Gil Fronsdal

Gil Fronsdal, a Buddhist teacher, shares his insights on how to skillfully relate to our emotions. He emphasizes viewing emotions as important messengers of our inner lives rather than nuisances. The conversation highlights the necessity of feeling pain and understanding emotions as they arise. Gil explores the benefits of being present in our bodies to process emotions effectively and discusses the contrast between mindful awareness and modern technological distractions. His wisdom encourages deeper self-awareness and emotional connection.

Gil Fronsdal, a seasoned Dharma teacher from the Insight Meditation and Spirit Rock communities, introduces the concept of naturalistic Buddhism. He explains how this approach relies on personal experience rather than supernatural beliefs. The discussion dives into the importance of non-clinging, the difference between faith and direct knowing, and the cultivation of qualities through the Eightfold Path. Gil emphasizes the significance of creating supportive conditions for personal growth and the interconnectedness of inner wisdom and care for others.

The Eightfold Path includes eight practices of liberation and freedom from suffering. In this episode, Buddhist scholar and meditation teacher Gil Fronsdal presents each element of The Noble Eightfold Path and how it relates to our daily living. Diana Hill shares the intersection between these practices and ACT and how together they support the development of wisdom.Related ResourcesGet enhanced show notes for this episodeOrder my book, Wise Effort: How to Focus Your Genius Energy on What Matters Most, and receive special bonus gifts.Want to become more psychologically flexible? Take Diana's "Foundations of ACT" course.Diana's EventsReserve your spot in Diana's Costa Rica retreat in 2026!See Diana at an upcoming eventConnecting With DianaSubscribe for free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Leave a 5-star review on Apple so people like you can find the show.Sign up for the free Wise Effort Newsletter.Become a Wise Effort member to support the show.Follow Diana on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Diana’s website.Thanks to the team, Craig and Ashley Hiatt, and Benjamin Gould of Bell & Branch for your beautiful music.Mentioned in this episode:FLASH SALE: Costa Rica RetreatFor a limited time, get $500 off Diana's Costa Rica Retreat. SPECIAL FLASH SALE UNTIL DECEMBER 1ST. Book today and look forward to an amazing Costa Rica retreat in April 2026.Diana's Retreat in Costa Rica

Gil Fronsdal, an author and meditation teacher, dives deep into the fascinating concepts of self and non-self from early Buddhist traditions. He contrasts the Buddha’s strong self-awareness with common misconceptions, exploring psychological freedom. Gil discusses how childhood influences contribute to feelings of inadequacy and advocates for recognizing mental traps to foster genuine liberation. With insights on cultivating inner strength, he emphasizes mindfulness and the journey towards understanding one's true identity.

Gil Fronsdal, a seasoned teacher at the Insight Meditation Center, discusses parenting through a Buddhist lens. He highlights family life as a profound practice, stressing that children are more influenced by our presence than our words. Fronsdal explores the importance of remaining emotionally present and modeling equanimity, emphasizing self-control and mindfulness. He shares personal stories about the challenges of parenting, including managing anger and anxiety, while encouraging acceptance of our children's individuality and emotions.