Shannon Duncan is an entrepreneur and author known for his book, Present Moment Awareness. In his newest work, Coming Full Circle, Shannon candidly shares the lessons he learned during his own extensive journey of using psychedelics to heal trauma. With a heartfelt desire to support others in their healing process, Shannon hopes that his experiences will provide valuable guidance to those in need. Along his path, Shannon has discovered the importance of embracing his authentic self, particularly his sense of humor, which has been a source of great reward in his own healing journey. Additionally, Shannon has developed “The Focus Tool,” a mobile app that complements his book and is available for both Apple and Android users. Listen & Subscribe on: iTunes / Stitcher / Podbean / Overcast / Spotify Contact Info Book: Coming Full Circle: Healing Trauma Using Psychedelics by Shannon Duncan Book: Present Moment Awareness by Shannon Duncan Most Influential Person My Therapist, Taffy Effect on Emotions Shannon Duncan expressed his insight about emotions as follows: “Through my experience with mindfulness and working with my therapist, Taffy, I gained a valuable lesson in pulling myself back and simply observing my emotions. Previously, my emotions had solely defined me, as if whatever I was feeling represented an absolute truth. I hadn't considered that these emotions might arise from deeper insecurities, sadness, or a lack of feeling safe. However, through the practice of mindfulness, self-awareness, and self-honesty, I have been able to expand my inner world. I now understand that I can contain and observe my emotions without identifying myself solely with them. I have come to realize that I am not defined by my emotions alone.” Thoughts on Breathing Shannon Duncan emphasizes the significance of breathing, which plays a pivotal role in mindfulness. He stresses that the way we breathe is a direct reflection of our internal state. If our breath is shallow and confined to the chest, it indicates a heightened sense of panic or being in a primal, reactive state. To counter this, it is essential to cultivate abdominal breathing, where the breath originates from the belly. This intentional practice helps to calm the body and mind, allowing a sense of stability to emerge. In Shannon's personal experiences, both in psychedelic journeys and overwhelming emotional moments, conscious breathing has served as a lifeline. When faced with intense emotions that could easily lead to panic, Shannon's guide has consistently reminded him to focus on deep belly breaths. This simple act has the power to settle everything, making the overwhelming emotions more bearable and facilitating their release. Suggested Resources Book: Coming Full Circle: Healing Trauma Using Psychedelics by Shannon Duncan Book: Present Moment Awareness by Shannon Duncan App: The Focus Tool Bullying Story Shannon Duncan shared a poignant story with me that delves into his personal encounter with bullying and its profound connection to the practice of mindfulness. In this moving account, Shannon reveals he once endured the painful experience of being bullied, which left enduring emotional imprints. However, it was through the transformative power of mindfulness that he discovered solace and inner strength. By cultivating a state of present moment awareness, Shannon was able to observe his thoughts and emotions without judgment, allowing him to respond to the bullying with compassion and unwavering resilience. This profound journey illuminated the remarkable capacity of mindfulness in navigating challenging situations, empowering Shannon to transcend the pain and embrace their authentic self. Through the practice of mindfulness, Shannon found the ability to rise above adversity, cultivating a deep sense of self-acceptance and fostering a compassionate perspective. His story serves as a testament to the transformative potential of mindfulness, offering hope and inspiratio