Podcasts about buddhist

The two practices that helped turn this self described scowling, sarcastic skeptic into an expert meditator.   Devin Berry is a Core Guiding Teacher at the Insight Meditation Society and a residential retreat teacher at IMS and Spirit Rock. A meditator since 1999, his practice is rooted in long-term retreat practice and the mettā and vipassanā teachings of the Insight Meditation tradition.    In this episode we talk about: Why mindfulness alone is not enough How mettā is part of four related mental skills called the Brahma Viharas The story of how and why the Buddha (according to the legend) invented mettā practice The role and practice of generosity A year long experiment that Devin ran in mettā and danā And lastly, how these practices can help us both on and off the cushion   This episode originally aired on July 31st, 2024.   Get the 10% with Dan Harris app here Sign up for Dan's free newsletter here Follow Dan on social: Instagram, TikTok Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Thanks to our sponsors:  LinkedIn:  Spend $250 on your first campaign on LinkedIn ads and get a $250 credit for the next one. Just go to linkedin.com/happier. Warby Parker: Our listeners get 15% off plus free shipping when they buy two or more pairs of prescription glasses at WarbyParker.com/HAPPIER — using our link helps support the show. To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/10HappierwithDanHarris    

What if a simple walk could unlock the secrets to your creativity? Join host Buzz Knight on takin' a walk as he delves into the enchanting world of singer-songwriter Boy Golden, whose new album, Best of Our Possible Lives, is a beautiful fusion of indie rock and roots music inspired by Buddhist philosophy. In this captivating episode, Buzz and Boy Golden explore how the act of walking has profoundly influenced his songwriting process, serving as a meditative practice that clears his mind and sparks inspiration. As they stroll through the themes of presence and vulnerability, Boy Golden shares the stories behind his poignant tracks like "Matter at Hand" and "Like a Child," revealing how the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh resonate in his music. This episode is not just about music; it’s about the journey of being present and embracing each moment, a theme that echoes through the heart of takin' a walk. Discover the collaborative magic between Boy Golden and producer Robbie Lakritz, along with the contributions of legendary bassist Pino Palladino, as they bring his artistic vision to life. Buzz Knight, known for his insightful music history podcasts, guides this conversation with a warmth that makes you feel like you’re part of their walk, discussing the intricacies of the music-making process and the emotional healing that comes from it. As the episode unfolds, listeners will gain music history insights and witness the personal stories behind Boy Golden's artistic reinvention. From his musical influences to his upcoming tours, this episode is packed with inspiring music stories that highlight the resilience and creativity of indie artists. Boy Golden even shares a heartfelt moment reflecting on his late grandfather, expressing a deep desire to walk with him again, reminding us all of the profound connections that music can foster. If you're a fan of legendary musicians and the stories behind albums, this episode of takin' a walk is a must-listen. Join Buzz Knight as he navigates the music journey of Boy Golden, offering listeners a blend of music history, songwriter stories, and the magic that happens when you take a moment to walk and reflect. Tune in for an episode filled with laughter, inspiration, and the joy of music storytelling that you won't want to miss! #indie music journey #career breakthrough #viral music success #music history on foot #buzz Knight Support the show: https://takinawalk.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode, Lesley Logan sits down with Pilates icons Brooke Siler and Maria Earle for a deeply personal conversation that goes far beyond the reformer. As they celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Pilates Body, they reflect on career evolution, friendships formed during lockdown, and the courage it takes to become more embodied as our bodies change. From life as expats to the intentional decision to redefine a global Pilates classic, this episode is a reminder that strength, trust, and confidence are built from the inside out. If you have any questions about this episode or want to get some of the resources we mentioned, head over to LesleyLogan.co/podcast https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/. If you have any comments or questions about the Be It pod shoot us a message at beit@lesleylogan.co mailto:beit@lesleylogan.co. And as always, if you're enjoying the show please share it with someone who you think would enjoy it as well. It is your continued support that will help us continue to help others. Thank you so much! Never miss another show by subscribing at LesleyLogan.co/subscribe https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/#follow-subscribe-free.In this episode you will learn about:How Maria and Brooke's friendship deepened during global lockdown.Why the Pilates Body aesthetic needed to be questioned and reframed.What a Pilates body truly means beyond appearance and performance.Rediscovering Joe Pilates' original archival work to guide embodied movement.Owning grit and sustained effort instead of attributing success to luck.Episode References/Links:The Pilates Body Book, Revised and Expanded Edition by Brooke Siler - https://beitpod.com/pilatesbodyrevisedBrooke Siler's Website - https://www.brookesilerpilates.comBrooke Siler's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/brookesilerpilatesMaria Earle's Website - https://www.mariaearle.comMaria Earle's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/maria_earleLocal Bookstores - https://bookshop.orgReturn to Life Through Contrology by Joseph Pilates - https://a.co/d/0eqSRfGNGuest Bio:Brooke Siler began her Pilates training in 1994 under Joseph Pilates' protégée Romana Kryzanowska at Drago's Gym in New York City where she spent a decade studying under Romana's masterful tutelage. She opened her award-winning Manhattan studio, re:AB Pilates, in 1997 and was quickly embraced by Hollywood's A-list from Madonna to Dustin Hoffman, but Brooke is probably best known for penning the New York Times' best-seller The Pilates Body. The Pilates Body has become the highest grossing Pilates book of all time and she has followed it with titles: Your Ultimate Pilates. Body Challenge, The Pilates Body Kit, The Women's Health Big Book of Pilates and the Pilates Weight Loss for Beginners dvd. In 2021 Brooke launched her long-awaited, passion-product, The Tensatoner™! Brooke has studied anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, fascial networks and cadaver dissection with teachers: Tom Myers (Anatomy Trains), chiropractic physician Dr. Joe Muscolino (Know The Body), Leslie Kaminoff & Amy Matthews (Yoga Anatomy) and podiatristMaria Earle is an internationally recognized Pilates educator known for her warm, charismatic teaching style and deeply embodied approach to movement. With more than 27 years of experience in Pilates and wellness, she draws from decades of hands-on teaching, studio ownership, and advanced education to guide practitioners toward sensation-led, authentic practice. Based in Barcelona, Maria leads postgraduate teacher trainings and online education through her Digital Studio, supporting movers at every stage of life. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a review on iTunes, Podcast Addict, Podchaser or Castbox. https://lovethepodcast.com/BITYSIDEALS! DEALS! DEALS! DEALS! https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/memberships/perks/#equipmentCheck out all our Preferred Vendors & Special Deals from Clair Sparrow, Sensate, Lyfefuel BeeKeeper's Naturals, Sauna Space, HigherDose, AG1 and ToeSox https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/memberships/perks/#equipmentBe in the know with all the workshops at OPC https://workshops.onlinepilatesclasses.com/lp-workshop-waitlistBe It Till You See It Podcast Survey https://pod.lesleylogan.co/be-it-podcasts-surveyBe a part of Lesley's Pilates Mentorship https://lesleylogan.co/elevate/FREE Ditching Busy Webinar https://ditchingbusy.com/Resources:Watch the Be It Till You See It podcast on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq08HES7xLMvVa3Fy5DR8-gLesley Logan website https://lesleylogan.co/Be It Till You See It Podcast https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/Online Pilates Classes by Lesley Logan https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/Online Pilates Classes by Lesley Logan on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjogqXLnfyhS5VlU4rdzlnQProfitable Pilates https://profitablepilates.com/about/Follow Us on Social Media:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lesley.logan/The Be It Till You See It Podcast YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq08HES7xLMvVa3Fy5DR8-gFacebook https://www.facebook.com/llogan.pilatesLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-logan/The OPC YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@OnlinePilatesClasses Episode Transcript:Maria Earle 0:00  It feels great to be a part of something that is, it's bigger than me, it's bigger than the book, it's bigger than us together, it's bigger than all of it. It's about this reframing what it is to be in our bodies and to embodied and to celebrate all the different phases. I mean, my size has never defined me.Lesley Logan 0:27  Welcome to the Be It Till You See It podcast where we talk about taking messy action, knowing that perfect is boring. I'm Lesley Logan, Pilates instructor and fitness business coach. I've trained thousands of people around the world and the number one thing I see stopping people from achieving anything is self-doubt. My friends, action brings clarity and it's the antidote to fear. Each week, my guest will bring bold, executable, intrinsic and targeted steps that you can use to put yourself first and Be It Till You See It. It's a practice, not a perfect. Let's get started.Lesley Logan 1:10  All right, Be It babe, this is magical. If you had told me when I saw this podcast, I would have in this conversation, I would have like, no, what are you talking about? So while we normally don't talk a lot about Pilates on this podcast, everything is kind of Pilates to me. I have two incredible, humongously wonderful, brilliant, the biggest hearts of the entire world teachers on today's podcast, and we are going to talk about friendships and life and having brave conversations and and how do you accept an invitation to make an impact about something that is bigger than you? And this is really wonderful conversation. And so Maria Earle and Brooke Siler are our guests today, and we were talking about The Pilates Body book. And I'm honored. I can't believe I'm pinching myself that just fucking happened. I can't believe it. I can't believe I just got off like, two-hour chat with these wonderful women. What is my life? So anyways, I can't wait for you to hear this, and I do think it is a honest conversation about bodies and women and the things we go through. And I hope you love it and that you send it to a friend who needs to hear it, and you know, you tell us all about your favorite parts of it. Here they are. Lesley Logan 2:23  All right, Be It babe, we have like a dynamic duo. I'm not gonna lie, I also totally screwed something up when hitting getting everything ready, because I was so nervous and so excited, because I'm obsessed with both these women, I get to fan girl over them to their faces, which is very fun for me. So Maria and I got to officially meet in in Seoul Korea, but I had been following Maria Earle for a long time, and just watching she's just like, so graceful and so amazing and just wonderful everything she does. And I'm just like, I'm not graceful at all, but I just absolutely adored her. And I love like, I've spent time with her in Seoul, Korea, and so I feel like we'll always have a night in Seoul together. And then Brooke Siler, okay, so I went to, and you might not know this about me, Brooke, but I actually went to Pilates class, kind of kicking and screaming. I thought of that class was like a bunch of BS workout. I told the girl, it's an infomercial workout. It can't do what it claims, but I needed a friend. So I went to the class. And I was obsessed. Became obsessed with this class. I was like, oh, it was the most amazing thing I've ever done in my entire life. And I worked at South Coast Plaza, and I went to the bookstore, and I went to the fitness section, and I bought the Pilates book that was there, it was your book, I took it home, and I did every exercise like in the book. I started going to Pilates every single day. And you had a second book, and I bought that one. I was on the treadmill, like walking, like I was lifted, like I was obsessed. And then some, I moved to L.A., and someone's, like, can you be my Pilates instructor and like, kind of, you know, the internet and social media wasn't really a thing then. And then, fast forward to, I believe it was January of 2020, you were in L.A., and I was like, I have to go to this workshop. She doesn't know I'm so obsessed with her. And I went to the workshop and you taught an exercise a certain way that I had been teaching it that way, and I had no one had taught it to me like that, but I had just figured out like, and I pull straps I want my inner thighs up because it helps me get my butt on, helps me all these things. And you said it, and I was like, oh my God, I'm so validated right now. So anyways, I just had to tell you that, because, like, I you, like, even though I knew it was great, I just, like, needed someone like you to say it. I was like, this is amazing. So. Brooke Siler 4:31  Your little backup. Lesley Logan 4:32  Yeah, a little backup. So anyways, you've been part of my, like, be it till I see it as a Pilates person my whole life, and you and, like, for at least 20 years, and you didn't know it. But now I get to have the two of you on the Be It Till You See It podcast. So we'll start with Brooke. Brooke, can you tell everyone who you are and what you rock at? Brooke Siler 4:48  Yes. Well, first of all, thank you so much for having us. Me, us both. I, yeah, really excited to even have a conversation. I love being in a room with smart women. There's nothing better, really. So my name is Brooke Siler, as Lesley has already told you, I am an author. I'm a teacher. I started teaching in 1994 and then in 2000 I wrote the Pilates body, and it's been that fantastic 15 minutes of fame that has just gone on and on and on for me. I just am super blessed, super grateful. And yeah, I think that's who I am.Lesley Logan 5:25  Oh, my God, yeah, yeah. Then there's, I mean, like, when you have to, like, distill yourself down into a nutshell life, but it is, absolutely, we'll have to get into the 15 minutes of fame that keeps on giving you know for decades. Maria Earle, what do you rock at babe? Maria Earle 5:40  Hi. Also, thank you for putting this together. It's fun to be here with you two. So my name is Maria Earle, and I am a Pilates educator, and have been teaching Pilates since 1997 walked into the first Pilates studio a few years before that, and just never stopped. Anyway, I I'm based in Barcelona, Spain, and prior to that, I lived in New York City and had a Pilates studio for about eight years on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, and took a big leap of faith and moved abroad about 15 years ago, which it's funny when you put a number to it, but, yeah.Lesley Logan 6:29  I know, I know I feel really young until I realize how long I've been doing something. I'm like, oh, I mean, I'm still young, but also we aged in there.Maria Earle 6:38  So yeah, I have a Pilates studio here, and I run post graduate teacher training courses and online things. And, you know, trying to live my best life, basically.Lesley Logan 6:52  Yeah, do the best you can. Like, do the whole balance thing they all tell us to do. You're like, balance gotta work, the balance of work and life. And, you know, you have kids too, right, Maria? Maria Earle 7:01  I have one, though it feels like multiples, but there is only one. I'm like, yeah, yeah, there's one. Lesley Logan 7:10  Yeah, oh my gosh, okay, well, so I guess we can go, you know, we can go anywhere we want, but I actually would love to hear how the two of you got connected, because part of me goes like, did you know each other in New York? And the other part of me is like, so jealous when I hear that you've been doing Pilates since the 90s, like, I would wonder what my life would have been like had I learned it sooner. I'm always so jealous of people who did it in the 90s.Maria Earle 7:36  Yeah. You call that Golden Age.Brooke Siler 7:38  It really was. It really was a golden, I feel like it was, yeah, it was a Golden Age. Pilates. (inaudible) I feel like Maria and I maybe have orbited each other, because we seem to have been in a lot of the same places at the same times, but we didn't actually meet each other, until just 20, what did we determine it was? 2018?Maria Earle 8:01  2019Brooke Siler 8:02  2019 in Barcelona. I came over to teach a workshop at a studio there, and Maria was there, and she was Maria (inaudible) and it was her birthday, and I was like, oh, loud American, oh my gosh, in Spain, in this little studio. And, yeah, we, I, we just kind of got to chatting, but we didn't do much after that, did we? For a while.Maria Earle 8:28  We talked, I think we talked a few times, because we know are we allowed to say this about you living abroad already. Brooke Siler 8:36  I mean, I live abroad. Maria Earle 8:37  That's not a that's not a .Brooke Siler 8:39  No, it's not a secret. No, I live in the U.K.Maria Earle 8:42  So yeah, I think. Lesley Logan 8:44  What if Brooke is like, don't tell anyone I live in the U.K.Brooke Siler 8:50  I'm the witness protection program. But other than that.Maria Earle 8:53  Witness protection program, I was like, I don't know. You know, I'm not gonna. Anyway, so yeah, (inaudible) exactly. I think we connected. I mean, not only do we connect over, you know, Pilates or whatnot, but I think there was, like a real like, wait, you live in the U.K.? And you were like, wait, you live here now? We were both kind of like, well, what are you doing? What? And so there was, I think, you know, I remember a number of phone calls where we were talking about, you know, the, the challenge of, you know, uprooting your life. And in later years, you know, I mean, I didn't move here with children, but Brooke moved with children, and basically. Brooke Siler 9:41  Yeah, mine were nine and 11 when we moved. Maria Earle 9:43  You know, she needed to start running, like, from the get go. She needed to have all the things together, right? I, I moved here as a single person going, lalala. This is great. This is fun. And then, you know, sort of built my life deciding like, oh, I'm really going to stop. Here, and I'm going to make a life here for myself. And, you know, I've never looked back.Lesley Logan 10:07  Yeah, I think that's so I think this is so interesting, like, because we have a lot of people write in, like, how do you make friends when you're older? Like, I've moved and I think, like, that was obviously shared experiences. Like, you go somewhere, like everyone did you hear they went to a thing that they both are interested in, but then you you connect on another level. Like, I think that's the important part of like, having a friendship. Like, you have to, can't just be like, oh, we just go to Pilates class together. Like, there has to be this other shared thing. And it's like, oh, we're both expats, and we both had to, like, start a whole new life somewhere. And I'd imagine Brooke that it's quite challenging to do that with two kids, like, I imagine, like, because you had already written the book by then, the original Pilates Body Book, and then you move. And so then you're like, you have a whole life. You're a best selling author, and then you're like, a mom trying to get two kids into school.Brooke Siler 10:54  Actually, that was the whole point was I had been kind of this, the Pilates Body author, since 29 years old, 30 years old, right? So I was like, Who? And I started Pilates at 26 years old. So here I was 46 or something. I was like, who am I without this? Like, half my life has been this. Can I just be a mom? So when I moved here, I came with my husband's name, like, I was like, I'm not gonna say Siler, I'm not going to tell anyone I do Pilates. My stuff was in the garage. Like I am to be mom, and that's what I can't or mom, my kids totally do not have English accents, but so, yeah, that's what I was going to do. So I joined the PTA because I'm that person, and I, yeah, I made like, you know, we went to the pub and did the pub quizzes and did all that stuff while the kids were in school. I was mama, and of course, then what did I end up doing, teaching the teachers Pilates for free. I was like, hey, let me come and give you guys Pilates because you I like, how do you do this with kids that's so challenging. Let me do something for you. So I came and started teaching every Friday, giving them Pilates session, you, I can't get away. You can't get away from it like it's who you are. If you're a teacher, you're a teacher, and if your art is is Pilates. Like, you know, I feel like my, my vocation is teacher, and my, my medium is Pilates, you know.Lesley Logan 12:15  I understand that. I think like I, you were all going to teach something that happened, that we, you know, someone probably told all of us that we should become a teacher, and we're like, okay, I'll do that thing. Yeah, yeah.Brooke Siler 12:29  Pulled me back in. And it wasn't till lockdown. That's when Maria and I really came together, and that's when, yeah, my whole Pilates World opened right back up again.Lesley Logan 12:40  Interesting. So, like, did you guys? Because, I mean, obviously we've heard, like, I think it was Esther Peral was, like, the Covid was, like, the great accelerator, like, if you were gonna do something, it was gonna, you were gonna do it, and it's gonna do it faster. So you're either gonna, like, if you're gonna break up with someone, you broke up with them faster. If you were, like, Brad and I, we picked up our life and moved as well, and I did it three years earlier than we thought we ever could. And, and, and so, like, was that the great accelerator for your friendship? Was it a way that you guys got deeper because there was not as many distractions? How did that go?Brooke Siler 13:09  Yeah, what do you think Maria?Maria Earle 13:11  I think so. I mean, I so agree with the great accelerator. I mean, I always think about, I mean, for our friendship, for sure, but also, you know, stepping into, stepping into newness, in terms of professionally, stepping into things that, otherwise, you know, it was the kind of the kick in the ass that I needed for a number of things that I'm totally happy to talk about. Lesley Logan 13:36  Yeah.Brooke Siler 13:38  (inaudible) About it because we were, like a little women's group. There was four of us.Lesley Logan 13:42  Yeah, okay, if I obviously, what happens in a women's group stays in women's group. But like, if there's something we can talk about from women's group, I would love to because I think this is where, this is where a lot of women I find our listeners are, they can get really lonely, or they they want community, and they seek community, but then, you know, someone doesn't show up to something, and it gets easy to take it personally. Like, how did you guys have a women's group, and what did you just talk about?Brooke Siler 14:07  It was, it was a movement. I mean, we were working out together, is what it was. So, like, two, three times a week, we were working out together and.Maria Earle 14:15  And then doing a lot of chatting afterwards. (inaudible) Talk about, like, set your morning aside. I mean, like, don't book any clients until after 12. There is just, there's just too much that needs to pass.Brooke Siler 14:33  Everything, you know, everything that was happening in Covid that was so amplified was happening around us. And so we would sometimes, you know, we'd get on the we'd go to work out, but someone had had a morning, something had happened, someone had seen something and and we would, you know, tears and sharing, and yeah, we yeah, all the things happened, yeah, yeah. But it was an unlikely like, none of us really knew each other knew each other before. And, yeah, we're an interesting foursome, actually.Lesley Logan 15:03  I love but I love it because it's like, I think, you know, you said side of the time, and it just evolved naturally. But also, like, when women do get together and they're and they share that, and they can be vulnerable, you know, they say, like, you know, movement is how, like, we like, trauma can leave the body. We can heal the body. Like, it's so important. I have a yoga class that I go to, and the first few minutes are kind of somebody bitching about something, and then we get into the yoga and then by the time the yoga is over, whatever that was like, moved out of all of us. And then, and then you can wrap up the conversation, if somebody needs to. And I sometimes kind of wish it went an hour longer, you know, I can imagine what a wonderful way to, like, very therapeutic.Brooke Siler 15:44  There's the physical workout and the emotional workout. They both kind of conjoined. Maria Earle 15:50  Yeah and when you just, when you just commit to it, you just lock into it, and that just becomes your non negotiable. Like, that's just, that's just what I do on Tuesdays and Thursday mornings, like, you know, sometimes things would come up, but we.Brooke Siler 16:07  We're committed to one another, to ourselves and to one another. Lesley Logan 16:10  Yeah. And that's like, so, okay, this is the hard part, right? Because, like, we're all teachers here. And like, we have the clients who, like, you know, they want to come three times a week, and then they and then they book, you know, this coffee date and this thing. And then we have the teachers who also say they want these things, or the women who are like, not necessarily teachers, because this is not most of the people don't even do Pilates listeners. But like the people, like they're they want this, but it is a commitment, like it is an actual like, you are not just coming Tuesdays and Thursday mornings until noon, but you're making sure everyone in your life knows about it so that it's things do come up, but they're kind of rare, because there's rarely, like, an actual emergency that can't be done on another day, like, there's, you know. So how did you guys, like, how did did you tell, like, Maria you have a kid, did you tell your one kid and Brooke, I'm assuming your kids are a little older now, but like, were they aware that, like, hey, leave me alone. This is my private time. How did you get the commitment to be something you could come to without the pressures of, like, all the guilt of all being a mom?Maria Earle 17:07  I don't know. I blocked it out. Brooke Siler 17:09  Yeah, me too. What guilt? That was our time?Maria Earle 17:15  No, I don't know. It's funny because I actually, I.Brooke Siler 17:20  Also we have boys, I feel like that needs to be said (inaudible).Maria Earle 17:25  Yeah, maybe, I mean, you know, it could have been messy, like, I don't know, but I know that it was time, not only well spent, obviously, But it was time that was so important to me that I just, I figured out how to make it work. And, you know, maybe sometimes I could only log in for a little while, or, you know, sometimes I'd say, like, I gotta, I gotta go. I gotta go, you know, I I just, I want to, I want to check in. I want to say that I love you, and like, hi, but like, I have all this going on. I, that's it. That's all I got for you. They'd be like, you know, bye, we need just that little bit of like, you got this, you know. Lesley Logan 18:16  Well and it also it sounds so it sounds a little bit like one, you know, you needed it for yourselves, and like, you did that, and they were, like, unapologetic about that. And then two, you found the right people that would understand if you couldn't, and they wouldn't take it personally, and they wouldn't hold it against you. And I think that's where a lot of people have screwed up in their groups, of their friendships. It's like they kind of have kept people from a long time, and you know, like, aren't good at voicing what they need or or even knowing what they need. So then it, it gets muddled, and it becomes an uncomfortable situation.Brooke Siler 18:48  I'm I'm wondering now if maybe what worked in our favor was that we weren't friends beforehand, really. We kind of we, we solidified the friendship, but actually we grew the friendship in lockdown. So we were learning about each other. So it was not only the interest in showing up to move, but we were also interested, I think, you know, in each other and one another, and each one of us had so many amazing things happen to us. You know, Alicia started a podcast, and Karen, like, set up her studio. And, you know.Brooke Siler 19:18  Maria bought. Maria Earle 19:20  Oh yeah, I bought my studio (inaudible). Brooke Siler 19:23  We were there for for all these things, you know. And we could share, like, hey, what do you guys think? And each one of us so has a different kind of forte, and we just feel like the universe just kind of made that all happen. So, without too esoteric, it really was yeah meant to be we and we yeah I think it became that, like.Maria Earle 19:45  It became a rock.Brooke Siler 19:46  You do, yeah.Lesley Logan 19:48  Yeah, and then and, I mean, like, life the world is open. Have you been able to keep the Tuesday and Thursdays together, like you guys still hanging out? Brooke Siler 19:57  It became different. It's shape shifted. It's. Not the same. It's more like, you know, yes, the world is open. There's so many other things going on. I mean, listen, I had to write a book just to see Maria again. I mean, that there was that moment of like, yeah, after having written the book, I was then like, oh, someone actually has to be the model in this. Who and I just, it was immediate. It wasn't even, like, a second I didn't even have a second choice. Like, had she said, no, I was screwed.Lesley Logan 20:31  So, so, so we're, I mean, of course, everyone's like, hold on. We have so many questions about this. Like, women's group, but we're gonna move on, guys, because we only have so much time. But like, if you, if you Brooke Siler's name does not ring a bell from The Pilates Body book, but, but that we, you know, I've literally moved with every apartment. It ever moved with me and into this house, and it didn't even go into a closet, like it's on the shelf. You know, because I think it represents, like the time when I was, like, I was, I believe so much that people can have an independent Pilates practice. And because I was like, but this book gave me that, like, I was able to have an independent Pilates practice. And I I think that, like, that's so necessary for the world we all live in today, to have, you know, to have enough Pilates in our life, whether you're a teacher or not, you need to have some way of doing it. So I was trying to look it up before we started talking, when did you write this book the first time?Brooke Siler 21:24  I started writing it in 1999 and it was published in 2000. Lesley Logan 21:28  Okay, so that's wow, so it's been 25 years. So then you had so then you're like, I'm gonna write it again. I guess.Brooke Siler 21:36  I was like, we should celebrate. It's 25 years, and I still have people coming and saying, oh, my God, my career started because of Pilates, because of The Pilates Body, and that was the first book I ever had, and I've heard that for 25 years, and it felt like, definitely, you know, the, Pilates is bigger now than ever. And I was like, how amazing would it be if we if we did a 25th anniversary, and I brought my literary agent, and she was like, yes, love the idea. And then we brought it to an editor, and they were like, yes, love the idea. And they were like, but, and I just thought, actually, I could, you know, there's that one copy of the Joe Pilates book where it's two of his books together. I thought it was going to get off really easy and just combine the first two books. And so I said to the editor, can't we just put the two together and make it.Lesley Logan 22:21  This one too. Brooke Siler 22:22  Yes, exactly. Wouldn't that be perfect? And then I don't have to do anything. And they were like, No, you have to put new material in there. And I was like, oh, okay. So I hear the things that are of interest to me at this time, like I'm doing a lot of deep work on breathing. I'm doing a lot of deep work on this (inaudible) and that's a whole nother topic, but they chose one, and that was what I went with. And so when I started doing the deep digging, it was, I mean, I had already done the deep digging, I should say, but then starting to try to put it into terms that could be easily understood, and how to make it blend deeper with Pilates. And it was stuff that I was doing that we were doing in our Tuesdays, Thursdays, you know, I always come with ideas. I'm like, hey guys, let's try this thing I've been playing with. And there they were just always game. They were very generous with me and allowing me to test out all of my crazy ideas on them. And yeah, so this one just kept sticking. And then I was teaching online classes, and people were like, writing me afterwards, going, Oh my God, I feel amazing. I can't believe, like, what this feels like. And I was like, okay, cool. So I not only wrote it, but I was like, listen, it's 25 years. I'm going to rewrite all the they didn't give me a budget to do all the photos again. So the photos are the same as they were, and the layout is the same, but I pretty much rewrote everything, like, I updated the language and put in new variations and a lot of archival, you know, just bringing Joe into it, because lockdown, I dug deep, deep in Joe's, you know, treasure trove, and put, like, instead of looking outside of Pilates, I just went back in. I feel like it's that when you go to the dentist, and they used to have the treasure chest and you could pick a toy, it's like, I just went, I did a deep dive into the, Maria, I did a deep dive in and found all. Lesley Logan 24:11  Maria, your dentist didn't have a treasure chest because mine did. And an aquarium, okay? And I would watch the rocket fish go across like I was my favorite.Brooke Siler 24:20  Yes, exactly, yes. So I just yeah, I think, you know, I was pulling stuff out and trying stuff, and they were loving it. And that's the way my mind works. I feel like lockdown for me was an incredible like, everything shut down, out, out, and my brain just went absolutely mad creative. Like I just couldn't stop creating. It was, it was amazing. Lesley Logan 24:44  So you're listening to this everyone. The book is already out, like we're talking about this before I've had my hands on a copy. And of course, I'm like, now (inaudible) even more than I was when you first told me about it, but like I do so and I'm excited to hear what Maria's response was like. Like to also You were telling her, I'm gonna redo this. Like, there is something about, like, Okay, I think we should celebrate. It's gonna be easy. But then it's like, okay, great. Now I've get to redo it. The in the redoing, it's like, you there's things that you can change, because you've had 25 years of teaching on top of it, 25 years of testimonial, 25 years of hearing people say they love this, or have questions about this, like, not many people get a redo and in life, you know, so. So Maria, when she came to you and said she was redoing this, is there anything that like you were the most excited about, that you were like, like, what? What part did you get to explore with her, that you were excited to be in the book?Maria Earle 25:38  Well, my, my role is a very tiny, tiny little role.Lesley Logan 25:43  No way, no way, no.Brooke Siler 25:47  Let's just call bullshit on that. I mean, it's not.Maria Earle 25:50  That is not true. What I mean to say is that, basically, as Brooke said, right, she had been developing these ideas and had an opportunity to basically add a new section to the book. And needed, and needed wanted to have somebody to to be the model for that new chapter. And I got to be someone who sort of got to be in the behind the scenes, like I got to sort of be in her brain a little bit while she was, you know, having this explosive sort of creativity moment, you know, I got to, I got to experience firsthand, you know, her process. And that was amazing. And, you know, I mean, I guess we could joke a little bit about this Brooke, because she she said she sort of hinted to it earlier when she said that, you know, she wanted me to do the book, but you know, she was like, if she said, no, you know, what was I going to do, right? You know, so I think so it took her a little while because she knew that I might like run for the hills when she's asking me to be the, you know, the model.Brooke Siler 27:05  The Pilates Body to be out there. Yeah. Maria Earle 27:08  I was like, Brooke, are you crazy? You know, is like my first reaction, you know. So, you know, do you want to do this? You know, before I'm 50 or after I'm 50, you know, I do you? You know who you're talking to, right? You know I was like, so is this, like a wedding boot camp kind of thing that I need to, like, get myself, like, totally, like, in shape or whatever.Lesley Logan 27:49  Whatever that means, yeah, yeah, yeah.Maria Earle 27:51  And she was like, No, I want you to just be you and talk about leap of faith. Talk about, like, stepping into, like, the scary bits and saying, Okay, I I trust you, yeah, and I believe in your vision, and I want to step into that space 100% because it is what I believe. Like, let's celebrate, let's celebrate the body as it is, like, let's, let's give it a whole another dimension here, you know, let's cut through the bullshit of what it means to have a Pilates body, and let's reframe that dialog. And no, I'm not going to get photoshopped as much as I, you know that little my head is like, well, could. Brooke Siler 29:04  We had a lot of conversations. Maria Earle 29:05  Couldn't they just a little, no, right? So it's like this, like inner dialog of over months and months, you know? And that is powerful and beautiful. And I, I could not have asked for am better partner to to do that with, and, you know, a safe space to like, be, no, I'm going to step into this, and I'm going to do it big, and it's going to be, it's going to be yeah and and, yeah. It feels great to be a part of something that is, it's bigger than me. It's bigger it's bigger than the book. It's bigger than us together. It's bigger than all of it. It's, it's, it's, it's about this reframing what what it is to be in our bodies. And to embodied and to and to celebrate all the different phases. I mean, my size has never defined me, and I have been, you know, I am not the size I was when I was 25.Lesley Logan 30:18  Nor I and probably not, right? I I love that we're going here, because I just have to say, like, we're recording this two weeks after so my youtube channel hit 40,000 subscribers, which I'm at the time, this is where, and I was so freaking stoked, because, like, I did it without, like, putting I did it without, like, doing a, you know, tits and ass workout, without, like, you know, the fake Pilates, like, we'll call it Pilates, but it's just, mostly just sit ups, like, I did it without, like, put on, I did it with, like, just educational support. And I'm so proud of what we did. And on the day that we hit 40,000 somebody wrote, your stuff is really great, but you used to be thinner, and it was really, the videos are really great when you were thinner. What happened? Of course, other subscribers are like, this is not helpful. This is why teachers and trainers are afraid to gain weight. Like, wonderful, supportive stuff and to and like, my response to this per and the person doubled down. So in case we're wondering, like, maybe it's a cultural thing, like, we have a house in Cambodia, and people will inquire, like, oh, you're bigger. Why? Because maybe you're rich. They want it like, like, you know, like, that's kind of different cultures. Have different experiences. So, so I was trying to like, so in case we thought maybe it's a cultural translation thing. No, they doubled down. They said it's a calories in, calories out. She could have better discipline. Oh, and to which I got pissed off, because I don't, I don't have the body I had at you know, when I discovered, when I when Pilates discovered me at 22 like I am, first of all, I am no longer sick. I no longer have digestive issues. I now absorb nutrition. I also like happen to look a lot better with curves. Thank you very much. But I, for the record, like I told I went online and told people, yeah, I've gained 40 pounds. I am the most disciplined person I know. I probably do Pilates more than people other people do who have different bodies than me. You cannot have fat phobic comments on my channel. This is wrong for so many reasons. I hope you have space and grace for yourself and others when your body's changed, because they will and it's and I really appreciate you sharing that journey, Maria, about your body too. It's like, I think so many teachers and so many women are afraid to put themselves out there, whatever their thing is. We can even switch Pilates to being an author, being a speaker or being a doctor, like every woman is so afraid. Well, I don't look like whatever x is supposed to look like. And so people are going to judge me. And then, because they don't put themselves out there, because they're afraid they'll be judged, then the only people that are out there are 22 year olds in their super cute outfits that have never looked good on me. And so, of course, like so then people think that's what it is. And so then we have this whole misunderstanding. Brooke Siler 33:05  It's really, it's a, it's, yeah, it is dysmorphia, and it's a really sad commentary, and it's, and, you know, I'm, don't let me get started on a patriarchy, because I will. Lesley Logan 33:16  We can, but yeah. Brooke Siler 33:19  You know, it's, it's this. It's not only an unrealistic ideal, but like, who's even the one coming up with that shit? It's just ridiculous. And the thing is, we've all bought into it at some stage in our lives. And certainly it's something that, you know, it can be on so many different levels. But Maria and I were talking about this too. There was plenty of times, like, even, you know, you'd want to Photoshop this, or there's the cellulite there, and there's the whole thing, and in the end of the day, we're wiser than we've ever been in our lives. We are more powerful in our own ways than we've ever been in our lives. We can move beautifully in at our this age in our lives. I started taking tennis last year. I go three times a week. One, I've never in my life played tennis. I started at 56 you have to love that and like, fuck it. I don't care if my thighs are thicker. I'm like, really enjoying what I can do in this body. And that's what a Pilates body always was. I did even look back in 2000 when I wrote the book, the if you go through the three models at the beginning, there is a passage at the Afterword that says, I chose these three models because of their they were teaching because they're teachers. Their ability to do the actual movements and endure the long photo shoots of the day, they happen to work for me. So that was very easy. They were there. I didn't do like a whatever they call that, a model call, you know, they they worked for me, so it was perfect. They were amazing teachers who were had modern dance backgrounds, so they were strong as shit, and they were beautiful. And I wrote, I hope in earnest, that they that they inspire and don't intimidate. And I wrote that in 2000 because for me, I already knew it's not about having a skinny you know, body, a particular type of body. It was just they were there to model the work, and I knew they could do it. And these are longer days of shooting. So with Maria, I knew her. I knew her work, because we've been working out together for years, and I could see her power and what she could do with her body. And I thought actually in the way she moved, coming from Kathy Grant, but she has this beautiful way of moving different than what I experienced from Ramana. So I loved it, and I thought it fit so perfectly. And it was very much about, you know, it's got a lot of Maria in it too, which is this beautiful, you know, soul. It's about sensing internally. And so it's, it's a kind of, it's a really nice, I think, flip. It's not that the work. I mean, she killed it, I will say, and I'm just going to admit this, I knew she was going to do an amazing job. I really, I can't actually believe how incredible she was, really. And she knows I say this all the time to her, because she, she killed it. She was a superstar rock star, like, if she couldn't get the thing, she was like, save it. We'll do it again at the end. Like she just, there was determination, like, nothing I've ever seen. It was a very long day of shooting, and I it was like, yeah. I was like, wow, that was really the right choice. I mean, I knew it was the right choice from the beginning. It was, it was a no choice choice. She was a no choice choice. It was just gonna be Maria or it was gonna be no one, and thank God, she took a day, I think, like a day, right when I asked you, and then, like, the next day, she was like, right, I'm good. Because I remember saying to my husband, like, what if she didn't do it? Like, I needed to be her. It's just her. It just was her. It was like, meant to be you. So. Lesley Logan 36:40  Oh yeah, but I, and I, Maria, first of all, like, I don't, I you, there's something about you that's just so magical that you could even, I don't even know, I don't know if I could take the day, I probably would have been like, I'm fucking scared. And, you know, but you know, like, I don't what, what did you think about? What did you? Did you journal? Like, what did you, what? How did you how did you contemplate the decision? Because you're correct, it's hard to find the words for it. It is going to be bigger than this book is any bigger because, because the book was already bigger than Brooke already, and so and so. And also I just want to say, like, I love that there. I love that the height of Pilates being so popular. This book is coming out again, because I do think it brings some authenticity to the work that we're doing. So what did you do during the day to, like, come to the decision we all want to know how you contemplated?Maria Earle 37:30  Well, I think, I think definitely it was a process. It was a number of conversations, you know, and and I knew in my heart that I that I had to say yes, I knew that it would be a major regret if I let fear and you know, like the little the little naysayers, you know you shouldn't be doing that, or what business do you have? You know nobody wants to see you know you. I knew that all those little voices that I ultimately would regret letting them win. So I knew that I had to say yes, and then basically I had to work backwards from the yes to convince myself that I was okay and that, that, you know, and luckily, luckily, I got good people on my corner, so, so whenever I felt like I needed to, oh God, oh God, what have I done? I'm not ready for that. Wait. I need that boot camp, you know, I maybe, if I did lose, you know, the 20 pounds that I've gained, you know, in the past 10 years, perimenopause is kicking my ass, you know, what if I, maybe I could, oh, God, like whenever I would sort of hit those high rev panic moments, you know, I just have to go to Brooke and whoever else was, were my rocks, you know. And you know, while I'm like, circling and, you know, and I can't land right, and they would be like, it's okay, we got you. This is going to be amazing. This is this and that, and.Brooke Siler 39:20  (inaudible) believing the people that see you like you almost have to see yourself through others' eyes like it was no doubt in my mind that you were perfect, perfect, but I just that's you know, you had to go through your process to get there, and I had to respect that. But yes, I was going to tell you how amazing and beautiful and stay as you are and like, think about how many people get to look and say, Oh, I feel that's me. I'm there. I'm being represented. It's, yeah.Maria Earle 39:52  I mean, because it's important. It's about, it's about really stepping into, stepping into that space, and that stepping into that space is really scary, but I show up that way from my clients every day, yeah, but I don't necessarily show up for myself in that way, and that is something that I don't like to admit. So I am admitting it here, and I'm admitting it now, but you won't ever hear me say it again. No, I'm joking. (inaudible) Maybe now I'll be able to say it more often, which is, like, I, you know, I fall into the same body traps, you know, even though I, I will with my clients and with the teachers who I work with, and, you know, my friends, I like show up with body positivity, and you are beautiful and you are powerful. And I don't, let's not worry about the, you know, the extra little curvy there, like, let's get strong. Let's get moving. Because it's about the moving, and it's about feeling strong, feeling great in your body. It's not about how your body looks. I do that for people all day long. And then when it comes to myself, it's like, right? Until it's like eating you up inside. And so and so the process, the process is not overnight. It's like a long term, term thing. And you know, the book's gonna come out, and I'm probably gonna hide under my covers for every day. Lesley Logan 41:17  For a few minutes, and then we're all gonna drag you out.Brooke Siler 41:21  We're coming in after you for sure (inaudible0.Lesley Logan 41:25  I'm gonna text you the day after it comes out to make sure that you're like, I I appreciate and that you said those things, because it's true. Like, I think we all hear like we're all that for our clients, like they body shame themselves, like, hold on, we're reframing that. And in the process of loving the body that I'm growing into. And, you know, there is all the things, because we were raised in, as our brain was developing, we were raised with the five minutes of tone here, the this here, like I was in modeling, and, of course, like I was like, working out all the time. And you guys went at a commercial agent and a modeling agent, and on the same day, the modeling agent said you're not thin enough, and my commercial agent said you're getting too skinny. And I was like, oh, I don't actually know what to do today. Like, I don't know what to do today because I'm now not hireable in commercials, according to you, but I'm not hireable enough because the modeling agency want to be a fitness model, but I wasn't toned enough to be a fitness model, but I wasn't skinny enough to be a model, model, and so, like you so and so here's, here's what I did. You guys, my agents were across the street from a fonuts, which is, if you've ever been to L.A., it's a non fried, gluten free donut shop. Okay, so the donuts are not fried. It's only gonna happen in L.A. and I I fucking went to the donut shop. I was like, fuck it. I don't even know what to do, and I consciously eating my feelings. Right now, I am an adult enough to understand. I do not, I have a therapy session around this, but I was just like, no one is going to be happy. And that is what I like sat on this bus stop with my donut, and I remember, like, no one's happy, and I told my husband, I said, I think I'm gonna let go of the agents. And I don't know what that means, because I don't I wasn't like wasn't like, wasn't like, I was I wasn't a dream of mine, but I was also like, I can't like, I can't handle these people and my own thoughts, like my own reaction, like, I can't my own thoughts of like my body changing and who I'm becoming, and trying to get healthier and absorb B vitamins, you know, anything to live on this planet like, and also have outside people tell me things like, so I that was, that was when I actually let go of but I will say, like, because we all go through that we can be very body positive and still have these things about ourselves. And I, I think it's hard to admit, but it's also like, it's, it's just honest, and it's a process, because I do think that in people falling in love with their bodies and seeing different bodies doing these strong exercises, they're still going to have their own thoughts to themselves. I can't do that. That's not what my body like all the and we have to go, you're going to have all those thoughts, and you're still invited to this party, because, like, we should have always been moving for the health of it and not for the shape of it. And I don't know when we stop working out for the shape. I don't know when that stops, but I do appreciate your honesty there, Maria. And I think it's I'm excited for what people are going to say and see and do.Maria Earle 44:37  Yeah, and also I would say, I would say something about to sort of bring a couple threads through that in that deep dive that Brooke did, like really looking into the archival work and looking at, you know, the pictures that Joe took doing his mat work, like we we sat with the book, you know, during the photo shoot, like we sat with the book and we were like, how is he doing this? As opposed to, and no, no zero shade, but different than looking at a manual or the gorgeous models that were in book one, right, that were all contemporary or ballet dancers who were making shapes, beautiful shapes, that were in very much influenced by the an esthetic that comes from dance. So you know, Mr. Pilates' swan is not a full extension with fingertips facing the ceiling, right? But we have that in our manual as like, that's what the swan dive is supposed to look like, right? And so we bought into an esthetic that doesn't necessarily, really, it's not, it's an it's an it's just that, it's just the esthetic, period, right.Brooke Siler 46:09  It doesn't even serve the body in the same way that when you realize what Joe was asking, and I always kind of joke about this, how many times I looked at those pictures in the book before lockdown, you know, for years before, because Romana had them on her walls and all of that. And in my mind, he was not in great form, not matching what I was being told. So, like, he needs to do this, he needs to soften his knees. He needs to and then when I started, really, and I've read those books a lot of times. I mean, honestly, before lockdown, I had already they were dog eared and highlighted in every color anyway. But then I went back in and, you know, every time you reread something, you read it with new eyes you because it's where you are. You need it. It meets you where you are in that moment, and it met in this place that was so perfect, because I really read it, I really I heard it, I saw it, and I thought, let me try what he's actually saying, because I had not, not done that. I just, blind faith, went with what I knew from my teacher, of course, who you know again, no shade there, either. Like, fantastic. It got me so far. But then being able to take Joe's words and his vision and his you know, he wanted to help us really be in our bodies and move better during the day. So when we did it that way, when we really got into the nitty gritty of what he was asking, and then the feeling like Maria was saying after the photo shoot, that she was like, Oh my God, I feel incredible. Like, not exhausted, and, I mean, maybe exhausted from the energy of it, but like, the feeling in the body is a good feeling, as opposed to.Maria Earle 47:53  Not fighting the body I was not, I was not fighting myself doing the exercises. I think that's, I think that's really, I think there's really something to that, you know, that you're not in a battle against you and the exercise, or you and the shape, and you trying to get into the shape, be the shape and and, you know, you'll see, you'll see the pictures. It's, it's not rocket science. It's not anything incredibly incredible. It's actually pared down. It's actually not performative, and therefore it's, it's, it's gonna resonate at a different level. And for some people, they're gonna be, like, it's just that.Brooke Siler 48:42  I said there's gonna be people who just rip the new chapter off and throw it away.Maria Earle 48:46  Like, well, what is this? You know. But if you're ready for it and you're in, you're willing to, like, excavate, and do the, do the work, as they say, right, then you're going to be like, Oh, this is this. This there. This is different. This feels different. This is, this is me being in my body in a different way. It's in my body in my way, as opposed to in somebody else's way, where I'm trying to, you know, do that, yeah, that what's happening down there at the end of the line.Brooke Siler 49:34  Very internal chapter in its own way. You can, you can enjoy it for the beautiful photos. But really, what's happening inside Maria in it is what's really, it's about and, and it's, you know, it will, it will be a new thing that people can take or leave. But it's really, I dug deep, and then I combined it with this natural thing called pandiculation. Which is what dogs, our pets, do all the time. You know, this, this lengthening and it's and then when I looked at the archival footage, pictures of Joe and the videos, I was like, Wait, that's what he's doing. And that's what he was saying, natural law of nature, how we move. Watch the animals. I was like, you know it was. And so, yeah.Lesley Logan 50:23  Yeah, yeah. I, I'm, thank you for saying what pandiculation was because I was like, I'm gonna have to look that up.Brooke Siler 50:28  And by the time you're, you know, this comes out, you will.Lesley Logan 50:32  but I can't wait for that. But I it's true. Like, my, my dog gets out of bed every morning, and he does both stretches, right? And I like, look at that. I'm like, I don't, I don't get out of bed and go. Lesley Logan 50:41  But he, you know when he does it 30 or 40 times a day. And they do it every time they move, because we don't like if you try to stretch your dog, they don't like stretch. If you try to pull your dog's leg, they don't like that. What dogs are doing? Pandiculation was fascinating. And when we do it, when we it's basically the word for yawn and stretch. It was developed in the 70s, whatever. Anyway, when you yawn and stretch, we think we're stretching, but we're actually contracting. So when you do this, you're not actually stretching the front. You're contracting the back of you and then releasing. And it becomes a signal that's sent to the brain so you actually learn how to regulate your muscle tension. It's phenomenal. Joe didn't say the word pandiculation, but he absolutely asked us to do what the animals do, and that's what the animals do, because it circulates your blood. It's so freaking cool. I just can't wait. I honestly, you know. Lesley Logan 51:37  I keep watching. I sent Brooke a little gif of, like, someone like, watching the mailbox. I'm watching the mailbox. I'm like, she's like, Lesley, I don't have my copy yet. And I'm like. Brooke Siler 51:47  My copy, yeah, no, I can't wait. Lesley Logan 51:49  I I'm really, I'm really stoked for this. I think, I think also, we're ready. I think there's a huge part of the community that's ready for our conversation about this. I think women who are, like, seeking actual Pilates class, are seeking this conversation, and I think you're giving people permission to do it at home, which has always been something that, like, I'm a huge fan of like, I just think that, like, we keep saying we want Pilates to be accessible, but it's not necessarily like about the price of classes, y'all. It's like making sure they have the ability to do it independently, on their own, because I truly believe that that is where confidence is built. It's like creating this agency within themselves. Like, I can do this, you know, I can look at me, I can do these. I can do this move. I can I can feel this in my body, and then go on the day. Like, I think women especially need that internal strength and agency that, yes, it's great to have a teacher like any one of us, to have eyes on you and like to give you some actual corrections. But also, I think sometimes we are always outsourcing. People are like, what are we? Am I good enough to somebody else's opinion and and really, I just want women to have that. So when you Brooke told me about this, I was like, fuck yeah, I'm in whatever it is you're doing I'm in,Brooke Siler 53:06  Developing that sense of internal trust, instead of always asking for the approval to come from the outside. Way to get to start approving of ourselves, feeling that we can trust what we feel, what we know. I don't care if you're I always tell my class it doesn't matter what I say. Literally, if I come over and I'm in your face saying, lift your leg. Lift your if it is not right for you, do not do it. Do not listen to me. Please. You have full permission not to listen to me. Listen to you. Only you are in your body. Only you know what you're feeling. So it has to be a joint you know, conversation that's happening, it can't just come from one side, so I am also really here for the conversations that will come from this and, yeah.Lesley Logan 53:53  Okay, we, I think the three of us could talk for hours, and we're, I'm already, I sorry, I looked at the clock. Hope you have a few more minutes. We're gonna take a brief break, and then find out where people can find you, follow you, work with you and your Be It Action Items. Lesley Logan 54:08  All right, ladies, we'll go. So what Maria? Where do you hang out? Where's your favorite place? She's gonna drink her tea. Where's your favorite place for people to connect with you? How can they work with you? What do you got?Maria Earle 54:23  So people can look me up, find me, contact me through my website mariaearle.com I also have an IG handle that is my name, Maria Earle, and yeah, I would say those are the two best ways to connect with me.Lesley Logan 54:41  Perfect, Brooke, what about you? And where can they buy this book? If they haven't gotten it already?Brooke Siler 54:47  It will be at all your favorite booksellers. I hope, I mean it's, you know, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, all those kinds of great places. And hopefully we'll get it into, you know, small bookstores too. I love the old (inaudible) bookshops.Lesley Logan 54:59  But also, they don't sponsor the show, but I heard, I heard it's bookshop.org, y'all, if you want to support small business, small bookstops, you can look there and see if it's there. When you buy it there, then they send money to a local bookstore. I don't know how that works, but that's what the commercials say. And do you do you hang on Instagram? What's your website? Where can they find you for more?Brooke Siler 55:17  I think it's pretty simple. So it's BrookeSilerPilates, all one word, and that's the website. That's my Instagram handle, that's my Gmail account, BrookeSilerPilates@Gmail. (inaudible) It's a one-stop shop. Yeah, so you can and I'm very I do like, I am social. I do like sharing and hearing back from people. I feel like it's really funny on Instagram. I'll put something up and be like, tell me what you think. And everyone's like, this is great, but nobody answers like, the question, yeah. I'm like, no, no. I really mean it, like I actually want to be in a conversation with you, but.Lesley Logan 55:52  Yeah, no, I feel the same. Brooke, they don't, they don't do it for this year. Brooke Siler 55:55  Yeah. I don't need the flattery, like, thank you, but I don't need that. I just really, actually want to know what do you think and what do you what are you doing? And, yeah.Lesley Logan 56:04  Yeah, yeah. Well, you know what, that'll be our next that'll be our next thing is like, how do we get women to share what they're actually thinking without thinking what they're thinking is wrong, you know? But that's, that's another in the next 25 years. Okay, I feel like I have tons of takeaways, but I still we have to in the show how we always end it with our Be It Action Items, so bold, executable, intrinsic or targeted, steps people can take to be it till they see it. What do you have for us? Well, whoever wants to go first?Brooke Siler 56:34  I mean, yeah. I mean, so, you know, I listened to another podcast you did where that came up, and I realized that it was the orthodontist. She was wonderful, and yeah, and I was thinking I felt quite similarly. I just kind of never believed that I couldn't, that I can't. I just do I don't, I don't sit. And there are things that I sit in question for sure, I think I have, like many women, you know, the fear of being judged. Who the hell wants that? There's nothing nice about that. So there are times that, like putting myself out there can definitely, I can feel stopped, but I'm, I believe very much in pushing through that. And I, I have had a Buddhist mentor since for like, 18 years now and so. And she's always like, you know, the only way out is through. So you just, you push through. You go through that. So I push through fear. Like, if I see fear, I'm gonna head toward it. It may take me a while, but I'm going toward that number one and number two. I don't know if it's just some innate sense of confidence. I just when I have an idea, I want to share it. And when you, when I think of it as being something that I'm sharing, it doesn't feel like it's a scary thing. I'm like, I love it. You said you love it. Let's just do it, it. It's just like that. So I think, for me, when I think of it as sharing, rather than me doing something for you, then to react to it's much it just makes it much more palatable to move forward, because I love sharing. I'm a group, I'm a group, I'm a, I'm a. I like my independence. I like to be on my own. I do a lot of stu

This guided meditation takes us through different ways of observing the mind, first examining its ever-present parts: perception, feeling, will, and awareness. Then we explore the nature of subjective reality itself by asking what is the mind without thoughts? Where is the space of our consciousness? And, how finely can we slice moments of consciousness? Do we ever arrive at a quantum of consciousness?Episode 7. Guided Meditation: What Is the Mind?Themes:Watching your thoughtsFree willWhat is consciousnessFinding peaceMind-body connectionBuddhist philosophyCultivating joyWatch the episode on our YouTube channelIf you'd like to practice with others and bring these ideas into your life, join our weekly meditation community with Scott.

FULL EPISODE: https://taking-the-land.supercast.com/subscriber_v2/episodes/952752A church kid chases his drug-dealing father, joins a gang to prove he's a “man,” and ends up running from the law. Then a mother's fasting, a stepdad's mercy, and a pastor's direct challenge collide into a real conversion.PREMIUM SUBSCRIPTION for WORLD EVANGELISM:•NO ADS, Early releases, Full-Length Testimony Tuesdays• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe for only $3/month on Supercast⁠: https://taking-the-land.supercast.com/⁠• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe for only $3.99/month on Spotify⁠: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/taking-the-land/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• ⁠Subscribe for only $4.99/month on Apple Podcasts⁠: https://apple.co/4owjo5ZIn this Testimony Tuesday episode of Taking the Land, Pastor Joe Albert Hernandez shares how God pulled him out of drugs, jail, and a fatherless identity crisis, and then launched him into pioneering in Detroit, a hard season in Baltimore, and finally missionary work in Cambodia.PERRY DOMINGUEZ ON TESTIMONY TUESDAY: https://youtu.be/BcSwXAdpgwAYou'll also hear what life is like in Cambodia (97% Buddhist), why it's unusually open to missionaries, what persecution looks like for young converts, and why the next chapter is raising indigenous workers to take the land.If you're a prodigal, a pastor in a hard season, or someone sensing a call to the nations, this one will grab you by the collar in the best way.Chapters00:00 In Cambodia: Why This Nation Is Wide Open04:49 Church Kid to Gang Life10:20 Jail, Running, and the Prodigal Realization14:41 A Mother's Fast and a Stepdad's Mercy19:10 Spiritual Fatherhood and Real Discipleship23:41 True Conversion: Changed DesiresPREMIUM ONLY:38:52 “Yes or No?” — The Call to Preach49:56 Detroit, Baltimore, and Hard Lessons55:49 The Cambodia Burden Returns1:01:44 Raising Indigenous Workers1:09:30 Persecution, Revelation, and Prayer PointsShow NotesALL PROCEEDS GO TO WORLD EVANGELISMLocate a CFM Church near you: https://cfmmap.orgWe need five-star reviews! Tell the world what you think about this podcast at:• Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://apple.co/3vy1s5b• Podchaser: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/taking-the-land-cfm-sermon-pod-43369v

I’ve wondered again and again how I can make a meaningful contribution during this dark time in human history and I keep coming back to this: The power of our breath. The simple act of showing up and intentionally breathing changed my life irrevocably many years ago and still continues to sustain me when I’m feeling “off” or desperate or stuck or frustrated that things haven’t gone my way. Many cultures think of breath as Spirit. Even the Christian tradition I was raised in uses the word “breath” to describe God’s Spirit. Meanwhile the Buddhist tradition has a meditation practice called Tonglen that is based on the idea that we can transmute complex, thick, unsolvable suffering by simply bringing intention to the breath. There are many other things you can do too (like protest, write a book, use your voice, create, call your representatives, march, etc) but… why not also try this? In today’s episode, I’ll show you how. Visit abookin6months.com to start your writing journey! Host: Ally Fallon // @allyfallon // allisonfallon.comFollow Ally on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allyfallon/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever wish your inner critic would finally give you a break? Sean Fargo closes our seven-day journey by teaching a simple, reliable practice that replaces self-attack with grounded compassion. We start where warmth is easiest—thinking of someone or an animal that naturally opens the heart—then repeat four steady phrases: may you be safe, may you be healthy, may you be happy, may you live with ease. From that genuine warmth, we turn the same phrases inward and, yes, even toward the inner critic itself.Across this guided session, we explore why loving-kindness is more than feel-good language; it's a trainable response that reshapes the brain and nervous system. By pairing intention with repetition, the practice becomes a habit you can call on the next time you make a mistake, fall short of a goal, or feel the urge to spiral. Sean offers practical cues—eyes open or closed, breath linked to phrases, starting with an easy person—to make the ritual stick without forcing emotion. You'll learn how wishing safety and ease disarms shame, how happiness loosens perfectionism, and how ease keeps problem-solving clear and creative.We also step into the advanced edge: extending goodwill to the parts we resist—the inner critic and even people we dislike. This move isn't about excusing harm; it's about reducing inner conflict so you can set boundaries without carrying the weight of resentment. Listeners often report less rumination, faster repair after missteps, and a gentler, more courageous approach to growth. By the end, you'll have a compact script you can use anytime to soften harsh self-talk and build resilience from the inside out.If this practice helps, subscribe, share the episode with a friend who needs a kinder inner voice, and leave a review to tell us which phrase landed most for you.Support the showCertify To Teach Mindfulness: Certify.MindfulnessExercises.com Email: Sean@MindfulnessExercises.com Mindfulness Exercises with Sean Fargo is a practical, grounded mindfulness podcast for people who want meditation to actually help in real life. Hosted by Sean Fargo — a former Buddhist monk, mindfulness teacher, and founder of MindfulnessExercises.com — this podcast explores how mindfulness can support mental health, emotional regulation, trauma sensitivity, chronic pain, leadership, creativity, and meaningful work. Each episode offers a mix of: Practical mindfulness and meditation teachings Conversations with respected meditation teachers, clinicians, authors, and researchers Real-world insights for therapists, coaches, yoga teachers, educators, and caregivers Gentle reflections for anyone navigating stress, anxiety, burnout, grief, or change If you're interested in: Mindfulness meditation for everyday life Trauma-sensitive and compassion-based practices Teaching mindfulness in an authentic, non-performative way Deepening your own practice while supporting others …you're in the right place. Learn more at MindfulnessExercises.com.

Meet Richard Lam-- Master TEAM CBT Teacher and Therapist! Today we chat with Richard Lam. Richard is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice in Mountain View, California. He is a graduate of Palo Alto University. He currently provides short-term therapy for anxiety, OCD, habits/addictions, depression, and relationship concerns using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Richard also trains other therapists in David Burn's model of CBT called TEAM-CBT Therapy. He is a certified Level 5 Master Therapist and Trainer in TEAM-CBT Therapy.  And today, Richard has gifts for you! They are fantastic! See below! I began by asking Richard how he got interested in teaching. When he was first learning, he was tutored by Dr. Angela Krumm, an advanced TEAM CBT practitioner and one of the three founders of the Feeling Good Institute. He was loving the training, but one day she said, "That's all I can teach you. Now you have to start teaching!"  And that started the wagon rolling down the hill. Richard is particularly interested in developing free self-help tools for patients, but also runs a special training class for TEAM CBT therapists who themselves want to become trainers. It meets in-person at the FGI office on Mondays from 12 to 2 PM. If interested, contact Richard (contact information is at bottom of show notes.) Richard is one of our most articulate TEAM CBT teachers, and is renown for some of his live demonstrations of specific techniques, like Forced Empathy. He has created a series of multi-page interactive teaching guides for a variety of techniques, so you can learn exactly how to do the Double Standard Technique, or the Externalization of Voices in a simple, clear, step-ty-step manner. Here are links to several examples. Check them out and feel free to share them with your patients if you are a TEAM therapist.  These links are all kick ass! Check them out and do the exercises. You'll be glad you did! Link to Double Standard Technique Link to Externalization of Voices  Link to Externalization of Resistance Link to I Feel Statements, Part 1 Link to I Feel Statements, Part 2 Link to Feared Fantasy Link to Forced Empathy Link to Forced Empathy Handout Link to Future Projection, for Habits Link to Paradoxical Ultimatum Richard tells us that mental health works a lot like physical health. When we don't regularly care for our bodies, things start to deteriorate and the same is true for our minds. These tools give you a way to keep nurturing your mental health so you can maintain a strong, healthy mind. Richard and I also discussed Acceptance--one of the most difficult concepts for patients and therapists alike to "get." I was delighted to learn he has a five-point plan to help people grasp this concept. Richard's Five Steps to Acceptance 1. The Win-Win Principle: How can I see this loss as a win? In high school, Richard had a patient whose heart was set on making the varsity basketball team, and was heartbroken when he only made the junior varsity team. But then he got to thinking that it would be fun to be the start on the JV team because his best friend is also going to be in JV. He relaxed and started to enjoy his practices with the team.  And He was promptly promoted to the varsity team!  2. Remember the butterfly effect!  Richard described getting angry and frustrated when he was late for an important appointment, and the car in front of him was moving slowly and caused a delay at a red light. His first impulse was to get angry and insist it SHOULDN'T have happened. But then, in reflection, he thought: "Wait a minute. This delay will change the entire trajectory of the rest of my life. And who knows, this could have save my life from some future tragedy if the trajectory of my life had been on time."  3, Growth mindset I have always thought of this important idea in simple terms. There is really no such "thing," from a Buddhist perspective, as "success" or "failure." These are just experiences. But often things do not turn out as one hoped. Instead of caving in, giving up, or feeling depressed or frustrated, although those are perfectly reasonable human experiences, you can accept your failure and view it as an opportunity for growth and learning. Our 9 month old grandson has reminded me that when we are learning to walk, we "fail" constantly, falling over, etc. But these are steps in learning that eventually culminates in the ability to walk--which is a miracle! 4. The spiritual view Acceptance can be thought of as letting go of judgement. Richard treated a woman who was angry at God because she could not have children, and she had always dreamed of having a big family. But from a medical perspective, her anger and constant agitation were actually the main reason she couldn't get pregnant. Shen she began working on reducing her anger using TEAM CBT, she was able to relax, and accept her fate with greater in peace. And then she suddenly got pregnant!  I, David, have seen this on many occasions. Check out Podcast #7f9, one of our most popular podcasts ever, with Daisy: "What is the Secret of a Meaningful Life?" Or Podcasts 268 - 269, featuring live work with our beloved Dr. Carly Zankman. Or #349: "What if my family rejects me?" All of these podcasts were amazing, and resulted in rapid pregnancies! 5. Empathy vs anger Richard described getting VERY angry when someone broke into his car and stole a bunch of stuff, but then asked himself why they did it. He realized that they were probably struggling and desperate for money--for drugs, for food, for family. Understanding someone's story can help lower the anger that you feel. Richard, Rhonda, and David

Ethan tackles an age-old dharma question: how do we generate compassion for those who do harmful things? Should we even try, or does that make things worse? In the age of ICE lawlessness, totalitarian governments, and coming to terms with toxic relationships of all kinds, this question intensifies. This conversation often feels misunderstood. Whether the perpetrator is a dictator, a difficult ex, or a manipulative boss—or whether the harm is something we ourselves have caused—the question of building compassion and opening the bodhisattva's heart often delivers more confusion than clarity. Using a memory of hearing a college lecture by the long-imprisoned Tibetan monk Palden Gyatso, Ethan offers a simple (but never easy) three-step model of how to go about the difficult process of acknowledging and transforming the negative karma related to harmful actions. In 2025, with your subscriptions, we were able to release more episodes than any previous year. This was only possible with your subscriptions. Please consider becoming a free or paid subscriber here. Paid subscribers to The Road Home will receive occasional extras like guided meditations, extra podcast episodes and more! The Thursday Meditation Group happens each week at 8am ET on Thursdays, and guided audio meditations are released monthly. Another bonus podcast for paid subscribers discussed a mindful take on intuition, and Ethan also offered instruction in the RAIN method for working with emotions with self-compassion. These are all available to paid subscribers. You can also subscribe to The Road Home podcast wherever you get your pods (Apple, Ethan's Website, etc). You can now order personally signed copies of Ethan's books at his website. You can also subscribe to The Road Home podcast wherever you get your pods (Apple, Ethan's Website, etc). Check out our sponsor platform, A Mindful World! A new free video course on a classic Buddhist contemplation called The Five Remembrances is available at this link.

The rightwing media, both mainstream and alternative, along with top social media influencers, are sharing videos of the Japanese Speaker of the House, Fukushiro Nukaga, announcing the dissolving of the House of Representatives: “Following Article 7 of the Constitution of Japan, the House of Representatives is dissolved." These sources are saying the video is breaking news, though it was recorded in mid-January. They are repeating the talking point, however, that the video shows the Japanese government banning Islam and all its associated elements. The same media and influencers are repeating the line that the current Japanese Prime Minster, Sanae Takaichi, was just elected and her first order of business was to target Islam. But she was elected in October 2025, her first orders of business being temporary tax breaks, addressing the lowered value of Yen and the cost of living, and dealing with law-breakers of the foreign variety. The same media is likewise taking the illegal immigration issue and painting it was anti-Islam. Another video, this time of Mizuho Umemura, a member of the House of Councilors and part of the Sanseito Party, has been shared with captions that it shows the new Prime Minister banning Islam. The video is from 2024, is of Umemura, and the only connection to Islam is her stance on letting local officials handle burial issues which apply to everyone. What is happening here?The Muslim population in Japan is approximately 0.3%, about double what it was in 2020. The Christian population is approximately 1-1.5%. Attempts to paint any issue in Japan with the brush of western, conservative, Judaeo-Christianity is abhorrent and ignorant. While western culture has been embraced in Japan for over 100 years, conservative values in the country are not driven by the same fuel they are in the west. Japanese conservative is simply is not driven by Christianity, Jesus, and certainly not the Judeo element of new Christianity. Therefore, it is not driven by the spiteful loathing Western Christians have for Arabs and Muslims. Any shared sentiment in Japan is driven by interaction and experience (possibly exaggerated social media claims), not by theology, or Christian and Jewish cultural propaganda. The root source of animosity towards foreigners, where it does exist, is almost exclusively Chinese. It is also driven by the infamous Japanese cultural motif of order in society. Japan has certainly become more liberalized in the past 100+ years, meaning that strong conservative traditions at minimum stem from a time when Christianity was almost non-existent in the country. Going back to 1614 when the Japanese government banned Christianity, it was because the Tokugawa regime wanted strict social order and Christians were both foreigners and disruptive. This ban on the religion was extended to all religions not Buddhist or Shinto. What is happening here? Theory: social media has also provided a platform for a pattern to be exposed. Japanese issues with immigration and refugees, while ultimately little, have been shown to result from people like Rochelle Kopp, managing principal of Japan Intercultural Consulting; Amy Pope, head of the UN International Organization for Migration, who works with HIAS; Beate Sirota Gordon, translator for General Douglas MacArthur and author of key sections of Japan's current constitution. All of these people have one or more things in common. As did Rahm Emanuel when he was ambassador. What is happening now appears to be connected to the early 20th-century when Japanese immigrants to the US were targeted because of their innate ability to be successful but lower standard of living; and the mid-20th-century when Japan's economy was undermined by the US Federal Reserve, run then by the people implied mentioned above, including Arthur Burns and Paul Vocker. Japan is currently the number one holder of US Debt and is planning to dump a portion or all it at some point. That, and social media has been linking the Japanese demon Tengu to this story too.Interestingly, just before the above propaganda about Japan and Islam began, the Prime Minister noted after the landslide victory to give her a supermajority that the goal was to revise the Japanese constitution to strengthen Japan. This is a major plan on top of the current plan to have zero illegals in Japan. It appears that the people responsible for subjugating Japan and attempting to culturally obliterate it are terrified of its renewed strength. It appears that the conservative shift in Japan is what the MAGA cult in the United States wanted but did not get. Media is attempting to blend the two together when they are not one and the same. It appears the goal is to subvert the shift and make it about Islam when clearly the source of these problems, while not discussed in general Japanese policies, is not Muslim. The western media push to do this is driven secondarily by Christians attempting to project their beliefs on an atheistic country that maintains more order, cleanliness and respect than the nation that worship Jesus supposedly. *The is the FREE archive, which includes advertisements. If you want an ad-free experience, you can subscribe below underneath the show description.WEBSITEFREE ARCHIVE (w. ads)SUBSCRIPTION ARCHIVE-X / TWITTERFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMYOUTUBERUMBLE-BUY ME A COFFEECashApp: $rdgable PAYPAL: rdgable1991@gmail.comRyan's Books: https://thesecretteachings.info EMAIL: rdgable@yahoo.com / rdgable1991@gmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-secret-teachings--5328407/support.

Prayer Moment 3 of 4 in FebruaryPrayer for Unity1. Unity Across Backgrounds: Pray that Buddhist background believers will be one as God the Father and Son are One (John 17:21).2. Unity in Engagement: Pray for believers to have unity in their interactions with Buddhists, despite differences they may have (Ephesians 4:2). 3. Unity in Mutual Support: Pray that believers will bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2).

Ever catch your mind replaying a cringe moment on loop? We take you inside that spiral and show how mindfulness breaks the pattern—not by arguing with thoughts, but by starving the loop of fuel and returning attention to the raw, steadying details of the present moment. Instead of wrestling with the inner critic, we practice kind curiosity and let the body lead the way back to clarity.Across this focused, guided session, we map the hallmarks of rumination—repetition without resolution, shrinking perspective, and rising tension—and explain why the brain confuses looping with problem solving. Then we offer a step‑by‑step reset that anyone can try on a commute, in bed, or during a stressful workday: feel gravity where your body meets the chair or floor, listen for the rhythm of sound without chasing its source, open to the colors and light in your field of view, and notice texture and temperature on the skin. As attention reconnects with the senses, muscles soften, breath evens, and new angles on the same situation emerge.You'll hear how this shift reduces the power of harsh self‑talk and creates conditions for wiser choices—like making an apology, adjusting a plan, or simply letting go. The aim isn't to silence the mind forever; it's to relate to thoughts differently, with gentleness and precision, so they lose their grip. If you've felt stuck in overthinking, this practice offers a grounded path out of the loop and back into the world right in front of you.If this resonated, follow the show, share it with someone who overthinks, and leave a quick review with one insight you're taking into your week. Your notes help others find practical mindfulness when they need it most.Support the showCertify To Teach Mindfulness: Certify.MindfulnessExercises.com Email: Sean@MindfulnessExercises.com Mindfulness Exercises with Sean Fargo is a practical, grounded mindfulness podcast for people who want meditation to actually help in real life. Hosted by Sean Fargo — a former Buddhist monk, mindfulness teacher, and founder of MindfulnessExercises.com — this podcast explores how mindfulness can support mental health, emotional regulation, trauma sensitivity, chronic pain, leadership, creativity, and meaningful work. Each episode offers a mix of: Practical mindfulness and meditation teachings Conversations with respected meditation teachers, clinicians, authors, and researchers Real-world insights for therapists, coaches, yoga teachers, educators, and caregivers Gentle reflections for anyone navigating stress, anxiety, burnout, grief, or change If you're interested in: Mindfulness meditation for everyday life Trauma-sensitive and compassion-based practices Teaching mindfulness in an authentic, non-performative way Deepening your own practice while supporting others …you're in the right place. Learn more at MindfulnessExercises.com.

Episode #486: Daniel M. Stuart, a Buddhist studies scholar and vipassana practitioner, rejoins the podcast to describe his growing interest in Dr. Leon Edward Wright, a Black Christian theologian whose brief but potent connection with Burmese meditation master U Ba Khin has been nearly erased from histories of modern Buddhism and mindfulness. Stuart uses Wright's story to illuminate a world where meditation, anti-colonial politics, ritual therapeutics, and visionary experience intertwined—far from the later scientific and universalist framing of the Goenka lineage. He situates Wright within Asia's anti-colonial landscape, where independence movements fostered solidarity across communities. These movements influenced Black intellectuals in the United States, and Wright, already thinking about race, empire, and religion, saw global traditions as resources for liberation. Part of his time to Burma thus appears as part of a broader search for tools to support oppressed communities. Stuart highlights how Wright's experiences fit within Burmese cosmology shaped by Ledi Sayadaw, in which modern medicine coexisted with protective chanting and ritual healing. U Ba Khin adapted this framework, diagnosing afflictions through elemental imbalances and energetic blockages. Wright's visionary experiences—light, fire, a hand offering a yellow rose—made sense to him through Christian symbolism, and Stuart notes that “it's not at all surprising if he had some of those experiences, that he would interpret them through the lens of his own tradition.” In contrast, Goenka leans publicly on a secular presentation, but his lineage emerged from a lineage whose earlier layers were steeped in an esoteric cosmology. Ledi framed meditation, healing, and protection within a universe populated by unseen beings, karmically charged diseases, elemental obstructions, and the ritual power of chanting—what he called methods for “warding off” afflictions. U Ba Khin adapted that worldview into a system that treated ailments through energetic diagnoses in addition to teaching meditation. Goenka, however, reframed phenomena once explained through cosmological forces as natural law, and teacher-mediated energetic work was eliminated in favor of promoting the concept of a “non-sectarian” technique. Yet the tradition's underlying course structure—chanting, the teacher's position, the atmosphere of protection—still reflects its origins. For Stuart, Wright exemplifies cross-racial and cross-religious solidarity: a Black diplomat and cultural attaché in newly independent Burma bringing meditation back to Black communities in the U.S. He concludes that “I do think he's an important figure that deserves more attention,” not only for his own story but for what it reveals about the complex origins of modern mindfulness.

Stories are powerful - they speak to parts of ourselves that respond to symbols, patterns and truths about human life that are deeper and far beyond our rational experience. Here, Kavyamani tells the moving story of the Buddha's final days, his Parinirvana. Excerpted from the talk entitled In the Footsteps of the Buddha Retreat (6 of 6) given at Taraloka Retreat Centre, 2022. *** Help us keep FBA Podcasts free for everyone! Donate now: https://freebuddhistaudio.com/donate Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast: Bite-sized clips - Buddhist inspiration three times a week. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dharmabytes-from-free-buddhist-audio/id416832097 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UHPDj01UH6ptj8FObwBfB

Here, Amarachandra recounts a few themes from the Mahaparinibbana Sutta, beginning with a problematic character named King Ajatasattu, a disciple of the Buddha, who wishes to go to war. Excerpted from the talk entitled Themes From the Mahaparinibbana Sutta given on the occasion of celebrating Parinirvana Day, during the Coronavirus lockdown, at Cambridge Buddhist Centre, 2021. *** Help us keep FBA Podcasts free for everyone! Donate now: https://freebuddhistaudio.com/donate Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast: Bite-sized clips - Buddhist inspiration three times a week. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dharmabytes-from-free-buddhist-audio/id416832097 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UHPDj01UH6ptj8FObwBfB

Today we're so excited to share our conversation with Bruce Tift, author, psychotherapist and longtime practitioner of Vajrayana Buddhism. This summer, our friends at Uplift Kids introduced us to Bruce's fascinating book Already Free, and we've been thinking about it ever since.In this conversation, Bruce dives into some of the ideas in the book. He explores how to make peace with being human. He looks at two seemingly opposing paths—both Western and Eastern wisdom—and shows how each offers a vital piece of the puzzle. Where psychotherapy may teach us to bring our early wounds and disowned emotions into awareness, Buddhist practices help us recognize the deeper freedom that's available when we stop identifying with the fixed self.We loved that Bruce talked us through the ways we organize around our core fears, why so many of our childhood survival strategies still run the show in adulthood, and why real freedom often begins with simply allowing ourselves to feel uncomfortable without trying to fix or escape.Bruce's insights feel so useful for navigating seasons of growth—emotional, spiritual, and relational.This conversation really helped us see that personal growth isn't about achieving some ideal version of ourselves—it's about meeting our actual experience with curiosity, compassion, and presence. We found Bruce's wisdom to be gentle, honest, and deeply liberating, and we're so grateful he joined us.You can find Already Free on Bookshop.org, Amazon, or wherever you buy your books, and you can find even more from Faith Matters on this topic in this week's newsletter on our website, faithmatters.org.Order That We Might Have Joy for the perfect Valentine's Day gift, and join the book club with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife!

12th February 2026  Ajahn Jhanarato hosted this week's meditation session at the Roleystone Family Centre. Roleystone Meditation Group's weekly classes are about an hour long and include a talk on meditation, meditating together, and questions & answers. The sessions are led by a Buddhist monk from Kusala Hermitage in Roleystone (Buddhist Society of WA). Support us on https://ko-fi.com/thebuddhistsocietyofwa BSWA teachings are available: BSWA Teachings BSWA Podcast Channel BSWA DeeperDhamma Podbean Channel BSWA YouTube  

In this week's episode, we continue our deep dive into The Five Ethics with a modern exploration of brahmacharya, often translated as the wise use of energy. What does this ancient ethical guideline have to do with our sexuality, relationships and personal boundaries? We are joined by Jessy Wollen, a Certified Sexual Health Educator and founder of Shift Education, for a frank and compassionate conversation that moves this practice beyond simplistic notions of celibacy to explore: How consent is a foundational practice of brahmacharya, teaching us to encounter all beings with respect and dignity. Why exploring our own sexuality and values is vital for self-awareness and healthy relationships. Practical ways to approach conversations about bodies, boundaries, and respect with young people. This episode is an excerpt from Michael's online course, "Embodying Ethics & Vows in Modern Life," which transforms Buddhist and yogic ethics into practical guidelines for aligning your actions with your values. If you're interested in taking the full course, visit: https://edu-michaelstone.com/product/embodying-ethics-vows-in-modern-life/

Recentering Southeast Asia: Politics, Religion and Maritime Connections (Routledge, 2026) assesses the impact of European colonization in the late 19th and early 20th century in ‘restructuring' the shared past of India and Southeast Asia. It provides case studies that transcend colonial constructs and adopt newer approaches to understanding the shared past. The authors explore these developments through the lens of political figures like Jawaharlal Nehru (1889–1964) and re-examine themes such as the Greater India Society (1926–1959) established in Calcutta, and the role of Buddhism in post-World War II connections, as the repatriation of the mortal remains of Japanese soldiers killed in Burma (Myanmar) acquired urgency. Drawing on a diverse range of sources including archaeology, Buddhist texts, the afterlives of the Hindu temples, maritime networks, and inscriptions from Vietnam and central India, the book will be an essential read for scholars and researchers of history, Buddhism, archaeology, heritage studies, cultural studies, and political history as well as South and Southeast Asian history. Guest: Himanshu Prabha Ray Interviewer: Natali Pearson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Recentering Southeast Asia: Politics, Religion and Maritime Connections (Routledge, 2026) assesses the impact of European colonization in the late 19th and early 20th century in ‘restructuring' the shared past of India and Southeast Asia. It provides case studies that transcend colonial constructs and adopt newer approaches to understanding the shared past. The authors explore these developments through the lens of political figures like Jawaharlal Nehru (1889–1964) and re-examine themes such as the Greater India Society (1926–1959) established in Calcutta, and the role of Buddhism in post-World War II connections, as the repatriation of the mortal remains of Japanese soldiers killed in Burma (Myanmar) acquired urgency. Drawing on a diverse range of sources including archaeology, Buddhist texts, the afterlives of the Hindu temples, maritime networks, and inscriptions from Vietnam and central India, the book will be an essential read for scholars and researchers of history, Buddhism, archaeology, heritage studies, cultural studies, and political history as well as South and Southeast Asian history. Guest: Himanshu Prabha Ray Interviewer: Natali Pearson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/history

What would change if your inner critic had a microphone and your best friend could hear every word? We put that scenario to work and build a practical way to answer harsh self-talk with grounded compassion. Instead of arguing with the critic or pretending it isn't there, we slow down, test its claims, and invite the voice of a true friend to sit at the table with us.We start by imagining our most judgmental thoughts broadcast aloud, then ask a simple question: how would a caring friend respond? That shift unlocks clarity. Suddenly, “I'm incompetent” becomes “I made a mistake and I'm learning.” “I'm unworthy” turns into “I matter even when I miss the mark.” Along the way, we separate facts from exaggerations, replace sweeping labels with specific observations, and learn language that pairs honesty with warmth. This is not empty positivity; it is accurate compassion that acknowledges error without attacking identity.Then we flip the lens. Picture a friend speaking about themselves with the same cruelty. What would you say to them? Most of us instinctively challenge the lies, point to real strengths, and offer steps forward. We bring that same approach inward: write the critic's claim in one line, answer it like a friend in one paragraph, and list three pieces of evidence that support your competence, worth, or likability. The effect is cumulative—less shame, more energy for growth, and a steadier mind when challenges arise.By the end, you'll have a repeatable exercise to calm negative self-talk, build resilience, and strengthen self-trust. If this practice helps you breathe a little easier and stand a little taller, share it with someone who needs a kinder inner voice today. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us: what would your best friend say to you right now?Support the showCertify To Teach Mindfulness: Certify.MindfulnessExercises.com Email: Sean@MindfulnessExercises.com Mindfulness Exercises with Sean Fargo is a practical, grounded mindfulness podcast for people who want meditation to actually help in real life. Hosted by Sean Fargo — a former Buddhist monk, mindfulness teacher, and founder of MindfulnessExercises.com — this podcast explores how mindfulness can support mental health, emotional regulation, trauma sensitivity, chronic pain, leadership, creativity, and meaningful work. Each episode offers a mix of: Practical mindfulness and meditation teachings Conversations with respected meditation teachers, clinicians, authors, and researchers Real-world insights for therapists, coaches, yoga teachers, educators, and caregivers Gentle reflections for anyone navigating stress, anxiety, burnout, grief, or change If you're interested in: Mindfulness meditation for everyday life Trauma-sensitive and compassion-based practices Teaching mindfulness in an authentic, non-performative way Deepening your own practice while supporting others …you're in the right place. Learn more at MindfulnessExercises.com.

Recentering Southeast Asia: Politics, Religion and Maritime Connections (Routledge, 2026) assesses the impact of European colonization in the late 19th and early 20th century in ‘restructuring' the shared past of India and Southeast Asia. It provides case studies that transcend colonial constructs and adopt newer approaches to understanding the shared past. The authors explore these developments through the lens of political figures like Jawaharlal Nehru (1889–1964) and re-examine themes such as the Greater India Society (1926–1959) established in Calcutta, and the role of Buddhism in post-World War II connections, as the repatriation of the mortal remains of Japanese soldiers killed in Burma (Myanmar) acquired urgency. Drawing on a diverse range of sources including archaeology, Buddhist texts, the afterlives of the Hindu temples, maritime networks, and inscriptions from Vietnam and central India, the book will be an essential read for scholars and researchers of history, Buddhism, archaeology, heritage studies, cultural studies, and political history as well as South and Southeast Asian history. Guest: Himanshu Prabha Ray Interviewer: Natali Pearson Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/southeast-asian-studies

Recentering Southeast Asia: Politics, Religion and Maritime Connections (Routledge, 2026) assesses the impact of European colonization in the late 19th and early 20th century in ‘restructuring' the shared past of India and Southeast Asia. It provides case studies that transcend colonial constructs and adopt newer approaches to understanding the shared past. The authors explore these developments through the lens of political figures like Jawaharlal Nehru (1889–1964) and re-examine themes such as the Greater India Society (1926–1959) established in Calcutta, and the role of Buddhism in post-World War II connections, as the repatriation of the mortal remains of Japanese soldiers killed in Burma (Myanmar) acquired urgency. Drawing on a diverse range of sources including archaeology, Buddhist texts, the afterlives of the Hindu temples, maritime networks, and inscriptions from Vietnam and central India, the book will be an essential read for scholars and researchers of history, Buddhism, archaeology, heritage studies, cultural studies, and political history as well as South and Southeast Asian history. Guest: Himanshu Prabha Ray Interviewer: Natali Pearson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/political-science

Recentering Southeast Asia: Politics, Religion and Maritime Connections (Routledge, 2026) assesses the impact of European colonization in the late 19th and early 20th century in ‘restructuring' the shared past of India and Southeast Asia. It provides case studies that transcend colonial constructs and adopt newer approaches to understanding the shared past. The authors explore these developments through the lens of political figures like Jawaharlal Nehru (1889–1964) and re-examine themes such as the Greater India Society (1926–1959) established in Calcutta, and the role of Buddhism in post-World War II connections, as the repatriation of the mortal remains of Japanese soldiers killed in Burma (Myanmar) acquired urgency. Drawing on a diverse range of sources including archaeology, Buddhist texts, the afterlives of the Hindu temples, maritime networks, and inscriptions from Vietnam and central India, the book will be an essential read for scholars and researchers of history, Buddhism, archaeology, heritage studies, cultural studies, and political history as well as South and Southeast Asian history. Guest: Himanshu Prabha Ray Interviewer: Natali Pearson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/archaeology

Recentering Southeast Asia: Politics, Religion and Maritime Connections (Routledge, 2026) assesses the impact of European colonization in the late 19th and early 20th century in ‘restructuring' the shared past of India and Southeast Asia. It provides case studies that transcend colonial constructs and adopt newer approaches to understanding the shared past. The authors explore these developments through the lens of political figures like Jawaharlal Nehru (1889–1964) and re-examine themes such as the Greater India Society (1926–1959) established in Calcutta, and the role of Buddhism in post-World War II connections, as the repatriation of the mortal remains of Japanese soldiers killed in Burma (Myanmar) acquired urgency. Drawing on a diverse range of sources including archaeology, Buddhist texts, the afterlives of the Hindu temples, maritime networks, and inscriptions from Vietnam and central India, the book will be an essential read for scholars and researchers of history, Buddhism, archaeology, heritage studies, cultural studies, and political history as well as South and Southeast Asian history. Guest: Himanshu Prabha Ray Interviewer: Natali Pearson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/buddhist-studies

 In this talk, we explore the Buddhist teaching of Anattā (non-self) as it appears in everyday life. Through simple examples like eating, seeing, aging, and thinking, the speaker explains how mind and body function through cause and effect rather than a permanent “self” or soul. Listeners are encouraged to observe daily experiences mindfully to develop a direct, experiential understanding of non-self and deepen their meditation practice. YouTube Video LinkYouTube Channel Link Website:www.satipatthana.caDonations and Memberships

Click here to send me a text message (include your contact info if you want a reply).Divinity student Andrea Tsugawa was born in Peru, her ethnic lineage stretching from Japan to Spain, including Quechuan (Incan) roots. Her spiritual benefactors are Buddhist, Shintoist, Indigenous, and Catholic. How she ended up at the Vancouver School of Theology is a story in itself, involving a burned-out apartment, a trip around the world, and a misread university syllabus. But what she is becoming reveals the emerging spirituality of our time. Personal LinksMy web site (where you can sign up for my blog): https://www.brianepearson.caMy email address: mysticcaveman53@gmail.comSeries Music Credit"Into the Mystic" by Van Morrison, performed by Colin James, from the album, Limelight, 2005; licensed under SOCAN 2026

A man with Alzheimer's marries his wife of nearly 40 years a second time. The Buddhist monks completed their 2,300-mile “Walk of Peace” and left us with a mindfulness ritual we could all try. This engineer aims to give breast cancer survivors their bodies back. This Nebraskan quit her job to row across the Atlantic by herself and set a race record. Plus, from the ice to the slopes, the incredible Olympic moments from this week.  Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here.  Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco  Producer: Eryn Mathewson Showrunner: Faiz Jamil  Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin  Editorial Support: Victor Blackwell, Kit Maher, Waan Chomchuen  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the practice of sitting, walking, becoming, and living as yourself, precisely where you are. (0:00) – Introduction and Guest Welcome (2:21) – Gru's Journey to Zen Practice (5:53) – Elena's Personal Reflections (12:18) – The Concept of "Becoming Yourself" (19:34) – The Role of Precepts and Ethical Practice (32:29) – The Importance of Confidence and Effort (37:46) – Conclusion and Gratitude This long-awaited new book from Shunryu Suzuki: Becoming Yourself: Teachings on the Zen Way of Life, edited by Jiryu Rutschman-Byler and Sojun Mel Weitsman, is one of my favorite books of 2025. Jiryu Rutschman-Byler is a Soto Zen Buddhist priest and teacher in the lineage of Shunryu Suzuki Roshi, with dharma transmission from Sojun Mel Weitsman. Jiryu has trained residentially in Zen temples since 1996, and currently serves as a co-Abbot of San Francisco Zen Center through his role as Abiding Abbot of Green Gulch Farm Zen Center. Shunryu Suzuki was one of the most influential spiritual teachers of the Twentieth Century and a founding father of Zen in America. Suzuki's Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind, first published in the U.S. in 1970, is considered one of the most important Buddhist books in modern history, and has been translated into more than thirty-five languages. A Japanese priest of the Sōtō lineage, Suzuki taught Buddhism in the United States from 1959 until his death in 1971. He was the founder of the San Francisco Zen Center and the Tassajara Zen Mountain Center. While contemporary Buddhist figures such as His Holiness The Dalai Lama, Thích Nhất Hạnh, and Pema Chödrön are more familiar to American audiences, Shunryu Suzuki was among the first Buddhist teachers with cultural influence in the West and was the first to establish a lasting practice community in the U.S. Importantly, the warmth, humor, and simplicity of Suzuki's teachings made Buddhism accessible. For decades, the San Francisco Zen Center has preserved an archive of Suzuki's original audio teachings, most of which have never been edited or published. Becoming Yourself: Teachings on the Zen Way of Life offers newly available teachings by Suzuki, exploring a practice he describes as fundamentally about "becoming yourself." Rather than offering a philosophy or even a set of techniques, Suzuki points to a way of being, and calls readers to the simple practice of zazen, or "just to sit," as the expression of a fulfilling life and grounded ethical orientation. Becoming Yourself is a result of the painstaking efforts of the Zen community over many years. Archiving, transcribing and interpreting Suzuki's intention clearly and accurately proved to be very challenging work. The final editor and compiler of the book is Jiryu Rutschman-Byler, a senior teacher and co-Abbot of the San Francisco Zen Center. As we learn in these pages, "becoming yourself" is not meant to be understood as an idea but rather tried out as a way of being. It is a practice of deeply connecting with how it feels to be alive in your surroundings, whether on a meditation cushion or not, and stepping forward from that connection. It is opening to your life, wherever you are, and finding right there a deep well of innate wisdom, compassion, and care.

00:00 Intro01:01 Utah forces Chinese Company to sell land01:44 Phony marriages for U.S. military base access04:02 CIA video recruiting Chinese officers as spies05:49 U.S. warns on China's deals in Venezuela07:39 A declining China‑Venezuela relationship08:26 U.S.‑Taiwan reach reciprocal trade deal10:35 New NATO Arctic mission to defend against Russia, China11:07 Japan seizes Chinese fishing boat, arrests skipper11:41 2 Chinese nat'ls charged with spying on Buddhist group12:52 Foreign cars flow into Russia via China14:41 China deal offers zero tariffs to S. African exports15:12 Lessons from China's Cultural Revolution: Xi van Fleet

What if the question “Do people really like me?” is less about others and more about how we meet ourselves? On day four of our inner critic series, we turn toward acceptance and likability with a grounded, practical approach that blends mindfulness, body awareness, and compassionate realism. Rather than debating the critic on its terms, we slow down, listen to the stories that surface in social spaces, and feel their imprint in the body—tight jaws, tense shoulders, or a breath that never quite lands.We walk through a brief guided practice designed to help you contact safety and support in the present moment. Feet on the floor, attention in the body, we gently test phrases like “I am likable,” “I accept myself,” and “There are people who genuinely like me,” noticing what resonates and where the critic objects. You'll learn to label the critic's voice without fusing with it, shift focus from arguments to sensations, and use those signals as data for kinder action. Along the way, we explore common triggers—work dynamics, friendship circles, and family roles—and sketch simple ways to prepare your nervous system before you step into those rooms.By the end, acceptance becomes a trainable skill rather than a verdict from the crowd. We highlight how to gather balanced evidence of real connection, set intentions that align with your values, and carry this awareness throughout your day and week. If you're ready to loosen the grip of self-doubt and show up with more ease and congruence, this session offers a calm, clear path forward. If this resonates, subscribe, share with a friend who could use it, and leave a review with one insight you're taking into your next conversation.Support the showCertify To Teach Mindfulness: Certify.MindfulnessExercises.com Email: Sean@MindfulnessExercises.com Mindfulness Exercises with Sean Fargo is a practical, grounded mindfulness podcast for people who want meditation to actually help in real life. Hosted by Sean Fargo — a former Buddhist monk, mindfulness teacher, and founder of MindfulnessExercises.com — this podcast explores how mindfulness can support mental health, emotional regulation, trauma sensitivity, chronic pain, leadership, creativity, and meaningful work. Each episode offers a mix of: Practical mindfulness and meditation teachings Conversations with respected meditation teachers, clinicians, authors, and researchers Real-world insights for therapists, coaches, yoga teachers, educators, and caregivers Gentle reflections for anyone navigating stress, anxiety, burnout, grief, or change If you're interested in: Mindfulness meditation for everyday life Trauma-sensitive and compassion-based practices Teaching mindfulness in an authentic, non-performative way Deepening your own practice while supporting others …you're in the right place. Learn more at MindfulnessExercises.com.

Buddhadatta, the world's first Buddhist punk band, released their debut full-length album through an Australian label late last year and are now set to tour Australia in February and March. - 世界初の仏教パンクバンド、ブッダダッタ。昨年末にオーストラリアのレーベルから初のフルレンクス・デビューアルバムをリリースしました。2月/3月にオーストラリア公演を予定しています。詳しくは今週の「Music File」から。

This is pretty fantastic in its way. Danavira is one of the best speakers we know - he is very funny, can do poetic and profound, tends to the chaotic in his style, and has a particular genius for this kind of thing; this kind of thing being talking about death. The whole talk is a kind of respectful joyride through the hardest subject of all - sit back and enjoy a thoroughly adult treat that's likely to blow the heart wide open. Talk given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, Men's Event, 2000. *** Help us keep FBA Podcasts free for everyone! Donate now: https://freebuddhistaudio.com/donate Subscribe to our Free Buddhist Audio podcast: A full, curated, quality Dharma talk, every week. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dharmabytes-from-free-buddhist-audio/id416832097 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UHPDj01UH6ptj8FObwBfB YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreeBuddhistAudio1967

Gelong Thubten is a Buddhist monk, meditation teacher, and former actor who has spent over six years in silent retreat. In this moment, he explains how Buddhism offers a radically different way to relate to pain, and how we could be unknowingly feeding our own suffering. Drawing on his experiences of trauma, depression, and panic attacks, he shares an insightful approach to meeting grief, forgiveness, and emotional pain with compassion. Listen to the full episode here: Spotify: https://g2ul0.app.link/18yElRtyC0b Apple: https://g2ul0.app.link/f3r7jxByC0b Watch the Episodes On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/%20TheDiaryOfACEO/videos Gelong Thubten: https://www.gelongthubten.com/

Buddhability Shorts is a monthly series where we break down a Buddhist concept or common life challenge we've touched on in an interview. Today we're talking about how to build friendships that last. To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.org Resource:The science of why friendships keep us healthyDiscussions on Youth, new edition, pp. 37–48.

Episode Description: What's the most memorable birthday gift you've ever received—or given?

You never clean a house by adding to it. And the same thing is true for your mind. Show Notes In this episode of Shark Theory, Baylor takes a familiar childhood memory of spring cleaning and applies it to something far more important: your mental space. Growing up, spring cleaning wasn't optional. Drawers came out. Closets were emptied. Things were thrown away. And Baylor explains why real cleaning has always been about subtraction, not addition. The problem is, while most people eventually clean their homes, they rarely clean their minds. Day after day, mental clutter piles up. Negative news. Gossip. Arguments online. Old beliefs. Self-doubt. Assumptions you picked up years ago and never questioned. Little by little, that junk takes up space until your mind feels heavy, distracted, and exhausted. Baylor challenges listeners to treat their mind like a house that needs a deep clean. To intentionally schedule time to slow down, turn everything off, and honestly walk through the "rooms" of their thoughts. What belongs here? What doesn't? What's helping you grow, and what's just empty calories? Drawing from a conversation with a Buddhist monk, Baylor explains that clarity doesn't come from forcing better thoughts, but from observing your thoughts and understanding where they come from. Once you identify the sources, you can start removing the stimuli that pollute your thinking. You don't have to optimize every minute of your day. Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is sit in silence, clear space, and let your mind breathe. Because a clear mind doesn't just help you. It helps everyone around you. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why cleaning is always about subtraction How mental clutter builds without you noticing The hidden cost of constant noise and negativity Why observing your thoughts creates clarity How to identify the sources polluting your mindset Why mental spring cleaning has to be intentional Featured Quote "You never clean a house by adding to it. And you don't clear your mind that way either."

Steve Kang, author of ‘Eight Hours in Hell' shares his journey from growing up in a devout Buddhist home in South Korea to a near-fatal overdose and suicide attempt that led to a firsthand experience in the depths of hell. He recounts the torment and terror of eternal separation from God, followed later by a vision of heaven and an encounter with Jesus that completely redirected his life. This isn't just a testimony, it's a sobering reminder of the reality of hell, the urgency of salvation, and the mercy of Christ that reaches even the darkest places.

In this deeply moving and thoughtful conversation, Dr. Ren shares the personal, cultural, and professional journey that shaped his life and work. Origins & Identity Ren begins by telling the story of his first ten years growing up in Japan and the powerful meaning behind his name. Ren, which means “Lotus,” was intentionally chosen by his mother — a decision so unusual at the time that she had to seek special permission to have it officially recognized. She even had his name added to an approved registry so he would not be treated as a foreigner. Years later, the name would rise to become one of the most popular in Japan. A Childhood Rooted in Activism & Spirituality Ren reflects on the profound influence of his mother — a self-described “wild woman” and feminine activist — and a family culture steeped in both social justice and spirituality. As a child, he participated in nuclear peace marches and was even featured in the news as a baby alongside Buddhist monks. Raised in a bi-racial family in the Bay Area, Ren navigated a unique spiritual landscape: ·       A father who was a Christian minister ·       A mother who practiced Buddhism ·       Exposure to Japan's polytheistic cultural traditions His parents fostered an environment of freedom, creativity, and deep acceptance. Masculinity, Culture, and Formation Ren shares how hockey culture played a significant role in shaping his early understanding of masculinity — including its strengths, pressures, and emotional limitations. These experiences ultimately led him to pursue psychology, where his multicultural upbringing and feminist influences deeply inform his clinical perspective. Understanding Men: Shame, Anger, and Social Expectations Ren discusses his work in homeless shelters, his research on masculinity and economics, and how systemic pressures shape men's emotional lives. He explains: ·       Why anger is often more socially acceptable for men than shame ·       How economic expectations and social norms intensify male distress ·       The hidden emotional costs of trying to live up to an impossible masculine image Changing Rape Culture & Supporting Men's Healing As the first male staff member at a women's resource center, Ren facilitated men's groups focused on sexual assault prevention and accountability. He shares insights about: ·       How patriarchal systems harm men as well as women ·       The “man box” exercise he uses to help men examine rigid gender expectations ·       How younger generations are showing greater emotional openness Expanding Masculinity (Not Redefining It) Rather than replacing masculinity, Ren advocates for expanding it — pushing the edges outward so men can live more fully and authentically. He speaks about: ·       The importance of permission-giving among men ·       Modeling vulnerability and emotional honesty ·       Supporting men to step outside restrictive norms The Role of Feminist Psychotherapy Ren highlights how feminist therapy frameworks help men develop self-compassion by understanding systemic influences rather than internalizing blame. This is especially vital for men who have experienced trauma or violence.  Harnessing Justified Anger for Change A powerful theme of the episode is how justified anger can become a force for healing and social transformation when channeled constructively. Hope for the Future Ren closes by sharing what keeps him hopeful: his direct connection to people's real lives and stories. He reminds us that healing — individually and collectively — requires a return to genuine human connection and conversation. Check out Dr Ren’s Upcoming Workshops at Heartland Yoga (and online) Check out Dr. Ren’s Therapy Practice Today's Episode sponsored by: Kate Moreland Coaching Dr Yoga Momma Heartland Yoga Want to go on retreat? Want to join Betsy in Costa Rica in May 2026 at her favorite retreat center to help you reorganize your inner space using yoga, meditation, energy medicine, and hypnosis?  All the details here! Source

What if the voice that says “You're not a good person” isn't telling the truth, just repeating an old script? Today we take aim at the inner critic's favorite storyline—unworthiness—and replace it with clear seeing, honest accountability, and a steadier sense of worth.We start by naming where this story shows up most: pressure at work, tensions at home, friction in relationships, or those late-night existential doubts. Then we slow down with a brief guided practice—grounded posture, steady breath, and focused attention—that helps us notice what the critic says and what is actually happening. Instead of collapsing into shame, we examine intentions with care. Most of us don't act from one pure motive; we move from a mix of fear, hope, habit, and love. Recognizing that complexity lets us learn from missteps without branding ourselves as bad.From there, we reframe worth as something deeper than flawless performance. When worth is inherent, mistakes become information, not identity. That shift makes room for proportionate action: repair a conversation, clarify a boundary, or rest so you can show up with more care. We offer a simple mantra to keep handy when the critic spikes: “My intentions are sometimes complex, and I am worthy of love.” Use it to pause, breathe, and choose one small step that aligns with the kind of person you want to be.If you've been measuring your goodness by impossible standards, this session offers a kinder, more effective approach. You'll leave with practical mindfulness tools, language for mixed intentions, and a compassionate reminder that growth and dignity can live side by side. If this resonated, follow the show, share it with someone who needs a softer inner voice, and leave a review so others can find these practices too.Support the showCertify To Teach Mindfulness: Certify.MindfulnessExercises.com Email: Sean@MindfulnessExercises.com Mindfulness Exercises with Sean Fargo is a practical, grounded mindfulness podcast for people who want meditation to actually help in real life. Hosted by Sean Fargo — a former Buddhist monk, mindfulness teacher, and founder of MindfulnessExercises.com — this podcast explores how mindfulness can support mental health, emotional regulation, trauma sensitivity, chronic pain, leadership, creativity, and meaningful work. Each episode offers a mix of: Practical mindfulness and meditation teachings Conversations with respected meditation teachers, clinicians, authors, and researchers Real-world insights for therapists, coaches, yoga teachers, educators, and caregivers Gentle reflections for anyone navigating stress, anxiety, burnout, grief, or change If you're interested in: Mindfulness meditation for everyday life Trauma-sensitive and compassion-based practices Teaching mindfulness in an authentic, non-performative way Deepening your own practice while supporting others …you're in the right place. Learn more at MindfulnessExercises.com.

Episode #485: “I am not talking as a representative of Anya. I am just a normal person from Anya,” says Saw Bosco, a Myanmar peace process practitioner, grassroots educator on federalism, and political economy researcher. Drawing on his life as a Catholic from Myanmar's central dry zone, he connects faith, identity, violence, and economics to argue that peace cannot exist without dignity, inclusion, and material survival for ordinary people. Bosco was raised in a small Bayingyi community, descendants of Portuguese settlers long absorbed into Burmese culture. Although culturally local, their Catholic faith marked them as different within a state that rigidly links race, religion, and citizenship. Growing up as a “double minority,” Bosco learned that marginalized groups often try to blend in to survive, even when doing so offers no real protection under the law or in society. He explains that Christian identity is lived differently across Myanmar. In Christian-majority ethnic states such as Chin or Kachin, religious life is practiced publicly, even if under state constraints. In Buddhist-majority regions, however, Bamar or mixed-heritage Christians do not fit the state's standardized race–religion templates, leaving them subject to heightened bureaucratic scrutiny over identity documents, education, employment, and mobility. After the 2021 coup, this vulnerability intensified into targeted violence in places like Sagaing, where Christian villages were destroyed not only for resisting military rule but because religious difference made brutality easier to justify. Bosco situates these experiences within a broader critique of identity politics, federalism, and peacebuilding. He warns that opposition politics remain organized around ethnic categories that fail to represent newer regional and post-ethnic identities driving resistance today. His skepticism is shaped by his earlier involvement in the National Ceasefire Agreement, which he describes as an elite-driven process disconnected from civilian lives. At the center of his analysis is political economy. Across the Sagaing region, farmers face debt, land insecurity, and military attacks that have turned agriculture into a battlefield. Bosco rejects narratives that celebrate this suffering as “resilience,” insisting instead that peace without economic justice merely reproduces inequality and leaves survival mistaken for stability. “We need to listen to what is happening in the central area as well, like why we are struggling at the political level.” he says in closing. “Of course, everything is very important, for every single political movement and for everyone. But the life of the people from central area is also a unique experience, like the other ethnic people out there.”

Steve Kang, author of ‘Eight Hours in Hell' shares his journey from growing up in a devout Buddhist home in South Korea to a near-fatal overdose and suicide attempt that led to a firsthand experience in the depths of hell. He recounts the torment and terror of eternal separation from God, followed later by a vision of heaven and an encounter with Jesus that completely redirected his life. This isn't just a testimony, it's a sobering reminder of the reality of hell, the urgency of salvation, and the mercy of Christ that reaches even the darkest places.

Originally aired May 26, 2022. In this podcast Eckhart talks about our dependence on people, places, things and concepts as the source of our identity. He says most of us derive a sense of self from our attachments. He believes the essence of who we truly are is much deeper. Eckhart calls it the alive stillness at the center of our being. Once we become aware of it, our attachment to external things fades and we discover our true nature. Eckhart illustrates this idea with the story of a Buddhist monk who sought to release worldly things. His difficulties were great, until he let go absolutely. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Sofia May, she continues sharing her experiences connected to Tara Mandala and the community around lama Tsultrim Allione. We get into the messy, nuanced territory where Buddhist teachings, spiritual leadership, and real-world power dynamics intersect. We explore what draws people to Tibetan Buddhist communities and retreat centers in the first place, and how things can get complicated when reverence, hierarchy, and human behavior collide. Sofia shared her perspective on navigating doubt, loyalty, and disillusionment, and what happens when your spiritual home starts raising hard questions instead of providing easy answers.We also zoom out to look at broader patterns across guru-centered and high-demand spiritual communities, including teacher-student dynamics, accountability gaps, community pressure, and spiritual bypassing. This conversation isn't about flattening every Buddhist or Tara Mandala experience into one story, but about building discernment, consent, and self-trust when engaging with any spiritual teacher or organization. If you've ever wrestled with concerns about a spiritual leader or practice community, this one's for you.Be sure to check out the article in Guru Magazine in which Sofia May first shares her Tara Mandala experience, and follow her comedy journey on Instagram or TikTok @sofiamaycomedy.Trigger warning: This episode contains frank discussion of child and sexual abuse, coercive influence, and religious/spiritual trauma.Also…let it be known that:The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business, individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad.**PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book hereCheck out our amazing sponsorsJoin A Little Bit Culty on PatreonGet poppin' fresh ALBC SwagSupport the pod and smash this linkCheck out our cult awareness and recovery resourcesWatch Sarah's TED Talk and buy her memoir, ScarredCREDITS:Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony AmesProduction Partner: Citizens of SoundCo-Creator: Jess TardyAudio production: Will RetherfordProduction Coordinator: Lesli DinsmoreWriter: Sandra NomotoSocial media team: Eric Skwarzynski and Brooke KeaneTheme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel AsselinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gayathri Narayanan is the founder of Myndtree and a contemplative guide whose work centers on integrating deep inner inquiry with the realities of modern life. With more than three decades of sustained practice and study, she brings together the wisdom of the Narayana Guru lineage, as transmitted through her own Guru, Nitya Chaitanya Yati, with secular mindfulness and lived inquiry. Her grounding lies in Advaita Vedanta and Yoga, supported by long-term study of classical texts including the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, and key works of Narayana Guru such as Ātmopadeśa Śatakam and Darśanamālā. Over time, her path expanded to include sustained study and practice in Buddhist traditions, with particular depth in Theravada teachings through close study with Gil Fronsdal, as well as engagement with Zen through teachings with Reb Anderson. More recently, she has begun studying Tibetan Buddhism with Anam Thubten.https://www.myndtree.org/

(Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center) Amma Thanasanti began meditating in 1979 under the guidance of Jack Engler, Ajahn Chah, and Dipa Ma. She spent 28 years as a Buddhist nun, including 20 years in Ajahn Chah monasteries, and has taught internationally since 1996. She is the founder of Awakening Truth (awakeningtruth.org) and developed the Integrated Meditation Program (IMP), an attachment-repair pathway for meditators. Her work integrates classical Buddhist training with contemporary psychology and trauma-informed practice, helping practitioners discern where meditation supports awakening—and where relational wounds and trauma require direct healing. This integration allows the stillness, clarity, and goodness from meditation to become more natural and sustainable. SHINE is a practice Amma developed as a counterpart to the RAIN method by Michelle McDonald and Tara Brach. While RAIN helps us meet difficulty, SHINE supports cultivating positive states—training the nervous system to recognize, sustain, and deepen what's good.The acronym stands for Sense, Hold, Inquire, Nourish, and Enhance. Integrated into the broader Integrated Meditation Program (IMP), SHINE addresses a gap many practitioners experience: we become skilled at observing suffering but less adept at stabilizing ease, joy, and goodness when they arise. In this session, we'll practice SHINE together and explore how cultivating these states helps stillness, clarity, and goodness become more natural and sustainable in daily life.

Pam Bondi clashes with House Democrats over Epstein files at DOJ oversight hearing. FAA lifts El Paso flight restriction after US disables Mexican cartel drones that 'breached US airspace'. Norwegian biathlete admits to cheating on his girlfriend in post-win interview. Ukrainian Olympian disqualified over images of war dead on his helmet. Cybersecurity experts explain how surveillance footage of Nancy Guthrie's home was recovered. Buddhist monks 108-day Walk for Peace set to end in Washington DC. What people are spending on Valentine's Day.  Latest jobs report. 

In honor of All In This Together, Jack, Anne Lamott, and Tami Simon continue their heart-opening conversation on story, tenderness, and remembering who you areJack's new book is out now!: All in This Together: Stories and Teachings for Loving Each Other and Our WorldToday's podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/heartwisdom and get on your way to being your best self.In this episode, Jack, Anne, and Tami mindfully explore:Anne Lamott's 12-Step cruise ship seminar wisdomHow to tell or write a heart-opening storyGetting to the emotional center of it allRemembering who you really areIlluminating our common humanityLaughter as carbonated holiness and sacred groundWhat's between the telling and the listeningHow to trade our exhaustion for peace and restMicro-dosing love and understandingThe healing power of true romantic, soul-mate loveBeing loved just as you areStories on hopeOperating from the heart caveJack's recent visit with His Holiness the Dalai LamaStories of conflict resolutionThis conversation originally took place in Nov 2025 for Sounds True's celebration of Jack's All In This Together book release. Stay up to date with Jack's upcoming livestreams and events here.About Anne Lamott:Anne Lamott is the New York Times best-selling author of many books, including collections of essays, novels, and long-form non-fiction, including the classic writing manual Bird by Bird and child-rearing memoir Operating Instructions. In addition to being a novelist and nonfiction writer, Lamott is also a progressive political activist, public speaker, and writing teacher. Keep up with Anne on Instagram.“Laughter is carbonated holiness, and when we're laughing together we're on sacred ground.” –Anne LamottAbout Tami Simon:Tami Simon is the founder of Sounds True, a multimedia company that has produced over 3,000 titles and been nominated twice for the Inc. 500 list of the fastest-growing companies. Tami also hosts the popular Sounds True podcast, Insights at the Edge, with more than 15 million downloads. Tami has been instrumental in the creation of the Inner MBA Program: a nine-month interactive program featuring esteemed CEOs and conscious business and mindfulness leaders created by Sounds True, LinkedIn and Wisdom 2.0.About Jack Kornfield:Jack Kornfield trained as a Buddhist monk in the monasteries of Thailand, India, and Burma, studying as a monk under the Buddhist master Ven. Ajahn Chah, as well as the Ven. Mahasi Sayadaw. He has taught meditation internationally since 1974 and is one of the key teachers to introduce Buddhist mindfulness practice to the West. Jack co-founded the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts, with fellow meditation teachers Sharon Salzberg and Joseph Goldstein and the Spirit Rock Center in Woodacre, California. His books have been translated into 20 languages and sold more than a million copies.Jack is currently offering a wonderful array of transformational online courses diving into crucial topics like Mindfulness Meditation Fundamentals, Walking the Eightfold Path, Opening the Heart of Forgiveness, Living Beautifully, Transforming Your Life Through Powerful Stories, and so much more. Sign up for an All Access Pass to explore Jack's entire course library. If you would like a year's worth of online meetups with Jack and fellow community, join The Year of Awakening: A Monthly Journey with Jack Kornfield.“I want to tell stories that soften your heart, make you weep or laugh, help you remember who you are, and illuminate our common humanity.” –Jack KornfieldStay up to date with Jack and his stream of fresh dharma offerings by visiting JackKornfield.com and signing up for his email teachings.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There's only one God who has wounds that can speak to your wounds. There's only God who has been through it.  The Buddhists look at suffering as an illusion. Western secular culture looks at suffering as a curse. But Christianity looks at it as something both extremely real and far more hopeful. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, came to glory through suffering. And when you see what he went through for you, then and only then have you got a framework and a power to get through your own suffering. In 1 Peter 1 it teaches us that 1) you'll never be able to face suffering without knowing a lot of biblical doctrine, 2) Christians do experience grief and troubles of life, and 3) when suffering comes into your life, God hates the brokenness but uses it to teach you things he wants you to learn. This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on September 26, 1993. Series: Splendor in the Furnace: 1 Peter, Part 1. Scripture: 1 Peter 1:6-9. Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.