Episode 6: Crossing the Threshold: committing to a choice
Mindful Conversations with Shamash & CalvinShow Notes
What is choice? How do we make good choices, and how important are the choices we make? This week, Shamash and Calvin cross the threshold on their next leg of their Hero's Journey into mindfulness.
In this episode:
Therapist Mari Williams describes how a lack of choice, real or perceived, can make us feel trapped, but that realising we have choice – even if unfavourable – is valuable.
Dr Mehwish Sharif looks at the growth mindset behind choice, its relationship to decision-making, and how the first step we need to take is accepting the choices we make.
Dr Steven Hayes, the founder of ACT, explores the negotiations we have with ourselves in the mirror.
Social entrepreneur Kush Kanodia shares his personal paradox that the more he knows the more he realises he doesn't know.
On next week's episode, we'll tackle tests, allies and enemies.
Mindful Conversations is hosted by mindfulness teacher Shamash Alidina and mindful storyteller Calvin Niles.
More from Mindful Conversations with Shamash & Calvin
In the final episode of Mindful Conversations Season 3, hosts Shamash and Calvin are once again joined by special guest co-host Moensch Micha — formerly known as Brother Freedom, a Plum Village monk for 14 years. Together, they reflect on a season rich with spontaneous, soulful dialogues exploring themes of mastery, mindfulness, and emergence. Micha shares his powerful transition from monastic life to modern-day mystic, guided by dreams, an inner call, and the passing of his beloved teacher, Thich Nhat Hanh. He opens up about letting go—not just of robes, but of rigid spiritual ideals—in order to meet people more openly, whether in silence or on the dance floor! This conversation touches on: Listening to the quiet wisdom of the heart
In this episode of Mindful Conversations, Calvin and Micha welcome musician and tech professional Dima Golyk, who shares how he rediscovered his passion for music after an early discouragement. Inspired by a life-changing retreat, Dima committed to writing and performing heartfelt songs, blending spiritual insights from meditation and mindfulness practices. He also reflects on balancing a tech career with his artistic calling, noting that modern society increasingly values authentic expression over mere stability. Dima’s music took on deeper meaning when the war in Ukraine escalated, prompting him to release songs that rallied support and hope. Throughout, he emphasizes that it’s never too late to follow one’s inner voice, reminding listeners to have “the courage to be and act.”
In this enlightening conversation, we’re joined by Simone Overath, a spiritual guide and intuitive writer whose bestselling card decks, Transformation Code, channel symbols for the new era. Simone shares her journey into higher consciousness—beginning with intuitive writing and vivid visual downloads—and how she now receives and interprets powerful symbols that help people shift their personal energy and reconnect with their core frequency. We discuss the role of dreams in revealing deeper truths, the importance of trusting gut feelings, and why learning to relax our overactive minds is key to spiritual growth. Whether through journaling, breathwork, or simply noticing meaningful signs in daily life, Simone illustrates how each of us can engage our innate intuition. Join us for a warm, inspiring exploration of transformation, synchronicity, and the subtle frequencies guiding us toward our authentic selves.
In this episode of Mindful Conversations, hosts Calvin, Michael welcome special guest Simone Niles, an expert in voice healing and transformation. The discussion explores the profound impact of the voice on self-expression, healing, and emotional well-being. Simone shares her personal journey of discovering the therapeutic nature of singing, emphasizing how voice work can serve as a powerful tool for transformation. She explains how sound, especially through singing and humming, creates resonance that aligns the body and mind, and discusses the significance of dissonance in clearing stuck energy. The conversation also delves into cultural traditions of sound healing, such as a Namibian practice where a person’s "life song" is sung to remind them of their true self. The hosts reflect on the deep connection between sound and collective harmony, as well as the importance of authentic vocal expression. A thought-provoking discussion emerges around AI-generated voices and whether artificial intelligence can replicate the "soul" of human vocal expression. The guests debate the evolution of AI and its potential role in creativity and communication, with a consensus that while AI can mimic sound, it lacks the emotional depth of human presence. The episode concludes with reflections on how sound shapes our reality, the innate power of the human voice, and the role of conscious evolution in integrating new technology while preserving human connection. The conversation is brought to a close with a collective humming exercise, reinforcing the transformative nature of vocal resonance and its ability to bring people into alignment.
In this lively conversation, Calvin, Shamash, and Micha explore how one calm, mindful person can profoundly influence others—like Thich Nhat Hanh’s peaceful presence or the way dolphins recognize mindful trainers. They discuss how mindfulness is contagious, how we all share vibrations that entrain one another, and why stepping into true presence can instantly dissolve questions and concerns.