In this episode of From Darkness to Light, artist and host Matreya sits down with one of the most respected Buddhist figures in the UK: Venerable Bogoda Seelawimala Thera – Head Priest of the London Buddhist Vihara and Chief Sangha Nayaka of Great Britain.

Venerable Seelawimala is not only a meditation teacher and spiritual guide – he has also represented Buddhism at some of the UK’s most significant national and royal events. He has served as Buddhist chaplain to the London 2012 Olympics, as the sole Buddhist representative at the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey, and in the same role at the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

This is a gentle, powerful conversation about anxiety, depression, and the “monkey mind”, and how ancient Buddhist wisdom can help us meet modern life with more peace, courage and compassion.

🧡 In this episode, we explore:

• Why untrained minds fall into anxiety, fear and negative thought loops
• The Buddhist teaching of non‑self (anatta) and impermanence as a way to soften suffering
• The difference between wholesome desires and draining desires
• The four Brahma‑Viharas — loving‑kindness, compassion, appreciative joy and equanimity — and how to embody them
• How our own thought patterns can trap us (like a spider in its own web) — and how to break free
• The importance of real community, connection and shared humanity
• A simple introductory meditation anyone can begin — even total beginners

🧡 Key Takeaways:

• You are not your thoughts — emotions arise and pass like clouds.
• Mindfulness is mental exercise, just like the body needs training.
• We can transform our inner world by cultivating loving‑kindness and compassion.
• Taking responsibility for our inner ‘subjective world’ is the first step toward freedom.
• Even a few minutes of silence can shift an entire day. This episode is best experienced in a quiet space - sit or lie down, relax, and let the Venerable’s words wash over you.

🧡 If This Conversation Spoke To You:

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Share this episode with someone who may need a gentle reminder that change is possible.

Connect:

Venerable Seelawimala & the London Buddhist Vihara:

Website: https://www.londonbuddhistvihara.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lbvihara

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf48_vKevmNqJhqJ1M-ICXg

Matreya:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matreyaofficial/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsmasonnoise/

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@matreyaoffici...

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MatreyaMusic

From Darkness to Light is a conversation series hosted by Matreya , exploring holistic pathways to move beyond anxiety and depression into resilience, empowerment, and healing.

🎧 More From Darkness to Light episodes:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7g5M0Zm7G_8&t=97s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C44CSXR2T7w

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEXWEJ3z-MQ&t=134s

Disclaimer:

This episode shares personal stories and professional perspectives related to gut health and mental health. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing mental health challenges, please seek support from a qualified healthcare provider.

If You Need Support: You are not alone. Please reach out.

🇬🇧 UK – Samaritans: 116 123 (Free, 24/7)

🇺🇸 USA – 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (Free, 24/7)

🇦🇺 Australia – Lifeline: 13 11 14 (Free, 24/7)

🌍 International Helplines: https://findahelpline.com

Spiritual therapist Dianne Porchia (eatured in award-winning documentary HEAL ) joins Matreya to explore how the subconscious mind and heart hold the keys to healing anxiety, trauma, and living consciously.

What if true healing starts in the subconscious mind? In this episode of From Darkness to Light, Matreya speaks with Dianne Porchia, best known for her work in the acclaimed documentary Heal on Netflix, where her mind–body–spirit approach to healing has inspired millions worldwide.

Dianne is a respected spiritual therapist and holistic stress reduction specialist with 25+ years of experience helping people transform trauma, anxiety, and limiting beliefs into resilience and purpose. With a background in spiritual psychology, her work bridges mind, body, and spirit to address the deeper subconscious patterns that shape our health and our lives.

In this powerful conversation, Dianne shares:

- How the subconscious influences anxiety, depression, and trauma

- Practical tools to rewrite limiting beliefs and old stories

- The mind–body–spirit connection in healing

- Heart–brain coherence and presence practices

- Ways to step into your “bigness” and live consciously

From Darkness to Light is a conversation series hosted by Matreya (formerly Mason Noise), exploring holistic pathways to move beyond anxiety and depression into resilience, empowerment, and healing.

If you’re seeking transformation, this dialogue will inspire you to discover that the light lives within.

🌐 Connect

Dianne Porchia

Website: https://porchiaswish.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myporchia

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/porchiaswish

Watch Heal on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/80220013

Matreya Instagram: @matreyaofficial Facebook: @itsmasonnoise TikTok: @matreyaofficial

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⚠️ Disclaimer: This episode shares personal stories and professional perspectives related to gut health and mental health. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing mental health challenges, please seek support from a qualified healthcare provider.

🆘 If You Need Support: You are not alone. Please reach out. 🇬🇧 UK – Samaritans: 116 123 (Free, 24/7) 🇺🇸 USA – 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (Free, 24/7) 🇦🇺 Australia – Lifeline: 13 11 14 (Free, 24/7)

🌍 International: findahelpline.com

🎧 Episode 2 – From Darkness to Light

Gut Health = Mental Health: Healing Anxiety & Depression

Guest: Dr. Elen ApThomas

In this episode of #FromDarknessToLight, UK artist Matreya speaks with Dr. Elen ApThomas, a holistic GP, gut health specialist, and founder of The Medical Sanctuary in Queensland, Australia. With over 20 years of experience in integrative nutritional medicine, Dr. Elen combines conventional and complementary approaches to address the root causes of illness.

🧠 Together, they explore how the gut–brain connection shapes our experience of anxiety, depression, and emotional wellbeing. From inflammation to the microbiome, mitochondria, nutrition, and fasting — this conversation reveals how healing truly begins from the inside out.

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🔍 What You’ll Discover in This Episode: • Why modern life has created a rise in anxiety and depression — and what we can do about it • The link between inflammation in the brain and mental health struggles • How gut health imbalances and chronic stress affect mood, energy, and resilience • The truth about probiotics, prebiotics, and the microbiome — what actually works • Why the Mediterranean diet supports emotional wellbeing • How mitochondria (“the body’s batteries”) fuel brain health and mood • The role of fasting and cellular regeneration in reducing inflammation • Practical steps you can take today to start improving gut and mental health

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🌐 Connect

Dr. Elen ApThomas Website: www.themedicalsanctuary.com.au Facebook: facebook.com/themedicalsanctuary

Matreya Instagram: @matreyaofficial Facebook: @itsmasonnoise TikTok: @matreyaofficial

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⚠️ Disclaimer: This episode shares personal stories and professional perspectives related to gut health and mental health. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing mental health challenges, please seek support from a qualified healthcare provider.

🆘 If You Need Support: You are not alone. Please reach out. 🇬🇧 UK – Samaritans: 116 123 (Free, 24/7) 🇺🇸 USA – 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (Free, 24/7) 🇦🇺 Australia – Lifeline: 13 11 14 (Free, 24/7) 🌍 International: findahelpline.com

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