Podcast appearances and mentions of margaret meloni

When Willy, her playful cat, tears a stuffed frog apart, Margaret Meloni is thrust into an emotional journey that prompts deep introspection Throughout the episode, Margaret skillfully navigates her feelings of sorrow and frustration as she grapples with the loss of the stuffed animal. This emotional response serves as a springboard for a wider discussion on the nature of attachment, exploring how we imbue objects with meaning based on our relationships and memories. Listeners will resonate with her insights as she reflects on the significance of sentimental items and how they often link us to our loved ones, highlighting the emotional complexities involved in our connections to them. Margaret's experience serves as a living Dhamma lesson, illustrating the Buddhist principles of impermanence and equanimity. She shares her evolving perspective, moving from a desire to repair the frog to a deeper understanding of letting go. This contemplation not only sheds light on her personal attachment to the stuffed animal but also invites listeners to examine their own relationships with meaningful objects. Ultimately, Margaret emphasizes that releasing physical items does not erase the love associated with them; instead, it can lead to greater peace and an enriched understanding of our emotional landscapes.

Focus on the eight worldly conditions—gain and loss, status and disgrace, censure and praise, pleasure and pain. These "winds", as host Margaret Meloni refers to them, are familiar to all of us. By exploring these vicissitudes, Margaret encourages us to reflect on how our attachment to gain and our aversion to loss can lead to suffering. She reminds us that embracing loss can be a profound teacher, guiding us to a deeper understanding of impermanence and the realities of life.  Margaret's insights extend beyond simple acceptance; she challenges us to reshape our relationship with praise and blame, fame and disgrace. As she thoughtfully articulates, the winds of ego can lead us to a precarious sense of self, perpetuating anxiety through the need for recognition and validation. She emphasizes that true freedom comes from releasing these attachments and cultivating compassion, especially in moments of pain. This journey isn't about suppressing our emotions or experiences; instead, it's about fostering a balanced mind that can welcome all experiences with spacious wisdom, regardless of their nature.  Tune in, and together, let's explore how to embrace the winds with grace, cultivating a deeper sense of balance and freedom. 

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the complexities of human relationships? You're not alone. In a world filled with challenges, the Brahmaviharas offer us a lifeline—four divine abodes that can transform our interactions and elevate our spirits. In the latest episode of the Death Dhamma podcast, host Margaret Meloni invites us on a journey through the heart of compassion. She illuminates the path of Metta, Karuna, Mudita, and Upeka—concepts that aren't just philosophical; they're practical tools for navigating the stormy seas of modern life.

Margaret Meloni welcomes Elysabeth Williamson (https://www.elysabethwilliamson.com/) , a pioneering figure in the realm of partner-based yoga, to discuss the profound intersections of yoga, death, and self-exploration. Elysabeth introduces her unique approach to partner yoga, emphasizing that it transcends mere physical practice and delves into the holistic well-being of our entire being. This episode centers on Elysabeth's recent talk titled "Exploring the Great Mystery and Befriending Death," where she shares her insights on the transformative power of contemplating death as a means to reclaim the sacred nature of life's transitions. Margaret and Elysabeth engage in an open and heartfelt conversation about how the fear of death often overshadows our lives and stifles our ability to fully engage with the present. Elysabeth draws on her experiences leading groups through profound explorations of death, revealing how these discussions can transform fear into joy and connection. As they navigate topics such as the significance of Shavasana (the corpse pose) in yoga, the comforting power of companionship during difficult explorations, and the importance of self-love and compassion in overcoming anxiety, you are invited to reflect on your own fears and beliefs about death. This episode is not just a conversation about death; it's a call to embrace life more fully. Elysabeth shares practical insights from her retreats and workshops, encouraging listeners to approach the topic of death with curiosity rather than dread. Through exercises, such as contemplating self-love and exploring personal myths about mortality, Elysabeth illustrates how a deeper understanding of death can enrich our experiences of living. You will walk away with a renewed perspective on life and death, armed with tools to cultivate greater meaning and connection in your own life. Check out Elysabeth's upcoming retreat: https://www.dralamountain.org/program/eod525exploring-our-death-to-liberate-our-lives/

Margaret Meloni guides listeners through the intricate landscape of regret and remorse, exploring how these emotions impact our lives in turbulent times. Drawing from Buddhist teachings and suttas, Margaret delves into the nuances of regret and remorse, illustrating how they can serve both as catalysts for growth and as burdens that weigh us down. In a world characterized by chaos and uncertainty, the discussion turns to the importance of finding equanimity, encouraging us to cultivate balance and peace amidst external turmoil. As Margaret reflects on recent encounters with friends grappling with feelings of regret over relationship choices and unmet expectations, she invites listeners to consider their own experiences and decisions. The episode serves as a gentle reminder that while we cannot change the past, we can learn from our mistakes. By examining the teachings of the Buddha, Margaret elucidates the difference between regret—which often centers on fear of punishment—and remorse, which encourages a compassionate understanding of our actions and their impact on others. Listeners are encouraged to embrace a proactive approach to life, using the insights gained from reflection to inform their future decisions. Margaret emphasizes the importance of focusing on the present and future, suggesting that dwelling too long on past missteps can hinder our growth. With a blend of personal anecdotes, spiritual wisdom, and practical advice, this episode inspires us to cultivate positive intentions and actions, ultimately leading to a life free from the shackles of regret.

Together we dive into the essence of navigating the myriad emotional highs and lows that life brings. With a keen awareness that our perceptions color our experiences, listeners are invited to reflect on the good, the bad, and the mundane events that unfold throughout the week. Through her candid musings, your host Margaret Meloni emphasizes the importance of recognizing your feelings and responses to life's occurrences, gently reminding you that while you can't control what happens, you can certainly control how you react to it. It's about fostering resilience and strength, rather than being swept away by the extremes of emotional highs and lows. To enrich the discussion, Margaret also recounts a story from the Pali Canon, highlighting the four immeasurables: loving kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity. These teachings serve as vital tools to help you navigate the challenges you will face. By leaning into these values, you can cultivate a sense of calm and comfort, empowering yourself to meet life's challenges head-on.

Welcome back to the Death Dhamma Podcast! This season promises to delve into the crucial theme of finding equanimity and balance during the turbulent times we live in, marked by societal turmoil, climate change, and personal challenges. After exploring the profound themes of death, grief, impermanence, clinging, and aversion in previous seasons, your host Margaret Meloni, now invites listeners to engage with the broader context of our current reality, emphasizing the essential role of mindfulness and compassion in navigating these chaotic waters.  In this season, listeners can expect a deep dive into the practice of maintaining equanimity amidst external chaos. Margaret emphasizes that equanimity is not about passively accepting injustice but rather about cultivating a balanced and compassionate approach to the world around us. 

Recalling her experiences visiting a California state prison alongside regular guest Venerable De Hong, Margaret Meloni uncovers the raw and profound manifestations of suffering within the correctional environment. Through the stories shared by incarcerated individuals, she highlights the common threads of abuse, abandonment, and addiction that contribute to their circumstances—a powerful reminder of the multifaceted nature of suffering. We are reminded: The purpose of the podcast is to emphasize how understanding individual and collective suffering can guide us through our own struggles and promote healing. There is a complex interplay between personal responsibility and societal factors, illustrating how many prisoners grapple with their past while seeking to create positive change. Mindfulness meditation practices, integrated with Buddhist teachings, serve as a transformative tool. How foundational Buddhist concepts, such as the Four Noble Truths, help us to recognize our capacity for compassion and healing.

Reading from the Sallatha Sutta, or "The Arrow," from the Pali Canon, Margaret Meloni explores the intricate nature of suffering and how our responses to pain can significantly impact our mental well-being. By reviewing this essential Buddhist text, we unpack the distinction between the uninstructed ordinary person and the well-instructed disciple of the noble ones, revealing how each navigates the experience of pain and pleasure. Margaret reminds us of the concept of the "two arrows" that the Buddha speaks of—where the first arrow represents the initial physical pain we encounter, while the second arrow symbolizes the additional mental anguish we inflict upon ourselves through our reactions. Drawing on relatable examples and insights, she sheds light on how an uninstructed individual might spiral into sorrow and lamentation following an uncomfortable experience, thereby compounding their suffering. In contrast, the well-instructed disciple embraces a more skillful approach, acknowledging pain without layering it with unnecessary grief, confusion, or distraction. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how cultivating wisdom and non-attachment allows one to transcend the second arrow of self-inflicted anguish. Whether you're a longtime practitioner or just curious about Buddhist philosophy, this conversation offers valuable lessons on responding to life's inevitable challenges with grace and insight. Join us for a journey toward liberation from suffering, as we aim to embody the teachings of the Buddha in our everyday lives.

A conversation with a friend who was feeling overwhelmed by the challenges and crises happening in the world, such as political strife, international conflicts, and environmental disasters, led host Margaret Meloni to focus on the fact that we cannot control the external world. Instead, we must focus on what we can control - our own thoughts, emotions, and actions. Taking refuge in the Triple Gem (Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha) can provide the tools and support needed to navigate these turbulent times. Find refuge in the Triple Gem, as it provides a pathway to liberation from suffering and the opportunity for spiritual awakening and enlightenment.

Through a series of insightful interviews with guests, Margaret Meloni explores how suffering can manifest mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The episode highlights the idea that suffering is a natural part of life and serves as a guidepost, signaling when something is out of alignment in our lives.   Listeners are taken on a journey through different perspectives on suffering, from stress and trauma to addiction and physical pain. The episode emphasizes the interconnectedness of suffering and its cessation, viewing them as integral parts of the human experience. Margaret shares valuable insights from her guests, who have experienced suffering firsthand and have dedicated themselves to helping others navigate their own struggles.   The episode concludes with a reflection on the importance of holding space for suffering, without judgment or the need to "fix" it. Listeners are left with a deeper understanding of suffering as a universal human experience and the potential for growth and transformation that can arise from it.

We all need to have difficult discussions. Host Margaret Meloni shares a personal anecdote about a situation where she avoided giving feedback to an underperforming employee, leading to negative consequences for both parties involved. This serves as a prime example of how avoiding difficult conversations can ultimately do more harm than good. The concept of "compassionate directness" is introduced as a way to approach challenging discussions with empathy and understanding. By empowering individuals to provide feedback, voice concerns, and disagree in a constructive manner, communication can be more effective and relationships can thrive. It's emphasized that being direct doesn't mean lacking compassion, but rather finding a balance between honesty and empathy. This understanding can help create a more compassionate and supportive atmosphere where difficult discussions are approached with care and respect. By practicing fierce self-compassion, individuals can address situations where they could have handled things better without harboring negative emotions. The message of the podcast is clear: by embracing compassionate directness, we can reduce suffering, improve communication, and cultivate more meaningful relationships.  

In this episode of the podcast, host Margaret Meloni explores two poignant stories from the Jataka tales, which are Buddhist stories that recount the Buddha's previous lives. Through these tales, listeners are introduced to the Buddhist ideals of selflessness, compassion, and the acceptance of impermanence. The first story follows the selfless sacrifice of a rabbit who jumps into a fire to feed a holy man, only to discover that the holy man is actually the king of the gods testing the rabbit's virtue. The second story tells of a woodpecker who helps a lion in distress, only to realize the lion's true nature and the importance of setting boundaries. Throughout the episode, Margaret delves into the themes of generosity, compassion, and drawing on both to ease the suffering of others. Tune in to discover the rich teachings and insights that the Jataka tales have to offer.

Giselle Taraba  shares her insights on how to navigate suffering through the lens of the Buddhist Four Noble Truths, and how she has learned to approach compassion in a grounded and centered way. Her conversation with host, Margaret Meloni touches on the importance of self-compassion and how it serves as a foundation for extending compassion to others without becoming overwhelmed. Giselle shares her personal journey of leaving a high-stress corporate job to pursue her passion for bringing love, compassion, and spiritual alignment into the workplace. She discusses her upcoming book on reimagining education to incorporate mindfulness and emotional intelligence, and explores the myths surrounding compassion as a sign of weakness. Giselle emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and practicing self-care as acts of fierce compassion. Her current book,”Reimagining Work: From Suffering at Work to Creating a More Loving, Compassionate, Abundant, and Spiritually Aligned “Life can be found on Amazon.  The episode also delves into the power of finding spiritual practices that help us stay grounded and replenished, and the importance of taking small steps towards our passions to fulfill our highest potential. Giselle's wisdom and practical advice offer listeners a roadmap for living more joyful and purposeful lives through the transformative power of compassion. Join Margaret and Giselle on this enlightening and inspiring journey towards alleviating suffering and living authentically.   Find Giselle at: https://maitricentre.com/

In this podcast episode, Margaret Meloni shares her personal journey of finding relief from suffering during times of grief and loss. She emphasizes the importance of practicing self-compassion and allowing oneself to feel uncomfortable with death and grief as a normal human experience. Meloni discusses the benefits of being present and not getting caught up in being productive or avoiding the pain of grief.  Listeners will hear how Meloni found solace in practicing gratitude, caring for her pets, and engaging with Buddhist teachings on impermanence and death. She shares how teachings such as the Four Noble Truths and dependent origination helped her come to terms with the reality of mortality and reduce her suffering. Meloni encourages consistent spiritual practice and finding teachings that resonate with each individual's beliefs and values.  The key message of the episode is that by practicing self-compassion, gratitude, and engaging with teachings on impermanence, listeners can find relief from suffering and a greater sense of ease during life's most challenging moments. Join Margaret Meloni as she offers insight and guidance on finding peace and comfort in the face of grief and loss.  

Joining me for this episode is author and Buddhist practitioner, Margaret Meloni, PhD. We discuss her book, Enlightenment Unleashed. We chat about how our animals can lead us to a spiritual transformation, karma and how it influences our bond with our animals and how to heal from a loss of an animal. Have a listen to this fascinating and insightful discussion. Enjoy! EPISODE NOTES: Margaret Meloni, PhD - Enlightenment Unleashed

In this heartwarming episode, we delve into an often overlooked aspect of legacy planning: emotional life insurance. We acknowledge the importance of financial life insurance and how it protects our loved ones in our absence. But our conversation takes a unique turn as we ponder on the importance of leaving an emotional cushion for our dear ones. Dr. Kimberly Harms, shares her compelling views on how our culture tends to shy away from such dialogues, and the impact of continuous conversations can have on providing emotional stability. Margaret shares her forward-thinking parents approach and how they prepared her for their departure, providing a safety net she didn't even realize she needed. Our conversation then moves to practical ways to offer emotional support to our loved ones. The last part of our Kimberly's book provides a comprehensive ‘death preppers workbook.' Listen in as she discusses her personal endeavors from the workbook, such as writing posthumous letters to her children and grandchildren, detailing her love and gratitude for them. The episode ends on a hopeful note, emphasizing the importance of reflecting on the happy times with our loved ones, despite the inevitable pain of loss. Join us in this emotionally charged episode, as we explore how we can provide our loved ones with the emotional support they'll need after we pass. And be sure to check out,  Are You Ready? How to Build a Legacy to Die For   

Memento Mori-  A healthy way to remember that we are going to die. That doesn't make it easy. Join as Margaret Meloni and Francesca Arnoldy thoughtfully, joyfully, and peacefully discusses what it means to do the work. And how all of us can benefit from being prepared to face death. This is a special between-season episode of The Deatth Dhamma podcast.  If you are willing to do the work, then the Death Doula's Guide to Living Fully and Dying Prepared will by your gentle guide. With thoughtful exercises and meaningful reflections, you can proceed at your own pace, and gain peace and perspective as you help yourself and others prepare for the end of life. And please enjoy this gift from Francesca, an excerpt from the Death Doula's Guide to Living Fully and Dying Prepared  https://contemplativedoula.files.wordpress.com/2023/08/excerpt_deathdoulasguide.pdf

In this thought-provoking podcast episode, host Margaret Meloni interviews Bill Belanger, a contemplative psychotherapist and practicing Buddhist, as they delve into the concepts of suffering, attachment, and emptiness in Buddhism. Bill shares his background as a psychotherapist and his experiences living and practicing Buddhism in Asia, shedding light on the integration of meditation and therapeutic practices into the lives of entrepreneurs to improve their businesses.Bill's website is https://www.integratedmindtraining.com/ The conversation revolves around the Four Noble Truths and their relevance to the human condition. Bill explains how the First Noble Truth, Dukkha, can be understood as reactivity, and the Second Noble Truth as the origin of suffering through craving, attachment, and the Three Poisons. He further emphasizes the cure for suffering and the prescription for finding awakening, which is embodied in the Eightfold Path. Margaret and Bill also explore the Western approaches to suffering and how consumerism and rigid ideology fail to address the core issues of reactivity and attachment. They highlight the comprehensive analysis of suffering provided by Buddhism and its coherent and elegant solution that often eludes other approaches. Overall, this insightful episode offers practical guidance for incorporating mindfulness and therapeutic practices into daily life, while delving into the profound concepts of suffering, attachment, and emptiness in Buddhism. The hosts provide valuable insights and draw connections between attachment theory in Western psychotherapy and Buddhist teachings, underscoring the potential for healing and growth through self-reflection and mindful connection.

On this episode of the Death Dhamma podcast, Margaret interviews grief expert Tracee Dunblazer to explore how grief can be a spiritual process. Tracee is the author of Transformative Grief: an Ancient Ritual for Modern Times and has extensive experience in working with grief and karmic relationships. Tracee explains that grief is a daily process that we experience for various reasons, not just due to death or loss. She believes that grief is an awakening in our mental, emotional, and physical world and that we no longer need to view it as something harmful. However, society has developed an aversion to grief and has attempted to suppress or repress it over time. The conversation dives into cultural attitudes towards grief and why they have developed this aversion. Margaret and Tracee also discuss how spirituality is evolving as more people are turning away from traditional religions and seeking a more personal and individualized relationship with spirituality. Tracee's work is accessible to everyone, regardless of their religious beliefs. She aims to expand people's understanding of spiritual truths that exist beyond their beliefs. This episode offers a fresh perspective on grief and spirituality and is sure to stimulate listeners' minds.

Margaret Meloni has a  conversation with Dave Smith of Dave Smith Dharma (davesmithdharma.com) about the common misunderstanding that attachment is the same as non-attachment or detachment when it is actually closer to the Pali word "loba", which translates to "greed". Dave explains how greed is unethical and unskillful and can lead to sacrificing one's own values and morals to acquire something, leading to suffering.   The conversation also touches on the "three fires" of greed, hatred, and confusion, which the Buddha discussed and which do not lead to contentment. Dave explains that Upadana, which means to cling and grasp, also means to fuel, and that one must stop putting fuel on the fires of greed, hatred, and confusion in order to be liberated. The speakers explore ways to counteract greed, such as practicing generosity Dave wisely encourages listeners to question the teachings and language they hear and to trust that if something doesn't feel right, there may be another way.  Dharma practice is something that is available to everyone, regardless of comfort level or age, and can be cultivated in everyday life.

Margaret reflects on the fear of death and the challenges that may arise during the dying process. She shares her personal experience of losing loved ones and the resilience gained from Buddha's teachings and her Buddhist practice. Once again we are reminded of  the concept of letting go and accepting death as a gift, emphasizing the importance of preparing for death at both the spiritual and mundane level. Margaret contemplates her own fears around dying, including concerns for the well-being of her loved ones and unfinished tasks. She decides that meditating on potential key issues will help her identify other underlying fears and areas where she has resistance to letting go. The episode ends with a message of hope, reminding listeners that even after losing loved ones, it is possible to recreate your life and find new relationships and connections. Overall, this episode provides a thoughtful and reflective take on the fear of death and the process of preparing for it. Margaret offers a relatable perspective, and her message of resilience and hope serves as a comforting reminder for those grappling with loss and mortality.

In this episode, Margaret delves into the concept of leaving things unfinished. We all do it, whether it's a to-do list or a long-term goal that we never quite achieved. But what about the ultimate unfinished task: death? We can find peace in the face of our own mortality by letting go of our attachments and being ready to leave at any time. Margaret shares a touching story of a family friend who found closure before passing away. His wife realized he was having a hard time letting go of life, so she arranged for his missing siblings to say their goodbyes over the phone. Miraculously, they all got through on the first try, and he passed away peacefully just a few minutes later. When possible, provide a peaceful environment for your loved ones who are dying, by supporting them on their journey and allowing them the freedom to let go. And live well, by following the Noble Eightfold path and being aware of what you are carrying around. By resolving your own issues, you can find peace and let go of your attachments, leaving you with less clinging, resistance, and aversion when it's time to pass on.    

In this episode, Margaret interviews Olivia Bareham, founder of Sacred Crossings in Southern California, who helps individuals through the dying journey. Olivia has been supporting people through the dying journey for the last 20 years and for the last 15, she has been teaching conscious dying and death doula and death midwifery work. Olivia created Sacred Crossings Funeral Home (Sacredcrossings.com), which offers alternative funeral services such as home funerals, green burials, and full-body deep-sea burials, with the aim of helping people to care for their loved ones after death so that their own experience of death is more gentle and easier to accept. Olivia shares her personal experience of caring for her mother after she took her last breath and how it transformed her profoundly. She believes that when we hold death in our arms, it informs our brain in a way that no other deed can do. Olivia feels that we should all have the opportunity to be up close to death so that we can be transformed like that. However, there is resistance to being with the dead, which is just a learned behavior and belief. Olivia breaks that facade by showing images and inviting people to have their own personal experience of something that is completely contrary to what they've up until now believed and thought about and imagined. Olivia teaches a course called "Enter the Grave," which is about literally embracing the grave as a potent place of transformation. It's not unlike the womb; the tomb, the grave is a fertile ground for growth, creativity, and change. In the course, Olivia helps individuals examine all that they are afraid of, all that they are clinging to, anything that is preventing them from fully allowing themselves to be in the grave of their life as they're living it. Olivia believes that even if somebody doesn't have an intention of being with the dying, it's still a valuable training and philosophy to consider. Finally, Olivia discusses the most common challenges, issues, and things that people cling to on their way to getting this comfort level. She believes that clinging is everywhere, and we just don't notice it. We can cling to ideas and beliefs, an identity, opinions, and sensual pleasures. When we notice that we're attached to them, they have control over us, and we're not really free to just be in a place of constant surrender and acceptance and receiving. Olivia believes that "Enter the Grave" is an opportunity to look with a microscope at our beliefs, opinions, and ideas, and to relax our grip on them, be open to other beliefs, and be in a constant state of flow and change. Contact Olive at oliva@sacredcrossings.com.

In this episode of the Death Dhamma podcast, host Margaret Meloni, interviews Cayce Howe, a Dharma teacher and co-founder of Sustainable Caring. They discuss the topic of attachment, which is a key component of Buddhism and can lead to suffering if not managed properly. Cayce explains that the energy of compassion is endless, but when we become attached to a specific outcome, we may experience what is commonly known as compassion fatigue. However, Cayce argues that this fatigue is not caused by an exhaustion of compassion but rather by an attachment to a particular result. Cayce also discusses the importance of wisdom in managing attachment, particularly the wisdom of impermanence and interdependence. He emphasizes the need to focus on our efforts toward kindness and compassion without becoming attached to specific outcomes or results. This can lead to greater resilience in caring for ourselves and others. Margaret brings up the issue of systemic factors that can contribute to fatigue and exhaustion, particularly in the healthcare industry. Cayce acknowledges these challenges and emphasizes that while it is important to work towards changing these external factors, we can still work on managing our internal attachment and cultivating compassion in our daily lives. Overall, this episode offers valuable insights into the Buddhist concept of attachment and how it relates to our experiences of compassion and fatigue. It also highlights the importance of mindfulness and wisdom in managing attachment and finding resilience in challenging circumstances.

In this episode of the Death Dhamma podcast, Margaret Meloni explores the concept of attachment, clinging, and aversion. She asks listeners to consider how they define themselves and whether they will let go of certain constructed versions of themselves. She shares two personal experiences of letting go of past versions of herself, including one where she clung to her identity as a computer programmer when teaching project management. She was reminded by a student that what mattered was whether she was the right person to teach the subject matter, not her past credentials. Margaret also shares her experience of letting go of her identity as a wife and caregiver after her husband passed away. She reflects on how difficult it was to redefine herself without the context of her relationship with her husband. She notes that it takes time to rediscover oneself and to reflect on values, interests, and goals without the influence of someone who has passed away. Throughout the episode, Margaret emphasizes the impermanence of self and the importance of letting go of attachments to prevent suffering and dissatisfaction. She encourages listeners to reflect on what they are hanging onto and to let go of constructed selves that no longer serve them. The episode provides a thought-provoking reflection on attachment and the journey of self-discovery.

What is the difference between craving and clinging? Craving is wanting. I want something. Looking back on the past few days, here are some of the things I have craved: Coffee, chocolate and other specific foods, solitude, time with friends, - yes, I crave both alone time and time with some of my special people, and when that gets out of balance, so do I. That in itself is probably worthy of future exploration. The reality is that this idea of balance that I have created for myself is not always going to be sustainable. Today, let's continue with craving and clinging.  We crave forms - sounds - odors - flavors - tangible objects - mind objects. Clinging means to hang on to something, to not want something to end. Or to be unwilling to let go of an idea or a practice or a thing.  Four things we cling to - sensual pleasures, views, rituals and observances, and self, or thoughts of who we are. And today let's discuss how that recently came together for Margaret Meloni, as she shares a section from her attachment journal.

There was once a man who gave away his children in order to prove that he could master letting go. When his wife returned home, she thought his approach made sense. But does it? What is it we attach to? We attach to sensual pleasures, ideas and views, rites and rituals, and our view of ourselves. Dr. Segall reminds us that for the most part, we are not told that we cannot be attached to people. It is about the intention behind those attachments. Human beings need other human beings to flourish. Together we discuss how life depends on attachment. And Seth reminds us all that there is a positive side to impermanence. As things change, on the way to let go, we grieve. (In case you wondered what all of this has to do with Death Dhamma.) In fact, Seth shares his own path to embracing the changes in his life and in his relationship with who he is today.

What good does it do to pay attention to our attachments? To look at our experiences with clinging and aversion? Well, for that matter what good does it do to meditate? To be with that arises and to gain insight? I humbly suggest that our practice is everywhere, on the cushion, in our experiences, and in our journals. What do I mean when I invite you to journal with me? I am asking you to join me in an experiment. You can participate as much or as little as you like. Me? I am all in.  While planning for this season of the Death Dhamma podcast, it occurred to me. Clinging and aversion are all around us. At least as an everyday layperson making my way in this world, it is all around me.  While learning from the dhamma, and from our wise teachers, why not engage in some active self-reflection? I think that I know some of my areas of attachment. Most likely I share them with many of you. I do want to be healthy. I do not want to be sick. I do want to age - well kind of, because it means I am still here  I also want to have a certain level of fitness and ability as I age. As few wrinkles as possible, please. I want to have people I care about. I want them to care back. Pretty standard stuff. And if not handled well, it is going to lead to some suffering. You, see, just because I have gone through the deaths of quite a few of my loved ones, doesn't mean I am free from all attachments. What is the point of paying attention? Some might say, obsessing, is this paying attention over where and how I experience an obsession or a revelation? I hope it is the latter. Here it is, our first episode featuring the attachment journal.

It is almost time for Season 3 of the Death Dhamma podcast! Yes, it is true. The first episode is coming on January 30, 2023. In this short trailer, Margaret Meloni introduces the topic of attachment and why we need to spend time on stories of clinging and aversion and how they expose us to dukkha. 

Mary Carol realized that what she was going to do that day was be sick. That was how it was going to be, and actually, all she needed to do was to be with her illness. Her activity for the day was to be sick. And as her fever rose and the pain intensified, she practiced some deep meditative breathing. She worked on simply being with the discomfort, with an awareness that at some point, it would stop. In this episode of the Death Dhamma podcast, we follow Mary Carol as she grapples with being ill and her assumptions around what impermanence means versus what impermanence REALLY means. Mary Carol might not be too different than the rest of us.  

It's season 2 of the Death Dhamma podcast, and we have already spoken with twelve wise teachers! Sound familiar? In season 1, interviews with twelve wise teachers led to the release of the book Sitting with Death: Buddhist Insights to Help You Face Your Fears and Live a Peaceful Life. Will these interviews lead to another book? It is too soon to tell, but your thoughts about what you would like to learn more about or hear more of are greatly appreciated. You can send them to info@margaretmeloni.com or leave comments where you download this podcast. For now, your host, Margaret Meloni, is happy to share with you some of her reflections from conversations with our season 2 teachers. She is reminded that impermanence is not easy for any of us, we are all grieving something, and our approaches to handling it all are very similar. You might agree with her observations, or you might have other thoughts! This is not the end of season 2, it's just an opportunity for reflection and contemplation. Thank you for being part of the Death Dhamma community.

You cannot remind yourself of anicca or impermanence too many times. If you go throughout your day repeating anicca over and over again, that would only be a good thing. And meditation and mindfulness of impermanence are both important. To really KNOW is to know suffering. And no self. Wendy explains that impermanence, suffering, and no self are really the three rings of the existence that we swim in. Or the existence that we can be stuck in. In our time together, Wendy generously explains why there must be an experiential element to our Buddhist practice. She gently teases us, reminding us that even the awareness of impermanence is impermanent. And she reminds us of the necessity of compassion. If we are here, we are on a healing journey. We might not know our journey yet. While explaining this and so much more, Wendy tells her own story – of being in teacher training and receiving a phone call that took her from the conceptual to the experiential. Join me in extending a deep bow to Wendy for sharing with us on the Death Dhamma podcast.  

     Imagine finding yourself in a strange building, in a strange land, with strangers who know you – yet you do not know them. This is one of the many challenges faced by Lama Rinzen, the protagonist of Jim Ringel's book, 49 Buddhas: Lama Rinzen in the Hell Realm.      Being thrown into a new life is an excellent way to make friends with impermanence. Although he is still a Tibetan Buddhist Lama, and still on a quest to bring enlightenment to all beings, Lama Rinzen must come to understand the people and the culture around him and uncover the lessons that the hell realm holds for him.      Discussing the character development of Lama Rinzen with Jim Ringel was an interesting and rewarding way to learn about his Tibetan Buddhist practice and his beliefs around reincarnation, life, death, and impermanence.      If you would like a new way to learn about Tibetan Buddhism, the ego and the perception of others, versus our own perceptions, and of course, impermanence, consider reading 49 Buddhas: Lama Rinzen in the Hell Realm. It's a crime story that is full of Buddhist teachings. Join us as we discuss: Crime Mysteries wrapped inside Buddhist mysteries The intricacies of reincarnation The longest continuous street in the United States An interpretation of Form is emptiness, and emptiness is form The various realms and how we might navigate them The idea that we are energy that is always changing Connect with Jim at one or all of these sites: www.jimringel.com www.facebook.com/jimringelwrites www.twitter.com/jimringelwrites www.linkedin.com/in/jim-ringel-7364822  

Impermanence reminded Sophie Jacobs of the importance of her intuition, and that one central question. What matters most? And this also led her to wonder how to best be in alignment with her true self. She seems to come from a place of really meeting impermanence and leveraging it to help herself really consider what is most important? And how can she work to be in alignment with what is most important? Sophie's experience teaches us that  - Sometimes impermanence is a gift. This was true when she was interviewing for a job and did not get that job. But what she did get was the opportunity to live with Buddhist nuns in a monastery, and really deepen her practice. -Insight practice can be more valuable than your college education.  Speaking with Sophie was a terrific reminder that each day we have the opportunity let impermanence be our teacher. Handle what comes with equanimity and answer the central question, "What really matters?"

Impermanence, bring it on! Within two years, Sophie Jacobs handled almost ALL of the big life changes. Graduate End a relationship Start a new job Lose your home in a fire Leave your job Live in a monastery Leave the monastery MOST of us do not have our homes burned to the ground in a fire, and MOST of us do not become monastics. All of this took place during the COVID pandemic. Nothing went as planned. Each of these changes led Sophie back to the same question, “What really matters?,” and “What do I know to be true in my heart?” And as she searched for a new job, she also found herself searching for a monastery to live in. And it occurred to her, that this was the time, to take a break away from the ‘hustle culture,' if not now, then when? She describes it like this, “…everything is kind of falling apart in your life and is creating this huge open space for you and so if not now when…there's always going to be the next thing that's preventing you from doing an experience like this.” And so she did go to live with some Theravāda Buddhist nuns. Listen in as Sophie shares with us about: Her relationship with her intuition Being in alignment with her true self Her experiences with meditation and her mind Why being a monastic was not right for her You will definitely want to keep in touch with her. I look forward to her upcoming book, currently titled Elemental Knowing. Connect with Sophie: On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowintuit/ On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@flowintuit/video/7075362326261599534?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=6926993176386782726 On Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophia-jacobs-8ab58164/  

Episode 220: Death with a Little "d" - Interview Margaret MeloniWhen a marriage fails, a friendship terminates, we find new wrinkles and new sagging skin, we lose a job or lose a beloved pet, the facts of impermanence stare, unblinking, at us. While logically we can acknowledge that impermanence is a matter of fact, a fact of life, it is also something we fear. We fear losing our youth, people and pets we love, a job that helps us define who we are, a way of life, wealth, etc. With that fear comes suffering. Learning to let go….that's what we are talking about today. Today's episode is about Death with a little d. I've called in our death specialist, Margaret Meloni, but we aren't talking about dealing with the death of our loved ones or ourselves today, more about the death of less crucial things. And we are having this discussion because a section of the road to enlightenment is living with more peace and less fear, and impermanence is one of those things we get to understand better. Tune in for what this looks like in real life and maybe come away with a new coping skill. Margaret Meloni is used to talking about death. In fact, her second book recently hit the book stands, Sitting With Death: Buddhist Insights to Help You Face Your Fears and Live a Peaceful Life. Her first book, Carpooling with Death, was highlighted in episode 146 of the Love Your Story podcast. But I don't want to talk about Death with a big D today. Refer back to that episode for that discussion.  Today I want to talk about impermanence. Margaret's second season on her podcast, Death Dhamma, she is focusing on death with a little d. - the impermanence of all things and with the ability to accept that impermanence we increase the ability to create less painful life stories. So we'll learn how to navigate the inevitability of change today. In the audio program we'll discuss ideas like: Can you tell us a little about how you got into the study of death? What is death with a little “d”? Let's talk about the idea of impermanence. How do you define it? What does it look like in our lives? How do we accept it? Things that we can expect to be impermanent: relationships, health, jobs, etc. What would you add to this list? Shelley Knight said, “We are all grieving something. When we talk about grief people think it's the death of a loved one and it's not just that – that's bereavement. Grief is the loss of anything with which you have an emotional connection. It could be your health, a relationship, a dream, your self-confidence, or something else. We don't need to hide it. We need to normalize it.” In your discussions on your podcast regarding this topic - what insight/story has stuck with you the most? Let's talk about: pain+resistance = suffering. Does the acceptance of impermanence help us with resistance and thus reduce our suffering? There are lots of real feelings to deal with when we lose something important to us.  What do you think is the most helpful Buddhist teaching regarding impermanence and dealing with it? In your blog post - Master Improvisation, Master Impermanence, you talk about the rules of good improv.  “All you need to know is that there will be death, in that awareness there will be peace.” - Margaret Meloni To Contact Margaret: Social Media https://twitter.com/MargaretMeloni (https://twitter.com/MargaretMeloni) https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretmeloni/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretmeloni/) https://www.facebook.com/DeathDhamma (https://www.facebook.com/DeathDhamma) https://www.facebook.com/groups/962871121024043 (https://www.facebook.com/groups/962871121024043) Website: https://www.margaretmeloni.com/ (https://www.margaretmeloni.com/) What are you grieving the loss of in your life. Maybe it's as simple as the loss of an expectation - you expected a marriage to be happily ever after, you expected a friend to be loyal, you expected a party you threw to turn out...

After we had been speaking for a little while, Mahesi Caplan said: "This might be an outrageous thing to say, but over the past few decades, I have been having this thought that there is no death." He went on to say, "Of course, the body dies." And then he discussed this whole concept of we don't die so much as we return home. Listen in, and give it some thought. Sit with it, and see what resonates for you.

Mahesi Caplan was interested in the big questions at an early age. When others were on the playground, young Mahesi was sitting on the stairs wondering where he had come from, and what was the meaning of this life? He felt a connection with something much more expansive, something that exists beyond the noise of everyday life. You can say he was born suited for contemplative life. And he did spend fifteen years ordained as a Theravada Thai Forest tradition monk. And now, he continues his practice and counsels others, helping them to navigate spiritual emergencies in their own lives. It is with his relationship with Ānāpānasati and the four foundations of mindfulness that Mahesi asks us to move beyond watching the in and out-breath through our nose. He urges us to consider that the Buddha was teaching more than to focus on our physical breath. He thoughtfully walks me through his approach, helping me to see that we can focus on both the internal and the external. That the intention of the teachings is bigger than feeling the breath coming in and out of my nostrils. This is part 1 of 3 episodes. Visit him at https://sati.co/  

When Hector Marcel claims that he is a rebellious Buddhist, what he means is that he does not want to recite texts or cling to dogma. He wants to help us experience living Buddhism. In his own journey, Hector felt his practice flow purely when he received the call. You know, the call where you learn that your beloved mother is dying. At that time, he had been practicing for over twenty years and living with all of those small deaths that impermanence brings. And he knew that what really mattered was using his Buddhist practice to see his mother through to the end, in a way that gave her dignity and peace. He practiced a very purposeful form of loving-kindness. During our time together, in his purposeful and skillful way, Hector teaches me about the importance of bliss, walks me through emptiness, and reminds me of the importance of karma and intention. He is such a warm and caring example of what happens when you study Buddhism with your heart and your mind. And there it is, experiential Buddhism with a side of joy and laughter. Be sure to follow Hector on Instagram via @wakeupist. Visit the Three Jewels website: https://www.threejewels.org/ And if you will be in New York City on May 5, 2022, attend the Med Gala, a lovely spiritual play on the Met Gala. Celebrate and meditate with like-minded beings who are raising funds so that all can have equitable access to meditation. https://www.medgala.org/  Get $15 off the ticket price with discount code CTE.      

In speaking with Sukhema I was struck by two ideas – the beautiful way in which he used poetry in our discussion about loss. And the fact that he has helped others in their grief journeys by providing them with the type of ritual that they needed. Sukhema has such a talent for bringing the right poem at the right time. Many of us, perhaps most of us need rituals in our lives. We use rituals to mark occasions of all types. And Sukhema uses poetry in his rituals, and perhaps it is reasonable to say that poetry can be a form of ritual. When we lose something or someone, ritual can help us to acknowledge the loss and let go of some of the things that we cling to.  Ritual and poetry, or poetry as a ritual is something he led his circle of writers to do as they created Living our Dying . This work carries forward the poetry of his deceased friend and allowed others to share their grief and their thoughts around death and dying.  And in this way, poetry is an expression of the shared experience of losing this friend, the writing was part of the ritual of letting go of the loss. His own poem, written after helping his granddaughter bury her hamster ties ritual and poetry as a natural response to loss. And this shows us the usefulness of ritual.

Sukhema knows about impermanence. He has lost his name (Larry Butler), his country (the United States of America), and more than a friend or two along his journey.  He encounters it all with the heart of a poet. And as you listen to our discussion, you will hear him use poetry to teach us all about the importance of the art of losing things. he introduced me to ‘One Art' by Elizabeth Bishop. This passage works well with our theme on this season of the Death Dhamma podcast, Lose something every day.  Accept the fluster  of lost door keys, the hour badly spent.  The art of losing isn't hard to master. Sukhema is the co-editor of Living Our Dying.  A work inspired by his friend the late David Donnison. Living Our Dying includes the work of thirty-two writers, and was compiled to creatively discuss a subject often regarded as taboo. Sukhema also facilitates a group called die-a-log.  Creating an environment where a small group of people get together and discuss death. It is informal, there are no notes, just sharing and speaking from the heart.  His ease at sharing from the heart is evident throughout our discussion. I encourage you to listen in and hear from someone who masterfully lives with the impermanence of losing a watch, will help his granddaughter bury her hamster, and oversee memorial services for his own friends and loved ones. For more on his work, please visit https://playspacepublications.com/.    

Once upon a time, Margaret Meloni, your host of the Death Dhamma podcast was on the corporate fast track. So thought she loved it. Her identity was all tied up in work, work and work.  Since others are generously contributing their stories of losing things, ideas, or relationships - Margaret thought it was only fair to tell you the story of one of her big losses. And how this loss changed the trajectory of her life. Her story provides everything we need in a good exploration of impermanence. Loss, suffering, and clinging! Oh, and the ego too.  

Let's come together and accept life, death, and impermanence. Between birth and death, we lose many things. Not just our keys and our glasses. We lose friendships, jobs, things, and of course, sentient beings. All of these experiences are opportunities to become comfortable with impermanence. The good news is that we don't do this alone! Once again, kind and generous people have stepped forward to teach us. This season we learn about the different ways that impermanence touches our lives, and how we can live peacefully, knowing that everything changes. Enjoy this preview and be sure to join Margaret Meloni on season 2 of the Death Dhamma podcast - starting January 24, 2022.

In this week's episode of “Authors Who Lead,” I talk with Margaret about her newest book, "Sitting With Death: Buddhist Insights to Help You Face Your Fears and Live a Peaceful Life,” and how she feels that death can actually bring joy. Margaret Meloni has confronted death multiple times and, by turning to her Buddhist faith, she learned to make peace with the unknown. And as she studied and learned more about death, she found herself inspired to help others cope with it, too. What We Discuss with Margaret Meloni: Why Talk About Death? Showing Up with as Much Life as Death Will Allow Understanding and Coming to Terms with Death Where Does the Joy Come From in Death? Lessons from Buddhists How to Prepare for Death — and Talk About It To view full show notes, Click Here! Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!

Margaret Meloni, MBA, PhD is the pmStudent.com community leader. pmStudent.com is devoted to helping Project Managers successfully navigate the art […]

Since the launch of the Death Dhamma podcast in January 2021, it has all been leading up to this moment. The launch of Sitting with Death: Buddhist Insights to Help You Face Your Fears and Live a Peaceful Life. Now the book is available! And today on the Death Dhamma podcast, Margaret Meloni is thrilled to read a chapter to you. Sitting with Death was born out of curiosity, with the goal of helping us all include death in our Buddhist practices. So that we may all have less suffering, more peace, and the ability to help others through loss. May you be inspired to seek out the rest of the book. Find it here: Sitting with Death  

Margaret Meloni is a businessperson, Buddhist practitioner, and advocate for what she calls Death Dhamma. The practice of inviting the awareness of death into your life. She has seen how Buddhism, combined with a healthy respect for the Grim Reaper, has helped her create a life with more peace and less suffering. She is also a podcaster and author. In this episode we discussed: Accepting death as an essential part of lifeThe Buddhist's outlook on sufferingMargaret's new book Sitting With Death: Buddhist Insights to Help You Face Your Fears and Live a Peaceful Life  "I'm not saying don't believe in miracles, but I'm also saying accept the reality of what you're being told. Because if you want to keep thinking that some miracle will come and that your loved one is not going to die...that's a form of aversion and you're going to suffer more if you keep waiting for something to happen to save them from their death." - Margaret Meloni Connect with guest Margaret Meloni Connect with host Edward Tay

It was so tempting to call this episode, two widows talking. That could be a catchy title. Maybe even an entirely different podcast. And yes, both Diane Wilde our guest, and Margaret Meloni, your host, are widows. But this discussion is so much more than that. This is really about shared experiences. This is two people talking about what it feels like when you lose someone you love. And how to move forward with your life, and with your meditation practice.  These are two human beings, who happen to be widows, who happen to be Buddhists, sharing common experiences. And the power of this episode is that sooner or later we will all share these experiences.

Margaret Meloni is a businessperson, Buddhist practitioner, and an advocate for what she calls Death Dhamma. The practice of inviting the awareness of death into your life. She has seen how Buddhism, combined with a healthy respect for the Grim Reaper, has helped her create a life with more peace and less suffering. More info on her website https://www.margaretmeloni.com/

You’re listening to Find the Good News, Episode 109, “The Law of Change,” A Beacon Series conversation featuring Margaret Meloni, Ph.D., host of the Death Dhamma podcast and author of "Carpooling With Death: How Living With Death Will Make You Stronger, Wiser, and Fearless" - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - There is a small note tacked to a piece of corkboard near my desk, the letters stark white against an inky black square. These words, "CHANGE IS THE LAW," have stared back at me from this small slip of paper for almost 20 years, serving as a reminder of the Buddha's teaching on impermanence, reminding me that everything that comes together eventually falls apart.   At first blush, this may seem like a dismal outlook, encouraging nihilism, and a glass-half-empty perspective that could be quite depressing. While I understand this, that has not been my personal experience with teachings on impermanence, change, nor death. The truth is that in accepting this trinity of decay as a natural, ever-present part of life, I have found a luminous jewel in life that tends to shine brighter when juxtaposed with death's looming presence.   In many ways, death is a door to life unfolded, be it minutes or years. At the very least, death is a tool that can be used to appreciate every precious, life-giving drop in a half-full-glass of water. This is the door in which my guest, Margaret Meloni, operates.   Margaret is the host of the Death Dhamma podcast, a unique series of conversations about death from a Buddhist perspective, and the author of "Carpooling With Death: How Living With Death Will Make You Stronger, Wiser, and Fearless." Having lost many of her dearest, treasured loved ones, Margaret is no stranger to death.   Through her book and her podcast, she has created a unique space and resource of practical wisdom, perspective, and comfort for those who may be navigating the difficult terrain of grief and loss. Margaret doesn't make promises, or outline some mystical formula to follow that will remove death's painful sting, and I think that is what I found most appealing. Instead, what I found was an honest approach to looking at the sting itself, understanding that death's painful shock is normal, but ultimately it too is in the throes of the great law of impermanence, fleeting just as it arrives.   Her personal Buddhist practice provides obvious, tactile teachings that have been a great vehicle through her own experiences with life, death, and grief. She has the lovely ability to share those lessons in textured, nuanced ways, making them more approachable to those in the throes of misfortune.   It is my hope that you will find our conversation useful in your own life, but more, if you have experienced the loss of a loved one, I would encourage you to seek out her podcast and her book.   Now, it's time to look directly at the visage of death, to know its imprint on the world of time, to accept change as a natural—even fruitful—part of life, then tune your attention to this Good News Beacon, and press play on a little good news. ========== SUPPORT FIND THE GOOD NEWS >> https://www.findthegood.news/donate/  ========== BUY YOUR COPY OF "CARPOOLING WITH DEATH" >> www.FindTheGood.News/BookShop  ========== FIND THE GOOD NEWS IS PRODUCED BY PARKER BRAND CREATIVE SERVICES >> www.ParkerBrandUp.com   ==========

Death Dhamma Aha's from Margaret Meloni's discussion with Holly Hisamoto. Thoughts on selecting a hospice, a reminder that grief has no schedule or time-limit, and how all of this can help us continue to treat one another with compassion.

It's one thing to observe the circle of life as it impacts wild animals. And a completely different experience to learn that we too are part of the circle of life. That is when death comes crashing in. Holly Hisamoto learned about death when her favorite aunt died by suicide. And that tragedy helped to create the caring, thoughtful and wise woman that is Holly Hisamoto.  A Buddhist chaplain who has worked at a hospice and helped the dying and her families.  Holly understands how to help others set things down and move toward a peaceful death. Now, Holly shares about her experiences with death, and turns the tables on our host Margaret Meloni, asking her about what she learned from having family members in hospice.

If you listened to the Death Dhamma podcast Episode 3 with Venerable De Hong, it might have changed your perspective on grief and trauma and what happens when our parents die. In this Death Dhamma Aha follow-up, Margaret Meloni shares the impact that knowing Venerable De has made on her, and some of her own experiences in what it feels like when both your parents are dead.

The Grim Reaper is a friend of mine, and Buddhism made it possible. I am Margaret Meloni, your host. Please join me as we together we journey to a place of peace and strength and wisdom. Listen in while amazing Buddhist teachers share their experiences about life, death, and Buddhism. It will be insightful, and interesting, and once in a while, you are going to laugh! As my dear father used to say, "Nobody gets out of this alive."

I was recently interview by photo Margaret Meloni, PhD who is also an author and speaker about the relationship with Dharma and death. She was kind enough to share the audio so I have uploaded here. Please consider enrolling in my online course: Mindfulness for Everyone HERE  

UWest student Farah Shaikh interviews UWest students, alumni, and faculty that teach Buddhist philosophy and meditation in California State prisons via The Engaged Buddhist Alliance. The EBA is a nonprofit founded by Dr. Lewis Lancaster, John Freese, Venerable De Hong, and Margaret Meloni. The EBA teaches to over 200 students in over 8 state prisons in Southern California. Sequence of Interviews Chris Johnson: PhD Student David from Homeboy Industries Venerable Doctor De Hong: EBA founder and leader Tom Moritz PhD: Adjunct Faculty Venerable Sumitta: PhD Candidate --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/downwiththedharma/message

Episode 146 Carpooling With Death: Finding Peace in Loss – Interview Margaret Meloni   In my teens I loved the book series The Incarnations of Immortality. Thantos/Grim Reaper was one of my favorite characters.  As an adult, I guess that fascination held over because I dress up as the Grim Reaper for Halloween every year. I have a real scythe hung from the pegboard in my garage. That being said, for all the interest in the incarnation itself, I have only had my grandparent’s die and when my son was diagnosed with leukemia my mind would occasionally turn to the “what if” and I would immediately retreat. At the Western States Folklore conference this past weekend there was a paper presented exploring the use of a character – the Grim Reaper or the like – (and there IS one in every culture) – to represent an event that we each must face. One suggestion that was made was that we have created a figure to escort us from this life into the next because we don’t know where we are going. There are so many unknowns. Perhaps those unknowns are what creates so much fear around death, but as the cheeky like to say, “No one is getting out of here alive.” Margaret Meloni – the author of Carpooling with Death, is a Buddhist practitioner and a new voice on the subject of death awareness. Dealing with the death of her father, her mother and her husband within a two-year period gave her the opportunity to “make friends with death,” as she put it. Her book is to help others accept death as an essential part of life and to become death ready. Tune into our audio discussion to hear what she has to say. To buy her book:   As I conduct my interviews for this podcast, one of the themes that often repeats itself as we deal with some of the most sacred and dark places we have to travel, often death of a child, a spouse, a loved one is at the heart of that struggle. Today’s interview was to share Margaret’s story, but also to give tools as we all must eventually deal with the conclusion of our stories, as well as the conclusion of the stories of loved ones. I hope you’ve received some insights, tips, or inspiration for a positive mind-set shift as we face the final chapters of our stories. While we life – my motto is to live intentionally and fearless every day! “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.” Henry David Thoreau.  My new book LIFE – Live Intentional and Fearless Every day is available on www.loveyourstorypodcast.com (http://www.loveyourstorypodcast.com) . With 21 LIFE Connection Challenges to help you create more connection, possibility, and self-care in your own wonderful story. To help you live on purpose before your own final chapter comes along.

Dr. Margaret Meloni is an author, teacher and personal brand entrepreneur. Her new book is Carpooling With Death: How Living with Death Will Make You, Stronger, Wiser and Fearless. In a somewhat related written work, Dr. Melnoi recently defended her dissertation on Compassion in the Pali Canon, which maps out the spread of early Buddhism and its social networks. Dr. Meloni has a long running history in teaching project management courses at UCLA. Her online online business is built around helping others be the best project managers they can be. She has been an inspiration to me as a mastermind partner, and I’m thrilled to share her work and our discussion with you. Topics we discuss include work-life, coaching, networking for introverts, being an author, getting the most out of conferences, lofty goals, accidental opportunity, and of course her new book. Show Notes at Partner4Leads.com

Margaret Meloni is the author of Carpooling with Death: How Living with Death Will Make You Stronger, Wiser, and Fearless. She talks about why she decided to write a book about death. She gives valuable insights into talking about death and accepting the impermanence of life. Especially if you have someone going through a terminal illness, this book is a must-read!   What We Discuss with Margaret Meloni: What prompted Margaret to write a book about death Why most people are not prepared for death Having an out-of-body experience Everyone has their own opinion on what you should do when a loved one dies How to have open conversations about death What she learned from Buddhism Things happen to us and it’s nothing personal How you can befriend death The value of reevaluating relationships Margaret’s book writing process - the challenges and triumphs Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!

Welcome back, today it is my pleasure to introduce you to Margaret Meloni. Margaret has over 18 years in Corporate America which included roles in Fortune 500 management. Margaret creates project managers who have the skills & knowledge to navigate the art & science of project management. You will find links to Margaret’s LinkedIn Profile and websites in the show notes at projectmanagementparadise.com/87 We’d also welcome an honest review about this podcast on iTunes and you will find a direct link to do this at projectmanagementparadise.com Thanks again for listening and be sure to tune in again to our next episode with another great guest. Our proud sponsor today is Cora Systems. To find out more about Cora’s solutions, which are live in 51 countries around the world, visit corasystems.com where you can request a free demo, and discover first hand how Cora helps its clients gain control, governance and insight into their project portfolios.

Interview with Margaret Meloni  MBA, PMP Margaret is a speaker, writer, and teacher who supports project managers with the art and science of project management. Margaret understands that managing projects can be difficult and this is why her goal is to provide her community with knowledge and skills that can be used on the job RIGHT NOW! Her wish is to see her students take on tough projects and emerge as strong and sought after project managers. Margaret is a recipient of the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Distinguished Instructor Award and a contributing author to the book 101Great Ways to Enhance Your Career where she addressed the topic of conflict resolution. She has also been called upon to contribute to articles in PM Network®, the monthly magazine covering trends, tools and best practices in project management When she is not teaching, Margaret works to help project managers and other professionals resolve work related conflict and strengthen their soft skills. Her passion is to help people successfully navigate the workplace peacefully. For more information on Margaret Meloni: www.pmstudent.com (http://www.pmstudent.com/)  and join her community today. You can also find her on Twitter at @margaretmeloni or @pmStudent

Once a programmer, then a project manager and IT executive, and now a coach. Margaret Meloni has had an interesting journey. After suffering the indignity of being laid off, she decided that enough was enough and launched her coaching business, Meloni Coaching Solutions. She offers online courses and counsels clients one-on-one. She gives her clients the freedom to be their authentic selves at work and the knowledge of how to address conflict as opposed to how to avoid it. I look forward to chatting with Margaret about her transition to coaching, the inspiration for her online programs, and future plans. 

Margaret Meloni, project management expert, author, and speaker, shares with me her take on the basics of Project Management.

Margaret Meloni, project management expert, author, and speaker, shares with me her take on the basics of Project Management.

Here we are with episode 4 of the PM for the Masses Podcast!  Thank you for listening and for giving me such amazing feedback.  I am so happy that the show is resonating with you and that some of you have shared with me that you have been looking forward to new episodes.  Thank you […]

Margaret Meloni shares insights on why understanding and managing conflict is a critical skill for project managers and offers practical strategies for resolving conflict in projects. The work of leadership often requires that project managers confront people to deal with problems that they would rather ignore. This can often lead to difficult and emotional conversations....