KMUD - Mindful Mud with Flurina Niggli

In this episode of Mindful Mud, I speak with Devon Sangster Rath and Anthony Maes ("T") about mindfulness for teens, the deep support a retreat setting can offer, and the kind of authenticity that is needed when working with adolescents. We explore the work of Inward Bound Mindfulness, also known as I Be Me, and talk about how retreat can become a safe and powerful space for real transformation. Devon and Anthony share their personal paths into mindfulness, what makes teen retreats both deep and accessible, and why no tech can be surprisingly healing for young people. We speak about connection, the importance of feeling safe enough to be real, and the kinds of shifts that can stay with teens for life. We also talk about Dharma Homies, their daily relational mindfulness group on Zoom that is open to everyone. This is a heartfelt conversation about presence, belonging, and the healing power of mindful community.

In this intimate and unflinching conversation, I speak with Zen teacher and former hospice chaplain Renshin Bunce about life, death, and the tender space where they meet. We do not shy away from naming things as they are. Renshin shares personally from her own path, her years of hospice chaplaincy, and the many different ways people approach dying. With honesty, warmth, and a clear Zen flavor, this episode explores what it means to show up with presence at the threshold of death, how our culture often avoids this sacred reality, and why talking about dying matters so deeply. Renshin shares stories, reflections, and insights into the spiritual and practical dimensions of end of life, reminding us that death is not separate from life, but intimately woven into it.

In this episode of Mindful Mud, I speak with ecopsychologist Hanna Nielsen about how we can stay present, human, and connected in a time of climate crisis, grief, anxiety, and overwhelm. We explore what ecopsychology is, what an eco chaplain offers, and why so much of our suffering is rooted in our disconnect from nature, from each other, and from ourselves. This is a conversation for anyone longing for real hope and grounded tools. We talk about healing in community, nervous system support, the power of grief as an expression of love, nature meditation, and how resilience can grow through deep inner work and shared practice. Hanna also shares about the 10 step Good Grief Network approach and her own offerings that help people reconnect and not burn out in the work for climate justice. A rich and heartening conversation about healing together, and remembering that another way of being is possible.

On today’s Mindful Mud episode, I speak with Dr Yang Jwing-Ming, world-renowned martial arts master and founder of YMAA. I’ve been fortunate to train with him for over a decade in Qi Gong and Tai Chi Chuan. In this conversation, we explore the depth of these practices and the philosophy behind them. We begin with Dr. Yang’s own path into martial arts, then explore what Qi is, what Qi Gong is, and why feeling matters most in these practices. We talk about the Yin and Yang dimension of life, the role of breath, and the difference between true relaxation and collapse. From there we open into more explorations: the connection of our physical health and spiritual life, wisdom mind and emotional mind, and the deeper essence of Qi Gong and Tai Chi Chuan as a way to live with more clarity, steadiness, and joy. Come listen if you’re ready for less stress, more vitality, and a path that supports a wiser, more meaningful life.

In this episode of Mindful Mud, we explore Zen on the road with long-haul trucker, musician, and longtime Zen practitioner Jim Spencer (Inaka Crackerbox Jimmy). With more than 3 million miles behind him, Jim shares what it’s really like to practice in the middle of long days, tight schedules, fatigue, and the steady stream of unpredictability that comes with life on the highway. We talk about what brought him to Zen, how he weaves mindfulness into the ordinary moments, long days behind the wheel, driving through stress, meeting irritation, resting at the end of a day, and how the road itself becomes a teacher. Jim also speaks to the heart behind his work and offers a line that stays with you: “Elevate people’s suffering, that’s my real job.” If you’ve ever wondered whether practice can live inside a busy life, this conversation will encourage you. You don’t need a monastery. You need sincerity, and the willingness to come back to this moment, wherever you are.

In this Mindful Mud episode, Flurina talks with Richard Taubinger, a world-leading conscious marketing specialist who works with top teachers in health and spirituality, about one of the most controversial topics of our time: AI. Richard shares his own early skepticism about AI, and together they unpack common myths and narratives—from “AI will save us” to “AI will destroy us.” They explore both the real risks and genuine benefits, and how AI can be a powerful tool and a real danger depending on how we relate to it. You’ll hear practical tips for beginners on how to start using AI in a grounded way, how to stay rooted in your values and soul while using these tools, and why mindfulness is essential whenever we step into the digital realm. This episode is drawn from a live radio show with callers, bringing in real questions, doubts, and reflections from the community.

Curious about mindfulness but not sure it’s for you? In this live Mindful Mud radio conversation, five participants from my 6-week mindfulness course share honestly about what it’s really like to begin. They talk about simple practices—like breathing, mindful seeing, STOP, mindful self compassion, and how they weave them into busy, messy, real life. We explore the challenges, the resistance, the surprising rewards, and how a bit of neuroscience helped it all make sense. If you’ve ever wondered, “Will this actually change anything?”, this episode is for you.

In this episode, Flurina sits down with 5th grader Lily to talk about mindfulness in real life — on the playground, in the classroom, and in those moments when big feelings take over. Together they explore simple tools they’ve learned in class: gratitude practices, ways to calm down during a meltdown, and some easy-to-understand neuroscience about what’s going on in the brain and body. Later in the conversation, a mother and teacher joins to share how these same mindfulness practices are enriching her own life and the lives of her students. This episode is full of practical, kid-friendly tips to help children (and the adults who love them) regulate strong emotions and become the steady “driver” of their wonderfully complex bodies and minds.

In this heartfelt conversation, Flurina welcomes author and inter-faith leader Sande Hart to explore The Liminal Odyssey: the alchemical magic that lives in those moments of transition. Sande introduces the exploration of the spaces “in-between,” when our lives quietly reshape themselves. She invites us into her own threshold-journey—from profound loss and global activism to tender invitations from the soul—and shows how each of us can inhabit those spaces with courage, curiosity, and love. This liminal terrain holds keys to our deeper purpose, and our collective awakening. If you’ve ever felt suspended between chapters, uncertain of what’s next, this episode is your invitation to lean in, listen deeply, and allow the mystery of the in-between to lead you home. Chapters (00:00:02) - Sandy Hart on Mindful Mud(00:01:57) - The Liminal Odyssey(00:06:45) - The 12 Skills of the Odyssey(00:12:06) - 12 Skills of the Quran(00:12:42) - Crux: The Sacred Art of Listening(00:19:02) - Coming soon: Listening(00:19:55) - Seek Truth Through Timefulness(00:25:14) - How I Alchemized Forgiveness and Bliss(00:31:11) - Sandy Hart on the Liminal Odyssey(00:35:54) - Remembering Who We Are as a People(00:42:41) - A message about money and the economy(00:44:30) - Seeking the Liminal Odyssey(00:45:22) - The Sacred cultivation of Synchronicity(00:50:49) - Caller: Maybe We Only Have a Year on This Planet(00:54:35) - Meeting the Maiden Mother Crone(00:57:53) - Being Imprecise With My Words(01:02:41) - Skills for the Liminal Odyssey(01:09:29) - Forgiveness of the Past(01:13:55) - Sen. Rand Paul on the Presidential Search(01:14:13) - Discover Your Planetary Assignment in The Alchemy(01:16:50) - Be Careful What You Ask For(01:20:51) - The Liminal Odyssey: A Practical Guide Into Alchemizing

How can mindfulness be taught in schools playfully and with deep impact? Andrew Jordan Nance, my guest in this conversation, is the founder and lead trainer for Mindful Arts San Francisco and author of popular mindfulness books for kids. Andrew and Flurina share in this episode their long experience going to classrooms teaching mindfulness to students. You learn many practical tips how to invite more mindfulness in to your life and how to bring it to kids. We talk about big emotions, story telling, breathing and gaining freedom through awareness. Andrew paints a colorful picture of his fantastic children's books and how to use them.  He also elaborates on the mindfulness curriculum he wrote: Mindful Arts in the Classrooms. No matter if you are an educator, working with kids, are a parent or grandparent, this episode is for you. Chapters (00:00:02) - Andrew Jordanance(00:02:23) - In the Elevator With Mindful Schools(00:09:10) - Volunteers for Mindfulness in the Schools(00:11:31) - How to volunteer at a mindfulness school(00:16:30) - Mindful Arts Curriculum(00:21:55) - "Everything Is Within You..."(00:25:54) - The Power of Mindfulness in the School(00:28:13) - The Lion in My Mind(00:34:03) - Bradley on Mindfulness in the Schools(00:40:53) - Dolly the Dolphin Takes a Deep Breath(00:42:44) - Puppy Mind: The Great Unknown(00:46:06) - Andrew Jordan Nance(00:50:56) - Puppy Mind(00:56:15) - Puppy Mind: Bringing the Dog Mind to Meditation(01:02:32) - Puppy Mind and The Lion and Me: Stories about Mind(01:06:26) - The Meaning of 'Mindfulness' for Kids(01:08:05) - What is mindfulness for kids?(01:11:12) - Lazy Susan: The Origins of Words(01:14:59) - Andrew Jordan on Mindful Art San Francisco

What is spirituality - really? What does it mean to find the sacred in everything? Tune into this rich conversation with spiritual teacher and author of 5 books, Joan Tollifson.  Joan cuts right through the confusion of spiritual practices and invites us to find not just the diamonds in the mud, but also the beauty of the mud itself. She is a master of bringing the listeners back to the most important thing, the awareness of the present moment as it is. Listen in and find your own way of getting unstuck.  

In this episode, Justine Willis Toms, host of New Dimensions Radio, shares the origin story of New Dimensions and the early days of creating spiritual radio. She also talks about how her spiritual practice has changed through the years, the journeys within different religions and the expansion through inclusiveness. Learn about the importance of circle work, radio and the way to stay truly connected and inspired. How can our work become our fulfillment? How can we follow our intuition and the guiding force of the Universe? Listen in and feel the passion and wisdom that Justine so generously shares. https://newdimensions.org/ https://www.flurinaniggli.com/

In this Bonus special, Nona Ikeda is interviewing Flurina Niggli, exploring how one can find their own spiritual path. Flurina shares her personal journey and how she overcomes constant sickness and physical limitations through divine interventions, deep surrender to the meditation practice, her naturopathic educations, and life itself.

Russell Munsell and I are discussing the scientific benefits of slow, intentional movements, like Qi Gong, Tai Chi and Yoga. We draw from the book, “Mindful Exercise, Metarobics, Healing, and the Power of Tai Chi” by Peter Anthony Griffin. How can some incredible healing journeys be explained? What does awareness and oxygen levels in the cells have to do with the deep healing effects of mindful exercise? https://dynamicvitality.com/product/private-coaching-russell-munsell/ https://www.flurinaniggli.com/

In this episode Fred LaMotte shares his gift to describe the connection to the divine through poetry. He shares delightful stories and some snippets of his beautiful writing. This episode is full of doorways to enter the world of true wonders that is all around us, and that we most often miss in this busy life. Fred is a master to describe true mindful living in a way that is grounded and full of humor. Listen in and feel nurtured and inspired to pause and connect to the abundant beauty of this world. amazon.com/author/alfredlamotte

In this episode, Heidi and I talk Mindfulness 101. What is mindfulness, and how can you cultivate more awareness in your life? We share our own entry points into meditation and what keeps us going. This conversation is packed with inspiration, practical tips, and myth busters. We explore how to free ourselves from the inner critic and other unhelpful habits. We talk about how being centered and happy is possible and needed, especially in these times and how to cultivate it. Heidi shares about the nature retreats she offers and how the natural world is a tranformative place to practice.

Are you longing to simplify your life and find more quality time and meaning? Are you wondering how to slow down the hamster wheel you are on? In this conversation with Andy Couturier, we talk about his book, “The Abundance of Less” and how it is inviting us to slow down. It inspires us to find more purpose in our daily lives. The book profiles ten men and women who have left mainstream life in urban Japan to live surrounded by the luxuries of nature, art, friends, homegrown food, and an abundance of time. They manifest each one in their own way a life which is sustainable, deeply meaningful, and full of creativity and connection to each other and the land. This is an invitation to reconnect with your inner values. https://theopening.org/instructor/ https://www.flurinaniggli.com/

In this episode I have the pleasure of talking with Daiko, the head priest of Rinzai Zen Temple "Daishu in West." We talk about how Daiko starts and follows the Zen path and what it means to be a leader of a small Zen Temple in California. Have you ever wondered how a regular day looks like in a Zen Temple? What does it actually mean to practice Zen 24/7? What are some core questions and discoveries on this path? What is Freedom? https://daishuinwest.org/ https://www.essenceoflifesangha.com/ https://www.flurinaniggli.com/

My guest in this edition of Mindful Mud is Rhonda V. Magee, law professor, mindfulness practitioner and founding Director of the Center for Contemplative Law and Ethics at the University of San Francisco. She is the author of "The Inner Work of Racial Justice, Healing Ourselves and Transforming Our Communities Through Mindfulness. In this episode, we have a conversation about how we can raise awareness in ourselves and in our environment about our own biases. We explore what builds separation and how to confront racial injustice and move towards healing and hope together.  You will hear from different community voices as this lively conversation unfolds. more about Rhonda more about Flurina  

 Are you curious how Mindfulness can be taught in schools and support social emotional learning? This episode's guest is Gordie Hunt, a middle school teacher. We talk about Mindfulness in schools generally and the program I have been running in the middle school Gordie is teaching in. Hear about the transformational power of mindfulness practices for students and teachers. We discuss some of the science behind it, and our experiences from a mindfulness facilitator and a classroom teacher's perspective. Mindfulness is an effective way to change school culture, nurturing a safe and less stressful learning environment. Note: the mentioned organization ‘Mindful Schools’ has since closed its doors.

In this episode we explore how to implement positive change in one's own life, that is aligned with the heart. No matter if it is a change in eating, exercise or rest habits, we explore how to actually approach it so you won't fail. My guest is Russell Munsell, he has a four decade professional career in training individuals to explore their human capacities, maximize the full potential and achieving what is possible beyond perceived limitations. To learn more about Russell go to https://dynamicvitality.com/about-our-experience/

My guest Naoko Moller describes the art of preparing food in a loving and funny way. Get inspired to bring more purpose to your cooking. Naoko is a food activist and Japanese cooking connoisseur. She was born in a Zen Buddhist temple in Niigata, Japan, raised in Hawaii and in Japan at Zen Buddhist temples.  She learned how to cook by assisting her mother from an early age and as a minister's wife by cooking for large groups at Zen Buddhist temples. This episode is full of stories and ideas how to bring more mindfulness into preparing your meals. More info at https://en.oneplatezen.com/ Or flurinaniggli.com

In this episode, I have a conversation with Kira M. Markoff, author of the book: Mindfulness and Me, a Practical Guide for Living. We talk about many ways folks can integrate meditation into their daily lives. The book is written as an eight-week guide with fifty-six different practices, one for each day. Playfully, we look at different ways anyone can integrate more mindfulness. 

Description: This is a lively conversation with a handful of my meditation students. We are talking about how a regular meditation practice has changed their lives. What it means to meditate in a Sangha, and feel the support of a regular group.  We touch on the challenges and gains of the practice and how it can be applied into daily life. Essence of Life Sangha meets every week on Wednesdays on Zoom and in person, everyone is welcome. https://www.essenceoflifesangha.com/

Description: My guest for this episode is Suzanne Tucker, founder of Generation Mindful, an international community bringing mindful, positive child-rearing practices into the mainstream for young families and early childhood classrooms. Suzanne Tucker is a mom of four. This conversation is full of inspiring stories and tools for you to build a closer relationship with your kids. Learn about the time-in-tool-kit and how teaching children social emotional intelligence is easier than you thought.

In this episode, I am interviewing Main-based Mindfulness Director Erica Marcus. She is the author of “Attention Hijacked: Using Mindfulness to Reclaim Your Brain from Tech.” We are talking about the challenges and benefits of Tech use. You can explore how to use technology, so it doesn’t control your life. Feel encouraged to explore your relationship with technology, and learn why social media, video games, and such, are made to be addictive and how we are influenced by them.  This episode is full of practical tips on how to regain authority over the time spent on devices.