Grounded Presence & Inner Mastery with David Gandelman
SHOW NOTES
In this candid and insightful episode of Mental Notes with Matt, I sit down with meditation teacher, author, and podcast host David Gandelman to explore how we can reclaim our energy, reconnect with ourselves, and stay grounded in a chaotic world.
From his early training in the Himalayas to his work with thousands of students around the world, David shares a blend of ancient wisdom, modern insight, and personal truth. We talk about the discomfort of stillness, the epidemic of distraction, and why sitting with our pain might be the most healing thing we can do.
The episode ends with a short 2-minute guided meditation, led by David, to help you center yourself wherever you are.
Whether you're brand new to meditation or looking to deepen your practice, this one’s for you.
In this episode, we explore:
What meditation really is, and why people give up on it
Why discomfort is essential for growth
How wealth and constant comfort can create deeper suffering
The role of creativity and insight in mindfulness
What it means to “make friends with your anxiety”
Reframing addiction as avoidance of pain
Meditation as a form of emotional maintenance
Why true change only happens through, not around, discomfort
Favorite Quotes:
“Sitting still through discomfort is really the core practice.”
“Our enlightenment is in our ability to accept our imperfections, not to make them perfect.”
“The pain will never go away if you don’t sit with it -it just compounds.”
Guest Info:
David Gandelman
Founder of https://www.meditationschool.us/
Host of The Grounded Sleep Podcast and Energy Matters
Instagram: @davidgandelman
Skip to 34:09 for a short, calming 2-minute meditation led by David.
If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs a reminder that it’s okay to speak honestly, even if it makes people uncomfortable.
For more episodes, visit mentalnoteswithmatt.com or follow @mentalnoteswithmatt on Instagram.