Dunedin-based clinical psychologist Dr Kumari Valentine has created a radio series around the power of choice.
Otago Access Radio show The Conscious Adventurer was intended to help listeners become more aware of their thoughts, actions and behaviours, Dr Valentine said.
“I really believe that we’re at a time when more and more people are wanting to think about their choices. So we talk about the ABC’s of conscious living – becoming aware and attentive, ‘being’ rather than thinking; and conscious, compassionate choices.”
The show’s title encouraged listeners to view as an adventure the things in life that might otherwise be considered a struggle or challenge.
“We can go into these situations with openness and curiosity. How we see things affects how we respond and react to them.”
Dr Kumari’s PhD and clinical work explored rumination, a form of brooding that acted “like yeast to dough” for those who were prone to over-analysing their problems. That led to an interest in mindfulness, a mental state achieved by focusing awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations.
Radio complemented the online and CD resources Dr Valentine was creating to support her clients, and anyone else with an interest in conscious living.
“I’m on radio because I strongly believe there is a message that I feel drawn to be part of, which is about being aware and compassionate, being gently with ourselves, with each other and with our planet.”
The theme for last month’s episodes of The Conscious Adventurer was Food Conscious July, focusing on food choices and becoming more “food-aware”.
The Conscious Adventurer airs Tuesdays at 12pm on OAR 105.4FM and 1575AM, and live and podcast from www.oar.org.nz. Replays go to air Fridays at noon.
Photo: Making compassionate choices: Dr Kumari Valentine, pictured here with son Ant, hosts The Conscious Adventurer on Otago Access Radio.