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First This

Author: Kathryn Nicolai

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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 lead through a meditation practice.
First this, then that.
189 Episodes
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When There is Grief

When There is Grief

2025-12-0110:371

Levels of Awareness

Levels of Awareness

2025-11-2410:182

Musical Chairs

Musical Chairs

2025-11-1710:392

Today, we’re practicing coming back to the present—quickly, gently, and without judgment
Quiet Time Together

Quiet Time Together

2025-11-1010:041

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.
Unitask With Me

Unitask With Me

2025-11-0310:43

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

RAIN Method

2025-10-2010:563

Recognize, Allow, Investigate, and Nonreact. Learn to meet your thoughts and emotions with curiosity, compassion, and calm awareness.
Today’s practice focuses on progressive muscle relaxation, a powerful technique to help your body release tension, close out stress cycles, and invite deep calm.
Ope

Ope

2025-10-0610:461

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
Downshift, Then Decide

Downshift, Then Decide

2025-09-2910:54

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.
Non-Grasping

Non-Grasping

2025-09-2210:462

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

Cookie Monster

2025-09-1511:141

Release tension, quiet racing thoughts, and gently sit with your emotions just as they are.
Metta to the People

Metta to the People

2025-09-0811:14

Soothe your nervous system with a gentle loving-kindness meditation, softening self-criticism and nurturing compassion for yourself and the world.
Learn how to use extended exhales, pursed-lip breathing, and even simple tools like a straw to calm your nervous system and find peace anytime.
1-2-3

1-2-3

2025-08-2510:251

Through mindful breathing and gentle observation, you’ll learn how to realign your focus, stay present, and access a steady middle ground.
Option 3

Option 3

2025-08-1810:171

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

Slow Down

2025-08-1110:39

Slow mental momentum, ease anxiety, and reconnect with the present moment.
Performing Vs Being

Performing Vs Being

2025-08-0411:092

Release the pressure to perform and find comfort in simply being yourself.
Quiet Together

Quiet Together

2025-07-2810:332

Room by room, shine a light into the corners.
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Comments (7)

Crystal Pollock

I have not listened yet is it for sleep like nothing much happens

Nov 24th
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Angela Weisser

I've been using First This for a few weeks now as my morning meditation, and I cherish these practices. It's such a lovely, accessible way to meditate. I teach yoga and these sessions have inspired my classes. I love your gentle voice and clear instruction. Thank you so much Kathryn!

Oct 14th
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Theresa Viramontes-Gutierrez

powerful.

Sep 17th
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Theresa Viramontes-Gutierrez

I am so so grateful to having this tool, First This, for my peace and serenity...a beautiful way to start my day. THANK YOU

Aug 16th
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Laura D

THIS... a beautiful way to help let go of recurring unhelpful thoughts from the past. I'll be listening to this one frequwntly.

Feb 7th
Reply

WhoDatCat

Absolutely loving this! I go to sleep at night with Nothing Much Happens and start my day with First This. Perfect 👌

Jun 1st
Reply

ID25289515

What a bloody brilliant idea!

Apr 29th
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