Mindfulness is an important endeavor.

It has been shown that it can reduce pain, anxiety, and worry; while improving focus, sleep, and overall health. That being said, it is NOT a magic pill or silver bullet. It is a practice that must be tended to daily, even in small measure, in order to get the best overall effect.

There will be days where you struggle with the work and spiral out of control, and that’s ok.

Mindfulness is not about sanitizing your life of distraction and frustration,
but learning how to bring yourself back to a balanced center in spite of it!

A quick word/disclaimer on how I am using “zen” in Bearly Zen.

I chose Bearly Zen as the name of this Mindfulness Coaching business because on most days… I truly am BARELY MAKING IT.

It is in NO WAY is a condemnation of the Buddhist Zen tradition,
nor is it a reference to needing to understand or follow Buddhism in order to partake in a mindfulness practice.
It is very “tongue in cheek” and intended to be a fun way to discuss how to begin and sustain an ethic of mindfulness.

About Michael Scott Evans

Michael in Reading Rainbow shirt

Work+Life Experience

For over 25 years I held positions in a number of churches while simultaneously carving out an 18 year
career for a Fortune 50 tech company. I moved up within the ranks of that company by showing that I
excel at communication, have a love for people, and am always up for a challenge!

Along the way I cultivated a history of Project/Product Management success that involved Quality and Standards, Change Management, E-Commerce, Software Development, and various types of training (Developmental, Leadership, Soft Skills). I have held certifications in Agile and have been a Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO).

I am passionate about linking workplace success with our deep-seated human nature to cultivate meaningful connections to those around us.

I am adept at communicating on multiple levels of management, in small team settings, as well as with large audiences. I am always dedicated to the simple solution by breaking problems down to their most fundamental elements. I am truly at my best while in collaboration, and drive for results with an empathetic personality that looks to engage all the resources available within any given team to achieve success.

On a personal/spiritual note, I am a natural educator with a history of Pastoral Care. I have served as a teacher for youth and college students. Post-ministry I embarked on a journey of self discovery that brought me to mindfulness. While I do not currently adhere to a particular religious dogma, I have a deep understanding of religion, its history, and spiritual matters. I believe that the “calling” to be a pastor is at the heart of my purpose.

If there were ever such a thing as a public, secular pastor…I volunteer as tribute.

Most of the time all people really need is to be seen, heard, held, and loved unconditionally.

As I reflect on my time within organized religion I now believe that my role as a pastor survived my leaving the church. At one point I had a lot of grief around the idea that I was no longer able to connect with people in that way but ultimately the pastoral calling is one of connection and facilitation irrespective of the religious container.

Connecting people to their inner purpose and their larger calling, as well as facilitating the practices that become disciplines that turn into life changing habits, is my new pastoral role. I look forward to helping you by walking beside you as you make your journey towards wholeness and well-being.


Education

+ Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
+ Bachelor of Arts in Communication
+ Master of Divinity in Theology

Certifications

+ Certified Mindfulness Facilitator
+ Certified Workplace Mindfulness Facilitator
+ Certified Professional Life Coach
- Goal Success
- Life Purpose
+ Certified Scrum Product Owner (expired)