this gentle, practical, and inspiring exploration of mindfulness.


Lesson 1: Welcome, explore our first understanding of mindfulness, and set an intention

Lesson 2: An exercise in mindlessness

Lesson 3: Mindfulness Defined

Lesson 4: Mindfulness and Stress

Lesson 5: Awareness of Breath meditation

Lesson 6: Your mindfulness journey has begun

Please note: this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not meant to replace assessment and treatment by a physician, therapist, or other health care professionals.

Learn more about Paul and access a library of guided meditations at https://mindfulnesstrainer.com/ 

Your facilitator: 

Paul Deger, MA, LPC, PT, has over 38 years of experience in healthcare, initially as a physical therapist specializing in neurological disorders (e.g., stroke, head injury, and facial paralysis).

Paul then shifted focus from physical to mental health and completed his graduate studies at Naropa University, Boulder, earning a Master's in Mindfulness-Based Counseling Psychology. On retreat, he has also trained in mindfulness with Jon Kabat-Zinn and Saki Santorelli of the Center for Mindfulness at the University of Massachusetts Medical School and studied Buddhism and meditation in sangha with Lloyd Burton, a founder of the Spirit Rock Meditation Center. Recognizing the impact of spirituality on health, Paul studied pastoral care at the Iliff School of Theology in Denver. He has found his mindfulness practice of over 30 years foundational in finding the "calm beneath the storm," and experiencing joy in the "rainbows that follow."

He has worked with clients in hospital-based, private practice, and home-based family-centered care. Paul has taught mindfulness meditation, stress management, and health behavior change nationally to doctors, allied healthcare professionals, businesses, and government agencies, and is an invited speaker at professional conferences. Paul also has a long history as a corporate trainer, with a specialty in coaching nurses and health educators to deliver disease management and health behavior change services. Paul has designed mental wellbeing apps and multimedia psycho-educational products. He is certified in performance consulting.

When not working, Paul enjoys vintage car shows with his son, who is on the autism spectrum, and rock climbing in the awe-inspiring Colorado Rockies.

]]> Sat, 08 Aug 2026 01:49:15 -0300 https://podbean.com/?v=5.5 en Copyright 2026 All rights reserved. Health & Fitness 1440 episodic What is mindfulness? Is it hard to do? Is it worth the effort? Mindfulness is a capacity we all have, but the chatter in our minds can make it difficult to access. Join Paul Deger, MA, LPC, PT, in this gentle, practical, and inspiring exploration of mindfulness. embracingthemoment embracingthemoment No false https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/22534692/embracing-the-moment-2048x2048_1_bgysc.jpg Embracing the Moment: an introduction to mindfulness https://embracingthemoment.podbean.com 144 144 Lesson 6: Your mindfulness journey has begun... Lesson 6: Your mindfulness journey has begun... https://embracingthemoment.podbean.com/e/7-your-mindfulness-journey-has-begun/ https://embracingthemoment.podbean.com/e/7-your-mindfulness-journey-has-begun/#comments Sat, 08 Aug 2026 01:49:15 -0300 embracingthemoment.podbean.com/a93ab441-c902-383e-adba-e8e9d0e72ae9 Now, with an understanding and direct experience of mindfulness, you are invited to begin a personal mindfulness practice. This final section lays out a beginning plan, including formal meditation and informal mindfulness practices you can do anytime, anywhere.

Learn more about Paul's services and access his full library of recorded meditations at https://mindfulnesstrainer.com/ 

 

Check out Paul's other mindfulness podcast - Simple, but not easy: a mindfulness podcast

]]> Now, with an understanding and direct experience of mindfulness, you are invited to begin a personal mindfulness practice. This final section lays out a beginning plan, including formal meditation and informal mindfulness practices you can do anytime, anywhere.

Learn more about Paul's services and access his full library of recorded meditations at https://mindfulnesstrainer.com/ 

 

Check out Paul's other mindfulness podcast -
Simple, but not easy: a mindfulness podcast

]]> embracingthemoment false No 259 10 full Lesson 5-b: Post meditation reflection Lesson 5-b: Post meditation reflection https://embracingthemoment.podbean.com/e/post-meditation-reflection/ https://embracingthemoment.podbean.com/e/post-meditation-reflection/#comments Sat, 08 Aug 2026 01:49:07 -0300 embracingthemoment.podbean.com/65ff1e09-72de-3528-a166-ead0d4f9aa7d Welcome back! After practicing the Awareness of breath meditation, reflect on your experience, including all three layers of sensations, thoughts, and emotions. You can also identify your starting place with the mindfulness qualities.

Learn more about Paul's services and access his full library of recorded meditations at https://mindfulnesstrainer.com/ 

Check out Paul's other mindfulness podcast - Simple, but not easy: a mindfulness podcast

]]> Welcome back! After practicing the Awareness of breath meditation, reflect on your experience, including all three layers of sensations, thoughts, and emotions. You can also identify your starting place with the mindfulness qualities.

Learn more about Paul's services and access his full library of recorded meditations at https://mindfulnesstrainer.com/ 

Check out Paul's other mindfulness podcast -
Simple, but not easy: a mindfulness podcast

]]> embracingthemoment false No 74 9 full Awareness of breath meditation - 10 minute Awareness of breath meditation - 10 minute https://embracingthemoment.podbean.com/e/awareness-of-breath-meditation-10-minute/ https://embracingthemoment.podbean.com/e/awareness-of-breath-meditation-10-minute/#comments Sat, 08 Aug 2026 01:48:57 -0300 embracingthemoment.podbean.com/c0a2ee4a-5e49-305b-98ad-1de46a687222 Using the guidelines from part 5, find a safe, comfortable place where you will not be disturbed and practice a guided mindfulness meditation.

Do not listen while driving or operating machinery - sleepiness may occur.

Note: If at any time while listening you experience anxiety or distress - stop listening and seek out support, be it family, friends, or calling or texting 988. 

Learn more about Paul's services and access his full library of recorded meditations at https://mindfulnesstrainer.com/ 

Check out Paul's other mindfulness podcast - Simple, but not easy: a mindfulness podcast

]]> Using the guidelines from part 5, find a safe, comfortable place where you will not be disturbed and practice a guided mindfulness meditation.

Do not listen while driving or operating machinery - sleepiness may occur.

Note: If at any time while listening you experience anxiety or distress - stop listening and seek out support, be it family, friends, or calling or texting 988. 

Learn more about Paul's services and access his full library of recorded meditations at https://mindfulnesstrainer.com/ 

Check out Paul's other mindfulness podcast -
Simple, but not easy: a mindfulness podcast

]]> embracingthemoment false No 601 8 full Awareness of breath meditation - 5 minute Awareness of breath meditation - 5 minute https://embracingthemoment.podbean.com/e/awareness-of-breath-meditation-5-minute/ https://embracingthemoment.podbean.com/e/awareness-of-breath-meditation-5-minute/#comments Sat, 08 Aug 2026 01:48:49 -0300 embracingthemoment.podbean.com/cda602ab-f21c-3a6f-a1fd-244d803057fd Using the guidelines from part 5, find a safe, comfortable place where you will not be disturbed and practice a guided mindfulness meditation.

Do not listen while driving or operating machinery - sleepiness may occur.

Note: If at any time while listening you experience anxiety or distress - stop listening and seek out support, be it family, friends, or calling or texting 988. 

Learn more about Paul's services and access his full library of recorded meditations at https://mindfulnesstrainer.com/ 

Check out Paul's other mindfulness podcast - Simple, but not easy: a mindfulness podcast

]]> Using the guidelines from part 5, find a safe, comfortable place where you will not be disturbed and practice a guided mindfulness meditation.

Do not listen while driving or operating machinery - sleepiness may occur.

Note: If at any time while listening you experience anxiety or distress - stop listening and seek out support, be it family, friends, or calling or texting 988. 

Learn more about Paul's services and access his full library of recorded meditations at https://mindfulnesstrainer.com/ 

Check out Paul's other mindfulness podcast -
Simple, but not easy: a mindfulness podcast

]]> embracingthemoment false No 300 7 full Lesson 5-a: Meditation guidelines Lesson 5-a: Meditation guidelines https://embracingthemoment.podbean.com/e/5-awareness-of-breath-meditation/ https://embracingthemoment.podbean.com/e/5-awareness-of-breath-meditation/#comments Sat, 08 Aug 2026 01:48:33 -0300 embracingthemoment.podbean.com/283e9fd2-0386-3bc3-a206-96fd1ef0af85 Time to practice! Please listen to the guidelines for practicing a guided awareness of breath meditation. Then use either the 5-minute or 10-minute meditation, and then return to post-meditation reflection. Enjoy!

Learn more about Paul's services and access his full library of recorded meditations at https://mindfulnesstrainer.com/ 

Check out Paul's other mindfulness podcast - Simple, but not easy: a mindfulness podcast

]]> Time to practice! Please listen to the guidelines for practicing a guided awareness of breath meditation. Then use either the 5-minute or 10-minute meditation, and then return to post-meditation reflection. Enjoy!

Learn more about Paul's services and access his full library of recorded meditations at https://mindfulnesstrainer.com/ 

Check out Paul's other mindfulness podcast -
Simple, but not easy: a mindfulness podcast

]]> embracingthemoment false No 130 6 full Lesson 4: Mindfulness and stress Lesson 4: Mindfulness and stress https://embracingthemoment.podbean.com/e/4-mindfulness-and-stress/ https://embracingthemoment.podbean.com/e/4-mindfulness-and-stress/#comments Sat, 08 Aug 2026 01:48:26 -0300 embracingthemoment.podbean.com/b4f201b6-9046-3e8e-b41b-80c0b59ee671 A common driver for taking up mindfulness practice is to manage stress better in our lives. In this section, we explore the underlying mechanisms of stress and how mindfulness offers us a new way to manage it.

Learn more about Paul's services and access his full library of recorded meditations at https://mindfulnesstrainer.com/ 

Check out Paul's other mindfulness podcast - Simple, but not easy: a mindfulness podcast

]]> A common driver for taking up mindfulness practice is to manage stress better in our lives. In this section, we explore the underlying mechanisms of stress and how mindfulness offers us a new way to manage it.

Learn more about Paul's services and access his full library of recorded meditations at https://mindfulnesstrainer.com/ 

Check out Paul's other mindfulness podcast -
Simple, but not easy: a mindfulness podcast

]]> embracingthemoment false No 863 5 full Lesson 3: Mindfulness defined Lesson 3: Mindfulness defined https://embracingthemoment.podbean.com/e/3-mindfulness-defined/ https://embracingthemoment.podbean.com/e/3-mindfulness-defined/#comments Sat, 08 Aug 2026 01:48:18 -0300 embracingthemoment.podbean.com/7ecfd9cd-7a02-36fa-a90e-9f55130ef3c0 Now that we understand mindlessness, we dive into defining mindfulness. First, what it is not, and then what it is. We explore a definition from Jon Kabat-Zinn and take a closer look at the qualities of mindfulness for a fuller understanding, including how it differs from relaxation exercises, and explore the underlying intention and paradox of practicing mindfulness in our lives. We also gain clarity on what meditation is in the context of mindfulness.

Learn more about Paul's services and access his full library of recorded meditations at https://mindfulnesstrainer.com/ 

Check out Paul's other mindfulness podcast - Simple, but not easy: a mindfulness podcast

]]> Now that we understand mindlessness, we dive into defining mindfulness. First, what it is not, and then what it is. We explore a definition from Jon Kabat-Zinn and take a closer look at the qualities of mindfulness for a fuller understanding, including how it differs from relaxation exercises, and explore the underlying intention and paradox of practicing mindfulness in our lives. We also gain clarity on what meditation is in the context of mindfulness.

Learn more about Paul's services and access his full library of recorded meditations at https://mindfulnesstrainer.com/ 

Check out Paul's other mindfulness podcast -
Simple, but not easy: a mindfulness podcast

]]> embracingthemoment false No 1305 4 full Lesson 2: An exercise in mindlessness Lesson 2: An exercise in mindlessness https://embracingthemoment.podbean.com/e/an-exercise-in-mindlessness/ https://embracingthemoment.podbean.com/e/an-exercise-in-mindlessness/#comments Sat, 08 Aug 2026 01:48:06 -0300 embracingthemoment.podbean.com/5e54a879-2dbd-36aa-a6f4-ea4cb19a0bb7 Before we define mindfulness, we explore the opposite - mindlessness - a state we commonly find ourselves experiencing throughout the day. We learn about the impact of this state and compare it with the opportunity to practice mindfulness more often.

Learn more about Paul's services and access his full library of recorded meditations at https://mindfulnesstrainer.com/ 

Check out Paul's other mindfulness podcast - Simple, but not easy: a mindfulness podcast

]]> Before we define mindfulness, we explore the opposite - mindlessness - a state we commonly find ourselves experiencing throughout the day. We learn about the impact of this state and compare it with the opportunity to practice mindfulness more often.

Learn more about Paul's services and access his full library of recorded meditations at https://mindfulnesstrainer.com/ 

Check out Paul's other mindfulness podcast -
Simple, but not easy: a mindfulness podcast

]]> embracingthemoment false No 633 3 full Lesson 1: Welcome, explore our first understanding of mindfulness, and set an intention Lesson 1: Welcome, explore our first understanding of mindfulness, and set an intention https://embracingthemoment.podbean.com/e/welcome-explore-our-first-understanding-of-mindfulness-and-set-an-intention/ https://embracingthemoment.podbean.com/e/welcome-explore-our-first-understanding-of-mindfulness-and-set-an-intention/#comments Sat, 08 Aug 2026 01:47:42 -0300 embracingthemoment.podbean.com/8d05a030-bb6e-3fc0-97f5-efbd67d3a8f5 Meet the facilitator, Paul Deger, and discover how we already experience mindfulness in our lives; learn a new metaphor for adding mindfulness into our day. And reflect on our intention for participating in this mindfulness course.

You will be invited to do some self-reflection throughout this course, so consider grabbing a pen and pad or journal before you begin.

Learn more about Paul's services and access his full library of recorded meditations at https://mindfulnesstrainer.com/ 

Note: If at any time while listening you experience anxiety or distress - stop listening and seek out support, be it family, friends, or calling or texting 988 in the USA. 

Check out Paul's other mindfulness podcast - Simple, but not easy: a mindfulness podcast

]]> Meet the facilitator, Paul Deger, and discover how we already experience mindfulness in our lives; learn a new metaphor for adding mindfulness into our day. And reflect on our intention for participating in this mindfulness course.

You will be invited to do some self-reflection throughout this course, so consider grabbing a pen and pad or journal before you begin.

Learn more about Paul's services and access his full library of recorded meditations at https://mindfulnesstrainer.com/ 

Note: If at any time while listening you experience anxiety or distress - stop listening and seek out support, be it family, friends, or calling or texting 988 in the USA. 

Check out Paul's other mindfulness podcast -
Simple, but not easy: a mindfulness podcast

]]> embracingthemoment false No 674 2 full Embracing the Moment Trailer Embracing the Moment Trailer https://embracingthemoment.podbean.com/e/embracing-the-moment-trailer/ https://embracingthemoment.podbean.com/e/embracing-the-moment-trailer/#comments Sat, 01 Aug 2026 17:11:04 -0300 embracingthemoment.podbean.com/606579ed-34c7-3f00-8727-e5a39839069f What is mindfulness? Is it hard to do? Is it worth the effort? Mindfulness is a capacity we all have, but the chatter in our minds can make it difficult to access. Join Paul Deger, MA, LPC, PT, in this gentle, practical, and inspiring exploration of mindfulness.

Learn more about Paul at https://mindfulnesstrainer.com/ 

 

Check out Paul's other mindfulness podcast - Simple, but not easy: a mindfulness podcast

]]> What is mindfulness? Is it hard to do? Is it worth the effort? Mindfulness is a capacity we all have, but the chatter in our minds can make it difficult to access. Join Paul Deger, MA, LPC, PT, in this gentle, practical, and inspiring exploration of mindfulness.

Learn more about Paul at https://mindfulnesstrainer.com/ 

 

Check out Paul's other mindfulness podcast -
Simple, but not easy: a mindfulness podcast

]]> embracingthemoment false No 201 1 full