A Short Meditation Podcast 

First This

First This is a short mindfulness and meditation podcast by Kathryn Nicolai, creator of Nothing Much Happens. Take ten minutes to settle your mind, observe your breath, and be gently led through a meditation practice.

First this, then that.

 
Season 1 Kathryn Nicolai Season 1 Kathryn Nicolai

Quiet Time Together

Today’s practice is all about softening—just a little. We’ll check in with the body, breathe deeply, and ease ourselves into the present moment one small percentage at a time.

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Season 1 Kathryn Nicolai Season 1 Kathryn Nicolai

Unitask With Me

In today’s practice, we slow everything down and let ourselves simply observe. No forcing, no fixing—just a gentle return to the breath and a little more space in the mind.

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Season 1 Kathryn Nicolai Season 1 Kathryn Nicolai

What's Most Advanced Is...

A grounding mindfulness practice about tuning into your body, noticing sensation without judgment, and redefining what it means to be “advanced” — presence, not perfection.

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Season 1 Kathryn Nicolai Season 1 Kathryn Nicolai

RAIN Method

Recognize, Allow, Investigate, and Nonreact. Learn to meet your thoughts and emotions with curiosity, compassion, and calm awareness.

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Ope

A gentle mindfulness practice that uses breath and awareness to find calm in everyday moments. Learn how the Midwestern “op” can become your mantra for non-judgmental observation and emotional steadiness

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Season 1 Kathryn Nicolai Season 1 Kathryn Nicolai

Downshift, Then Decide

A short guided practice helps you soften your body, focus your breath, and reset your nervous system — perfect for moments of stress, overwhelm, or simply to begin again with intention.

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Season 1 Kathryn Nicolai Season 1 Kathryn Nicolai

Non-Grasping

Learn to release the urge to control, embrace sufficiency, and find peace in presence through gentle breathing and guided reflection.

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Season 1 Kathryn Nicolai Season 1 Kathryn Nicolai

Metta to the People

Soothe your nervous system with a gentle loving-kindness meditation, softening self-criticism and nurturing compassion for yourself and the world.

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Season 1 Kathryn Nicolai Season 1 Kathryn Nicolai

1-2-3

Through mindful breathing and gentle observation, you’ll learn how to realign your focus, stay present, and access a steady middle

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Season 1 Kathryn Nicolai Season 1 Kathryn Nicolai

Option 3

Move away from numbness or overwhelm, observe without reacting, and find balance in the present moment.

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