Scott Raymond and Warren Gendel sit down with internationally renowned mindfulness teacher and author Mark Coleman for a wide-ranging conversation about meditation, mental fitness, and our deep relationship with nature.
Mark shares his unlikely journey from anarchist punk rocker in London to Buddhist meditator, nature-based retreat leader, and one of Spirit Rock Meditation Center’s most sought-after teachers. They explore how mindfulness helps us work with the inner critic, manage stress, and return to a grounded, present state—especially in the middle of busy, modern lives.
You’ll also hear how nature itself can be our greatest meditation teacher, why looking at the bay or sitting by the ocean “counts” as real practice, and how micro-practices between meetings can restore focus and energy throughout the day.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
* How Mark discovered meditation while squatting in London and realized his own mind—not the outside world—was the main source of his suffering
* Why mindfulness is less about “getting somewhere” and more about seeing clearly what’s happening inside us
* The difference between mindfulness and meditation—and how you can be mindful without sitting on a cushion
* How nature supports awareness through “soft fascination” and why time outdoors calms the nervous system
* Simple, practical ways to weave mindfulness into everyday life: driving, working out, walking, working, or standing in line
* A powerful 3-breath protocol to downshift stress in traffic, before meetings, or anytime anxiety spikes
* Why our attention is a limited resource—and how short “nature breaks” are more restorative than scrolling on our phones
* The science behind forest bathing, attention restoration, and why views of nature improve healing and wellbeing
* How open awareness (taking in a whole landscape) differs from narrow focus—and why both are key parts of a balanced practice
* How Mark begins and ends his day, including a nightly gratitude ritual with his partner that you can easily adopt
About our guest:
Mark Coleman is a mindfulness teacher, meditation instructor, and author of multiple books, including A Field Guide to Nature Meditation. He is a senior teacher at Spirit Rock Meditation Center, founder of the Mindfulness Training Institute, and creator of Awaken the Wild, an organization dedicated to reconnecting people with nature through retreats and trainings around the world. Mark leads meditation and nature retreats on several continents, trains mindfulness teachers, and integrates science, contemplative practice, and ecology in his work.
About The Evexia Exchange:
A podcast by Club Evexia—a wellness community in Southern Marin focused on fitness, longevity, and belonging. Founders Scott Raymond & Warren Gendel interview practitioners, members, and thinkers on living well together—from strength and recovery to relationships, purpose, and community. Produced by Resonate Studio, LLC.
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56 Min.