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Hey, it's Josh here. In this blog, I’m going to show you how to regulate your nervous system with meditation.<figure id="figure-xcpw7vrp5tmlua9kxb" class=""><iframe id="xcpw7vrp5tmlua9kxb" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fqnVW44UCIc" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqnVW44UCIc" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fqnVW44UCIc" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>This is actually dedicated to my little sister who is pregnant. She’s just through her first trimester and starting to have hormonal changes, stress levels rising, and a lot of unknowns that come with the pregnancy transition. A lot of women going through pregnancy or motherhood transitions experience health anxiety. But this isn’t isolated to that. If you struggle with overthinking, anxiety, or the physical symptoms that come with that, the problem is you have a chronically dysregulated nervous system.In this post, I’m going to talk about the most proven, scientifically backed way to regulate your nervous system: meditation.<h2>First, let’s clear this up.</h2>When I talk about meditation, I’m not talking about guided meditation apps. I’m not talking about guided meditation videos on YouTube. I’m not talking about general breathing exercises.I classify all of those as passive meditation.What I’m talking about is active silent meditation.If you’ve tried meditation and it hasn’t worked, it’s likely because you’ve used it passively. You’ve tried to use meditation to fix a problem. You’ve done it for relaxation, but you haven’t learned the skill.If you learned how to do it properly, you wouldn’t be having these issues anymore.Meditation doesn’t work when you use it as escapism. It doesn’t work when you’re trying to get an outcome or get rid of a feeling.Meditation is not about getting out of your problems. It’s about going into them.Here’s the paradox: when you go into them, you can go through them.The skill is learning how to sit with your thoughts and emotions without reacting to them.<h2>What happens when you start:</h2>Silent meditation is just sitting down and being still with yourself.When you first start, it’s normal to experience heightened emotions, lots of thoughts, and mental noise.You close your eyes and it feels frustrating. Thoughts come up: “I’m not doing it properly.” or “Am I doing it right?” You feel agitation. Irritability. Maybe anxiety.You need to tame the monkey. You are the monkey.Say to yourself: “I don’t care what thoughts I have. I don’t care what feelings I have in my body. I’m sitting here for the next 10 minutes.”That’s it.Sit there and allow yourself to be present with what you’re experiencing without changing it.Don’t create a story about how you’re doing it wrong. Don’t create a story about how you’re broken.See the story. Observe it. Be aware of it without getting entangled in it.That’s the practice.You won’t be perfect at it. But practice makes perfect.<h2>The routine</h2>When clients work with me, this is one of the first things I implement.10 to 15 minutes a day. Every day. For at least 30 days. Ideally up to 90.If you miss a day, it’s not a big deal. But aim for consistency. Around 80% of days.Do it first thing in the morning. Set a timer. Sit down. Do the 10 minutes. If you feel calm at the end, stay longer.<h2>My 4 pillars of meditation</h2>I teach 4 pillars:<ol><li>Breathing.</li><li>Listening.</li><li>Feeling.</li><li>The imagination.</li></ol>1. Breathing Breathing is about going into your body.You’re not using the breath to escape what you’re feeling. If your intention is to escape or change something, it won’t work.That’s why breathing exercises fail for many people because the belief underneath is “I need to escape this feeling.”Breathing is about inhaling through the nose, into the belly, opening the diaphragm, and breathing into discomfort.2. Listening You’ll start to hear things... external sounds and internal thoughts.Instead of attaching a story to what you hear, just let it be sound.You breathe to become present in your body. You listen to become present in your experience.3. Feeling This is where most people struggle.You might feel hot. Cold. Itchy. Irritated. Anxious. Frustrated.Your tendency will be to react. To change something. To escape.Instead, sit and feel.If there are ants biting you, move. But you get the point.It’s learning to feel without reacting.This is crucial for anxiety. When you get in touch with your feelings instead of fighting them, everything changes.4. The Imagination People think meditation means stopping thoughts.I don’t teach that.You don’t need to stop thoughts. You need a better relationship with them.Instead of fighting your thoughts, learn to direct them.When you’re present, you can choose what to imagine. You can guide the direction of your mind instead of being controlled by it.All of this develops through meditation.Why anxiety feels so intense When you’re anxious, your amygdala is firing off a threat response.You perceive danger in the world or in your body, even when there may not be a real threat.You feel heart palpitations and immediately think something is wrong. You need a doctor. Something is broken.It’s not necessarily the sensation that’s the problem. It’s your reaction to it.You feel something in your body. Then you create a story about it.That’s the amygdala overreacting.If you learn to feel properly, without reacting, you’ll notice the sensation dissolves.I’ve heard everything: dizziness, vertigo, DPDR, sweating, gut issues, face flushing, heart racing.These sensations get worse when you attach negative beliefs to them.They get better when you feel them without creating a mental story.Here’s what happens:<ul><li>The amygdala fires.</li><li>You perceive threat.</li><li>You create mental stories.</li><li>You react emotionally.</li></ul>You’re operating from the survival center instead of the prefrontal cortex, the rational, conscious part of the brain.When you fight sensations, they intensify. When you accept them, they dissolve.But this is a trained skill.If your nervous system is already disregulated, you can’t fix it in the middle of a panic spike.That’s why prevention matters.<h2>Why morning meditation changes everything</h2>10 to 15 minutes in the morning (breathing, listening, feeling, imagination) strengthens the prefrontal cortex.You change neural pathways. You change brain chemistry. You build regulation before stress hits.That’s how you regulate your nervous system with meditation.<h2>The 30-Day Commitment</h2>If this resonates, commit to 30 days.Wake up. Wash your face. Have water. Sit down somewhere comfortable.Set a timer.Place your hands in your lap. Sit cross-legged or however you’re comfortable.Breathe through your nose into your belly.Listen internally and externally.Notice thoughts without reacting.Feel sensations without changing them.Around the 10-minute mark, check in with your body.You may notice it feels calmer. More regulated. Dropped down a couple of notches.Don’t chase that feeling. Just notice it.Your thoughts change. Your feelings change. Everything is temporary.When you observe that, you find safety in it.You can’t control every outcome. But you can watch it.Awareness creates safety.Safety creates calm.At the end of meditation, use your imagination positively.Think of things you’re grateful for.Tell yourself: “I feel safe in my body.”Imagine yourself calm and present.You can journal after:<ul><li>“Today, I’m going to feel whatever arises.”</li><li>“Today, I let go of controlling outcomes.”</li><li>“Today, I trust the unknown.”</li></ul>Small shifts make a big difference.Do it for 30 days.Don’t aim for perfection. Aim for consistency.Practice makes perfect.The more you apply yourself, the more coherence you create between the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex.More coherence in the brain leads to more balance in the mind and body.That’s how you regulate your nervous system with meditation.If you have any questions, comment on the Youtube video at the top of this blog and I'll respond in the comments.With Optimism,JoshP.S. If you'd like to see if a private consult with me would be the right next step for you, <a data-mce-href="http://www.mindlaunch.com.au" href="http://www.mindlaunch.com.au">watch the 10-min explainer video showing how I can help.</a>There's a button to book a free 30-minute call with me below the video.During that call we can discuss your goals and challenges, I'll outline a plan for you and if it is appropriate, I'll give you an invitation to work with me.

How To Regulate Your Nervous System With Meditation

In this blog, I want to riff on something that’s been coming up a lot lately in my own personal life and in the lives of my clients.I'm talking about the journey from the conditioned self to the true self.Every single one of us has a conditioned self. The conditioned self is basically the person you’ve learned to be up until this point in your life. All of your conditioning from childhood, your experiences, your environment, the way you learned to fit in, belong, and stay safe.All of that created the version of you that you know today.That’s your conditioned self.<figure id="figure-clx0xjx6romlhb64sq"><iframe id="clx0xjx6romlhb64sq" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uO17fTqNu_8" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtu.be/uO17fTqNu_8" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uO17fTqNu_8" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>The aim of the game is to live in alignment with your true self.It's too move from conditioning to coherence.And the reason that matters is simple...When you’re living in alignment with your true self, anxiety and depression are no longer a major problem. They don’t dominate your life the way they do when you’re disconnected from who you really are.When you’re aligned with your true self:<ul><li>Life becomes enjoyable and fulfilling</li><li>Confidence comes naturally</li><li>You feel calm, coherent and at peace </li></ul>You stop trying to be someone you think you "should" be. That’s why I use language like alignment, authenticity, and true self. Confidence isn’t something you manufacture, it’s something that emerges when you’re living in truth.The conditioned self, on the other hand, is always playing the game of external validation.<ul><li>Trying to fit in.</li><li>Trying to be accepted.</li><li>Trying to stay safe by being familiar.</li></ul>The true self doesn’t play that game. <h2>My Own Journey Out of Conditioning</h2>I’ve taken this journey myself.I genuinely believe that I’m living far more in alignment with my true self now than I ever have before but that doesn’t mean I’ve “finished” growing. Growth never ends. You keep maturing, like a tree that just keeps growing.But I’ve shed a lot of conditioning.There was a time in my life where I was doing a lot of things I didn’t actually want to do:<ul><li>Drinking</li><li>Drugs</li><li>Hanging around people who weren’t good for me</li><li>Trying to fit into unhealthy environments</li></ul>At the time, those things gave me a sense of belonging and safety but it was actually a false sense of safety.That’s important to understand. Conditioning works, until it doesn’t.<h2>Regulation vs Avoidance</h2>This came up in a conversation I had recently about regulation.A lot of people regulate themselves in ways they don’t even realise. Drinking, medication, compulsive behaviours... these things can create a temporary sense of relief. There’s a moment where it feels like an exhale. Like, “Ahh, I’m okay now.”And in that sense, yes, it does regulate you in the short term.But it doesn’t move you toward your true self.It keeps you stuck in a cycle.Understanding why you do these things is actually one of the most powerful steps in raising consciousness. For someone who feels trapped and doesn’t know why, simply understanding the mechanism can be enough to start creating change.<h2>A Simple Example: Emptiness and Avoidance</h2> In the video linked above, James shared an example of feeling empty after a really good day, then having a couple of drinks and feeling “complete” again.On the surface? Totally fine. You’re allowed to enjoy your life.But if we look a little deeper, we see something important.The drink wasn’t about celebration, it was about avoiding the feeling of emptiness.That emptiness was uncomfortable, so something was used to change the state.And that’s the real point.When we’re uncomfortable with what we’re feeling (emptiness, anxiety, restlessness) we often reach for something to change it:<ul><li>Alcohol</li><li>Medication</li><li>Distraction</li><li>Work</li><li>Stimulation</li></ul>It’s the same mechanism every time.Uncomfortable feeling → do something → feel better temporarily.That’s regulation through avoidance.<h2>The Real Skill: Sitting With What You Feel</h2>If I’m coaching at the highest level, the question becomes:<ul><li>What’s wrong with feeling empty?</li><li>What’s wrong with feeling anxious?</li><li>What's wrong with the discomfort?</li></ul>The real work isn’t about eliminating feelings, it’s about learning how to be present with them.This is the same skill required to face anxiety.Instead of trying to escape the feeling, you pause.You notice the compulsion to reach for something.You ask yourself:<ul><li>Is this coming from my conditioned self, or my emerging true self?</li></ul>Then you sit with the feeling even just one or two minutes longer than you normally would.<ul><li>You don’t fight it.</li><li>You don’t try to fix it.</li><li>You just allow it to be there.</li></ul>Very often, the feeling dissolves naturally on its own.That’s how letting go actually works.You don’t do anything to let go, you stop resisting what’s already there.<h2>The Void: The Real Work of Transformation</h2>This journey from the conditioned self to the true self always requires passing through what I call the void.<figure id="figure-69qga2c33dmlittr45"><img id="69qga2c33dmlittr45" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/aDvvfipFLx7Bov0OHnlJ7BIfmIpfrTUD534Kpa92mDPcItmPv8GSdyP83FYRs4AU.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/aDvvfipFLx7Bov0OHnlJ7BIfmIpfrTUD534Kpa92mDPcItmPv8GSdyP83FYRs4AU.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>The conditioned self is the known and the familiar. The true self is unknown and unfamiliar.The void sits in between.This is the danger zone, not because it’s bad, but because it’s uncertain.In the void:<ul><li>Fear can come up</li><li>Doubt can come up</li><li>Shame, guilt, and regret can surface</li></ul>This is where people often retreat back to the familiar (drinking, drugs, lying, gambling, distractions) anything that keeps them feeling safe in the old identity.But the void is actually where the real work happens.Processing. Letting go. Learning to feel.You don’t bypass this stage. You have to move through it.<h2>From Head to Heart</h2>Your excuses live in your head.Presence lives in your body.This journey isn’t about thinking your way through change, it’s about feeling your way through it.Meditation. Breathwork. Journaling. Self-reflection. Walking.These practices can bring you out of your head and back into your body, where truth actually lives.If you want to move from the conditioned self to the true self, you have to stop avoiding what you feel and start learning how to be present with it&nbsp; (even when it’s uncomfortable).<h2>A Simple Integration Tip</h2>For the next week, notice when you feel the urge to reach for something:Alcohol Medication Distraction Compulsion Pause.Be present with what you’re feeling for a couple of minutes longer than usual.Let yourself feel it without judgment.Then observe what happens.That’s where the shift begins.With Optimism,Josh

You Don't Have Anxiety, You've Outgrown Your Conditioning

<h2>Workshop Purpose</h2>To teach a morning routine for managing anxiety and overthinking by mastering your mind.<figure id="figure-hh539u9j4ml8n8g61" class=""><iframe id="hh539u9j4ml8n8g61" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/F6_NQ3e5Sik" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtu.be/F6_NQ3e5Sik" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/F6_NQ3e5Sik" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure><h2>Key Takeaways</h2><ul><li>Anxiety is a learned pattern, not a life sentence. It's a temporary signal that your system is in protection mode, not a permanent diagnosis. </li><li>The key is changing your attitude toward emotions. Instead of resisting them, create a safe internal environment to process them without reaction. This allows them to dissolve naturally. </li><li>Master your mind by connecting to a higher consciousness. Shift from identifying with your thoughts to being the observer of your thoughts to regain control. </li><li>Implement a consistent 3–6 month routine. This duration is critical for rewiring neural pathways and regulating the nervous system for long-term change. </li></ul><h2>The Problem: Anxiety Achieving Routines</h2>Current routines often create (achieve) anxiety by keeping the nervous system in a contracted, stressed state.Example: <ul><li>Late-night phone use</li><li>Poor sleep</li><li>Morning "defrosting"</li><li>More phone use.</li></ul>Problem: Phone Use as a Coping Mechanism:<ul><li>Provides a conditioned dopamine hit for relief.</li><li>Suppresses discomfort that arises from stillness or boredom.</li><li>Prevents the brain's Default Mode Network from engaging in deep reflection.</li></ul>The Solution: Consciously choose stillness to practice acceptance and process discomfort. <ul><li>This allows emotions to dissolve naturally, as "what you resist persists."</li></ul><h2>The Solution: The Mind Launch Method</h2>A 3-step system for creating lasting change:<ul><li>Regulate: Calm the nervous system with a clear plan and routine.</li><li>Reprogram: Understand your "true self blueprint" and shed societal conditioning by reprogramming your subconscious mind.</li><li>Reset: Align your identity with your true self for a more effortless life.</li></ul><h2>The Framework: Consciousness Over Mind</h2>The framework for mastering the mind: <ul><li>Consciousness (your perspective/spirit)</li><li>Thoughts</li><li>Emotions</li><li>Actions</li><li>Results.</li></ul>The Horse &amp; Rider Analogy: Mind = Horse: The conditioned, automatic part. Consciousness = Rider: The master who directs the mind. Goal: Shift from identifying with mind to being the conscious observer.<figure id="figure-cjzukq70mbml8lusji" class=""><img id="cjzukq70mbml8lusji" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/32uU05AHFu1XITnT2kvjRnlSMMoU4Xsqulj4EZHhXZrh48iRhiVFOqc1g4JweILJ.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 35% 40%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="35%" data-positiony="40%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/32uU05AHFu1XITnT2kvjRnlSMMoU4Xsqulj4EZHhXZrh48iRhiVFOqc1g4JweILJ.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 35% 40%;"></figure>The Scale of Consciousness (David Hawkins):<ul><li>Force (Pride &amp; below): Life feels hard and pressured.</li><li>Power (Courage &amp; above): Life feels empowered and in flow.</li><li>Method for Moving Up: Let go of lower-level emotions through acceptance, not suppression.</li></ul><figure id="figure-yycamcf1u6ml8m2hah" class=""><img id="yycamcf1u6ml8m2hah" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/6Q1HAFBQUqvPQIP2cH7uPkAwLGI4buMLwbH5JNHeHxkdtd7v7odfOJnLFKGwKAyi.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/6Q1HAFBQUqvPQIP2cH7uPkAwLGI4buMLwbH5JNHeHxkdtd7v7odfOJnLFKGwKAyi.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;"></figure><figure id="figure-9hndh66lhnml8nsl8h"><img id="9hndh66lhnml8nsl8h" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/10iiVH9tqxLDRLf0iCUfBXp9PsptQsi6gvgsTD2Qqxc3yPKtNFtgOA1pcv3rlgFI.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/10iiVH9tqxLDRLf0iCUfBXp9PsptQsi6gvgsTD2Qqxc3yPKtNFtgOA1pcv3rlgFI.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center center;"></figure><h2>The Practice: Building a New Routine</h2>A consistent routine is the primary tool for rewiring the nervous system.Example Routine:<ul><li>8:00 PM: Turn off phones; begin wind-down.</li><li>9:00 PM: In bed; read or journal gratitude.</li><li>6:00 AM: Wake up; walk, breathwork, meditation.</li><li>6:30 AM: Journal on goals and set daily intentions. Accountability is Key: </li><li>Knowledge alone is insufficient.</li><li>Support and guidance are necessary for proper implementation </li></ul>Next Steps: <ul><li>Audit your current routine.</li><li>Map out a new, optimal routine using the provided framework.</li><li>Practice stillness and boredom to build tolerance for discomfort.</li></ul>Josh offered a 16-week, 1-on-1 coaching container <ul><li>Application-only (5 spots/month).</li></ul><a data-mce-href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rAI-67lbqyJ2uFLFe9Cdl31RqNjB7elDiGDNw7lGCV4/edit?usp=sharing" href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rAI-67lbqyJ2uFLFe9Cdl31RqNjB7elDiGDNw7lGCV4/edit?usp=sharing">Click here to submit an application.</a>

Master Your Mind

On social media, people often present this image of perfection or of having it all together...But that's definitely not the case for me, and it has never been the case.<figure id="figure-vjgcs751lhml7cnmh0" class=""><iframe id="vjgcs751lhml7cnmh0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1noQExCAPfE" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtu.be/1noQExCAPfE" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1noQExCAPfE" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>When I was a teenager, my parents split up, and those teenage years, when I was navigating a lot of change in my life without unified parental guidance, I was a mess.I was out of control. I was drinking. I was doing drugs.I was in trouble with the police a lot, and I didn't have a strong sense of self.I got lost in the drugs and alcohol for a long time, and I felt very disconnected.I had this real internal conflict between what I was doing and who I wanted to be, and that lasted for years.It even ended up getting to a breaking point where I actually destroyed a relationship that I had because of my drinking, which is one of the things that I really never wanted to do because I saw that happen with my parents (my dad destroying our family because of his drinking problems).I actually did that as well in my 20s.And that was the catalyst for me where I decided that I need to change.So I went sober for a year, got my shit together, got connected with myself, and became a lot more confident in who I was.That was a huge turning point.It allowed me to build a healthy relationship with my now wife.It helped me to become a father who is present and emotionally grounded for my kids.And it also gave me the confidence to do work that I enjoy doing, to share my story and help others who are also looking to find that sense of internal authority, calm and emotional stability without relying on addictions, drugs, alcohol, or whatever else.Now I have a pretty good handle on it, but I still find myself reaching for things outside of myself to help regulate myself.I still find myself looking for external validation and using that external validation as a source of self-regulation when I know that the best way I can regulate myself is just to find peace within myself and be present within myself, although that can be uncomfortable.That's still something that I'm working on.So I just wanted to share this to show you that I'm not perfect.I don't think anyone is perfect, but when we are intentional about our growth and development, we can create a life that we're actually very proud to be living.If that's something you're interested in then:<ul><li>Check out the <a data-mce-href="http://www.mindlaunch.com.au" href="http://www.mindlaunch.com.au">Mind Launch Method explainer video here.</a></li></ul>Back in my teens and early 20's, I was not in control of my mind.Over the last 15 years, I've taken it upon myself to learn how to master my mind, control my thoughts and stabilise my emotions.And in the Mind Launch Method video, I share the 3-step system I've developed to help you:<ul><li>Regulate Your Nervous System</li><li>Reprogram Your Subconscious Mind</li><li>Reset Your Identity &amp; Self Image</li></ul>It explains how to upgrade your internal operating system and create a life with more balance, flow and confidence.With Optimism,Josh

Confessions of a Meditation Teacher

Hey legend, it's Josh here and in this blog post, I want to tell you why you don't need a "vagus nerve reset".Recently I've noticed this wave of people struggling with anxiety, overthinking and the feeling of being in a heightened state saying things like "I've done some research and I think I need a vagus nerve reset".Let me tell you why everything that you've been told about the vagus nerve reset is bullshit...<figure id="figure-n5ugd4brxvmkvy8sks" class=""><iframe id="n5ugd4brxvmkvy8sks" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AUbHKfqoDzk" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtu.be/AUbHKfqoDzk" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AUbHKfqoDzk" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure><h2>Vagus Nerve Bullshit</h2>Firstly, you don't just get to have a quick "reset" of your nervous system, that's not how it works.For most of you struggling with anxiety and heightened states of panic or emotional distress, you've worked yourself up to this point from years of unmanaged stress and emotional pressure.You don't fix that by dunking your head into a bowl of iced water or using some wearable technology.Those things might provide you temporary relief so you "feel good" but they won't actually help you find sustainable balance in your system.You might as well be taking medication, drinking alchohol or getting stoned.&nbsp;You see the problem with this approach is not the activity itself.The problem is the ATTITUDE you bring to the activity.<h2>Change Your Attitude</h2>When you are trying to use quick fixes and shortcuts, you're really signalling to your nervous system "I need to escape this experience I'm having".Read that sentence again and you'll see why you're stuck in the fight or flight mode.When you're constantly trying to "escape" or "avoid", you're literally telling your nervous system, "I'm not safe".It's no wonder you stay in this constantly heightened state, month after month, year after year.You're trying to run away from your problems instead of doing the work necessary to create lasting transformation.So if this message is speaking to you, here's what to do instead...You have to understand the reason you're constantly feeling emotionally triggered is because you have a little part of your brain called the "Amygdala".<h2>The Amygdala Hijack</h2>The Amygdala is your threat detection centre.It lives in the limbic brain (the lower part of your brain).It plays a big part in your survival as a human but the problem is, for most of you, there's no real danger and it's all just made up stories in your head.If you're constantly overthinking, feeling emotionally reactive, frustrated, angry, anxious... it's because your amygdala is hijacking your brain.<ul><li>You lose your ability to think clearly.</li><li>You lose your ability to be rational.</li><li>You lose your mind.</li></ul>If you want to *actually* regulate your nervous system, you need to get back in control of your mind, your emotions and your thoughts.<h2>Transforming Your Life</h2>Once you know how to manage your thoughts and emotions by being present, grounded and centred, you'll be on the real path to transforming the health of your nervous system (and brain).<ul><li>You'll start to feel safe.</li><li>You'll start to be calm.</li><li>You'll start to develop real self confidence.</li></ul>You're logical thinking will become stronger than ever, you'll become more focussed and you'll become truly unshakeable.Not only that, when you train your ability to be present, scientific studies have shown you change the activity in your brain. You strengthen the pre-frontal cortex, the part of your brain responsible for present moment awareness, and this has proven benefits for health and longevity.<ul><li>You become happier and healthier.</li><li>Your relationships will start thriving.</li><li>Your career will explode.</li></ul>All because YOU have become the best version of yourself.This is the work I do with my clients and these kinds of breakthroughs are what make me so enthusiastic about my work.If you're looking to accelerate this kind of transformation in your own life, I have a couple of one on one coaching spots open for January.<ul><li><a data-mce-href="http://www.mindlaunch.com.au" href="http://www.mindlaunch.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">​You can put in an application here.​</a></li></ul>If your application is successful and you qualify for the program, I'll be in touch with next steps.With Optimism,Josh

You Do Not Need A Vagus Nerve Reset

Hey, it's Josh here.Below is the replay and summary of the Anxiety to Alignment webinar.The crew came ready, the energy was high, and we covered a lot of ground.Think of this replay and summary as your "pause, rewind, scribble notes and screenshot everything" version of the webinar.All the bonus resources are sitting on this page and ready for you to work through at your own pace.If you get any fresh breakthroughs on the replay (or if something we covered sparks a question) get in touch and tell me what landed.I’m always curious what sticks the second time around.With Optimism,JoshP.S. Heads up! Mind Launch doors are open right now, but only for a couple of days (and only for 3 more spots in January). This is your chance to apply before it goes public next week. <a data-mce-href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/131Ddal8aJ2YViLH7MrT5CsTA8q2fv1Wu4vGuj-yBxxA/edit?usp=sharing" href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/131Ddal8aJ2YViLH7MrT5CsTA8q2fv1Wu4vGuj-yBxxA/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click here to get all the deets.</a><figure id="figure-9qwbjocvptmkonmxxb" class=""><iframe id="9qwbjocvptmkonmxxb" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/V5l45v7zo4c" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtu.be/V5l45v7zo4c" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/V5l45v7zo4c" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure><h2>Webinar Purpose</h2>To introduce a system for transforming anxiety into lasting alignment.<h3>Key Takeaways</h3>The Core Problem: Anxiety stems from a mind-body loop where anxious thoughts trigger a physical stress response (cortisol, adrenaline), which then reinforces the mental state.The Solution: The Mind Launch method breaks this loop with a 3-step process: <ul><li>Regulate your nervous system</li><li>Reprogram your mind</li><li>Reset your identity.</li></ul>The Key Skill: Train for present moment awareness. This state of "no thought" is the body's natural state of peace and safety, and it's the foundation for all lasting change.The Path Forward: The "Anxiety to Alignment" program provides a 90-day roadmap. A special offer is available for webinar attendees, with 3 of 5 monthly spots remaining.<h3>The Anxiety Loop: Mind-Body Connection</h3>Anxiety is a learned pattern, not a personal flaw. It's an internal problem requiring an internal solution.The mind and body are connected: thoughts create electrochemical signals that dictate physiological state.Anxious Thoughts → Fear, stress → Cortisol, adrenaline → Sympathetic nervous system (fight-or-flight).Calm Thoughts → Peace, safety → Oxytocin, serotonin → Parasympathetic nervous system (rest-and-digest).The loop is self-reinforcing: a physical sensation triggers a mental story ("I'm having a panic attack"), which intensifies the physical response.Goal: Break the loop by training the ability to direct thought processes and process emotions healthily.<h3>The Mind Launch Method: Regulate, Reprogram, Reset</h3>A 3-step process for sustainable change, not a quick fix.<figure id="figure-x05xuo4jmrmkonxfrw"><img id="x05xuo4jmrmkonxfrw" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1a3g6A73nfKFeosFfDSK4nEWkIaB56f3VanrhK5PacanNOQJoG5E73EO7bkHifTa.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1a3g6A73nfKFeosFfDSK4nEWkIaB56f3VanrhK5PacanNOQJoG5E73EO7bkHifTa.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>1. Regulate: Create a sense of safety in the body.Why: This is the non-negotiable foundation. The mind cannot be reprogrammed effectively from a state of fear, stress and anxiety.How: Daily practices like meditation and breathwork help to build new neural pathways for calm, clarity and presence.2. Reprogram: Address outdated thought patterns and beliefs.Why: To consciously direct the mind and hack the Default Mode Network (DMN), the subconscious autopilot that perpetuates old patterns.How: Build "positive confidence" using the RAS (Reticular Activating System). Identify thoughts/emotions → Take behavioral actions to create new proof → The RAS seeks more proof of this new reality.3. Reset: Shift identity from "an anxious person" to an "unshakable" one.Why: To align with personal values and communicate honestly, which builds natural confidence.How: Reframe "vulnerability" as "honesty" to overcome the perceived weakness and foster transparency.<h3>Emotional Processing: Suppression vs. Acceptance</h3>Suppression: Avoidance (e.g., escapism, addiction) is a protective mechanism that makes one a "stick of dynamite" prone to explosive reactions.Expression: Talking about emotions is a step up, but only if it involves radical responsibility ("I did/felt this"), not blame ("They did this to me").Acceptance: The ultimate goal. A state of neutrality where one accepts "what is" without judgment. This is the bridge to higher consciousness (courage, peace, joy) on the Hawkins Scale.<figure id="figure-um08b80406dmkonsx9o" class=""><img id="um08b80406dmkonsx9o" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/5WArNEaeFso5CqXPYl3mq5DvHUPLYZFksN4WWm36KpZdNGFC6TFDQkSBGsQGcRHj.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/5WArNEaeFso5CqXPYl3mq5DvHUPLYZFksN4WWm36KpZdNGFC6TFDQkSBGsQGcRHj.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>The "Anxiety to Alignment" Program</h3>A 6-week course applying the Mind Launch Method, credited with over 300 transformations.Weeks 1-2 (Foundations &amp; Mindset): Education on the mind-body connection, creating goals and building the daily routine.Weeks 3-4 (Healing &amp; Acceptance): Processing emotional imprints and moving toward radical responsibility with healthy expression and acceptance.Weeks 5-6 (Self-Mastery &amp; Social Upgrades): Integrating tools for lasting confidence and improved relationships in all areas of life.<h3>Next Steps </h3>All Attendees: Practice present moment awareness daily.<a data-mce-href="https://www.canva.com/design/DAG-_sBKgtQ/5WowvlbNBjH27b7bsEywuw/view?utm_content=DAG-_sBKgtQ&amp;utm_campaign=designshare&amp;utm_medium=link2&amp;utm_source=uniquelinks&amp;utlId=h7c2ac2a1db" href="https://www.canva.com/design/DAG-_sBKgtQ/5WowvlbNBjH27b7bsEywuw/view?utm_content=DAG-_sBKgtQ&amp;utm_campaign=designshare&amp;utm_medium=link2&amp;utm_source=uniquelinks&amp;utlId=h7c2ac2a1db" target="_blank" rel="noopener">View Webinar PDF &amp; Slides here.</a><a data-mce-href="https://chatgpt.com/g/g-6833a8ee6d58819188764b8439125633-ai-josh" href="https://chatgpt.com/g/g-6833a8ee6d58819188764b8439125633-ai-josh" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Use the free AI Josh bot to build a new routine here.</a><a data-mce-href="https://mindlaunch.com.au/free-training" href="https://mindlaunch.com.au/free-training" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">Try the free "powerful healing system" training here.﻿</a>Interested in Coaching? <a data-mce-href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/131Ddal8aJ2YViLH7MrT5CsTA8q2fv1Wu4vGuj-yBxxA/edit?usp=sharing" href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/131Ddal8aJ2YViLH7MrT5CsTA8q2fv1Wu4vGuj-yBxxA/edit?usp=sharing">Apply for the January intake here.</a>

The Blog

How To Regulate Your Nervous System With Meditation

You Don't Have Anxiety, You've Outgrown Your Conditioning

Master Your Mind

Confessions of a Meditation Teacher

You Do Not Need A Vagus Nerve Reset

Anxiety to Alignment Webinar