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Discover the true essence of Right Mindfulness—the seventh step on the Buddha's Eightfold Path—and learn how to bridge the gap between knowing spiritual truth and living it daily. In this powerful talk, Rev. Lee Wolak, author of The Power in You, breaks down what the Buddha actually meant by Right Mindfulness: a deep, focused awareness of what's happening in you and around you in the present moment. Whether you're on a path of spiritual awakening, seeking emotional clarity, or desiring to break free from autopilot living, this video will give you practical tools to embody presence, stay grounded, and align with your higher self. Let go of distraction, reclaim your awareness, and learn to observe life with compassion and clarity.
If you've ever felt like joy is just out of reach, this episode will challenge everything you thought you knew—revealing how meaningful effort, not ease, might be the key to lasting fulfillment.In today's episode, I'm joined by Janet Ettele, a novelist, meditation practitioner, and devoted student of Buddhist philosophy whose mission is to bring timeless spiritual teachings to life through accessible, story-driven fiction. She is the author of a four-book series inspired by the six perfections of Buddhism, with her latest release, How Joyous Effort Works: The Energy to Benefit Others, featuring a foreword by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Janet's writing blends insight and emotional depth, drawing from her background as a trained musician and Berklee College of Music graduate to create prose that is both lyrical and grounded. Her journey into Buddhism began at a Tibetan monastery just five miles from her home in Connecticut, where she continues to live, write, and teach with quiet dedication.Throughout this episode, Janet brings these influences to life, offering a grounded yet inspiring perspective on joy, effort, and spiritual growth. She shares how the teachings of Shantideva and her connection with Tibetan monks shaped both her personal evolution and the character arc of Troy, the protagonist of her series. Their parallel journeys reveal how challenges can become turning points when met with mindfulness and compassion. Janet's reflections on meditation, silence, and intentional action illustrate how spiritual practice translates into everyday life. With warmth and clarity, she reminds us that lasting joy doesn't come from striving for perfection, but from showing up—consistently, consciously, and with an open heart.Tune in to episode 210 of Joy Found Here as Janet Ettele shares how Buddhist wisdom, storytelling, and intentional effort can lead to inner peace and purposeful living. Learn how meditation and spiritual practice bring more clarity, joy, and connection.In This Episode, You Will Learn:The roots of Joyous Effort (3:35)From silence to spiritual seeking (6:23)Music, poetry, and the first steps toward Dharma (9:30)Finding her teacher—Just five miles away (11:20)What Joyous Effort really means (16:41)Compassion over judgment (19:15)From the Dalai Lama to DIY publishing (22:48)Building a daily practice with coffee (31:11)The unexpected joy of grandparenthood (34:34)Life is a patchwork, not a tapestry (38:49)A tribute to Aunt Gertrude (39:39)Connect with Janet Ettele:WebsiteInstagramFacebookXSpotifyLet's Connect:WebsiteInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What is Right Effort on the spiritual path—and why does it matter more than hustle or grind? In this bold and eye-opening talk, Rev Lee Wolak, author of The Power in You, breaks down the Sixth Step of the Noble Eightfold Path—Right Effort. This essential teaching from the Buddha is not about pushing harder; it's about learning how to apply your energy wisely, mindfully, and with purpose. Right Effort means committing to inner discipline, not external force. It means consistently releasing unwholesome thoughts, cultivating wholesome ones, and aligning your actions with your highest truth. Rev Lee shares how to shift from reactive striving to empowered intention so that your spiritual energy is clear, focused, and transformational. Whether you're deepening your meditation practice or seeking greater emotional mastery, this talk offers practical insights you can use now to live more consciously. #SpiritualAwakening #RightView #EightfoldPath #Mindfulness #ZenWisdom #ThePowerInYou #RevLeeWolak #SpiritualClarity #BuddhistTeachings #ConsciousLiving #RightEffort#LiveWithPurpose #SpiritualIntegrity
What does it mean to earn a living without selling your soul? In this powerful video, Rev Lee Wolak dives deep into the Buddhist teaching of Right Livelihood, the fifth step on the Eightfold Path, and reveals how your work, career, and daily actions can become a vehicle for spiritual awakening and inner peace. If you're on a path of spiritual growthand want to align your livelihood with your highest values, this talk will show you how to release what no longer serves you and step boldly into a life of integrity, purpose, and conscious intention. Learn how to stop compromising your values for success and instead, use your energy to uplift, heal, and inspire—while still thriving in the world. Whether you're an entrepreneur, healer, teacher, or in transition, discover how Right Livelihood is not just about what you do—but how you do it. #SpiritualAwakening #RightView #EightfoldPath #Mindfulness #ZenWisdom #ThePowerInYou #RevLeeWolak #SpiritualClarity #BuddhistTeachings #ConsciousLiving #RightLivelihood #LiveWithPurpose #SpiritualIntegrity
In this episode, we talk about how we can cultivate and develop an inner sense of unwavering peace.
In this episode, we talk about how easy it is to feel frustrated and confused by our lives, and why its valuable to turn towards our heart as a compass on how to keep moving forward.
Right Speech EXPLAINED | The Power of Words in Spiritual Growth What if every word you spoke was a window into your soul? In this bold and eye-opening talk, Rev. Lee Wolak—Zen practitioner, teacher of Religious Science, and author of The Power in You—dives deep into the profound meaning of Right Speech, the third step on the Noble Eightfold Path. This isn't about surface-level kindness. It's about using your voice as a spiritual tool to align with truth, integrity, and power. Discover how your words create energetic ripples that either uplift or distort. Learn how Right Speech is not just ethical—it's transformational. When practiced consciously, it becomes a spiritual discipline that reflects your inner world and reshapes your outer experience. Whether you're seeking to deepen your mindfulness, elevate your spiritual communication, or live more authentically, this video delivers powerful insights and actionable takeaways. #SpiritualAwakening #RightView #EightfoldPath #Mindfulness #ZenWisdom #ThePowerInYou #RevLeeWolak #SpiritualClarity #BuddhistTeachings #ConsciousLiving #RightSpeech
In this episode, we talk about how loud life feels - due to inner thoughts and outer phenomenon - and how we can work towards finding the silence and deep stillness we desperately seek.
What does it truly mean to live with Right Intention? In this powerful spiritual teaching, Rev. Lee Wolak—Zen practitioner, Religious Science teacher, and author of The Power in You—dives deep into the second step of the Eightfold Path: Right Intention. Discover how the power to choose your intention shapes your reality and influences every thought, action, and experience. Right Intention is not about wishful thinking—it's about consciously deciding who you are willing to become, moment by moment. Learn how to release fear, abandon delusion, and align your mind with clarity, compassion, and commitment. This video breaks it down in a grounded, practical, and inspiring way that helps you live more consciously and powerfully every day. Whether you're new to Buddhism or seeking deeper insight on your spiritual journey, this teaching will challenge and inspire you to live with greater awareness, courage, and integrity. ✨ Don't just watch—wake up. SpiritualAwakening #RightView #EightfoldPath #Mindfulness #ZenWisdom #ThePowerInYou #RevLeeWolak #SpiritualClarity #BuddhistTeachings #ConsciousLiving #RightIntention Sign up for my daily thought and weekly newsletter by clicking this link: https://www.agapespiritualcenter.com/free-affirmations
In this episode, we talk about the gentle process by which we can adapt to difficult, sometimes shocking change, in our lives and in the world around us.
What if the first step toward spiritual freedom wasn't about changing your life—but changing how you see it? In this talk, Rev. Lee Wolak—author of The Power in You, Zen practitioner, and Religious Science teacher—dives deep into the foundational teaching of the Eightfold Path: Right View. Right View means seeing clearly. Not through the fog of fear, not through the lens of desire, but seeing reality exactly as it is. It's the beginning of inner freedom, peace, and awakening. When we align our perception with truth instead of illusion, we gain the power to respond instead of react, to live from clarity rather than confusion. Whether you're new to Buddhism or seeking deeper insight on your spiritual journey, this teaching will challenge and inspire you to live with greater awareness, courage, and integrity. ✨ Don't just watch—wake up. #SpiritualAwakening #RightView #EightfoldPath #Mindfulness #ZenWisdom #ThePowerInYou #RevLeeWolak #SpiritualClarity #BuddhistTeachings #ConsciousLiving
In this episode, we talk about how difficult it is to deal with unexpected change in our lives and how we can learn to process it in healthy, self-empowering ways.
Are you ready to transform your life by mastering the Eightfold Path? In this insightful and empowering video, we dive deep into the Eightfold Path—a timeless guide to living with clarity, purpose, and freedom. You'll learn how to cultivate Right View, Right Intention, and Right Action while aligning your thoughts, words, and choices with higher consciousness. This talk, led by Rev. Lee Wolak, author of The Power in You, strips away illusions and offers a bold, practical roadmap to reclaim your power. Whether you're seeking greater self-awareness, inner peace, or a path to spiritual growth, the Eightfold Path provides the tools to master your mind and navigate life with fearless authenticity. ✅ Discover how to see life as it truly is. ✅ Learn to align your actions with your values. ✅ Unlock the power of mindful living and intentional focus. Watch now and step boldly onto the path of transformation!
In this episode, we talk about how it can be very difficult to walk in the light within the landscape of an ever-changing world, and why we should continue to seek out the light despite the darkness.
Are you ready to break free from the endless cycle of dissatisfaction? In this powerful exploration of The Four Noble Truths, Rev. Lee Wolak, author of The Power in You, unpacks how these ancient teachings aren't just philosophical ideas—they are a mirror reflecting the way we experience life. You'll discover how to recognize the root of suffering, understand its cause, glimpse the possibility of liberation, and align your life with lasting freedom. This talk dives deep into practical, actionable insights that show you how to stop chasing happiness and start living in harmony with what is. If you're seeking clarity, empowerment, and a path to deeper awareness, this is the conversation you've been waiting for. Watch now and step boldly toward a life of authenticity and peace.
When every day is full of challenges involving other people, how do we cope and process it? In this episode, we reflect on what it means to endure, and even develop compassion to others, despite the adversities we face.
In this episode, we reflect on the difference between chasing a goal and learning to appreciate the path we are on.
In this episode, we reflect on the rhythm of life and why we need to trust and respect the timing of our journeys.
In this episode, we explore why we feel lonely and how, instead, we can turn towards connectedness.
In this episode, we reflect on the importance of slowing down and truly savoring every moment.
In this episode, we reflect on the connectedness of all beings, and why it's important to keep our hearts open.
In this episode, we talk about the push and pull of life, and how to accept hardship and change with greater peace.
In this episode, we talk about how we can face moments of brokenness within ourselves and the world, and approach them with acceptance and compassion.
In this episode, we explore how we can keep hope alive, when we feel as though the world around us is dying.
What does it take to turn a life of addiction and struggle into one of wisdom, compassion, and fulfillment? In this episode, Peter shares his extraordinary journey from the depths of heroin addiction in the 1960s counterculture to finding peace and purpose as a Zen Buddhist priest. Through his story, we explore the profound teachings of interconnectedness, the balance between individuality and the larger universe, and the transformative power of self-awareness. Peter's raw honesty and profound insights will inspire you to reflect on your own path and the narratives you may be living by. We also dive deep into the practical side of Zen—meditation techniques that anyone can try, the beauty of embracing impermanence, and how love and compassion can dissolve the boundaries we think separate us. Have you ever wondered if happiness is less about seeking and more about letting go? Or how understanding paradoxes can reveal your true nature? This conversation offers timeless wisdom for anyone seeking clarity, fulfillment, and a deeper connection to life. Don't miss this heartfelt and eye-opening discussion! Ways to Connect with Peter Coyote: https://petercoyote.com/ https://petercoyote.com/zen-in-the-vernacular/ About Peter Coyote: PETER COYOTE has performed as an actor in over 160 films for theaters and TV. His work includes some of the world's most distinguished filmmakers, including: Barry Levinson, Roman Polanski, Pedro Almodovar, Steven Spielberg, Martin Ritt, Steven Soderberg, Sidney Pollack and Jean Paul Rappeneau. He is a double Emmy-Award winning narrator of over 150 documentary films, including Ken Burns, National Parks, Prohibition, The West, the Dust Bowl,The Roosevelts , for which he received his second Emmy in 2015. Recently he has done Vietnam, The History of Country Music and a six hour series on Ernest Hemingway for Mr. Burns. Mr. Coyote's memoir of the 1960's counter-culture Sleeping Where I Fall which received universally excellent reviews, and has been in continuous print since 1999. His second book, The Rainman's Third Cure: An Irregular Education, about mentors and the search for wisdom, was nominated as one of the top five non-fiction books published in California in 2015. Last year he published The Tongue of a Crow, his first book of poems, and The Lone Ranger and Tonto Meet the Buddha, about his workshops with masks and improv exercise to induce altered states. Hie newest book, Zen in the Vernacular will be released in early 2020 by Inner Traditions Press. Mr. Coyote is also an ordained Zen Buddhist priest and “transmitted” teacher, which means that he is free from his teacher's authority and can ordain his own priests.
In this episode, we reflect on how being adaptable to life's constant changes can help us face our daily anxieties.
In this episode, we reflect on how the mind often operates like a mirror, distorting or bringing clarity to our lives, depending on its state.
In this episode, we reflect on what anger really is and how gratitude can help us heal it.
In this episode, we reflect on what it means to truly be absorbed in the present.
In this episode, we contemplate how we can usher in moments of peace in our busy, often stressful lives.
In this episode, we reflect on why it's important to be aware of the impact our words have on ourselves, including our outlook in life.
In this episode, we reflect on the nature of being irritated - why we get irritated in the first place and how we can manage this feeling in a peaceful way.
In this episode, we reflect on what anxiety is and how we can better make peace with it.
In this episode, we talk about how we can make peace with the multitude of feelings, moods and thoughts that pass through our mind every day.
In this episode, we talk about what it means to develop a freeing mindset and why it's important for our long-term growth and happiness.
In this episode of The Lion's Roar Podcast, Lion's Roar's Sandi Rankawduwa talks to Dr. Tania Israel, Professor of Counseling Psychology and Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the University of California, Santa Barbara. With 25 years of expertise in LGBTQ psychology and social justice, and as the author of Facing the Fracture: How to Navigate the Challenges of Living in a Divided Nation, Dr. Israel offers invaluable insights on bridging divides with compassion. In this conversation, she explores how to maintain connection amidst political differences, stay true to our convictions without demonizing others, and approach tough conversations — from navigating “cancel culture” to managing anger, and preserving our spiritual aspirations in the face of political conflict. This episode is sponsored by Minding the Gap Coaching: mindingthegapcoaching.com Photo of Tania Israel by Laurie Bailey.
Welcome back to Spiritually Queer! This week, we're diving deep into one of my favorite Buddhist teachings: the Six Paramitas, or Six Transcendent Perfections. These are essential qualities on the path to Enlightenment—and they're valuable for everyone, no matter your spiritual path (or lack thereof!). In this episode, I'll break down each of the Six Paramitas and share how these teachings resonate with me personally. Whether you're looking to deepen your spiritual practice, connect with yourself in new ways, or simply cultivate more kindness and compassion, there's something here for everyone. ✨Listen in to explore: - The origins and significance of the Six Paramitas in Buddhist philosophy - Practical ways to apply these teachings in daily life - Personal reflections on how these qualities can guide us toward inner peace and self-understanding
In this episode, we reflect on how we can find the "real you" and how this effects the way we process our daily mistakes and failures.
Discover how ancient Buddhist teachings can transform your relationship with food during menopause. Get the full show notes and information here: https://drdebbutler.com/446
In this episode, we talk about what it means to have boundless energy and how we can have more of it in our lives.
In this episode, we highlight the pitfalls of chasing our pride above all else and why it's important to prioritize gratitude instead.
In this episode, we reflect on how we can sometimes try to find the answer to our deepest questions, in all the wrong places, only to find out that they were always available to us, from within.
In this episode, we talk about feeling the weight of the world on our shoulders, and how we can refocus our energy in order to return to a more balanced approach to living life.
In this episode, we talk about the difficulties and challenges when it comes to staying focused on our spiritual path.
In this episode, we reflect on how we can learn to become more one with life.
In this episode, we talk about how we can learn to better face the obstacles we encounter in life.
In this episode, we talk about why self-reflection is hard and how we can practice self-reflection in a more compassionate and mindful way.
In this episode, we talk about how we can enable ourselves to experience a spiritual revival, especially when things get hard.