The Game of Zen
The Game of Zen explores the often-overlooked ways in which professional, personal and spiritual growth are interrelated. We dive deep into the life teachings of the Buddha and the mindfulness practices of Zen, revealing how they can help us dramatically expand our possibilities for whole-hearted work, life and play. Play the game of life with wisdom, humor and skill for better businesses and happier lives.
E23 - Mindfulness in Action: How Courtney Schulnick Found Freedom & Fulfillment Through Practice
In today's episode, we have a very special guest joining us - Courtney Schulnick, an accomplished litigator and dedicated mindfulness teacher. Courtney shares her inspiring journey of discovering mindfulness amidst the challenges of balancing a demanding legal career with being a wife and mother to three boys.
Driven by experiences of stress, anxiety, and a longing for better work-life balance, Courtney initially resisted the idea of committing to a mindfulness-based stress reduction program. However, a series of personal losses and overwhelming demands led her to an orientation session at Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia, where she realized the...
E22 -The Alchemy of Presence - Working with Teachers, Coaches and Guides
In our latest episode, Paul and I dove deep into the topic of teachers and their impact on our personal and professional lives. We discussed the three levels of Buddha treasure, the importance of engaging with formal teachings, and how business coaching can provide practical guidance for growth and awakening in the work world. Paul shared his journey as a Zen teacher and how he now helps entrepreneurs and coaches find their true potential. We also reflected on the teachers who have shaped our own lives, from family members to mentors in sports and business. The key takeaway? Finding...
E21 - Zen and the Beginners Mind: Embracing Fresh perspectives in Life & Work
Welcome back to another enlightening episode of "Game of Zen." Today, we're diving into the transformative power of the beginner's mind with your hosts, Scott Berman and Paul Gyodo Agostinelli. We explore how adopting a mindset free of preconceived notions and habitual thinking can lead to continuous growth, enriched relationships, and enhanced problem-solving abilities.
Scott and Paul kick off the conversation with personal anecdotes, including wisdom gleaned from their aging parents and the joy of seeing the world anew, even through their children's eyes.
Whether it's in business, relationships, or daily routines, opening up to...
E20 - Integrating Buddhism and Contemporary Coaching Techniques - Interview with Denise Clegg
Welcome to Episode 20 of the Game of Zen, the podcast where we explore the intriguing intersection of professional, personal, and spiritual growth through the lens of Zen mindfulness and Buddhist teachings. Your hosts, Scott Berman and Paul Gyodo Agostinelli, are thrilled to welcome our insightful guest, Denise Clegg. With a rich background in Tibetan Buddhism, contemplative practices, coaching, and personality assessment, Denise brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our discussion today.
In this episode, Denise takes us on a journey through her introduction to mindfulness and her profound experiences at the Zen Mountain monastery and...
E19: Navigating Attachment - Applying Buddhist Teachings to Modern Relationships
On today’s episode of Game of Zen, we dive into the concept of attachment and its profound impact on our personal and professional lives. We explore how our attachments, whether towards people, success, or material possessions, can lead to suffering but also provide deep insights into our own behaviors. Paul & Scott highlight that understanding secure versus unhealthy attachment, especially in business ventures and family life, can illuminate paths to greater happiness and lessen our emotional burdens. We touched on Buddha's teachings about the roots of attachment—craving, aversion, and ignorance—and discussed practical steps to cultivate mindfulness and apprecia...
E18: Zen Connections: The Role of Community in Spiritual and Professional Growth
Get ready for another enlightening journey on this week’s episode of The Game of Zen Podcast. Join hosts Paul & Scott as we explore the profound impact of Zen practices in both personal and corporate settings, and the importance of community in our spiritual journeys. Learn about the transformative potential of Zen retreats at Paul’s Boulder center. From daily meditation to intentional community engagement, these retreats are designed to deepen your practice and connect you to your inner Zen.
00:00 Sangha is essential to a practice community.
05:49 Organic journey attracts followers through insightful teachings.
08...
E18 - Zen Connections: The Role of Community in Spiritual and Professional Growth
Get ready for another enlightening journey on this week’s episode of The Game of Zen Podcast. Join hosts Paul & Scott as we explore the profound impact of Zen practices in both personal and corporate settings, and the importance of community in our spiritual journeys. Learn about the transformative potential of Zen retreats at Paul’s Boulder center. From daily meditation to intentional community engagement, these retreats are designed to deepen your practice and connect you to your inner Zen.
00:00 Sangha is essential to a practice community.
05:49 Organic journey attracts followers through insightful teachings.
08...
E17 - The Third Poison - Overcoming Ignorance
We're thrilled to share with you the latest journey of spiritual exploration in our Game of Zen podcast. Enlightenment seekers like yourself won’t want to miss Episode 17, titled "The Third Poison - Ignorance," where our hosts delve deep into one of the greatest barriers on the road to awakening.
Scott and Paul skillfully navigate through the murky waters of ignorance. As they discuss the impact of not knowing, the dangers of inner turning away, and the perils of a lack of awareness, they lay bare the impact on our self-awareness and compassion for others’ suffering. This conv...
E16: Live the Width of Your Life - Interview with Aneta Ardelian Kuzma
Dive deep with us in an enriching conversation with special guest Aneta Ardelian Kuzma, a beacon of transformation in the realm of leadership and wellness. Having transcended her illustrious banking career into a passion-driven mission to promote well-being in the corporate world, Aneta's story is bound to captivate and inspire.
00:00 Early yoga and meditation fueled busy life.
06:01 Obtained multiple certifications to start coaching practice.
07:29 Created wellness programs for struggling corporate workers.
12:41 Coaching clients receive wellness program with somatic healing.
14:34 Societal norms, upbringing influence self-sabotage, coping skills.
18:09 Visioning...
E15 Stepping up & Waking up with Psychedelics
In today's episode, we're venturing into the thought-provoking world of psychedelics. Paul & Scott sit down in a riveting discussion that dives deep into the intersection of psychedelics, mental health treatment, and the profound influence these substances can have on our consciousness. From tackling tough topics like big pharma's stance on alternative therapies to sharing personal journeys with micro dosing, this episode is brimming with insights!
00:00 Connections between mindfulness, Buddhism, meditation, and psychedelics.
04:10 Sharing extensive journey, learning about psychedelic renaissance.
08:39 Connected with wife through ayahuasca, unity consciousness.
10:08 Psychedelics can aid healing and...