Episode Description

For episode 214 of the Metta Hour, we continue our Mental Health Series with teacher and author George Mumford. In this series, Sharon is speaking with teachers, experts, and health advocates to explore and destigmatize mental health, applying the tools of Buddhist wisdom and spiritual practice. This multi-part series aires every other week in the coming months. In this episode, Sharon is joined by author and teacher George Mumford, a.k.a. The Mindfulness Performance Whisperer. George is a highly acclaimed and leading expert in sports psychology & performance. Phil Jackson’s ‘Secret Weapon’ to winning eight NBA Championships. George is the author of “The Mindful Athlete” and his 2023 book, “Unlocked: Embrace Your Greatness, Find the Flow, Discover Success.”

In this conversation, George and Sharon discuss:

• George’s mental health journey
• Looking at mental health as a spectrum
• The myth that mental illness is rare
• Transforming roadblocks into stepping stones
• The public stigma for athletes
• Learning how to relate to ourselves
• Every experience is valuable
• The inspiration for George’s new book
• Growth mindset versus fixed mindset
• Cultivating agency and empowerment
• Finding your flow state
• Working with failure
• George’s translation of Buddhist teachings
• Abiding in love in our growth
• George’s three cornerstones

Additional Resources

The conversation closes with a guided meditation on awareness led by George. To learn more about George’s work, and to get a copy of his new book “Unlocked” 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
The Friendship Bench Creating Safe Spaces & Community
Hope for Bereaved Grief Support Groups
Option B Grief, Trauma and Loss Support