She Walked Out of a War Zone and Into Mindfulness: Mitra Manesh on Finding Peace Amid Chaos

Stillness can feel impossible in a world that rewards constant motion. Before 2020, most of us were sprinting through life—our schedules packed, our minds overstimulated, our silence drowned out by screens. But what happens when we finally stop? This episode is a throwback, and was recorded in 2020, however the themes are still just as relevant today. It invites you to explore the question of stillness with Mitra Manesh, mindfulness thought leader and founder of the Innermap app. Drawing from both Eastern wisdom and Western practicality, Mitra shares her remarkable journey—from fleeing Iran during wartime to building a career teaching others how to find peace in chaos. You’ll learn how to visit your past and future with a strict itinerary, reconnect to the present moment, and embrace the art of mindful living even when the world feels uncertain. What You’ll Learn 3:49 How Mitra was first introduced to mindfulness and the practices that changed her life. 6:56 How she and her clients found meaning during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. 10:04 What it was like to literally walk out of Iran and into Turkey during the war. 17:57 How to engage with your past and future mindfully—without falling into anxiety or regret. 21:50 When she developed her “strict itinerary” theory for time-traveling through the mind. 26:18 Her favorite Rumi quote and the timeless wisdom it carries. 26:38 What befriending death taught her about joy. 31:48 Why oil pulling is part of her daily routine. 34:05 The story behind her beloved teacher. 36:13 How a 90-year-old Buddhist monk helped her rediscover fun. 38:18 Mitra’s practical advice for easing anxiety in uncertain times. About the Guest Mitra Manesh is a mindfulness educator, speaker, and founder of Innermap, a mindfulness app blending corporate training with Eastern contemplative practices. Her clients range from global executives to creative leaders seeking clarity, compassion, and calm in the modern world. Connect with Mitra Manesh Innermap Instagram