Vinnie Stergin is a London-based Austrian artist, musician, creative, and educator with over 20 years of experience teaching people from millionaires & CEOs to prison inmates. The transformational power of music and creativity is Vinnie's secret power. Vinnie has unique insight into the ways in which creativity and the power of music can positively influence and transform lives. As the founder and creator of The Mindful Ukulele Method, Vinnie is passionate about combining the ancient teachings of mindfulness with the joy of learning to play the ukulele. Over the years, he has had the opportunity to work with hundreds of students from various socio-economic backgrounds, witnessing the tremendous benefits they have experienced, including less stress and anxiety, realignment of mind and body, increased clarity, more happiness, and improved relationships. Listen & Subscribe on: iTunes / Stitcher / Podbean / Overcast / Spotify Contact Info Website: https://mm.mindfulukulelemethod.com Book: The Mindful Ukulele Method Most Influential Person Rick Rubin, Music Producer Effect on Emotions Mindfulness has helped me a lot in dealing with my emotions. In life, we all go through tough times, and when something hurts us, we might try to hide our feelings. This can help in the beginning, but if you keep avoiding those feelings for a long time, it doesn't really help anymore. With mindfulness, I've learned to be more aware of the feelings that make me uncomfortable. Instead of ignoring them, I let them come and face them. This helps my mind feel better. It's like a process. And you know what? These uncomfortable feelings won't ever really go away.That's normal for everyone. But mindfulness helps me by first noticing when these feelings show up. Then, instead of trying to push them away, I look at them closely. Mindfulness is really good at helping me with that. Thoughts on Breathing Breathing is something we do all the time without even thinking about it, until we stop. But you can actually pay attention to your breath. Like with my students, I often do an exercise where we count our breaths. We breathe in, that's one, and breathe out, that's two, and so on up to ten. We close our eyes and just focus on breathing. It's a great way to notice your breath. Even if thoughts come into your mind, you just notice them and then get back to focusing on your breathing. It's like a strong anchor. When I started practicing mindfulness, I spent about six months just learning how to breathe properly again. Suggested Resources Book: https://mm.mindfulukulelemethod.com Book: The Creative Act; A Way Of Being by Rick Rubin Book: Aristotle's Way: How Ancient Wisdom Can Change Your Life by Edith Hall App: n/a Bullying Story I've had a couple of younger students who were bullied in the past two years. One story that stands out is about a really nice student of mine. He always loved music, and his parents wanted to give him music lessons. Our paths crossed, and I remember helping him by creating a positive space where he could explore his feelings and who he was without any judgment. I focused on boosting his self-confidence. Over about a year, I saw a big change in him. Music somehow became like a special power for him. It helped him become more aware of himself and more confident. And you know what? The bullying he was facing got a bit better. He became a bright and unique person. Sometimes, it's tough for colorful and unique people to fit in, especially when everyone around seems to do things the same way. Words of Wisdom You are amazing. We are here together and we experience the human condition. Life is really hard; life can be crazy. But there's also so much magic out there. Find and appreciate the magic in your family, with your friends, with strangers, with nature, and with your dog and cat. Embrace every little bit of magic. Related Episodes Music for Mindfulness; Dave Combs Music In Mindfulness and Everyday Life; Michae