LISTEN ON –
This weeks episode of the podcast is an important one. Jarrett McCourt shares his experiences as a freelance tubist, winning his job in Winnipeg, and the joys and struggles during that time. The main focus of the episode, though, is about Jarrett’s mental health struggles, and how he found his way out of his dark place.
I only want to focus on one aspect of our interview in this blog post. The personal and intense information that Jarrett shares I would prefer for you all to hear it directly from him. I’d like to focus on our discussion of mindfulness and how transformative the practice has been in my life.
I’ve written before about my struggles with anger and control. I’ve found putting my focus on mindfulness, and my spiritual practice in general, to be incredibly effective at getting my mind to be more still.
I remember restless nights in Indianapolis when everything in my life seemed to be spiraling out of control. I hardly ate. I know now that I was struggling with depression, but as I said in this episode with Jarrett, I didn’t know to call what I was dealing with depression. At that time, I was stuck as a prisoner to my own mind, unable to break free from going down ridiculous rabbit holes and what if situations for hours on end.
I was introduced to Anthony de Mello by a friend. Watching those videos on YouTube left quite an impression on me. It’s as if I were hearing everything I needed to hear at that exact moment. This concept that we are not the things we do (the me) but rather something much further down that cannot be changed (the I). Stepping away from trying to figuring everything out and simply trying to focus on “Who is the I?” has led to years of self discovery and personal growth that I am very grateful for.
If you’re interested in reading more about mindfulness, I’ll leave a link to “Awareness” by Anthony de Mello. It is by no means the most extensive resource on mindfulness, but I believe it to be thorough, well articulated, and very approachable.
Awareness: The Perils and Opportunities of Reality
Mental Health Resources
Crisis Textline – text 741741 to be connected with someone to talk to anytime, day or night
National Suicide Prevention Hotline – 1-800-273-8255
Thanks so much for listening, I hope you enjoyed the episode. If you wouldn’t mind leaving a rating and a review on iTunes, I would really appreciate it. Don’t forget to share on social media as well! Remember, stay strong, be kind to yourself, and never stop growing!
Until next time,
Ryan