Episode Description

For episode 210 of the Metta Hour, we are beginning a special Mental Health Series! In this series, Sharon sits down with different teachers, experts, and health advocates to explore and destigmatize mental health. Applying the tools of Buddhist wisdom and spiritual practice, this multi-part series airs every other week for the coming months.

For the inaugural episode of the series, Sharon speaks with teacher and activist, Reggie Hubbard. Reggie is a certified yoga and meditation teacher and the founder/chief serving officer of Active Peace Yoga. He has taught Members of Congress, Congressional Staff, major labor unions, leading progressive organizations, and individuals from all walks of life the simple tools for managing stress and bringing peace to mind, body, and spirit. Outside of his teaching, Reggie has held many senior strategic and logistical roles across various fields, ranging from global marketing, digital and community organizing, government relations, international education to Presidential campaigning. Reggie’s life work sits at the intersection of bringing more peace and balance to activists; guiding the wellness community toward being more engaged, concerned citizens; and enhancing the well-being of all walks of life.

In this conversation, Sharon and Reggie discuss:

• Reggie’s path in mental health as a political activist
• The 1 in 5 statistics of mental illness
• Mental Illness isn’t a weakness
• How stoicism affects mental health
• The role of Toxic Masculinity in mental health
• The challenges that Black men face
• Reggie’s childhood story
• Not being able to control our thoughts
• What tools we can learn from marginalized communities
• The judgments we add to mental health
• Confronting our shame
• Finding joy even when things go wrong
• Adopting a both/and attitude
• Reggie’s tools for grief
• The role of community in our healing

Additional Resources

The conversation closes with a guided sound meditation led by Reggie. To learn more about Reggie’s work, you can visit his website.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline call 988 or (800) 273-8255
Psychology Today Find a Mindfulness-Trained Therapist
Active Peace Yoga with Reggie Hubbard
The Psychology Podcast with Scott Barry Kaufman
Mark Epstein Psychiatrist & Author with a Buddhist Lens
Nalanda Institute Contemplative Psychotherapy Program
Express Yourself Black Man Healing Community for Black Men
Black Boys Om Black Boys & Men Healing & Wellness Education
Cloud Sangha Community For Meditation & Wellness
The Trevor Project Support for LGBTQ Mental Health
Therapy for Black Girls Mental Wellness for Black Women and Girls