19. Diluting mindfulness, with Han Wee Tan

Han has been teaching Yoga and Mindfulness in Cairns with a single, sincere wish to share the benefits of practice with others. His approach to the practices are lighthearted and is known for his capacity to deliver complex concepts in an accessible manner. For him, the practices are a way of thinking and living rather than just a band aid for life.

Show notes:

  • Has mindfulness become diluted?  It is now an awkward word to use?

  • Yoga in the Western world has become diluted, however is still a useful practice due to the fast food/fast lifestyle we live in - all of it is supportive in some may.  But choosing your teacher & tool is important.

  • The simplicity of mindfulness is that we pay attention. 

  • The word has value.  Mindfulness is a process of reduction.  You can't DO more to get mindful.  The harder you try - the further you are from it. You can only do less. 

  • In today's world we often believe if we want something we must work for it.  John Cabot's working definition of mindfulness is 'the intentional placement of attention without judgement or reaction or with an appropriate attitude.' 

  • Intention is different to attention. The application of mindfulness is the intention of doing nothing, to do nothing, to get nothing.

  • Stress is the product of addition.  Feeling the burden of more.  Just by pausing we can support ourselves through stress.  

  • Rest is the beginning step (like calling time out in the middle of a basketball game). Accepting the mess is the second step - surrendering. 

  • Metta = The friendliness of kindness & compassion is an important attitude to bring to the process.  A softness.  A lightness.

  • Guilt itself is a heavy emotion - no matter what you feel guilty of.

  • Addictions are a result of trying to run away from an inner reality.

  • The more we practice emotions the more they become us (anger, depression, etc).  We are made up of our thinking mind.

  • Do less & find the sweet spot.  Or do less & the sweet spot will come.

  • Doing nothing, small or large, like having a cup of tea is enough of a practice.  But don't feel pulled to fill the time while it cools.  Incidental awareness is key (eg. incidentally look at the birds) to bring softness.

  • The key piece to mindfulness & peace is a willingness to do less, allowing life to unfold.  Whether there be birds, breeze or not.  

Han runs classes, private sessions & retreats.  You can find all the info you need at - https://www.homeofequanimity.com/

Han has been teaching Yoga and Mindfulness in Cairns with a single, sincere wish to share the benefits of practice with others. His approach to the practices are lighthearted and is known for his capacity to deliver complex concepts in an accessible manner.

Digestive challenges called SIBO with Emily Sugars

Emily Sugars is a Naturopath at The Biome Clinic in Northern NSW, specialising in functional digestive disorders. She has worked closely with Dr Nirala Jacobi, international SIBO expert, since graduating as a naturopath 9 years ago, and has also recently completed a postgraduate Honours in Evidence-Based Complementary Medicine.

Emily also is the Operations Manager and Practitioner Consultant for SIBOtest, which offers at home breath tests for the diagnosis of SIBO and education for practitioners in the treatment of SIBO Emily loves  music, animals and nature and loves nothing more than spending time with her dog and exploring the beautiful part of the world that they live in.

KEY POINTS:

- SIBO: Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth

- This overgrowth produce gasses that interfere with our digestion causing nutrient deficiencies, bloating, gas, alternating bowels, etc

- SIBO is similar yet different to IBS

- Clues: Bloating happens immediately after meals, 'Never been well since', more fibre can worsen symptoms, etc

- SIBO is a consequence of something & is a chronic relapsing condition. If a person relapses the whole picture hasn't been considered, for example if a person is in fight & flight they will not digest their food (21 century syndrome).

- Breath testing is how SIBO is assessed.  

- Treatment depends on the result of the breath test (whether hydrogen or methane gas is reported).  Following this treatment involves identifying the underlying cause, addressing the bacteria imbalance & supporting the sluggish motility due to stress &/or bacteria.

Resources:

Quiz - https://sibotest.com/quizzes/1

Testing - https://sibotest.com/

Underlying Causes Questionnaire - https://www.thesibodoctor.com/what-caused-my-sibo-new/

The clinic Emily works at: https://www.thebiomeclinic.com/

Emily Sugars is a Naturopath at The Biome Clinic in Northern NSW, specialising in functional digestive disorders. She has worked closely with Dr Nirala Jacobi, international SIBO expert, since graduating as a naturopath 9 years ago, and has also recently completed a postgraduate Honours in Evidence-Based Complementary Medicine.