What does it mean to come home to yourself, especially at midlife? In this episode, mindfulness coach Ben Katt guides us through the rich terrain of personal transformation, sharing his insights on navigating burnout, discontent, and the deeper journey toward wholeness. We explore how moments of crisis—whether a loss of heart, burnout, or facing a life transition—can be the doorway into the unknown, leading us to a more authentic, grounded version of ourselves.

Ben shares personal stories, including a mystical encounter in the desert, and reflects on the “three-headed monster” of success, perfection, and approval that can drive us away from our true selves. We also discuss the importance of spiritual practice, from journaling to mindfulness, and how these practices help us stay connected to our hearts.

Drawing on the arc of the hero’s journey, we explore the challenges of stepping away from the familiar, the discomfort of the unknown, and the eventual return to a deeper, more integrated sense of self. Ben’s reflections are an invitation to slow down, listen inward, and honor the path that life is inviting you to walk, even when it feels uncertain.

Speaker bio: Ben Katt is a meditation teacher, spiritual coach, and storyteller known for his “powerfully wise” and “inspiring” guidance. He is the author of THE WAY HOME: Discovering the Hero’s Journey to Wholeness at Midlife. Ben is a former ordained minister, teaches meditation in prison as the founder of the WITHIN Project, and accompanies the dying as a hospice chaplain. He lives in Milwaukee, WI with his wife and three children.