From Surviving to Thriving – How Mindfulness Saved a Recovering Jerk | Peter Callahan

When Peter, Copper Beech Institute’s Leadership & Engagement Director and founder of Fresh Perspectives, introduces himself in this manner, he’s not joking. He spent much of his youth compensating for his unhappiness by building an armor around himself that left him disconnected and unable to empathize.“I realized I was so disconnected, but I didn’t know why,” Peter said. “I finally admitted I didn’t like the way I was and that I wanted to change and connect with others.”It was this desire for connection that launched him on a path of transformation. He’d seen loved ones undergo introspective journeys and change for the better, including his mother through her work with the 12 Steps of Al-Anon, a fellowship of families and friends of alcoholics. This planted the seed for Peter’s own contemplative work, which eventually led him to Copper Beech Institute.“I learned of Copper Beech when I met Brandon and Susan Nappi through my wife, Mackenzie. My first retreat was with them at the Couples’ Retreat. Brandon and Susan are like family now.”When asked what he appreciates most about Copper Beech Institute, Peter is quick to point out the authenticity and compassion inherent to the community.“The people who work and visit Copper Beech practice what they preach,” Peter said. “When you’re here, you’re treated like a whole person, not a number. And because the size is manageable and we’re continuing to blossom, everyone can be a part of the Institute’s growth.”In addition to his role of furthering Copper Beech’s work, Peter has partaken in the Institute’s Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course to further deepen his meditation practice and is pursuing MBSR teacher certification.“I meditate every day now,” he said. “MBSR has especially helped me hear and understand my body’s signals more clearly and take better care of myself.”For Peter, though, meditation isn’t just about himself – it’s about how he engages with the world.“It’s great if you can sit on a mat and meditate for hours, but what if someone cuts you off in traffic? I used to have so much road rage. I would scream, flip other drivers off, tailgate them, you name it. After years of daily meditation practice and all I’ve learned at Copper Beech, when I have those urges, I now have the space to notice them, accept them, and choose how I respond to them.”Instead of living with armor that leaves him feeling alone, Peter is now focused on leading a compassionate and purposeful life. “I just want to create as many positive ripples as I can,” he shared with a smile.ABOUT PETER CALAHANPeter loves to work with leaders, students, and entrepreneurs and together practice looking inside to discover and act on their values, meaningfully connect with others, and find fulfillment in their work and lives.Peter holds certifications as a Professional Coach through the Institute of Professional Excellence in Coaching and the International Coach Federation. He has completed mindfulness teacher trainings through UMass Medical School and Mindful Schools, has a degree in Entrepreneurship and Business Management from the University of Rhode Island, and has managed and worked with Fortune 500 companies and small businesses throughout the country.Peter has served on the board of the International Coach Federation, is a founding board member of the Entrepreneurial Center of Northwest Connecticut, is past President of the Litchfield Chapter of Business Networking International, and is a Northwest Connecticut 40 Under 40 Award winner. Peter lives in Harwinton with his wife, Mackenzie and is an avid hiker, skier, and reader, and also loves to travel and volunteer throughout his community.