# Why Avoiding Pain Keeps You Stuck (And What to Do Instead) | Elena Brower

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/stronger-with-don-saladino-7370567/why-avoiding-pain-keeps-you-stuck-and-what-to-do-instead-elena-brower
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/stronger-with-don-saladino-7370567/why-avoiding-pain-keeps-you-stuck-and-what-to-do-instead-elena-brower.md
Podcast: [Stronger with Don Saladino](https://stenobird.com/podcast/stronger-with-don-saladino-7370567)
Published: 2026-01-13T10:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://prfx.byspotify.com/e/pscrb.fm/rss/p/claritaspod.com/measure/mgln.ai/e/441/traffic.megaphone.fm/BVLLC4546806986.mp3
Audio file: https://prfx.byspotify.com/e/pscrb.fm/rss/p/claritaspod.com/measure/mgln.ai/e/441/traffic.megaphone.fm/BVLLC4546806986.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/stronger-with-don-saladino-7370567/episodes/why-avoiding-pain-keeps-you-stuck-and-what-to-do-instead-elena-brower
Duration seconds: 2468

## Resource

Stress, anxiety, and mental burnout affect your performance, focus, and physical health. In this episode of Stronger we are going to dive into what builds real resilience and mental strength, not just physical strength. Don Saladino sits down with author, meditation teacher, and hospice volunteer Elena Brower to break down how strength training, meditation, and breath work work together to regulate stress, calm the nervous system, and build real mental resilience. Elena shares profound insights on presence, compassion, grief, and emotional resilience, offering a refreshing perspective on how meditation and movement work together to calm anxiety, regulate stress, and build what she calls cellular resilience. From reframing grief as love to learning how stillness can heal the nervous system, this episode challenges listeners to rethink what true strength really looks like. You’ll also experience a short guided meditation led by Elena, along with practical takeaways on breathwork, emotional regulation, and why listening itself can become a form of prayer. ----------------------------- Sponsored By: Everyday Dose: Get 61% off your first Coffee+ Starter Kit, a free A2 Probiotic Creamer, and over $100 in free gifts. Plus, enter for a chance to win $100 cash or get your entire order refunded! Visit http://EverydayDose.com/STRONGER or use code STRONGER at checkout. Express VPN: ExpressVPN reroutes 100% of your traffic through secure, encrypted servers, so your ISP can’t see your browsing history. Get up to 4 months free by visiting https://expressvpn.com/stronger ----------------------------- Got a question for Don? Call 1-855-348-3546 Please direct business inquires to: podcasts@wearebv.com Music Credits: Adam Arcuragi at The Moon Recording Company —--------------------------…

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