Ep. 203 – Ask Joseph: Questions From Student To Teacher
Jun 13, 2024
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Meditation teacher Joseph Goldstein discusses topics like mental noting, working with a greedy mind, dukkha and craving, deepening concentration, balancing self-knowing, dealing with painful mind-states, and the fear of impermanence and attachment.
Having faith in dharma practice leads to personal growth and confidence in the non-linear path of meditation.
Cultivating moments of renunciation with a greedy mind helps conserve energy and experience empowerment.
Balancing self-knowing and insight into non-self is crucial in managing painful mind-states and fear of impermanence.
Deep dives
Explore the Importance of Reflecting on One's Progress
Reflecting on one's progress in 2024 and making necessary adjustments is essential for personal growth. Therapy can assist in setting achievable goals, developing coping strategies, and modifying negative behaviors. Betterhelp, an online therapy option, offers convenient and flexible access for those considering therapy.
Understanding the Relationship Between Thoughts and Emotions
Thoughts can trigger powerful emotions, even if they are not related to present experiences. Catching specific thoughts that lead to fear or anxiety and refocusing on the present can help in managing distressing emotions effectively.
Balancing Mindfulness in Meditation Practice
In moment-to-moment meditation, becoming mindful of the predominant experience helps in managing overwhelming situations. Utilizing mental labeling techniques like noting and noticing can enhance mindfulness practice during meditation sessions.
Dealing with Greed Through Renunciation
Working with a greedy mind involves cultivating moments of renunciation, saying no to desires, and realizing the impermanence of gratification. By practicing momentary renunciation even with small desires, one can conserve energy and experience empowerment.
Embracing Self-Discovery and Coping with Cognitive Decline Gracefully
Navigating memory loss, Parkinson's, and cognitive disorder while maintaining a meditation practice can be challenging. Practicing mindfulness, acceptance, and exploring remaining abilities can aid in coping with change and fear gracefully. By staying present, reflecting on personal capacities, and cultivating mindfulness, one can navigate aging and decline with peace.
Responding to student questions, Joseph Goldstein invigorates listeners to have faith and confidence in dharma practice.
This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best self.
This week on Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein answers questions on:
Mental noting throughout meditation
Working with a greedy mind
Dukkha and craving as the fundamental cause of suffering
Small moments of renunciation
The deepening of concentration over time and why practice is non-linear
Keeping confidence in the dharma
Doubt as the most problematic feeling within practice
Dealing with shame, depression, unworthiness, and other painful mind-states
Balancing self-knowing and deepening insight into non-self
Fear of impermanence and attachment to things staying the same
This special group mentorship program recording was originally published on Dharmaseed
“We really just need to continue doing the practice and have that trust that the dharma will lead us onward, which it does. I’ve seen it in myself and I’ve seen it in thousands of yogis. I have a lot of confidence in that.” – Joseph Goldstein