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Here I offer a guided meditation offering kindness to parts of us which we like, (Kindness) are neutral toward,(Equanimity) and dislike. (Compassion)
In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna introduces a variety of graduated steps that will lead us to the great resolve of bodhicitta, in which one takes on the personal responsibility of removing the suffering of every sentient being. He invites us to keep this vision in our minds while offering practical practices that meet us where we are in our journey. This episode was recorded on November 26th, 2025.Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary objective is to provide programs of Buddhist studies and practices that are practical, accessible, and meet the needs of the communities we serve. As a traditional Buddhist center, all of our teachings are offered freely. If you would like to make a donation to support the center, please visit www.wocdc.org. May you flourish in your practice and may all beings swiftly be free of suffering.
In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna teaches us some valuable techniques for cultivating love. He suggests meditation methods that can aid in our cultivation of loving kindness for ourselves, our loved ones, strangers, and people who challenge us. This episode was recorded on November 12th, 2025.Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary objective is to provide programs of Buddhist studies and practices that are practical, accessible, and meet the needs of the communities we serve. As a traditional Buddhist center, all of our teachings are offered freely. If you would like to make a donation to support the center, please visit www.wocdc.org. May you flourish in your practice and may all beings swiftly be free of suffering.
Insight Meditation Society - Forest Refuge: dharma talks and meditation instruction
(Insight Meditation Society - Forest Refuge)
(Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center)
(Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center) A discussion of Equanimity and confidence and Mindfulness
Dharma Seed - dharmaseed.org: dharma talks and meditation instruction
(Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center) A discussion of Equanimity and confidence and Mindfulness
Dharma Seed - dharmaseed.org: dharma talks and meditation instruction
(Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center)
Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center: dharma talks and meditation instruction
(Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center) A discussion of Equanimity and confidence and Mindfulness
Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center: dharma talks and meditation instruction
(Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center)
In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna offers commentary on how we can cultivate great compassion known as bodhicitta by repaying the kindness of others. He speaks about how the urge to repay the kindness of others arises naturally when we reflect on the kindness we have received. This episode was recorded on November 5th, 2025.Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary objective is to provide programs of Buddhist studies and practices that are practical, accessible, and meet the needs of the communities we serve. As a traditional Buddhist center, all of our teachings are offered freely. If you would like to make a donation to support the center, please visit www.wocdc.org. May you flourish in your practice and may all beings swiftly be free of suffering.
https://youtu.be/5rB45BEXQLU Edward Francis, executive coach, IBM alumnus, and doctorate holder in Management Consulting, is driven by four lifelong commitments—family, faith, the city of Atlanta, and experiential learning. That fourth commitment fuels his mission: helping leaders bridge the gap between theoretical competency and real-world performance through outcome-based, measurable coaching. We explore Edward's distinctive EMF Coaching Framework, which integrates authenticity, mindfulness, equanimity, and neuroplasticity to help leaders develop soft skills for next-level leadership. Edward explains why authenticity protects your future self, how mindfulness deepens connection and listening, why fulfillment (equanimity) must replace “I don't know,” and how managing the brain—rather than letting it run the show—creates space for vision and innovation. Edward also shares how he teaches passion for the future, why it can be acquired through practice, and how he measures intangible soft-skill growth with precision. For leaders seeking transformation, Edward describes what “serious coaching for serious clients” truly looks like. — 4 Ways to Expand Your Vision with Edward Francis Good day, dear listeners. Steve Preda here, the Founder of the Summit OS Group, and the host of this podcast. And my guest today is Edward Francis, a seasoned coach who provides soft skills for next-level leading with an outcome-based and measured approach. He’s an IBM alumni and holds a doctorate in Management Consulting, so he knows a lot. Edward, welcome to the show. Thank you, Steve. Glad I could be here. Yeah. Great to have you. I always ask our guests because I think it’s very important that we have a mission, a purpose in life. Because if we lean into it, then we are going to get a lot better results. So what is your personal ‘Why’, and what are you doing to manifest it? Good question, Steve. I like that. Well, my personal ‘Why’ are my commitments, and I have four of them. Oh. And those commitments are me, they make me who I am. The fourth commitment is why we are here today talking, but I’ll take a minute and touch on the first three because I think they’re worth touching on briefly. The first commitment, and not necessarily in order, is family. I’m a father, uncle, godfather, caretaker for a dog and cat — family. My second commitment of the four is faith. And obviously, I could talk a lot about that, but I won’t. But that is a big commitment that makes me who I am. The third commitment is actually to the city of Atlanta, because that’s where I am and where I have served throughout the years several boards of directors — the large ones that we all know about, some for profit, some not for profit, and some of the smaller ones that we haven’t heard about. I'm at that stage now where I end up doing on boards and doing things that nobody else wants to do, but I think it's very important.Share on X And so typically I’m raising money for this or helping to promote that, or the kinds of things that are very important. But they’re not the big boards, but I’ve served on all of them throughout the years. Done a lot with the arts community, the leadership community, the city government, some politics, but primarily community activism. But the fourth commitment, which makes me who I am and why I’m here, is to experiential learning. And that is that gap between competency and how it plays out in the real world—the bridge. Not just understanding the competency of business or the competency of consulting, but how does it really play out in the real world? I have a passion for that. And that bridge can be coaching, leadership development, mentoring, and so it is experiential learning.Share on X When I was with IBM, people would inherently come to me, especially young people. I think it’s this white hair, Steve, I don’t know. They’d come to me and we’d be talking about this and that. And I began to enjoy those sessions, but found that they really were important for the person coming as well as me, because I learned a lot as well. And then when I went on to study my doctorate and my MBA, I studied experiential learning, where I began to do research on soft skills. So what are soft skills? Earning trust. Can you teach someone how to earn trust? I prove that you can. Passion for the future. Can you teach passion for the future? Can that learn? Is that an acquired skill? Is that an acquired competency? Yes, it is. So experiential learning, I have a passion that comes into my coaching, which is why I coach at a business school, at a major university. And I have clients, private clients as well. Those are my ‘Whys’. And because that’s who I am. I am those commitments. Yeah, that’s fascinating. So let’s talk about some of the things that you do, because I find it very interesting. But I’d like to start with the framework that you developed, which is a unique coaching framework. I’ve not seen anything like that before, and I think you call it the EMF coaching framework after your name. And it involves authenticity, mindfulness, equanimity, and neuroplasticity. Can you explain what this is, how you discovered it, why it’s important, and how do you apply it? Well, my research brought it to the forefront, but my clients have really discovered it for me. When I work with a client, I take them where they are. Typically, it’s someone with a set of outcomes that they’d like to achieve, or outcomes that they want to develop. Sometimes we don’t know outcomes change, and I also have the ability to measure their outcomes, which is fairly unique. I mean, I give them measurements. People say they want measurements, but I can do them and do them well. But the framework is a way of communicating blocks that we build on, and blocks for active listening on my part. So what is the authenticity? How do you use authenticity in coaching? To make sure that you are aware of it, to help you measure your authenticity, to make you value your authenticity, to get you to focus on it as an important element of what you want to do and who you are, so that at the end of your career, or when you’re changing careers because you have one behind you, you can look back on it and feel good about it. And you’re not some sad old guy or sad old lady who wishing you had paid attention to your authenticity. Because what happens when you have that sadness, you end up impacting the people that love you the most. Your wife, your children, grandchildren. So you want to protect this period of time by making sure you pay attention to authenticity. And so we spend a good bit of time working on it, identifying, but more than anything else, letting you know how important it is. And of course, authenticity, I mean, we grow, we bend, we assimilate the cultures, but there’s still an authenticity that you want to measure, promote, and understand. I attempt to drive home that meaning, but more than anything else, I listen to what's important to you about authenticity, it's about listening.Share on X I have more questions than I have answers, but I do have some good questions. And where does authenticity fit, and how do you rate your authenticity, and what does authenticity matter to you are important questions. Okay. So there’s a lot there. We won’t be able to completely unpack authenticity. Maybe that’s what you do with your client so we don’t have to do it on this call. But let’s switch to the next one, which is mindfulness. So is it about meditation? What does it mean? Well, mindfulness is all over the place, right? We hear it all the time. It’s almost cache. I mean, it’s all over the place. But in coaching and in my building blocks, we want to examine the benefit to you as my client in achieving your outcomes. The benefit of just understanding and listening rather than making an impression.Share on X You want to listen rather than try to impress. Your listening skills, finding out where someone is before you engage with them. The idea of being mindful of the moment of where are they. So being present with the person? Not only present, but giving a lead to listening. What does that mean? It’s hard to hear them if you are talking. And this type of mindfulness, you want to make sure that you are being more listening than you are trying to impress or engage from your perspective. That type of mindfulness in that moment and in each moment. So we spend a good bit of time understanding that level of engagement, and if that engagement is even authentic to you, but the benefits of that. Can you give an example? Sure. You go to someone and you want them to help you with something, not necessarily small talk, but find out where they are at that moment, where they are mentally, where they are socially, how’s their day? It’s more than small talk before you engage because you’ll find that them even hearing you, if you show that you care about where they are, their level of listening can be increased. So an example is finding out where the person is before you engage with them. Okay. So let’s switch gears and let’s talk about equanimity, because that’s something I don’t hear people talk about. Mindfulness is a common topic—maybe not your brand of it—but what's equanimity, and how do you use it in coaching? Sure. Equanimity means a lot of things, but when we talk about coaching in the framework, we’re really talking about fulfillment. Equanimity can mean how you handle stress or how you handle disturbances.Share on X But equanimity in coaching can mean fulfillment, your pursuit of a fulfillment what is it that you really, really, really want? And are you clear on distinguishing that from that tools to get there? The classic one is money, Steve. We all know people with lots of money, and there’s a question even in their mind, if they are really fulfilled. So, an equanimity is understanding fulfillment and that pursuit of fulfillment, and it can change.Share on X When you get to our age, “I don't know” is not a good answer. What fulfills you? You say, “I don't know.” I'd say, Steve, you're too old to be saying “I don't know.” You need an answer. You can change it as often as you want, but the problem with “I don't know” is that it breeds “I don't know.” And if you’re saying “I don't know” at age 30, my fear is you'll be saying “I don't know” at age 45. So being able to pick a horse and ride it, have the flexibility to change whenever you want is critical. Plus, just think about it: let's say you want help. I remember plenty of times people would come to me wanting help, and if they had a target, it was much easier for me to help them if they had a target. They say, I want this, it’s going to be available. Then this is the decision-maker. Can you help me with this venture capital team to see if I can get it swayed my way? They got a target. But if you come to me and say, Edward, help me figure out what I want to be when I grow up, that’s a whole other discussion. It’s very difficult to help you. So when you have a target, when you have an answer, other than, I don’t know, we have a direction to move in. So “I don’t know” is not good for most people. Yeah. And you can honestly not know, but you going to pick something. Because when you pick something, even if you’re going the wrong way, you may see what’s the right way. But you never would see that right way if you hadn’t taken that first step, even in the wrong direction. Give the information and then you can iterate from there. Yeah, I agree. And I love it. So let’s go onto neuroplasticity, which was also a very interesting concept that you talked about. Sure. How do you use neuroplasticity in coaching? Sure. Well, neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to create additional neurons, but in coaching it's also the suggestion and the consideration that you move outside of your brain — that you don't let your brain run you, you run the brain. That brain will get you in trouble if you are just running around following it. First of all, the brain’s number one job is to protect the body. That’s the number one job for the brain. So therefore, it often has a negative bias. The brain will think that things are worse than they are. That’s part of the way it protects you. You think a lion is going to jump out of the bushes and devour you when it's just a little puppy dog who's coming up to you. So if you keep going, most of the time you’ll see it’s not quite as bad as you thought it was — most of the time. So following the brain, you have to step outside of your brain and manage your brain. The front part of the brain, the prefrontal cortex, is in charge of visioning and innovation. But the funny thing about the prefrontal cortex is that it wants to be filled. It doesn’t want empty space. So wherever you are, it’s going to fill itself with something. And you going to say to your brain, no, we are not doing that. I’m not going to let you get filled up. I’m going to keep room so that I can vision. Visioning and innovation takes time and it takes room, and the brain wants to stock in as much as it can to stay filledShare on X but you going to tell that brain, no, I’m going to sit here. I’m going to eat this ice cream and think about it. And so then that leads into what’s really a coaching dynamic is the art of delegation. In order to clear out that prefrontal cortex, you going to use resources, delegation, so that when that brain is filling up, you have a way of, as we used to say at IBM, getting those monkeys off your back. You create some free space. There was a time when professors, way back in the day, had their sabbaticals. Well, that was well-meaning. That was well-meaning — having that time for visioning. Well, as we have blueprints for business, as we have goals, as we look for moving forward, it requires vision, but vision takes time.Share on X It’s just not going to drop in your lap. Your brain won’t let you do it. Now, we both know people who carry the world on their shoulders, and yet they still get a lot of things done. And it can happen, but it’s just not the best way to do it. Yeah. And maybe they are giving themselves time. They go on a fishing trip, or a golf trip, or travel. And the best ideas come when you’re not in the office, right? But I’m talking about more granular than that. Not just vacations or climbing a mountain, I’m talking about just sitting still and breathing. I’m talking about family time, a meal, book, listening to some good music, a walk in the woods, things that help your mind empty out those monkeys, so that you can have space to take the time for the visioning and innovation that’s critical for moving forward. A lot of times you get to where you are by keeping that mind full. You’re always having fires to put out, and that’s fine. We’re experts at putting out fires. But at some point, to take that business to that next level — that soft skill for next-level leadership — you're going to have to manage your brain to create space so that you have time for vision and innovation.Share on X Yeah. I love that. And I often notice that I’m driving my car and I think, okay, I’m going to switch on the audio book or podcast. I say, no, I won’t do that. I just want to sit here and just daydream over the wheel and just let my mind go different places. And actually I love that time, and I like the long drives, and I don't take in information. And I guess that’s what’s happening. I didn’t call it that, but I am emptying out my brain and giving it space. Well, you have to manage that brain because it will get you in trouble if you just let it run the show. I mean, really, it’ll take you to some odd places. You have to say to your brain, “No. That's not what we are doing. That's not the plan.” Okay. That’s awesome. So your coaching framework is authenticity — being aware and living an authentic life so that you can look back on it with satisfaction. Mindfulness — being present, listening, giving space for other people. Equanimity, which is fulfillment and having that feeling of fulfillment, of living with purpose. That's why I ask you about the purpose as well, so I totally relate to this. And neuroplasticity, I love that concept. I think few people talk about it, especially this way. It’s very powerful. So before we wrap up, I like to ask you about what you mentioned at the top of the conversation about teaching people passion for the future, I’m fascinated by this idea. I thought passion was more of an internally developed thing. Maybe there’s also talent for passion. Maybe it’s part of nurture, but how can you actually teach it, I’m very curious about that. Sure. Passion for the future. That’s when you want to be passionate about capabilities and opportunities for impacting your clients, impacting the world, and you deeply believe in the quality and breadth of personal, exceptional capability. And the key with passion for the future, when you really are doing it well, then you are energizing others about unique opportunities, and you are conveying passion for the future with them. I have an exercise—several exercises—that we go through and talk about. So, Edward, just a quick question. So does that mean that you are passionate about the potential of your own and the other people around you? So your passion is derived not from what the politics is doing, or geopolitics, and I don’t know, AI, and that stuff, but is it about the humanistic potential that you see is there and can be manifested? Actually, Steve, it is outcomes-driven. So it is outcomes-driven, but what I see—and when it works well, you see it—it spreads. It's not that you start out saying, I want to have passion for this client, I want to have passion for this business, or passion for this opportunity. But once you grasp it—the wins or the losses, the yeses, the no's, or the maybes—you take them all. And you are still passionate about winning. You create sense of pride, you’re seeking opportunities, you confront behavior that’s contrary to the values and to reputation. So we teach this and it can be fun, but I’ve also seen tears come from it as well. It can be a tearful experience, but it’s part of what we do, and we do it well. And it’s not cookie-cutter. I take my client where they are. So this is not just some rope that I’m going to take you through. We really have to see this as an outcome that's going to benefit you and an outcome that's desired, and an outcome that you're willing to invest in.Share on X Because look, a lot of people make it, and they are not passionate about the future. So it’s a lot of work. So you can turn a sheep into a wolf? Yes. If there is a real support in doing it. If there is personal support in doing it, or corporate support in doing it, or if it’s passionate support in doing it, yes, we can do it. There is a price, but it can be done. A personal price. A mental price, yes. But doesn’t the mentee or the coachee have to be willing to pay that price, or can they get the passion without paying any price? Personally, the company will pay, but can they do it? Sure. Well, first of all, the person needs to be coachable. And it needs to be an objective, or it needs to be an outcome that you see now, or an outcome that you developed over your period of time in working with me. So we can start out that way or it can come, but yes, you have to see that it’s worth it because it does take work. But once you get it, I see it spread, and you in fact are passionate about the future, and you weren’t there in the first place. You might’ve been pessimistic, actually. That is amazing. I mean, if you can do that, then you can really empower other people that maybe would must be able to empower themselves or be empowered by the usual patterns and approaches. And we measure it. I have a measurement. I can measure your progress or lack thereof. And let’s be clear, every story is not a success story. But I can measure your progress or lack thereof, and we can agree on a matrix and see how you’re tracking towards that matrix for passion for the future. So how do I measure my passion, or how do you measure my passion? I’ll get you to give me an analysis, and I have some questions. And I’ll get you to give me an analysis of those questions, and then I’ll ask you those same questions another way. And then we’ll do training, and then we’ll come back to that and then we’ll do an analysis of where you were and where you are now that we are at the next phase. So that’s one way we can do, we can measure it to see your progress or lack of progress. Now, I also have a role play that we can do. So there's several things we can do. There's role play, there's reading, but primarily it's me listening.Share on X It’s active listening on my part. I don’t have the answers, but I have the questions. Well, the questions are more important than the answers. Because a lot of answers can pertain to one question. That is very fascinating. So if people would like to be coached by you — and I saw on your LinkedIn page that you offer serious coaching for serious clients, so it’s not like dabblers please don’t bother applying kind of thing. So what does it look like? Serious coaching looks like a commitment of time and resources from someone who's coachable. It starts when you contact me to schedule a chemistry session. That’s typically can be as short as 15 minutes, most of them are an hour. So it starts with a chemistry session. Then once we get out of the chemistry session, it starts when you pay me, that’s when it starts. Okay. So if those listeners that are taking in this episode, they’d like to explore whether they have the right chemistry for you to coach them, or whether they are considered serious enough for coaching, where should they go and how can they find you? There are two places you can find me. Of course, you can find me on LinkedIn: Edward Francis. I think it’s Edward Francis, DBA (Doctor of Business Administration). So Edward Francis. Or you can go to my webpage, www.edwardmackfrancis.com. Awesome. So if you’re listening to this and you want a serious coach with serious coaching, and specifically want to be a more authentic person can be more present for others and feel more fulfilled, and have a bigger brain capacity through neuroplasticity, leveraging neuroplasticity, or you want to be more passionate about the future, then do reach out to Edward Francis. You will not be disappointed. And if you have a company and you want to grow it, then reach out to me at the Summit OS Group. So, Edward, thank you for coming, and for those of you out there, thank you for listening. And stay tuned because we have exciting entrepreneurs and thought leaders joining every week. Important Links: Edward's LinkedIn Edward's website
In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna continues to discuss how we can develop the foundation and motivation of the Mahayana path: Great Compassion. He speaks about how Bodhicitta begins with equanimity and then moves to seeing all beings as having been our kind mothers. John gives a variety of entry points to this challenging task and offers practical guidance suited for our Western minds. This episode was recorded on October 29th, 2025.Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary objective is to provide programs of Buddhist studies and practices that are practical, accessible, and meet the needs of the communities we serve. As a traditional Buddhist center, all of our teachings are offered freely. If you would like to make a donation to support the center, please visit www.wocdc.org. May you flourish in your practice and may all beings swiftly be free of suffering.
(Bandar Utama Buddhist Society)
(Bandar Utama Buddhist Society)
Dharma Seed - dharmaseed.org: dharma talks and meditation instruction
(Bandar Utama Buddhist Society)
Dharma Seed - dharmaseed.org: dharma talks and meditation instruction
(Bandar Utama Buddhist Society)
Michael Uebel is a psychotherapist and researcher currently based in Austin, Texas. He is recognized as a pioneer in applying psychological insights to the historical intersections of social, personal, and imaginative phenomena. He is a Research Affiliate at the University of Texas at Austin and a psychotherapist in both the public sector and in private practice. Uebel has taught literature and critical theory at several universities, including the University of Virginia, Georgetown University, and the University of Kentucky. Seeds of Equanimity: Knowing and Being (Mimesis, 2025), is an innovative introduction to the philosophy and psychology of equanimity. Uebel challenges the popular modern view often associated with certain mindfulness practices that equanimity is a state of impartial quiescence, solidity, or inner stillness, achieved through emotional regulation. His book reanimates the concept of equanimity by drawing on its philosophical and psychological genealogy by tracing its origins and development, framing it as a dynamic, active, and flexible existential condition. 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
Michael Uebel is a psychotherapist and researcher currently based in Austin, Texas. He is recognized as a pioneer in applying psychological insights to the historical intersections of social, personal, and imaginative phenomena. He is a Research Affiliate at the University of Texas at Austin and a psychotherapist in both the public sector and in private practice. Uebel has taught literature and critical theory at several universities, including the University of Virginia, Georgetown University, and the University of Kentucky. Seeds of Equanimity: Knowing and Being (Mimesis, 2025), is an innovative introduction to the philosophy and psychology of equanimity. Uebel challenges the popular modern view often associated with certain mindfulness practices that equanimity is a state of impartial quiescence, solidity, or inner stillness, achieved through emotional regulation. His book reanimates the concept of equanimity by drawing on its philosophical and psychological genealogy by tracing its origins and development, framing it as a dynamic, active, and flexible existential condition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/buddhist-studies
Michael Uebel is a psychotherapist and researcher currently based in Austin, Texas. He is recognized as a pioneer in applying psychological insights to the historical intersections of social, personal, and imaginative phenomena. He is a Research Affiliate at the University of Texas at Austin and a psychotherapist in both the public sector and in private practice. Uebel has taught literature and critical theory at several universities, including the University of Virginia, Georgetown University, and the University of Kentucky. Seeds of Equanimity: Knowing and Being (Mimesis, 2025), is an innovative introduction to the philosophy and psychology of equanimity. Uebel challenges the popular modern view often associated with certain mindfulness practices that equanimity is a state of impartial quiescence, solidity, or inner stillness, achieved through emotional regulation. His book reanimates the concept of equanimity by drawing on its philosophical and psychological genealogy by tracing its origins and development, framing it as a dynamic, active, and flexible existential condition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna continues to give commentary on the text “How to Meditate on the Stages of the Path”. He unpacks the first two points in the seven-fold cause and effect, focused on the cultivation of bodhicitta. Various perspectives are offered on the methods to develop compassion for all beings and to explore our connection to one another. This episode was recorded on October 22nd, 2025.Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary objective is to provide programs of Buddhist studies and practices that are practical, accessible, and meet the needs of the communities we serve. As a traditional Buddhist center, all of our teachings are offered freely. If you would like to make a donation to support the center, please visit www.wocdc.org. May you flourish in your practice and may all beings swiftly be free of suffering.
A disillusioned, recuperating, lonely man. Another man in a faraway country. Both looking for something. A chance encounter. Peace, pain, departure. Tenderness, impermanence, aching and beyond the senses. Equanimity, disillusionment, hunger, growth. Touch, the passage of time, and letting go. And also a lot of really damn long takes. Karri also deeply reflects on how Tsai's sense of emotional reorientation towards cinema strongly resonates with Karri and reflects his journey with The Flick Lab. Films covered in this episode: Days (2020) Hosted by Karri Ojala and Henrik Telkki. Edited by Karri Ojala. The Flick Lab theme tune performed by Nick Grivell.
Real love is often not what we think it is and it takes some time to understand it fully. We build all kind of neuroses in our best efforts to experience love and don't reach the point where we experience boundless unconditional love in its true form. Equanimity, love, compassion and appreciative joy are the four states of divine abidings that spontaneously arise in us as a reflection of the degree to which we remove the hindrances that bring us to suffering. We can actively mature our capacity for love. This is the path of love.
Welcome to the Spiritually Fit Yoga podcast with Amelia Andaleon! In a world that constantly pulls at your attention, it's easy to lose sight of your own inner wisdom. In Episode 9 of our 30-day mini-meditation series, you'll be guided back to your inner lighthouse—the quiet, steady light within that helps you navigate uncertainty, emotion, and change. You'll practice being in a state of equanimity, unbothered by distractions and external forces out of your control. Through gentle breath, visualization, and stillness, this short practice invites you to reconnect with your inner guidance system—the part of you that already knows the way home to clarity, trust, and calm. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, standing at a crossroads, or simply in need of grounding, this meditation is a powerful reminder that your light has never left you.Press play, soften your breath, and let your inner lighthouse lead the way.✨ Perfect for: moments of transition, self-trust, emotional grounding, and reconnecting to your intuition.------------------------------I'd love to hear what you are experiencing practicing these mini meditation episodes. Connect with me by leaving a comment or DM me on Instagram @spirituallyfityoga. If you found this episode valuable, please share with others. Your 5-star reviews are always appreciated.Learn more about me at http://SpirituallyFitYoga.com. Check out my upcoming events and yoga retreats.Subscribe to my VIP newsletter for special offers and discounts only sent via email to my subscribers:https://tinyurl.com/sfityoga-subscribeIn Gratitude,Amelia AndaleonYoga & meditation teacher, lead trainer of the Spiritually Fit Yoga school (RYS)
In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna gives guidance on how we can train in the skill of equanimity. He gives many valuable perspective shifts that help us engage with people who harm us or harm others. Equanimity is the baseline for cultivating Bodhicitta, which is the only motivation that will lead us to the Enlightenment of a Buddha. This episode was recorded on October 15th, 2025.Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary objective is to provide programs of Buddhist studies and practices that are practical, accessible, and meet the needs of the communities we serve. As a traditional Buddhist center, all of our teachings are offered freely. If you would like to make a donation to support the center, please visit www.wocdc.org. May you flourish in your practice and may all beings swiftly be free of suffering.
Jesse Perez is a friend of Paul's, a cancer survivor, a podcaster, and a Latino man navigating life under the current administration. Look for his podcast, Equanimity, which focuses on this experience.Check out an episode of Jesse's podcast Equanimity:A Father and Son Journey Through the ProcessThis episode is sponsored by AlmaVisit helloalma.com/happyhour to schedule a free therapy consultation today.This episode is sponsored Quince. Go to www.Quince.com/mental for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too.If you're interested in seeing or buying the furniture that Paul designs and makes follow his IG @ShapedFurniture or visit the website www.shapedfurniture.comWAYS TO HELP THE MIHH PODCASTSubscribe via Apple Podcasts (or whatever player you use). It costs nothing. It's extremely helpful to have your subscription set to download all episodes automatically. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/mental-illness-happy-hour/id427377900?mt=2Spread the word via social media. It costs nothing.Our website is www.mentalpod.com our FB is www.Facebook.com/mentalpod and our Twitter and Instagram are both @Mentalpod Become a much-needed Patreon monthly-donor (with occasional rewards) for as little as $1/month at www.Patreon.com/mentalpod Become a one-time or monthly donor via PayPal at https://mentalpod.com/donateYou can also donate via Zelle (make payment to mentalpod@gmail.com) To donate via Venmo make payment to @Mentalpod See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna offers a variety of techniques for developing equanimity for three different categories of people: friends, enemies, and strangers. He describes how to meet ourselves where we are. and encourages us to expand our circle of loving care to those who are strangers or who have harmed us. This episode was recorded on October 8th, 2025.Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary objective is to provide programs of Buddhist studies and practices that are practical, accessible, and meet the needs of the communities we serve. As a traditional Buddhist center, all of our teachings are offered freely. If you would like to make a donation to support the center, please visit www.wocdc.org. May you flourish in your practice and may all beings swiftly be free of suffering.
Here I guide a meditation where we are invited to bring people we like, are neutral toward, and a challenging person into awareness. We image these people differently so that we come to feel equanimity toward all three. We then offer compassion to all three people. Meditation can be challenging at times. Occasionally we may experience things which surprise as a result. If you have any questions or concerns in regards to this, or other meditation practices, please feel free to message me through my website: www.suchsweetthunder.orgI have been practicing meditation for 40 years and have been successfully teaching meditation worldwide since 2009, giving talks, facilitating retreats, and have authored two books. I have received formal training in Theravada, Mahayana (Tibetan, Zen,) and Vedanta meditation techniques as well as Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness, MBSR, Neuroplasticity, Non-Violent Communication, and Buddhist Psychology. I teach from a secular voice and I am passionate about bringing timeless wisdom teachings to people of any faith, belief system, or tradition.If you find these podcasts helpful please consider making a donation: PayPal.me/suchsweetthunderMay All Benefit
(Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center)
Dharma Seed - dharmaseed.org: dharma talks and meditation instruction
(Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center)
Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center: dharma talks and meditation instruction
(Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center)
Set the context for a joyful, exuberant day with a short, powerful message from Sadhguru. Explore a range of subjects with Sadhguru, discover how every aspect of life can be a stepping stone, and learn to make the most of the potential that a human being embodies. Conscious Planet: https://www.consciousplanet.org Sadhguru App (Download): https://onelink.to/sadhguru__app Official Sadhguru Website: https://isha.sadhguru.org Sadhguru Exclusive: https://isha.sadhguru.org/in/en/sadhguru-exclusive Inner Engineering Link: isha.co/ieo-podcast Yogi, mystic and visionary, Sadhguru is a spiritual master with a difference. An arresting blend of profundity and pragmatism, his life and work serves as a reminder that yoga is a contemporary science, vitally relevant to our times. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Set the context for a joyful, exuberant day with a short, powerful message from Sadhguru. Explore a range of subjects with Sadhguru, discover how every aspect of life can be a stepping stone, and learn to make the most of the potential that a human being embodies. Conscious Planet: https://www.consciousplanet.org Sadhguru App (Download): https://onelink.to/sadhguru__app Official Sadhguru Website: https://isha.sadhguru.org Sadhguru Exclusive: https://isha.sadhguru.org/in/en/sadhguru-exclusive Inner Engineering Link: isha.co/ieo-podcast Yogi, mystic and visionary, Sadhguru is a spiritual master with a difference. An arresting blend of profundity and pragmatism, his life and work serves as a reminder that yoga is a contemporary science, vitally relevant to our times. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center: dharma talks and meditation instruction
(Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center) Equanimity is the final quality in many Buddhist lists: awakening factors, paramis, brahma viharas, and jhana factors. And, it's the starting point for skillful action in the world.
The Dance of Dual Awareness: Engaging the Drama (Yesh)from a Place of Equanimity (Ayin) Chayei Sarah
(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) The Buddha said the one reflection to always keep in mind is Impermanence, Anicca in Pali. When we have a deep understanding of impermanence we are more able to let go. However, there is an upside to impermanence too. No matter how difficult things are they will change. Often overlooked, this aspect of impermanence can give us courage and resolve in the face of hardship. Opening to the truth of impermanence deepens our capacity to be balanced in the face of change. This talk will explore this topic and how we can apply it in our lives.
Dharma Seed - dharmaseed.org: dharma talks and meditation instruction
(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) The Buddha said the one reflection to always keep in mind is Impermanence, Anicca in Pali. When we have a deep understanding of impermanence we are more able to let go. However, there is an upside to impermanence too. No matter how difficult things are they will change. Often overlooked, this aspect of impermanence can give us courage and resolve in the face of hardship. Opening to the truth of impermanence deepens our capacity to be balanced in the face of change. This talk will explore this topic and how we can apply it in our lives.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center: dharma talks and meditation instruction
(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) The Buddha said the one reflection to always keep in mind is Impermanence, Anicca in Pali. When we have a deep understanding of impermanence we are more able to let go. However, there is an upside to impermanence too. No matter how difficult things are they will change. Often overlooked, this aspect of impermanence can give us courage and resolve in the face of hardship. Opening to the truth of impermanence deepens our capacity to be balanced in the face of change. This talk will explore this topic and how we can apply it in our lives.
(Cambridge Insight Meditation Center) Life is sometimes like a roller coaster. You can choose to scream at the ups and downs or apply a balanced mind and enjoy the ride. How do we stay calm and balanced in the face of happiness and pain?
Dharma Seed - dharmaseed.org: dharma talks and meditation instruction
(Cambridge Insight Meditation Center) Life is sometimes like a roller coaster. You can choose to scream at the ups and downs or apply a balanced mind and enjoy the ride. How do we stay calm and balanced in the face of happiness and pain?
For this talk, Valerie is joined by friend, author, artist, and dharma teacher, Natalie Goldberg. Together, Natalie and Valerie take up case 25 in the Book of Equanimity or Shoyoroku
Ever notice how just when your practice starts to deepen, our mind gets loud as hell, distracted, unmotivated, or tired? Don't worry - it's totally normal. This week, we're getting real about what's known as the Five Hindrances; the craving, aversion, doubt, fear/worry, and existential MEH that keep us stuck. We also explore how to manage them so we can continue to become the little Rebel Buddhas we already are beneath it all.You will learn:// How to recognize the Five Hindrances as natural patterns of the mind, not personal failures.// How to meet craving, anger, fatigue, restlessness, and doubt with mindfulness instead of resistance.// How modern psychology mirrors these teachings as trauma responses and emotional defenses.// How each hindrance transforms into its opposite strength when met with awareness.// How to use mindfulness and compassion to balance energy, emotion, and focus in daily life.// How the Brahmavihārās (loving-kindness, compassion, joy, equanimity) serve as our hearts' response to difficulty.Resources:// Episode 13: How to Quit Buffering// Episode 51: Self-Compassion// Episode 90: The Antidote to Doubt// Episode: 107: Equanimity in Everyday Life// Episode 142: Your Wild Mind - The North + Protectors// Episode 203: Cool Boredom - Why It's Necessary for Our Practice// If you're new to the squad, grab the Rebel Buddhist Toolkit I created at RebelBuddhist.com. It has all you need to start creating a life of more freedom, adventure, and purpose. You'll also get access to the Rebel Buddhist private group, and tune in every Wednesday as I go live with new inspiration and topics.// Want something more self-paced with access to weekly group support and getting coached by yours truly? Check out Freedom School – the community for ALL things related to freedom, inside and out. We dive into taking wisdom and applying it to our daily lives, with different topics every month. Learn more at JoinFreedomSchool.com. I can't wait to see you there!// Have you benefited from even one episode of the Rebel Buddhist Podcast? I'd love it if you could leave a 5-star review on iTunes by clicking here or on Spotify by clicking here.
This talk was given by Nikki Mirghafori on 2025.10.29 at the Insight Meditation Center in Redwood City, CA. ******* For more talks like this, visit AudioDharma.org ******* If you have enjoyed this talk, please consider supporting AudioDharma with a donation at https://www.audiodharma.org/donate/. ******* This talk is licensed by a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License
Remember the good ol' days in elementary school when your teacher introduced you to haiku, a Japanese form of poetry based on syllables, not rhyming?Psychotherapist and author Anne Helfer describes haiku as the rap of expressive writing that unlocks the door to emotions hidden deep inside and leads to even deeper healing.Anne explains how the 5-7-5 formula behind haiku is a simple healing exercise in mindfulness and why more people should follow her Silver Rule this week on Spirit Gym.Learn more about Anne and her work as a psychotherapist, author and healer on Instagram.Timestamps6:22 Anne's maternal abandonment, wounding and emotional neglect.11:57 Teaching people how to externalize their truths by writing simple, condensed haiku is an exercise of mindfulness.24:25 Anne's Silver Rule.36:04 Learning how to be comfortable without certainty.40:44 Writing haiku is a practice.47:37 Why do people live in their left brain?54:40 Numerology and the structure of haiku.1:00:07 “Renaissance woman, professional amateur, master of nothing.”1:14:40 Learn to enjoy the glimmers.1:25:30 Is it possible to breathe deeply through your womb/pelvis and use that experience to create haiku/mantras of focus, relaxation and calm?1:38:16 How the Japanese language affects the benefits of using haiku (or not).1:46:09 The impact high tech has on the world has forced Anne to stop working with kids.1:50:00 Equanimity.1:57:28 Interpersonal peace.ResourcesHealing With Haiku: A Poetic Exploration of Self by Anne HelferThe work of Bashô, Dr. Dan Siegel and Caroline MyssJeffrey Mishlove's conversation with David Whyte on YouTubeAlexithymiaPaul's Spirit Gym conversation with Nancy MellonFind more resources for this episode on our website.Music Credit: Meet Your Heroes (444Hz), Composed, mixed, mastered and produced by Michael RB Schwartz of Brave Bear MusicThanks to our awesome sponsors:PaleovalleyBIOptimizers US and BIOptimizers UK PAUL15Organifi CHEK20Wild PasturesKorrect SPIRITGYMPique LifeCHEK Institute/CHEK AcademyPaul's Dream Interpretation workshop We may earn commissions from qualifying purchases using affiliate links.
LOUNGE LIZARDS PRESENTED BY FABRICA5 - Visit Fabrica005.com and use code LIZARDPOD at checkout for 10% off THE ENTIRE STORE! Free worldwide shipping from Miami on all orders over $125. See website for more information and terms.Recorded at Ten86 Cigars in Hawthorne, New Jersey, the Lizards pair the Stoic Cigars Equanimity in Courage with twelve years aged Macallan Double Cask Collection Single Malt Scotch Whisky. The guys share their interview with Stoic Cigars Owner Vance Taylor, recorded at PCA 2025, where they discuss the brand's origins, Vance's collaborative blending process in the DR with Klaas Kelner, and how he's using unique technology to connect with cigar smokers. PLUS: Habanos S.A. Confirms NGO Prison Labor Report, Lizards on Reddit, Drew Estate/Joya de Nicaragua Distribution Split, Building a Cigar Company & Cigar Industry Sues California Attorney GeneralJoin the Lounge Lizards for a weekly discussion on all things cigars (both Cuban and non-Cuban), whiskey, food, travel, life and work. This is your formal invitation to join us in a relaxing discussion amongst friends and become a card-carrying Lounge Lizard yourself. This is not your typical cigar podcast. We're a group of friends who love sharing cigars, whiskey and a good laugh.website/merch/rating archive: loungelizardspod.comemail: hello@loungelizardspod.com to join the conversation and be featured on an upcoming episode!instagram: @loungelizardspodGizmo HQ: LizardGizmo.com
(Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center) After a brief overview of the four Bbrahmavihāras and their interconnections, the session continues with a brief reflection on upekkhā (equanimity), followed by a guided equanimity meditation.
(Barre Center for Buddhist Studies)
(Auckland Insight Meditation)
Spirituality is inner evolution—adaptability to reality instead of struggling with the outside world because you can't handle it. Begin by relaxing and releasing inner resistance the moment it comes up, rather than storing life's events as past negative impressions. This will gradually harmonize your inner energy flow with the unfolding of life. Willful action, when needed, will come from a state of inner clarity, and over time, this elevated state will become a permanent state of being rather than a passing experience. © Sounds True Inc. Episodes: © 2025 Michael A. Singer. All Rights Reserved.
Spirituality is inner evolution—adaptability to reality instead of struggling with the outside world because you can't handle it. Begin by relaxing and releasing inner resistance the moment it comes up, rather than storing life's events as past negative impressions. This will gradually harmonize your inner energy flow with the unfolding of life. Willful action, when needed, will come from a state of inner clarity, and over time, this elevated state will become a permanent state of being rather than a passing experience. © Sounds True Inc. Episodes: © 2025 Michael A. Singer. All Rights Reserved.