Navigating Uncertainty: An Evening of Wisdom with Jon Vasu Seskevich

The District House

Mar 21

The other night at The District House, we gathered for an enlightening conversation with Jon Vasu Seskevich, a trailblazer in holistic healing and mind-body medicine. Jon, who has dedicated decades of his life to helping others find peace amid uncertainty, shared his deep well of knowledge and practical tools to navigate life’s unknowns with clarity and grace.

A special shoutout to guest interviewer Jackie, who guided the conversation with warmth and insight, drawing out some of the most compelling stories and lessons from Jon’s incredible journey. Their exchange created a space for meaningful reflection, blending personal wisdom with clinical expertise, and offering attendees tangible ways to manage stress, cultivate inner stillness, and embrace uncertainty as a teacher rather than a source of fear.

Key Takeaways from the Evening:

🌀 Quieting the Mind: Jon walked us through his simple yet effective three-step practice for calming the nervous system—breathing deeply, feeling supported by the chair and ground, and repeating a positive mantra. This technique, which has helped thousands of patients in hospitals and beyond, empowers us to reclaim a sense of control in uncertain moments.

🌿 Mantra as Medicine: A major theme of the evening was the power of mantra—a repeated phrase or affirmation that protects the mind. Jon explained how this cognitive and spiritual tool can help redirect anxious thoughts and create a sense of stability even in the most challenging situations. He also played the harmonium and sang a beautiful mantra, filling the space with a profound sense of peace and connection.

⚡ Death as a Wise Advisor: In a deeply moving discussion, Jon invited us to consider a new perspective: What if we viewed death not as an endpoint but as a guide to living fully? Drawing inspiration from his mentors Ram Dass, Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, and Stephen Levine, he shared how embracing the impermanence of life can lead to greater joy, purpose, and appreciation for the present moment.

🏥 A Legacy of Healing: Jon’s impact in the field of mind-body medicine is undeniable. As a founder of Duke University Hospital’s Stress Management Consult Team, he conducted over 40,000 patient consults, teaching staff and patients alike how to manage pain, anxiety, and uncertainty through mindfulness practices. Even the Acute Pain Serviceat Duke consulted him for patients on post-op ketamine therapy. His work has changed lives, and last night, we were lucky to learn directly from him.

As the evening wrapped up, there was a collective sense of calm and inspiration in the room. Attendees shared their own reflections, questions, and personal experiences, reinforcing the importance of community and shared wisdom in navigating life’s uncertainties.

Thank you, Jon, for your generosity in sharing your journey and practices, and thank you to Jackie for leading such a thoughtful and engaging conversation. This was truly a night to remember.