[Best Of] On Expanding Our Window of Tolerance | Dr. David Treleaven

Dr. David Treleaven is a a writer, educator, and trauma professional whose work lies at the intersection of mindfulness and trauma.

At the heart of David’s work is the notion that mindfulness is more powerful when combined with an understanding of trauma.

Part of what’s behind this is the growing realization over the years that mindfulness meditation isn’t all good. There are a number of potential pitfalls that have been increasingly documented over time. One of which is that mindfulness can exacerbate symptoms of traumatic stress.

As a result David has focused on offering mindfulness providers the knowledge and tools they require to meet the needs of those struggling with trauma.

In this conversation (which was originally recorded during COVID and we are re releasing again) David and I will explore a few big questions:

1. What is the relationship between increasing our capacity to be with discomfort and a meaningful and fulfilling life?
   
   
2. How can we increase our capacity to tolerate distress and discomfort while staying regulated, and responsive in the process?
   
   
3. When we are working at the edge of our comfort zone, or are working with the more difficult aspects of our experience how do we know when to keep going, and when to back off?

This is one of my favorite conversations on the show over the years and Partly because David is such a skilled teacher, and partly because the framework we'll discuss together (called the window of tolerance) is one of the most practical I  have come across for answering these big and nuanced questions about how to meet life from a more responsive and regulated place. 

For more on David, his book, courses and events please visit: davidtreleaven.com

Note on re-releasing this episode:

Every so often we will choose to re release an episode from earlier years. These conversations are often some of the best we've had on the show and you'll see [Best of] in the title. This conversation was originally recorded in 2021 during COVID, yet the themes, and what David offers feel just as timely and useful today as they did years ago. I hope you enjoy!

Interested in taking David's flagship Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness Course? As a listener of The Courageous Life you can get $400 off.

To receive the discount:

1. Head to: https://davidtreleaven.com/trauma-sensitive-mindfulness-complete/

2. Upon checkout enter the coupon code: courage400

Did you find this episode inspiring? Here are more conversations we think you'll love:

• On Why We Suffer and How We Heal | Dr. Suzan Song
• On the Transformative Power of Equanimity | Margaret Cullen
• On the Power of Wonder | Monica Parker

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