Alan sits down with Marcus Higgs, a communication coach, educator, and mindfulness expert with a rich multicultural background and international teaching experience. Together, they dive deep into the art of discernment and the virtue of non-judgment, exploring how we can process emotions and life's challenges calmly and with greater awareness.

Marcus shares his innovative communication model, "wonder and explore the world together," that fosters long-term commitment to personal growth and project-based learning. The duo reflects on the transformative power of mindfulness in parenting and education, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, virtues, and the divine presence within us all.

Here are three key takeaways that can help us all enhance our personal and professional lives:

🔹 Embrace Discernment for Emotional Equanimity: Marcus highlighted discernment as a virtue that allows us to process emotions without reacting personally or permanently. This practice can significantly reduce psychological suffering and foster a more mindful approach to life's challenges.

🔹 Cultivate Collaborative Problem-Solving: Drawing from Ellen Galansky's "The Breakthrough Years," Marcus shared an inspiring story about involving children in managing video game time through open discussion rather than criticism. This approach not only encourages critical thinking but also supports self-regulation and autonomy.

🔹 Practice "Virtue Spotting": Recognizing and appreciating the virtues in others can foster positive behavior and strengthen relationships. Marcus introduced a list of 24 virtues from the Virtues in Action Institute, based on positive psychology and stoicism, as a practical tool for this purpose.

About the guest:

Marcus supports parents of preteens (10-14 y.o.) so they can show up and maintain a meaningful relationship with their child during these natural 'identity-breaking' years.

Website: https://marcushiggs.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcushiggs/