What if the key to your healing lies not in avoiding pain, but in transforming how you respond to it?

If you're navigating the aftermath of injury or trauma, the emotional weight can feel just as heavy as the physical. In this episode, you'll learn how the ancient philosophy of Stoicism can become a powerful ally in reclaiming your resilience and turning everyday struggles into stepping stones.

Takeaways:

• Discover the Stoic mindset shift that helped one survivor transform his recovery journey.
• Learn how to practice the "dichotomy of control" to release anxiety and focus your energy where it counts.
• Explore how the phrase "the obstacle is the way" can reshape your view of setbacks and open new paths to growth.

00:00 Introduction and Gratitude

01:15 Exploring Stoicism

06:32 The Dichotomy of Control

09:51 Embracing Obstacles as Growth Opportunities

12:35 Practical Exercise for Control

13:57 Conclusion and Next Steps

Tune in now to learn how to apply these Stoic principles and take one empowering step forward in your healing today.

If this episode sparked something within you, please download it and share it with a friend.

Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, silver, or lacquer, highlighting the cracks rather than hiding them. It embodies the philosophy of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in imperfection and teaches that breakage and repair are part of an object’s history, making it more valuable rather than less. Metaphorically, Kintsugi reminds us that our challenges, scars, and setbacks are not something to be ashamed of but can be embraced as a source of strength and transformation.

Discover how to scroll less and live more by taking my Free Smartphone Wellness Audit by clicking phone.

Did you know that stickers are wonderful visual cues to help you create healthy habits? You can get one of my free Pause Breathe Reflect sticker by clicking sticker.

To discover more and sign up for My RIPPLE EFFECT newsletter by clicking Ripple Effect.

We can also connect on LinkedIn.

Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the micro-meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am.

If you feel you need more mental health support, please contact NAMI. This is a good place to start. If you have a question or comment, please reach out to Michael@PauseBreatheReflect.com.

With Whole Again: A Fresh Approach to Healing, Growth & Resilience after Physical Trauma through Kintsugi Wisdom, listeners explore resilience through personal stories of trauma, scars, and injury while learning to overcome imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and perfectionism with self-compassion, self-love, and self-worth. Through insightful discussions on stress management, mindfulness practices, and digital wellness, the show offers practical tools like breathwork, micro-dose meditation, grounding techniques, visualization, and daily affirmations for anxiety relief and stress relief. Inspired by the art of kintsugi, the podcast embraces healing as a process of...

Did you know that something as simple as your exhale can help you feel stronger, calmer, and more in control?

In this episode of 'Whole Again,' host Michael introduces a micro-meditation designed to help survivors of physical injury and trauma reclaim their strength and resilience through mindful breathing. The meditation focuses on the power of breathing out and emphasizes relaxation and trust in the natural rhythm of the breath. Listeners are guided through a breathing exercise and reminded to integrate mindful breathing into their daily lives. Additionally, Michael encourages listeners to explore more mindfulness practices through the Pause, Breathe, Reflect app and join the community sessions held thrice weekly.

00:00 Introduction to Whole Again

00:31 Preparing for Meditation

00:52 Breathing Techniques

01:43 Trusting the Breath

02:18 Conclusion and Resources

Takeaways:

• Discover why focusing on your exhale builds trust in your body and mind.
• Learn how a simple breathing practice can help you feel more grounded and resilient.
• Experience a guided moment of mindfulness to carry with you throughout your day.

Take a deep breath, press play, and explore the power of your exhale to find calm, clarity, and strength.

If this episode sparked something within you, please download it and share it with a friend.

Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, silver, or lacquer, highlighting the cracks rather than hiding them. It embodies the philosophy of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in imperfection and teaches that breakage and repair are part of an object’s history, making it more valuable rather than less. Metaphorically, Kintsugi reminds us that our challenges, scars, and setbacks are not something to be ashamed of but can be embraced as a source of strength and transformation.

Discover how to scroll less and live more by taking my Free Smartphone Wellness Audit by clicking phone.

Did you know that stickers are wonderful visual cues to help you create healthy habits? You can get one of my free Pause Breathe Reflect sticker by clicking sticker.

To discover more and sign up for My RIPPLE EFFECT newsletter by clicking Ripple Effect.

We can also connect on LinkedIn.

Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the micro-meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am.

If you feel you need more mental health support, please contact NAMI. This is a good place to start. If you have a question or comment, please reach out to Michael@PauseBreatheReflect.com.

With Whole Again: A Fresh Approach to Healing, Growth & Resilience after Physical Trauma through Kintsugi Wisdom, listeners explore resilience through personal stories of trauma, scars, and injury while learning to overcome imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and perfectionism with self-compassion, self-love, and self-worth. Through insightful discussions on stress management, mindfulness practices, and digital wellness, the show offers practical tools like breathwork, micro-dose meditation, grounding...

Did you know that up to 85% of people hold their breath while reading emails or texting—without even realizing it?

In today’s episode, we uncover the hidden ways poor breathing habits affect your health, stress levels, and resilience. You’ll also learn three simple techniques to breathe better and feel more energized—starting right now. If you’ve ever felt tension creeping in while working or using your phone, this episode is for you.

00:00 Introduction to the Episode

00:38 The Importance of Breathing

01:28 A Story of Gratitude

02:50 How to Breathe Properly

03:52 Tips for Better Breathing

05:16 Creating Better Breathing Habits

06:20 Digital Wellness Tip

07:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Takeaways:

• Discover the #1 place you unconsciously hold your breath and how it impacts your well-being.
• Learn three easy breathing techniques that can boost your focus, reduce stress, and improve overall health.
• Get a powerful digital wellness tip to help you breathe better while working on emails and texts.

Listen to my interview with James Nestor to discover more. It's #28 from Whole Again.

Hit play now to uncover simple yet powerful breathing techniques that can transform your health, focus, and daily well-being.

If this episode sparked something within you, please download it and share it with a friend.

Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, silver, or lacquer, highlighting the cracks rather than hiding them. It embodies the philosophy of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in imperfection and teaches that breakage and repair are part of an object’s history, making it more valuable rather than less. Metaphorically, Kintsugi reminds us that our challenges, scars, and setbacks are not something to be ashamed of but can be embraced as a source of strength and transformation.

Discover how to scroll less and live more by taking my Free Smartphone Wellness Audit by clicking phone.

Did you know that stickers are wonderful visual cues to help you create healthy habits? You can get one of my free Pause Breathe Reflect sticker by clicking sticker.

To discover more and sign up for My RIPPLE EFFECT newsletter by clicking Ripple Effect.

We can also connect on LinkedIn.

Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the micro-meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am.

If you feel you need more mental health support, please contact NAMI. This is a good place to start. If you have a question or comment, please reach out to Michael@PauseBreatheReflect.com.

With Whole Again: A Fresh Approach to Healing, Growth & Resilience after Physical Trauma through Kintsugi Wisdom, listeners explore resilience through personal stories of trauma, scars, and injury while learning to overcome imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and perfectionism with self-compassion, self-love, and self-worth. Through insightful discussions on...

What if your healing journey isn’t just about recovery—but about discovering who you can become?

Healing from trauma, injury, or illness often feels like a battle to get back to who we were. But what if true healing isn’t about restoration, but transformation? In this episode of Whole Again, Michael shares three powerful mindset shifts that can change how you approach recovery—plus one life-changing question that reframed his entire healing journey.

00:00 Introduction and Purpose

00:47 Gratitude and Acknowledgment

02:24 Concept 1: The Body as a Teacher

04:34 Concept 2: Embracing Impermanence

07:56 Concept 3: Wholeness Over Perfection

09:47 The Game-Changing Question

10:21 Recap and Final Thoughts

11:44 Closing and Additional Resources

• Learn why your body is a teacher, not an enemy, and how to listen to its wisdom.
• Discover how the Japanese concept of mono no aware can help you embrace impermanence in healing.
• Understand why wholeness isn’t about perfection, but about embracing all parts of your journey.

Press play and explore a new way to see your healing—not just as recovery, but as a powerful path to self-discovery.

If this episode sparked something within you, please download it and share it with a friend.

Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, silver, or lacquer, highlighting the cracks rather than hiding them. It embodies the philosophy of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in imperfection and teaches that breakage and repair are part of an object’s history, making it more valuable rather than less. Metaphorically, Kintsugi reminds us that our challenges, scars, and setbacks are not something to be ashamed of but can be embraced as a source of strength and transformation.

Discover how to scroll less and live more by taking my Free Smartphone Wellness Audit by clicking phone.

Did you know that stickers are wonderful visual cues to help you create healthy habits? You can get one of my free Pause Breathe Reflect sticker by clicking sticker.

To discover more and sign up for My RIPPLE EFFECT newsletter by clicking Ripple Effect.

We can also connect on LinkedIn.

Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the micro-meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am.

If you feel you need more mental health support, please contact NAMI. This is a good place to start. If you have a question or comment, please reach out to Michael@PauseBreatheReflect.com.

With Whole Again: A Fresh Approach to Healing, Growth & Resilience after Physical Trauma through Kintsugi Wisdom, listeners explore resilience through personal stories of trauma, scars, and injury while learning to overcome imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and perfectionism with self-compassion, self-love, and self-worth. Through insightful discussions on stress management, mindfulness practices, and digital wellness, the show offers practical tools like breathwork, micro-dose meditation, grounding techniques, visualization,...

Feeling unsteady, like life is pulling you in all directions? What if you could regain your sense of balance and strength in just a few moments?

When we go through challenges, it’s easy to feel like we’re being thrown off course. In this Micro Meditation, Michael guides you through a simple yet powerful practice to help you feel more grounded—just like a mighty oak tree standing firm in the wind. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or just need a moment of stillness, this meditation will help you root down and find stability.

• Experience a short, calming meditation designed to help you feel more centered.
• Learn how mindfulness can support resilience and emotional strength.
• Discover a simple grounding technique you can use anytime life feels overwhelming.

Take a deep breath, press play, and let this meditation help you feel strong, stable, and grounded—no matter what life brings your way.

Episode Flow:

00:00 Introduction to Micro Meditation

00:28 Finding Your Ground

00:57 Settling In and Preparing

01:29 Breathing and Visualization

01:52 Embracing the Oak Tree Spirit

02:59 Conclusion and Encouragement

If this episode sparked something within you, please download it and share it with a friend.

Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, silver, or lacquer, highlighting the cracks rather than hiding them. It embodies the philosophy of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in imperfection and teaches that breakage and repair are part of an object’s history, making it more valuable rather than less. Metaphorically, Kintsugi reminds us that our challenges, scars, and setbacks are not something to be ashamed of but can be embraced as a source of strength and transformation.

Discover how to scroll less and live more by taking my Free Smartphone Wellness Audit by clicking phone.

Did you know that stickers are wonderful visual cues to help you create healthy habits? You can get one of my free Pause Breathe Reflect sticker by clicking sticker.

To discover more and sign up for My RIPPLE EFFECT newsletter by clicking Ripple Effect.

We can also connect on LinkedIn.

Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the micro-meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am.

If you feel you need more mental health support, please contact NAMI. This is a good place to start. If you have a question or comment, please reach out to Michael@PauseBreatheReflect.com.

With Whole Again: A Fresh Approach to Healing, Growth & Resilience after Physical Trauma through Kintsugi Wisdom, listeners explore resilience through personal stories of trauma, scars, and injury while learning to overcome imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and perfectionism with self-compassion, self-love, and self-worth. Through insightful discussions on stress management, mindfulness practices, and digital wellness, the show offers practical tools like breathwork, micro-dose meditation, grounding techniques, visualization, and daily affirmations for anxiety relief and stress relief. Inspired by the art of kintsugi, the podcast embraces healing as a...

Ever find yourself scrolling through social media and feeling worse about yourself? You’re not alone. But what if you could take back your joy and confidence starting today?

Healing is hard enough without social media making you question your progress or self-worth. In this episode, Michael shares three powerful reflections to help you redefine your identity, take control of your digital space, and silence the voice of comparison. Plus, a reminder you need to hear: You are a badass survivor.

Key Learnings:

• Learn the three key questions that will help you embrace who you’re becoming.
• Find out how social media might be stealing your joy—and what you can do about it.
• Get a powerful mindset shift to remind you of your strength and resilience.

Press play now and take back your joy, confidence, and sense of self—one small step at a time.

If this episode sparked something within you, please download it and share it with a friend.

Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, silver, or lacquer, highlighting the cracks rather than hiding them. It embodies the philosophy of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in imperfection and teaches that breakage and repair are part of an object’s history, making it more valuable rather than less. Metaphorically, Kintsugi reminds us that our challenges, scars, and setbacks are not something to be ashamed of but can be embraced as a source of strength and transformation.

Discover how to scroll less and live more by taking my Free Smartphone Wellness Audit by clicking phone.

Did you know that stickers are wonderful visual cues to help you create healthy habits? You can get one of my free Pause Breathe Reflect sticker by clicking sticker.

To discover more and sign up for My RIPPLE EFFECT newsletter by clicking Ripple Effect.

We can also connect on LinkedIn.

Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the microdose meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am.

If you feel you need more mental health support, please contact NAMI. This is a good place to start. If you have a question or comment, please reach out to Michael@PauseBreatheReflect.com.

With Whole Again: A Fresh Approach to Healing, Growth & Resilience after Physical Trauma through Kintsugi Wisdom, listeners explore resilience through personal stories of trauma, scars, and injury while learning to overcome imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and perfectionism with self-compassion, self-love, and self-worth. Through insightful discussions on stress management, mindfulness practices, and digital wellness, the show offers practical tools like breathwork, microdose meditation, grounding techniques, visualization, and daily affirmations for anxiety relief and stress relief. Inspired by the art of kintsugi, the podcast embraces healing as a process of transformation, encouraging a shift in perspective from worry and being overwhelmed to gratitude and personal growth. By exploring the mind-body connection, micro-dosing strategies for emotional well-being, and holistic approaches to self-care, this podcast empowers listeners to cultivate emotional resilience and live with greater balance and intention.

What if rebuilding your identity after trauma isn’t about going back—but about stepping into who you are meant to become?

Healing isn’t just about recovery—it’s about transformation. In this episode of Whole Again (formerly The Kintsugi Podcast), Michael shares why embracing change is essential to reclaiming your strength. He also reveals three powerful lessons to help you release the past, navigate uncertainty, and step fully into your new identity.

• Learn why letting go of who you were is the key to moving forward.
• Discover how vulnerability can guide you to a stronger, more authentic self.
• Understand how small, unseen moments shape your identity more than big breakthroughs.

Take a deep breath and press play—this episode will help you embrace your journey and step into who you are becoming.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:48 Thank You and Acknowledgements

01:30 Podcast Rebranding Explanation

02:02 The Concept of Kintsugi

05:20 Three Lessons for Identity Transformation

05:36 Lesson 1: Letting Go of the Past

09:19 Lesson 2: Embracing Vulnerability

12:54 Lesson 3: Small Steps to a New Identity

14:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

If this episode sparked something within you, please download it and share it with a friend.

Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, silver, or lacquer, highlighting the cracks rather than hiding them. It embodies the philosophy of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in imperfection and teaches that breakage and repair are part of an object’s history, making it more valuable rather than less. Metaphorically, Kintsugi reminds us that our challenges, scars, and setbacks are not something to be ashamed of but can be embraced as a source of strength and transformation.

Discover how to scroll less and live more by taking my Free Smartphone Wellness Audit by clicking phone.

Did you know that stickers are wonderful visual cues to help you create healthy habits? You can get one of my free Pause Breathe Reflect sticker by clicking sticker.

To discover more and sign up for My RIPPLE EFFECT newsletter by clicking Ripple Effect.

We can also connect on LinkedIn.

Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the microdose meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am.

If you feel you need more mental health support, please contact NAMI. This is a good place to start. If you have a question or comment, please reach out to Michael@PauseBreatheReflect.com.

With Whole Again: A Fresh Approach to Healing, Growth & Resilience after Physical Trauma through Kintsugi Wisdom, listeners explore resilience through personal stories of trauma, scars, and injury while learning to overcome imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and perfectionism with self-compassion, self-love, and self-worth. Through insightful discussions on stress management, mindfulness practices, and digital wellness, the show offers practical tools like breathwork, microdose meditation, grounding techniques, visualization, and daily affirmations for anxiety relief and stress relief. Inspired by the art of...

What if I told you that healing from injury and trauma isn’t about returning to who you were?

Whole Again: A Fresh Approach to Healing, Growth & Resilience after Physical Trauma Through Kintsugi Wisdom gives you the support you need to heal, grow stronger, and embrace who you are becoming.

Inspired by the Japanese art of “Golden Repair,” Kintsugi teaches us that even when life breaks us, we can rebuild—stronger, wiser, and more beautiful than before.

Listen to discover how to:

• Overcome self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and perfectionism by shifting your mindset.
• Build emotional resilience and manage stress through mindfulness, breathwork, and grounding techniques.
• Cultivate self-love, gratitude, and confidence to support your healing and transformation.

I’m Michael O’Brien—husband, Girl Dadx2, son, friend, animal lover, and survivor. After a near-death cycling accident—what I call My Last Bad Day—the metaphor of Kintsugi helped me see that I could be whole again.

Today, as a coach, speaker, and meditation teacher, I offer a steady hand to support you on your healing journey and help you fully step into the person you are becoming.

Join me every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for micro-episodes designed to help you embrace the Kintsugi spirit within you and truly feel Whole Again.

Start your journey now with Episode 193, a fan-favorite on how Kintsugi can transform your healing process.

If this episode sparked something within you, please download it and share it with a friend.

Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, silver, or lacquer, highlighting the cracks rather than hiding them. It embodies the philosophy of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in imperfection and teaches that breakage and repair are part of an object’s history, making it more valuable rather than less. Metaphorically, Kintsugi reminds us that our challenges, scars, and setbacks are not something to be ashamed of but can be embraced as a source of strength and transformation.

Discover how to scroll less and live more by taking my Free Smartphone Wellness Audit by clicking phone.

Did you know that stickers are wonderful visual cues to help you create healthy habits? You can get one of my free Pause Breathe Reflect sticker by clicking sticker.

To discover more and sign up for My RIPPLE EFFECT newsletter by clicking Ripple Effect.

We can also connect on LinkedIn.

Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the microdose meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am.

If you feel you need more mental health support, please contact NAMI. This is a good place to start. If you have a question or comment, please reach out to Michael@PauseBreatheReflect.com.

With Whole Again: A Fresh Approach to Healing, Growth & Resilience after Physical Trauma through Kintsugi Wisdom, listeners explore resilience through personal stories of trauma, scars, and injury while learning to overcome imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and perfectionism with self-compassion, self-love, and self-worth. Through insightful discussions on stress management, mindfulness practices, and...