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Sharon Salzberg On: Openness, Not Believing the Stories You Tell Yourself, and Why the Most Powerful Tools Often Seem Stupid at First

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Apr 3, 2023
Sharon Salzberg, co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society and author of twelve books, dives into the art of openness. She shares why her generation, the JewBu’s, turned to meditation and the significance of cultivating a growth mindset. The conversation touches on the importance of not taking your self-stories too seriously, the often-underrated power of gratitude, and how self-compassion can feel downright silly at first. Salzberg also recounts her challenging medical journey and how mindfulness helped her navigate the tough times.
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INSIGHT

Openness Defined

  • Openness, in mindfulness, is about expanding your perspective and feeling less trapped.
  • It's about seeing options, feeling creative, and breathing freely, even in difficult situations.
INSIGHT

Constriction vs. Expansion

  • Sharon Salzberg feels most constricted when overwhelmed by fear and sees no way out.
  • She feels most expansive when dwelling in awareness and through connection with others.
INSIGHT

Shame vs. Remorse

  • Salzberg distinguishes between healthy remorse (conscience) and unhealthy, global self-condemnation.
  • Remorse helps us learn from mistakes, while self-hatred hinders growth.
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