Podcasts about meditation retreat

In this episode of the Crazy Wisdom Podcast, host Stewart Alsop speaks with Aaron Neyer, founder of Parachute and community organizer in Boulder, about knowledge management, extended minds, and the intersection of AI with human consciousness. They explore how Parachute functions as a digital brain tool for organizing thoughts and information across fragmented systems, discuss the dangers of AI psychosis and over-reliance on technology, and debate open source AI development versus controlled releases by companies like Anthropic. The conversation weaves through topics including the limitations of metrics-driven business thinking, consciousness and relevance realization, the value of technological sabbaths, and Aaron's hope for locally-run open source models that protect personal data while still accessing more powerful gated models when needed. You can find Aaron's writing at unforced.org and unforced.substack.com, and learn more about Parachute at parachute.computer and parachute.computer/blog.Timestamps00:00 Stewart welcomes Aaron Neyer, founder of Parachute and Boulder community organizer, discussing the origin of Parachute's name from Frank Zappa's quote about open minds.05:00 Aaron explains Parachute as an extended mind tool for organizing notes, contacts and information across multiple platforms, emphasizing the distinction between primary mind and extended mind as interconnected systems.10:00 Discussion shifts to metrics-driven business culture and the limitations of pure rationality, exploring how Google's data-driven approach misses subjective experience and the whole picture of relationships.15:00 Aaron discusses AI's ability to help identify relevant variables across different domains and the dangers of AI psychosis, comparing it to cult dynamics and belief systems.20:00 The conversation covers AI sabbaths and nineties retreats as intentional breaks from technology, plus Aaron's experiences with electrical engineering and using AI to design circuits with Arduinos.25:00 Exploring forbidden knowledge and open source AI, Aaron discusses Anthropic's guardrails around powerful models while arguing for distributed access to prevent concentration of power.30:00 Deep dive into open source AI strategy, with Aaron highlighting NVIDIA's approach and the potential for running capable models locally while reserving ultra-intelligent models for complex research tasks.35:00 Aaron shares his vision for local Sonnet-class models handling personal data while accessing Fable-class models for deep research, and directs listeners to unforced.org and parachute.computer for his writing.Key Insights1. The philosophy behind Parachute stems from Frank Zappa's quote that the mind is like a parachute and doesn't work if it isn't open. Aaron Neyer explains that having an open mind is valuable, but it must be balanced with deep roots to avoid becoming untethered. He has experienced periods in his life where excessive openness led him to feel disconnected, teaching him that creativity and expansion need to be grounded in something substantial. This same principle applies to how we organize information digitally, where openness and interoperability allow our extended minds to become more connected and coherent, which in turn helps our primary minds think more clearly.2. Parachute is designed as an extended mind tool that addresses the fragmentation problem in how we currently manage information. Most people use multiple disconnected tools like Obsidian, Notion, Apple Notes, Google Keep, and various CRMs to organize their thoughts, notes, and relationships. These systems don't communicate well with each other, creating inefficiency and confusion. Parachute aims to create a simple, intuitive system where all this information can be organized in one place with true interoperability, allowing users to own their data and have it speak effectively with other tools, ultimately making our entire extended mind more functional.3. Understanding ourselves as unified body mind organisms rather than fragmented parts is essential for effectiveness. Living systems theory shows that any living system is three things: a membrane bound dissipative structure, a self regulating autopoietic network, and a cognitive process actively knowing the world. Western civilization since Descartes and Galileo has created artificial separation between body and mind, and between subjective and objective experience, which limits our effectiveness. The same fragmentation affects our digital technology, and recognizing both our biological and digital systems as coherent wholes rather than disconnected parts makes us vastly more capable.4. The relationship between data driven approaches and holistic thinking reveals important limitations in modern business and science. While working at Google, Aaron observed how data driven decision making can be powerful, but over reliance on metrics like ROI creates blindness to crucial unmeasurable factors like goodwill and relationship quality. This reflects a broader Western tendency to exclude subjective experience because it's difficult for objective science to measure. However, emotions, relationships, and other subjective elements are essential parts of reality, and focusing only on quantifiable metrics means missing the whole picture and ultimately becoming less effective despite appearing more rational.5. AI accelerates the ability to work with technical complexity by helping with relevance realization across domains where we lack expertise. In any specialized field, experts develop intuitive senses for which variables matter and can quickly identify problems, whether in computer troubleshooting, music, or cooking. AI's ability to generalize allows it to point people toward relevant solutions in areas where they haven't developed that intuitive expertise, effectively democratizing technical capability. This means people can direct their creativity more effectively across more domains, though it also raises concerns about giving powerful capabilities to those who may lack the wisdom to use them responsibly.6. The question of open source AI versus gated access involves complex tradeoffs between democratizing power and preventing harm. Aaron respects Anthropic's approach of creating guardrails around powerful models like Mythos, which would likely have caused significant system hacks if released without restrictions. However, this creates concerning power dynamics where only wealthy companies, governments, and their allies have access to the most powerful tools. NVIDIA offers hope through their truly open source approach including full training pipelines, and there may be a viable path where open source models at the Sonnet capability level handle most tasks locally while more powerful Fable class models remain gated for the most demanding work.7. Creating intentional breaks from AI and technology is essential for maintaining clear independent thinking. Aaron practices an AI Sabbath at least one day per week when he doesn't interact with AI, and he finds these are the days when he does his best thinking and journaling. Without these breaks, he finds himself constantly jumping between journaling and prompting AI rather than giving himself space for deep reflection. This pattern mirrors broader concerns about AI consistency creating cult like dynamics similar to organized religion, where constant immersion in a belief system or technology can lead to losing the ability to think independently, making periodic disconnection crucial for maintaining cognitive autonomy and clarity.

 "I wish I could bottle that smile." That's what my partner said to me when the silence finally broke, after 10 days.This is the third chapter of a story that began in 2022. I just completed my second 10-day silent retreat. In this episode, I share with vulnerability the rollercoaster of those ten days: the resistance of day one, the release of day four, the wall I hit on day nine, and the realisation that changed how I see my own podcast, my own mission, and the gap between what we do and why we really do it.Whether or not you ever sit in silence for ten days yourself, this episode will ask you the same question it asked me: what is your true volition behind what you do?Press play now, and if something in you is leaning forward as you listen, don't wait. Explore Vipassana for yourself.˚Vipassana website: https://dhamma.org˚The previous episodes I discussed Vipassana:My first Vipassana retreat - episode #267: https://personaldevelopmentmasterypodcast.com/267The 3-day refresher course - episode #333: https://personaldevelopmentmasterypodcast.com/333˚˚KEY POINTS AND TIMESTAMPS:0:00 - The “bottled smile” and opening reflection3:37 - New retreat setting and key differences from the first experience5:29 - Entering the retreat: expectations, resistance, and early adjustment7:01 - Emotional release and the unfolding inner “rollercoaster”9:33 - Physical discipline, fasting structure, and habit observations11:09 - Mental patterns of perception and projection13:14 - Teaching on mental, vocal, and physical action16:00 - Volition and the nature of action as intention19:30 - Integration: relationship reflection, return journey, and closing insights˚Send us a textSupport the showSubscribe to our weekly email: https://personaldevelopmentmasterypodcast.com/email---A personal development podcast for midlife professionals, offering mindset tips and practical tools for personal growth, self mastery, personal mastery, and purposeful living. Discover psychology tips for emotional intelligence and growth mindset, including overcoming impostor syndrome and building self mastery.Personal Development Mastery features personal development interviews and solo episodes empowering professionals, entrepreneurs, and seekers to cultivate self mastery and create a meaningful, fulfilling life aligned with who they truly are.To support the show, click here.

5 Day Meditation Retreat with  Ayya Karunika at Jhana Grove Retreat Centre in Serpentine, Western Australia, from 5th June - 10th June 2026. Track 12 :  Goodbye Talk & Meditation - 10th June 26. See the full retreat on bswa.org here. Support us on https://ko-fi.com/thebuddhistsocietyofwa BSWA teachings are available from: BSWA Teachings BSWA Podcast Channel BSWA DeeperDhamma Podbean Channel BSWA YouTube Copyright Buddhist Society of Western Australia www.bswa.org

Why the podcast is ending. Life, dating and club culture in Berlin. Thoughts on psychedelics, sobriety, meditation, and moving to Berlin. And: Our final pieces of advice to Berlin newcomers. Show Notes Sasha's Event: LikeButter — Dating just got Butter Materialists (Wikipedia) MAPS - Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies MIND Foundation Sasha's Podcast: Psychedelics Without Borders SWR Doku: Können Drogen Depressionen heilen? Eine Ketamin-Therapie ist Karins letzte Hoffnung (YouTube) Manuel's Meditation Retreat was fascilitated by the SAGE Institut Tracey Club Lail Arad - Everyone Is Moving To Berlin (YouTube)

5 Day Meditation Retreat with  Ayya Karunika at Jhana Grove Retreat Centre in Serpentine, Western Australia, from 5th June - 10th June 2026. Track 3 :   Q & A -  6th June 26. See the full retreat on bswa.org here. Support us on https://ko-fi.com/thebuddhistsocietyofwa BSWA teachings are available from: BSWA Teachings BSWA Podcast Channel BSWA DeeperDhamma Podbean Channel BSWA YouTube Copyright Buddhist Society of Western Australia www.bswa.org

5 Day Meditation Retreat with  Ayya Karunika at Jhana Grove Retreat Centre in Serpentine, Western Australia, from 5th June - 10th June 2026. Track 5 : Q & A - 7th June 26. See the full retreat on bswa.org here. Support us on https://ko-fi.com/thebuddhistsocietyofwa BSWA teachings are available from: BSWA Teachings BSWA Podcast Channel BSWA DeeperDhamma Podbean Channel BSWA YouTube Copyright Buddhist Society of Western Australia www.bswa.org

5 Day Meditation Retreat with  Ayya Karunika at Jhana Grove Retreat Centre in Serpentine, Western Australia, from 5th June - 10th June 2026. Track 10 :  Guided Meditation – 9th June 26. See the full retreat on bswa.org here. Support us on https://ko-fi.com/thebuddhistsocietyofwa BSWA teachings are available from: BSWA Teachings BSWA Podcast Channel BSWA DeeperDhamma Podbean Channel BSWA YouTube Copyright Buddhist Society of Western Australia www.bswa.org

5 Day Meditation Retreat with  Ayya Karunika at Jhana Grove Retreat Centre in Serpentine, Western Australia, from 5th June - 10th June 2026. Track 9 :  Morning Talk - 9th June 26. See the full retreat on bswa.org here. Support us on https://ko-fi.com/thebuddhistsocietyofwa BSWA teachings are available from: BSWA Teachings BSWA Podcast Channel BSWA DeeperDhamma Podbean Channel BSWA YouTube Copyright Buddhist Society of Western Australia www.bswa.org

5 Day Meditation Retreat with  Ayya Karunika at Jhana Grove Retreat Centre in Serpentine, Western Australia, from 5th June - 10th June 2026. Track 8 :    Q & A – 8th June 26. See the full retreat on bswa.org here. Support us on https://ko-fi.com/thebuddhistsocietyofwa BSWA teachings are available from: BSWA Teachings BSWA Podcast Channel BSWA DeeperDhamma Podbean Channel BSWA YouTube Copyright Buddhist Society of Western Australia www.bswa.org

5 Day Meditation Retreat with  Ayya Karunika at Jhana Grove Retreat Centre in Serpentine, Western Australia, from 5th June - 10th June 2026. Track 7 :   Guided Meditation - 8th June 26. See the full retreat on bswa.org here.  Support us on https://ko-fi.com/thebuddhistsocietyofwa BSWA teachings are available from: BSWA Teachings BSWA Podcast Channel BSWA DeeperDhamma Podbean Channel BSWA YouTube Copyright Buddhist Society of Western Australia www.bswa.org

5 Day Meditation Retreat with  Ayya Karunika at Jhana Grove Retreat Centre in Serpentine, Western Australia, from 5th June - 10th June 2026. Track 6 :  Morning Talk – 8th June 26. See the full retreat on here. Support us on https://ko-fi.com/thebuddhistsocietyofwa BSWA teachings are available from: BSWA Teachings BSWA Podcast Channel BSWA DeeperDhamma Podbean Channel BSWA YouTube Copyright Buddhist Society of Western Australia www.bswa.org

5 Day Meditation Retreat with  Ayya Karunika at Jhana Grove Retreat Centre in Serpentine, Western Australia, from 5th June - 10th June 2026. Track 2 :   –  Morning Talk - 6th June 26. See the full retreat on bswa.org here.  Support us on https://ko-fi.com/thebuddhistsocietyofwa BSWA teachings are available from: BSWA Teachings BSWA Podcast Channel BSWA DeeperDhamma Podbean Channel BSWA YouTube Copyright Buddhist Society of Western Australia www.bswa.org

5 Day Meditation Retreat with  Ayya Karunika at Jhana Grove Retreat Centre in Serpentine, Western Australia, from 5th June - 10th June 2026. Track 4 :  - Morning Talk - 7th June 26. See the full retreat on bswa.org here. Support us on https://ko-fi.com/thebuddhistsocietyofwa BSWA teachings are available from: BSWA Teachings BSWA Podcast Channel BSWA DeeperDhamma Podbean Channel BSWA YouTube Copyright Buddhist Society of Western Australia www.bswa.org

5 Day Meditation Retreat with  Ayya Karunika at Jhana Grove Retreat Centre in Serpentine, Western Australia, from 5th June - 10th June 2026. Track 1 :  –  Introduction – 5th June 26. See the full retreat on here. Support us on https://ko-fi.com/thebuddhistsocietyofwa BSWA teachings are available from: BSWA Teachings BSWA Podcast Channel BSWA DeeperDhamma Podbean Channel BSWA YouTube Copyright Buddhist Society of Western Australia www.bswa.org

5 Day Meditation Retreat with  Ayya Karunika at Jhana Grove Retreat Centre in Serpentine, Western Australia, from 5th June - 10th June 2026. Track 11 :  Q & A - 9th June 26. See the full retreat on bswa.org here. Support us on https://ko-fi.com/thebuddhistsocietyofwa BSWA teachings are available from: BSWA Teachings BSWA Podcast Channel BSWA DeeperDhamma Podbean Channel BSWA YouTube Copyright Buddhist Society of Western Australia www.bswa.org

Vasant Swaha is a modern mystic sharing his love, joy, and wisdom in retreats. This talk was from a Satsang during The Path of Meditation Retreat at Mevlana Garden, in Brazil, on the 09th of April of 2024. This audio contains Portuguese consecutive interpretation.For more information visit  www.vasantswaha.net_____*______Vasant Swaha é um místico moderno que compartilha seu amor, sua alegria e sua sabedoria em retiros. Este é um trecho de um dos Satsangs do retiro “O Caminho da Meditação”, no Mevlana Garden, no Brasil, no dia 09 de abril de 2024.   Neste áudio há tradução consecutiva em português.Para mais informação, visite www.vasantswaha.net

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) Open Awareness in Nature Meditation

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) Open Awareness in Nature Meditation

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) Open Awareness in Nature Meditation

Discover how trusting your body's signals can transform your decision-making, health, and overall life. In this episode, Harmony shares practical insights on differentiating intuition from fear and how to tune into your inner wisdom to live more confidently and authentically.Main Topics:The difference between intuition and fear, and how to identify eachWhy life and your body don't wait for you to feel "ready"How to develop trust in your body's signalsPractical techniques to listen to and connect with your intuitionThe role of Ayurveda in understanding your unique bodily cuesAyurveda and the Alchemy of Her Ayurveda Alchemist AcademyUpcoming Breath & Meditation Retreat in Bali, June 25-29InstagramWebsiteTimestamps:00:00 - Welcome and episode overview: trusting your body's wisdom00:33 - Introduction: Why waiting to feel ready is a barrier for women00:59 - How your body already knows what your mind is slow to catch up on01:27 - Differentiating intuition from fear and their manifestations01:55 - The myth that life waits for perfect conditions to move forward02:20 - Your body's constant communication: signals of readiness and stress02:49 - Overriding bodily cues: the exhaustion of ignoring intuition03:16 - How fear and intuition show up differently in the body03:45 - Recognizing the noise of fear vs. the steady voice of intuition04:12 - Indicators of expansive (intuition) vs. contracting (fear) feelings05:04 - How to discern when fear is clouding your intuitive guidance05:33 - The complexity of feeling both fear and intuition simultaneously06:21 - Listening to the subtle thread of your inner knowing amid fear's noise06:51 - Using evidence to interpret your body's signals if logical understanding is difficult07:19 - Ayurveda's perspective: the body's inherent wisdom across systems07:49 - Identifying what your body might be telling you about relationships, work, or self-care08:12 - Ways your body communicates uniquely (gut feelings, heart expansion, etc.)08:41 - The consequences of neglecting your body's messages: anxiety, inflammation, exhaustion09:37 - Practical exercise: tuning in and asking your body what it knows10:09 - Guided practice: locating feelings of ease or contraction in your body10:50 - Recognising signs of trust and expansion versus tension and overthinking11:36 - The importance of trusting your knowing now, not in the future12:05 - Connecting through breath: the bridge between mind and body12:54 - Encouragement to act on your inner knowing with small steps13:08 - Resources: Ayurveda Alchemist Academy courses and upcoming retreats

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center)

Fluent Fiction - French: From Rain to Radiance: A Meditation Retreat's Unexpected Gift Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/fr/episode/2026-05-13-07-38-19-fr Story Transcript:Fr: Le soleil se levait doucement sur la Provence.En: The sun was gently rising over Provence.Fr: L'air du printemps était chargé d'un parfum de lavande et de terre humide.En: The spring air was filled with the scent of lavender and moist earth.Fr: Au loin, l'on pouvait entendre le chant des cigales.En: In the distance, one could hear the song of the cicadas.Fr: Émile, un instructeur de yoga méticuleux, se tenait devant la grande fenêtre de la maison de pierre rustique.En: Émile, a meticulous yoga instructor, stood in front of the large window of the rustic stone house.Fr: Ce week-end était spécial.En: This weekend was special.Fr: Il allait organiser un atelier de méditation spirituelle.En: He was going to host a spiritual meditation workshop.Fr: Émile était souvent perdu dans ses pensées.En: Émile was often lost in his thoughts.Fr: Son objectif était clair : il voulait que cet atelier soit un succès retentissant.En: His goal was clear: he wanted this workshop to be a resounding success.Fr: Mais intérieurement, il luttait contre une peur constante de l'échec.En: But internally, he struggled with a constant fear of failure.Fr: Son ami et collègue, Henri, était aussi dans le coup.En: His friend and colleague, Henri, was also involved.Fr: Henri était jovial, toujours prêt à aider.En: Henri was jovial, always ready to help.Fr: Il connaissait bien la région et apportait souvent une touche d'humour bienvenue.En: He knew the region well and often brought a welcome touch of humor.Fr: Avec eux, Céline, une participante curieuse et ouverte d'esprit, était arrivée tôt pour profiter des lieux.En: With them, Céline, a curious and open-minded participant, had arrived early to enjoy the surroundings.Fr: Les champs de lavande ondulaient sous la brise, et des oliviers centenaires parsemaient le paysage.En: The lavender fields rippled under the breeze, and hundred-year-old olive trees dotted the landscape.Fr: Tout semblait parfait jusqu'à ce que le ciel se couvre brusquement.En: Everything seemed perfect until the sky suddenly darkened.Fr: Une pluie inattendue se mit à tomber.En: An unexpected rain began to fall.Fr: Émile observa par la fenêtre, inquiet.En: Émile watched through the window, worried.Fr: La livraison des tapis de méditation et autres fournitures n'était jamais arrivée.En: The delivery of meditation mats and other supplies had never arrived.Fr: Ses plans méticuleusement préparés semblaient sur le point de s'effondrer.En: His meticulously prepared plans seemed about to collapse.Fr: Mais au lieu de succomber à la panique, il avait une idée.En: But instead of succumbing to panic, he had an idea.Fr: Émile rassembla tous les participants dans le salon chaleureux du lodge.En: Émile gathered all the participants in the cozy living room of the lodge.Fr: Il prit une profonde inspiration.En: He took a deep breath.Fr: "Nous allons improviser," annonça-t-il.En: "We are going to improvise," he announced.Fr: "Chacun va m'aider.En: "Everyone is going to help me.Fr: Nous allons utiliser ce que la nature nous offre."En: We will use what nature offers us."Fr: Avec Henri, ils organisèrent une séance de méditation en plein air, malgré la pluie.En: With Henri, they organized an outdoor meditation session, despite the rain.Fr: Sous les lourds nuages gris, les participants prenaient place sur des matelas improvisés de foin et de tissus.En: Under the heavy gray clouds, the participants took their places on improvised mats of hay and fabric.Fr: La pluie tombait en fines gouttes, créant une mélodie apaisante autour d'eux.En: The rain fell in fine drops, creating a soothing melody around them.Fr: Émile guida la méditation avec douceur.En: Émile gently guided the meditation.Fr: La pluie, d'abord perçue comme un obstacle, devint un allié.En: The rain, first perceived as an obstacle, became an ally.Fr: Elle lavait les craintes et libérait les esprits.En: It washed away fears and freed minds.Fr: Les visages étaient sereins, connectés les uns aux autres et à la nature.En: The faces were serene, connected to each other and to nature.Fr: La méditation sous la pluie prit une dimension quasi mystique.En: The meditation in the rain took on an almost mystical dimension.Fr: À la fin de la session, Émile observa les visages des participants.En: At the end of the session, Émile observed the participants' faces.Fr: Ils étaient rayonnants, reconnaissants.En: They were radiant, grateful.Fr: Céline s'approcha de lui.En: Céline approached him.Fr: "Merci, Émile.En: "Thank you, Émile.Fr: C'était magnifique.En: It was beautiful.Fr: Inattendu, mais enrichissant."En: Unexpected, but enriching."Fr: Les autres acquiescèrent.En: The others nodded in agreement.Fr: Un sentiment d'accomplissement l'envahit.En: A feeling of accomplishment filled him.Fr: Ce jour-là, Émile apprit une leçon précieuse.En: That day, Émile learned a valuable lesson.Fr: L'imperfection pouvait être belle.En: Imperfection could be beautiful.Fr: Tout ne devait pas être parfait pour être réussi.En: Not everything had to be perfect to be successful.Fr: Cette expérience unique lui avait montré la voie vers l'acceptation et la confiance en soi.En: This unique experience had shown him the path to acceptance and self-confidence.Fr: Le week-end touchait à sa fin.En: The weekend was coming to an end.Fr: Le soleil revenait lentement.En: The sun was slowly returning.Fr: Émile, le cœur léger, savait qu'il avait gagné quelque chose de bien plus précieux que la reconnaissance : la paix intérieure.En: Émile, with a light heart, knew he had gained something far more precious than recognition: inner peace. Vocabulary Words:the window: la fenêtrethe lodge: le lodgethe rain: la pluiethe breeze: la brisethe meadow: la prairiethe workshop: l'atelierthe scent: le parfumthe song: le chantthe instructor: l'instructeurthe failure: l'échecthe cicada: la cigalethe participant: le participantthe delivery: la livraisonthe supply: la fourniturethe mat: le tapisthe cloud: le nuagethe obstacle: l'obstaclethe dimension: la dimensionthe landscape: le paysagethe melody: la mélodiethe fear: la peurthe interior: l'intérieurthe heart: le cœurthe meditation: la méditationthe idea: l'idéethe session: la sessionthe hay: le fointhe drop: la gouttethe ally: l'alliéthe confidence: la confiance

Short Instructions for Metta Meditation

In this episode of The Jimmy Rex Show, Jimmy shares his full experience attending a week-long Joe Dispenza meditation retreat. After spending years and over a million dollars on personal development, he breaks down what this event actually delivers—both the highs and the drawbacks.From long meditation sessions and structured daily routines to concepts like coherence healing and energy work, Jimmy walks through what the experience is really like and who it's for. If you've ever considered attending a meditation retreat or investing in high-level personal development events, this episode gives you a clear, honest perspective.

This is the initial session of our 1 Day Meditation Retreat at Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage with Ajahn Medhino. Ajahn explains the program and provides instructions for meditation, including a guided meditation. He also leads the community in taking the Triple Refuge and the five or eight precepts. Venerable Ajahn Medhino has been ordained as a bhikkhu for 33 years. Originally from the Netherlands, he received his ordination as a Buddhist monk at Wat Pah Nanachat in Thailand. However, for the last 12 years he has lived in Sri Lanka, where he has established a hermitage in Badulla district, at Udakiruwa Forest, located roughly between Bibile and Monaragala. Ajahn plans to develop the hermitage into a full fledged monastery that will be called Mahāvana Aranya Senasanaya / Wat Pa Mahavana. Luang Por Medhino speaks fluent English, Sinhala and Thai; and also some French and German (and native Dutch, of course

This talk was given by Mikey Noechel at the Imperfect, Impersonal, Impermanent Meditation Retreat on Jan. 28th - Feb. 1st, 2026 in Sewanee, TN. This is the first evening dharma talk. Enjoy! Wild Heart Meditation Center in a non-profit Buddhist community based in Nashville, TN. https://www.wildheartmeditationcenter.orgDONATE: If you feel moved to support WHMC financially please visit:https://www.wildheartmeditationcenter.org/donateFollow Us on Socials!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WildHeartNashville/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildheartnashville/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wildheartmeditation

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) Guided meditation with an emphasis on simplicity, relaxation, and continuity of awareness. Additional reflections on walking meditation and practicing in all postures and during all daily activities

This talk was given by Andrew Chapman at the Imperfect, Impersonal, Impermanent Meditation Retreat on Jan. 28th - Feb. 1st, 2026 in Sewanee, TN. These are the first afternoon instruction on practicing with dukkha. Enjoy! Wild Heart Meditation Center in a non-profit Buddhist community based in Nashville, TN. https://www.wildheartmeditationcenter.orgDONATE: If you feel moved to support WHMC financially please visit:https://www.wildheartmeditationcenter.org/donateFollow Us on Socials!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WildHeartNashville/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildheartnashville/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wildheartmeditation

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) Includes metta for self, metta for sangha, and metta for the 6 directions

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) Includes metta for self, metta for sangha, and metta for the 6 directions

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) Includes metta for self, metta for sangha, and metta for the 6 directions

This talk was given by Mikey Noechel at the Imperfect, Impersonal, Impermanent Meditation Retreat on Jan. 28th - Feb. 1st, 2026 in Sewanee, TN. These are the first morning instruction on mindfulness of breathing. Enjoy!  Wild Heart Meditation Center in a non-profit Buddhist community based in Nashville, TN. https://www.wildheartmeditationcenter.orgDONATE: If you feel moved to support WHMC financially please visit:https://www.wildheartmeditationcenter.org/donateFollow Us on Socials!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WildHeartNashville/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildheartnashville/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wildheartmeditation

If you've been thinking about signing up for a 10-day silent Vipassana meditation retreat—especially as your first experience with meditation—this episode might give you a perspective you haven't heard before. I've been meditating for over 25 years and have had a daily practice for more than 20 of those years. While I'm not against retreats or Vipassana itself, I've seen some patterns emerge that raise a few important red flags—particularly for beginners. In this episode, I walk through those red flags one by one, culminating in the biggest one that often gets overlooked, even by seasoned meditators. I'll also share what I've found to be a more realistic, sustainable way to build a practice that actually sticks. This isn't a takedown—it's a grounded, honest take on what works, what doesn't, and how to choose a path that you'll still want to be walking six months, or even six years, from now.Send us a text message. We'd love to hear from you!

Insights from My First Silent Meditation RetreatIn this episode I share my experiences and takeaways from my first ever silent meditation retreat. I talk about the purpose of retreats in spiritual traditions, the details of the retreat schedule and activities, and discuss the benefits and challenges I faced. I also share some practical advice for those considering a silent meditation retreat, emphasizing the importance of choosing a suitable schedule, having a supportive teacher, and planning for post-retreat integration time.00:00 Introduction and Announcements01:06 Why Go on a Retreat?02:43 My First Silent Meditation Retreat Experience05:50 Immediate Takeaways Post-Retreat11:58 Long-Term Benefits and Practices19:25 Would I Recommend a Silent Meditation Retreat?20:35 Tips for Planning Your Own Retreat22:55 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsTo connect with the wonderful teacher that hosted the Silent Meditation Retreat that I attended you can reach out via his website:Mike Kewley – Simplifying Mindfulness, Nonduality & AwakeningTo join up for the next Level 1 Class, you can register hereTo come along to my next FREE online Akashic Records Workshop, click here.

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) Moving from body to choiceless attention to awarenenss of awareness, we consider the Bahiya Sutta and how it points to the not-self nature of things.

Kathie Fischer gives a talk “On Meditation” to the Mar de Jade Jewish Meditation Retreat – Open Heart Project December 2025. Suggested donation: $7 https://bit.ly/donate-edz-online-teachings We cannot continue offering teachings online without it. Thank you! https://s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/edz.assets/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/On-Meditation-Kathie-Fischer-Mar-de-Jade-Jewish-Meditation-Retreat-December-2025.mp3

Norman gives a dharma talk on the Rebbe Nachman story to a Jewish Meditation Retreat at Mar de Jade sponsored by the Open Hear Project December 2025. Suggested donation: $7 https://bit.ly/donate-edz-online-teachings We cannot continue offering teachings online without it. Thank you! https://s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/edz.assets/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Rebbe-Nachman-story-Mar-de-Jade-Jewish-Meditatiion-Retreat-Open-Heart-Project-December-2025.mp3

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) Moving from body to choiceless attention to awarenenss of awareness, we consider the Bahiya Sutta and how it points to the not-self nature of things.

Happy Christmas! Today I want to give you a 9 minute meditation on receiving which is helpful to not only feel resourced during the holiday season, but it gives yourself the best gift! Plus I share some reflections after going on my own at home 5 day silent retreat.   If you are feeling called to dip your toe into the mindfulness and meditation world, I welcome you to apply for the Winter Mindfulness Retreat I am hosting this January. Learn more and sign up: Retreat.CenteredintheCity.org   Share your takeways with me about the meditation practice or reach out with any questions on Instagram @OneWade or send me a note here. 

Mikey joins Dave Smith in collaboration with Flowering Lotus Meditation to discuss the importance of metta in mindfulness practice. Mikey and Dave will be teaching a retreat together December 28, 2025- Friday, January 2, 2026 in Bay St. Louis, MS.Learn more and sign up here: https://www.floweringlotusmeditation.org  Wild Heart Meditation Center in a non-profit Buddhist community based in Nashville, TN. https://www.wildheartmeditationcenter.orgDONATE: If you feel moved to support WHMC financially please visit:https://www.wildheartmeditationcenter.org/donateFollow Us on Socials!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WildHeartNashville/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildheartnashville/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wildheartmeditation

Join Michael at his New Year's Meditation Retreat in Costa Rica! Click here: https://events.agapelive.com/awaken-to-a-new-year-of-possibility/  Our first letter comes from "M": How do you stay inspired and hold a high vision for your life and dreams without burning out, while you wait for your dreams to manifest?  Our next letter comes from Leigha in Los Angeles: After losing her best friend to a rare cancer and not being able to have a final goodbye, Leigha wants to know how to forgive her friend and her friend's family, and find real closure when her grief is tangled up with anger. Finally, Michael leads a guided meditation in the sacred silence. ✍️Love Take Back Your Mind? This podcast grows through your support. If you've been inspired by an episode, we'd love to hear from you! Consider leaving a 5-star review or drop a comment. It helps others join this journey of growth and connection

Join Michael at his New Year's Meditation Retreat in Costa Rica! Click here: https://events.agapelive.com/awaken-to-a-new-year-of-possibility/  Today, Michael welcomes Colette Baron-Reid. Colette is an internationally respected author, artist, educator, spiritual intuitive, medium, and oracle expert. Her best-selling books and oracle cards are published worldwide in 27 languages. She is the founder of Oracle School, a global online learning platform with students in 35 countries, where self-empowerment, co-creation, and ancient oracles meet in a modern, contemporary way. She's also the creator of the energy psychology technique, "Invision—The Total Mindshift Process." Her latest book, co-authored with Anna Denning, titled The Art of Manifesting: A Meditative Drawing Practice to Rewire Your Brain and Create Your Reality, was recently released through Hay House. Conversation insights include:  -Colette's origin story: childhood claircognizance, inherited trauma, and the path from addiction to nearly 40 years sober through spiritual practice -Discovering the "neuro-arts" and how drawing engages new brain circuits so the body "knows it's real" -Avoiding the "is it here yet?" trap; celebrate as if it's happening now and surrender the timing and form -You keep what you become. Visioning asks: Who must I be? What vibration must I hold to stabilize my results? Plus, a "how to doodle your destiny" live demo -Rewiring expectation: your brain looks for what you believe—this is where practical mysticism meets neuroplasticity -Breaking the matrix of fear by radiating compassion where you live and carrying your own "atmosphere" -With practice, joy becomes your baseline—events pass through but your awareness remains steady -Collette's Oracle School: Four-month training using oracle cards for reflection and "next right action" (not prediction)  -Spotlighting *The Art of Manifesting* book with Colette and Anna Denning Next, Michael leads a guided meditation on choosing joy, feeling 'all needs met now,' and giving thanks. 

Bring a Friend, Save $200 @ Michael's New Year's Meditation Retreat in Costa Rica:  https://events.agapelive.com/awaken-to-a-new-year-of-possibility/  After a profound spiritual awakening, Gugu is learning to love her fundamentalist Christian family as they are—yet struggles to comfort them during crises without betraying her own soul's knowing. How can she be truly compassionate when the language of her heart no longer matches their doctrine? Next, Becky wants to believe in God beyond the "man in the sky," but wonders how to pray to "a vibration"—and whether such a Presence can really answer. How can she really know what God is and how to reach It?  Finally, Michael leads a powerful meditation in the sacred silence that leads to inspired thoughts and 'real thinking.' ✍️Love Take Back Your Mind? This podcast grows through your support. If you've been inspired by an episode, we'd love to hear from you! Consider leaving a 5-star review or drop a comment. It helps others join this journey of growth and connection

Bring a Friend, Save $200 @ Michael's New Year's Meditation Retreat in Costa Rica:  https://events.agapelive.com/awaken-to-a-new-year-of-possibility/ Today, Michael welcomes Dr Espen Wold-Jensen. Dr Espen is a researcher in Neuroscience and Quantum Physics, a Conscious Business Mentor, and a Multi 7-Figure 'SoulPreneur' who teaches his clients how to use the power of their own consciousness to turn obstacles into opportunities. Dr Espen went from having two broken legs and nearly succumbing to a hospital infection to healing himself from the inside out. His signature event, the Quantum Experience, delivers the same art, science, and application of consciousness that has transformed the lives of clients in over 12 countries. Conversation highlights: -The Accident That Changed Everything: The emotional suppression that led to a 2006 motorcycle crash, broken femurs, spine/pelvis fractures, and a long recovery -"Go Home and Breathe:" A moment of grace: receiving an inner directive to leave the hospital and start a specific breath practice, leading to the beginning Quantum Breathwork -You Are the Healer: How innate intelligence heals; while medicine supports, inner sovereignty and practice restore wholeness -Turning Pain Into Power: Reframing past hurts with purpose and gratitude; change the meaning, change your life -Quantum Explained Simply: We are 99.999…% "empty space"; our attention collapses possibility into form—when we raise our frequency, we change our outcomes -The Alchemy of Emotion: Transmuting fear?love, guilt?gratitude, shame?self-worth, grief?grace to heal relationships and reality -Emotional Healing Protocols: "Issues in the tissues"—clear lower-frequency emotions to shift habits and health -Out of Survival, Into Sovereignty: Media conditioning and fear states, and reclaiming executive function and heart coherence -Childhood Imprints & Programs:  The first 7 years wire beliefs about money, love, safety; you don't have "problems," you have programs -Inside the 3-Day Curriculum: Descent (past), Presence (truth), Ascent (future design) across eight centers; and more! Finally, Michael leads a guided meditation on focusing our intention + attention.

Join Michael at his New Year's Meditation Retreat in Costa Rica! Click here: https://events.agapelive.com/awaken-to-a-new-year-of-possibility/ Our first Life Question of the Week comes from Victoria who is deeply concerned about the state of America's democracy and wants to know how to hold these current events in the light of her spiritual understanding. Next, Selina in the UK is an actress who was recently hired in a major theatre production. However, despite working hard, her spiritual practice, and receiving compliments on her work, she still keeps doubting herself and her abilities. How can she silence her inner critic and trust her gifts? Finally, Michael leads a guided meditation on releasing negative thoughts. ✍️Love Take Back Your Mind? This podcast grows through your support. If you've been inspired by an episode, we'd love to hear from you! Consider leaving a 5-star review or drop a comment. It helps others join this journey of growth and connection

Join Michael at his New Year's Meditation Retreat in Costa Rica! Click here: https://events.agapelive.com/awaken-to-a-new-year-of-possibility/  Over the past couple of years, Take Back Your Mind has received several questions about meditation including, what is it? Why do it? Who is it for? Am I doing it right? How do I reach deeper levels of awareness? Today, Michael talks about the art, science, and practice of meditation where he addresses these questions—and so much more—followed by an extended guided meditation session.  Highlights include: -A clear definition of meditation: paying undistracted attention to Reality and being present with our thoughts, sensations, and emotions without resisting or enhancing them -The benefits of meditation: less anxiety and reactivity; more clarity, creativity, resilience, and Source-led decision making; better sleep, balanced blood pressure, immune support, and neuro-regeneration through consistent practice -Breaking myths like "my mind's too busy" to meditate—why busyness is exactly why we meditate and observing "thinking-ness" instead of fighting it -Why meditation is a universal human practice for everyone—parents, athletes, teachers, leaders—not just monks or yogis -From starting your practice to the mature practice that recognizes meditation is portable and can be done any time and anywhere -Various meditation tools: guided, breath, mantra, observation and frequency music options that make practice accessible and flexible -Spotting classic blockers at the edge of insight and stabilizing the insight so revelation becomes a living state, not a memory -Bringing the vibe with you—before meetings, generate the quality (peace, love, support) and walk in carrying it -Michael's extended guided meditation on intention, attention, and breath Meditation Resources -Livestream Michael every Sunday at 6:45 AM PT for his Way of Meditation service at Agape's YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@AgapeSpiritualCenter/streams. Or view his Way of Meditation clips here on his YouTube channel. -Receive a free download of Michael's guided meditation, "Raise Your Vibration and Be Untouchable" at https://michaelbeckwith.com/ when you sign up for his mailing list. -Get a free month of Soaak Meditation frequencies at https://www.soaak.com/agape and use the code AGAPE at checkout.  ✍️Love Take Back Your Mind? This podcast grows through your support. If you've been inspired by an episode, we'd love to hear from you! Consider leaving a 5-star review or drop a comment. It helps others join this journey of growth and connection

Join Michael at his New Year's Meditation Retreat in Costa Rica! Click here: https://events.agapelive.com/awaken-to-a-new-year-of-possibility/ Our first Life Question comes from India (a person, not the country

Join Michael at his New Year's Meditation Retreat in Costa Rica! Click here: https://events.agapelive.com/awaken-to-a-new-year-of-possibility/ Today, Michael welcomes Lorna Byrne. Lorna is a renowned spiritual teacher and #1 international bestselling author of eight books. Her first book, Angels In My Hair: The True Story of a Modern Day Irish Mystic, sold over 1 million copies worldwide. Since childhood, Lorna has been able to see and speak to angels, and through her books she shares a special message with the world: you are not just a human being, you are a spiritual being with a soul, and you have a guardian angel that never leaves you, not even for one moment. Lorna was voted a Top 100 Spiritual Leader of our time, and has been featured in the New York Times, on the Today Show, CNN, BBC, the Irish Times, and Fox News. Her spiritual retreat center in Ireland, Sanctuary, welcomes thousands of people from around the world to grow spiritually and learn about God and the angels. Conversation highlights include -According to a 2023 poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, about 7 in 10 U.S. adults say they believe in angels + a global study showing a broad belief and reported encounters with angels and celestial beings across countries and cultures -Lorna recounting early memories, dyslexia, and recognizing a deceased brother as a "soul being" -Guardian angels as soul "gatekeepers" that never leave you through life, death, and beyond religion -Michael's vivid "NO" from an angel that prevents a bad choice, sharpening his inner yes/no guidance -Why Archangels redirect life paths, how their "kiss" moves energy through the soul, and trusting divine timing -For skeptics, simple doorway to spiritual openness: experiment privately, notice guidance, and stay curious -Requesting angelic aid in a crisis then taking the next doable step—where grace meets effort (boat/helicopter parable) -Angels that soothe and strengthen pets and nudge humans to respond with care -Calling on "unemployed angels" for everyday help with personal needs, nature, and global hotspots; requesting help from friends' and mentors' souls who've crossed over; Lorna's Sanctuary retreat center in Ireland, and more! Next, Michael leads a guided meditation on gratitude and inviting "unemployed angels" for personal, loved-one, and planetary healing.

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) In this session we explore the 4 components of Self-Compassion: mindfulness, kindness, shared humanity, and recognition of our inner goodness. Then we practice Self-Directed Loving Kindness.