Building the Mindfulness Muscle: Stephen Schettini’s Practical Approach

By: Ana Melikian, Ph.D. | Posted in: Blog | January 31st, 2025

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The function of mindfulness is to expose your own reactivity so that it's no longer unconscious so that you see it.”
– Stephen Schettini

In this episode, Ana Melikian sits down with former Buddhist monk turned author, coach, and teacher, Stephen Schettini, to delve deep into the practice of mindfulness. Stephen, who spent eight years as a Buddhist monk, shares his journey and insights on how mindfulness is not about adopting Eastern traditions but recognizing it as a natural human function.

Ana and Stephen explore how cultivating a mindfulness practice can introduce critical pauses between stimulus and response, allowing us to choose more intentional responses. They discuss the idea that every small step and consistent practice contribute to a greater transformative experience, much like gradually heating water until it boils.

Stephen also talks about his approach to teaching mindfulness, emphasizing the need for regular practice and the invaluable micro moments of mindfulness in our daily lives.

Join Ana and Stephen as they unpack the many layers of mindfulness and its profound impact on self-awareness and personal growth.

Let's dive in!

This week on the MINDSET ZONE:

00:00 Introduction to Mindfulness

00:31 Meet Our Host and Guest

01:49 The Concept of Wishful Thinking

03:00 Imagination and Ego

05:51 The Journey to Mindfulness

13:28 Hope and Expectations

17:30 The Practice of Mindfulness

23:59 Forgiveness and Persistence

28:38 Mindfulness Live Program

32:35 Conclusion and Resources

Guest

Stephen Schettini (pronounced skettini), known as “The Inner Monk,” is a former Buddhist monk and present-day mindfulness teacher. For Stephen, stress-reduction is just the beginning. His greater interest lies in the integration of traditional Buddhist insights with modern mindfulness practices. His goals are enhanced self-awareness, greater emotional intelligence and deep commitment to personal growth.

Stephen’s memoir is, “The Novice: How I Became a Buddhist Monk, Why I Quit and What I Learned,” and his guide to mindful reflection is entitled “It Begins with Silence.”

Currently residing outside Montreal with his wife, step-daughter, and two cats, Stephen continues to share his expertise and his stories with anyone who is committed to exploring and enhancing their inner self and their place in the world.