Growing Our Window of Tolerance | 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 today’s conversation 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. 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.

Quick note: This conversation is a “long lost episode” of sorts. David and I originally sat down and recorded in 2021 during COVID, but due to a number of challenges during that time, I  didn’t get around to publishing it till this year, and I  am so happy to be sharing it with you now.

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

More about David Treleaven:

David is the author of the acclaimed book Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness and founder of the Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness (TSM) Community—a group of practitioners committed to setting a standard of care through mindfulness-based practices, interventions, and programs. For more visit: davidtreleaven.com

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

• Meeting a World in Crisis with Courage, Integrity, and Love | Oren Jay Sofer
• Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness | Dr. David Treleaven

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