{"href":"http://player.captivate.fm/services/oembed?url=http%3A%2F%2Fplayer.captivate.fm%2Fepisode%2F289e30a4-d7ed-4e44-92db-d2dfab6b000c","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Captivate.FM","provider_url":"https://www.captivate.fm","width":600,"height":200,"type":"rich","html":"","title":"A Single Excellent Night: Zen, Presence & Healing After TBI with Lee Carlson","description":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOn this Cosmic Confluence episode, author, journalist, and Zen practitioner Lee Carlson unpacks the core idea behind his new book, A Single Excellent Night: presence over perfection. We explore how Zen structure creates freedom, why \u201cexcellence\u201d is a felt moment (not a finish line), Lee\u2019s two mystical experiences, and how compassion\u2014taught by his teacher Peter Matheson\u2014reframed recovery from traumatic brain injury. Practical takeaways include simple ways to find stillness, relate to \u201cmonkey mind,\u201d and use nature as a teacher. Timely note: the book launched this week and hit #1 in multiple Amazon categories (Spiritual Healing, Zen Philosophy). If you\u2019re rebuilding after disruption, this conversation offers grounded tools for mindful living and spiritual clarity.\nAbout the guest:\nLee Carlson is an author and journalist whose work bridges science, nature, and contemplative practice. A longtime Zen practitioner, he studied with writer and teacher Peter Matheson. His memoir Passage to Nirvana chronicled recovery after traumatic brain injury; his new book A Single Excellent Night deepens the inquiry into presence, discipline, and surrender.\nKey takeaways:\n\n\n\u201cExcellence\u201d shifts from achievement to moment-by-moment presence\u2014showing up fully is the metric.\n\n\nStructure can produce freedom: disciplined Zen practice removes distractions so awareness can emerge.\n\n\nExpect \u201cmonkey mind\u201d to rebel at first; consistent sitting tames attention (the \u201cTaming the Ox\u201d metaphor).\n\n\nA pivotal experience reframed the world as energy rather than matter\u2014connection is experiential, not theoretical.\n\n\nCompassion is the \u201csecret\u201d of Zen: for self, others, and the natural world.\n\n\nNature is an active teacher of resilience and authenticity; regular contact restores human intelligence amid tech noise.\n\n\nDon\u2019t chase epiphanies; log one true detail from a hard day\u2014truth invites meaning.\n\n\nStillness practices are personal: zazen, walking by water, trails, or quiet church pews all qualify.\n\n\nWrite down pivotal moments; memory fades, but documentation anchors integration.\n\n\nThe book pairs story with short essays so both narrative and analytical learners can engage.\n\n\nConnect with the guest:\n\n\nWebsite: leecarlson.life\n\n\nBook: A Single Excellent Night \u2014 available via Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and independent bookstores (order through your local shop).\n\n\nEmail: available on Lee\u2019s website for reader questions.\n\n\n\nWant to be a guest on Cosmic Confluence? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch\n\n\nDM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik\n\n\nDisclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik\u2122\ufe0f. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer.\nHealthy Mind By Avik\u2122\ufe0f is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. Born during the pandemic, it\u2019s become a sanctuary for healing, growth, and mindful living. Hosted by Avik Chakraborty\u2014storyteller, survivor, wellness advocate\u2014this channel shares powerful podcasts and soul-nurturing conversations on:\n\u2022 Mental Health & Emotional Well-being\u2022 Mindfulness & Spiritual Growth\u2022 Holistic Healing & Conscious Living\u2022 Trauma Recovery & Self-Empowerment\nWith over 4,400+ episodes and 168.4K+ global listeners, join us as we unite voices, break stigma, and build a world where every story matters.\nSubscribe and be part of this healing journey.\nContactBrand: Healthy Mind By Avik\u2122Email: join@healthymindbyavik.com | podcast@healthymindbyavik.comWebsite: www.healthymindbyavik.comBased in: India & USA\nOpen to collaborations, guest appearances, coaching, and strategi","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://artwork.captivate.fm/1e38a562-a723-4e57-bef9-c9ee85cbec31/untitled-design-3-a5oxr.jpg"}