182. The Power of Mindfulness: Uniting Hearts and Minds with Special Guest Rev. Amitha Khema: Buddhist monk, mindfulness teacher, resident monk at the Buddha Meditation Center of Greater Washington, DC, and chaplain at George Washington University

Episode Summary The Social Psychic Radio Show welcomes Reverend Amitha Khema for a conversation on how ancient mindfulness and meditation practices can meet the demands of modern life. Drawing on his own disciplined monastic routine and years of teaching, Reverend Khema explores how presence, breathwork, and forgiveness can transform personal healing, deepen community connection, and offer an anchor amid grief, trauma, and the emotional disconnection of the digital age. Topics Discussed Reverend Khema's background as a monastic teacher and his integration of mindfulness into contemporary life A monk's daily discipline: 5:30 AM wake-up, morning chanting, and personal meditation The “Meditate With a Monk” program — a 90-minute guided session using body scanning, breathing exercises, and loving-kindness meditation Letting go of rigid expectations — approaching meditation by “doing nothing” as a starting point Why students and society tend to postpone meditation until moments of acute stress, like exams Breathwork as the anchor that brings practitioners into the present moment Common misconceptions about meditation, and alternatives such as walking meditation for those who struggle to sit still Using meditation to navigate trauma and grief through acceptance rather than resistance The power of forgiveness — releasing anger without requiring forgetting Meditation as a bridge to empathy and compassion in an increasingly digital, AI-driven world Memorable Insight “Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting someone else to suffer.” — Reverend Amitha Kima, on the power of forgiveness Resources & Links Please visit and support our guest. You can find Reverend Khema's teachings, articles, and program details: buddhameditationdc.org Connect With The Social Psychic Create. Heal. Inspire. — Where the law meets the universe, and strategy meets the soul. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices