

Joseph Goldstein On: How Not To Try Too Hard in Meditation, Why You Shouldn't "Waste Your Suffering," and the Value Of Seeing How Ridiculous You Are
53 snips May 10, 2023
Joseph Goldstein, a leading meditation teacher and co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society, shares deep insights on balancing effort in meditation. He tackles the perils of over-exertion and encourages a lighthearted approach to practice. Goldstein emphasizes that mindfulness not only enhances meditation but also transforms daily challenges into growth opportunities. He also discusses the importance of humor in understanding the mind, illustrating how recognizing our own ridiculousness is essential for personal development.
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Right Effort in Meditation
- Balance effort in meditation, avoiding tension and looseness.
- Continuously monitor and adjust your energy level like tuning a lute.
Allowing vs. Letting Go
- Instead of "letting go," consider "allowing" or "letting be" in meditation.
- This acknowledges impermanence and avoids implying an action is required.
Mindful Seeing
- Joseph Goldstein realized his dining room judgments stemmed from not being mindful of seeing.
- By noting "seeing" constantly, he eliminated judgments during mealtimes.