Solving For Joy | How to Stop Living on Autopilot: Choosing a Life on Purpose

How to Stop Living on Autopilot: Choosing a Life on Purpose

July 21, 2026 / 28:54/E82

Have you ever looked up at the end of a week, a season, or even a year and wondered where the time went?

If you've ever felt like you're moving through life on autopilot, you're not alone. I think many of us spend so much time doing, achieving, and caring for everyone around us that we slowly lose touch with ourselves.

In this conversation, I'm joined by psychiatrist, psychotherapist, mindfulness teacher, and author Dr. Nissa Keyashian to explore how the simple practice of stillness can help us become more aware, more present, and ultimately more intentional with our lives.

Together, we explore what mindfulness really is, why meditation isn't about stopping your thoughts, what neuroscience teaches us about the Default Mode Network, and how practices like breathwork and spending time in nature can help regulate your nervous system and reconnect you with yourself.

Whether you're completely new to meditation or simply longing to feel more present in your everyday life, I hope this conversation reminds you that joy doesn't begin by doing more. It begins by noticing.

In this episode:

• How to stop living on autopilot and begin living with greater intention

• What mindfulness and meditation actually are and why a wandering mind doesn't mean you're doing it wrong

• How breathwork, nature, and awareness can support nervous system regulation and emotional well-being

• Simple daily practices to cultivate more presence, purpose, and joy

Resources Mentioned

Books-

Practicing Stillness by Dr. Nissa Keyashian
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1638077983

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle

Apps-

Insight Timer
https://insighttimer.com