How to Cultivate Inner Peace: Lessons from a Former Buddhist Monk with Stephen Schettini

What does it mean to cultivate inner peace, resilience, and wisdom in the modern world? How can we apply the teachings of monastic life to our daily struggles?

In this episode of the Mindfulness Exercises Podcast, Sean Fargo sits down with Stephen Schettini, known as The Inner Monk—a former Buddhist monk who spent eight years studying Buddhist philosophy, psychology, and debate across Asia and Europe. Now a mindfulness coach, author, and speaker, Stephen shares his journey of transitioning from monastic life to everyday reality, and how he continues to help others integrate mindfulness into their daily lives.

Together, they explore:

✔ The power of mindfulness beyond religious traditions

✔ The challenges of leaving monastic life and rediscovering identity

✔ How to apply mindfulness in a fast-paced, secular world

✔ Why embracing imperfection is key to deepening mindfulness

✔ The role of self-compassion in transforming personal struggles

Stephen’s story is one of courage, transformation, and deep commitment to mindfulness—showing us that no matter our background, we all have the capacity to cultivate an inner sanctuary of peace and clarity.

🌿 Tune in to hear how you can bring the wisdom of the “Inner Monk” into your everyday life.

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About the Podcast Mindfulness Exercises with Sean Fargo is a practical, grounded mindfulness podcast for people who want meditation to actually help in real life. Hosted by Sean Fargo — a former Buddhist monk, mindfulness teacher, and founder of MindfulnessExercises.com — this podcast explores how mindfulness can support mental health, emotional regulation, trauma sensitivity, chronic pain, leadership, creativity, and meaningful work. Each episode offers a mix of: • Practical mindfulness and meditation teachings • Conversations with respected teachers, clinicians, authors, and researchers • Real-world insights for therapists, coaches, yoga teachers, educators, and caregivers • Gentle reflections for anyone navigating stress, anxiety, burnout, grief, or change Rather than chasing peak experiences or spiritual bypassing, this podcast emphasizes embodied practice, ethical teaching, and mindfulness that meets people where they are—messy, human, and alive. If you’re interested in: • Mindfulness meditation for everyday life • Trauma-sensitive and co...