
Jonathan Foust
Senior teacher at the Insight Meditation Community of Washington and co-founder of the Meditation Teacher Training Institute, Jonathan Foust share weekly talks, guided meditations and inquiries that explore how to cultivate an awakened heart and mind.
Latest episodes

Feb 4, 2025 • 1h
Seeing Clearly Into the Nature of Reality: Retreat Talk
This talk, from an IMCW Spring retreat, explores what happens when you deeply relax and pay attention to your moment-to-moment experience. You’ll learn about the process of settling attention in the here and now, how to recognize the characteristics of what is changing the subtlety of how you are relating to change and paying attention to awareness itself.

Jan 29, 2025 • 38min
The Illusion of Self: How Mindfulness Reveals True Freedom
This talk explores how the most simple mindfulness practices point to liberation. You’ll learn about the destination of cultivating present-moment awareness, understanding the nature of impermanence, recognizing inter-dependence and the power of non-attachment.

Jan 14, 2025 • 1h 11min
The Living Process Interview: A Conversation with Dr. Greg Madison
Dr. Greg Madison is the founder of “The Living Process” and in this interview we explore the fusion Focusing and how somatic inquiry runs through the traditions of yoga and meditation. I share a good bit on my personal history as well as exploring a wide variety of topics such as somatic inquiry and non-dual practices. The Living Process is a series of conversations with people who are interested in how humans process their feelings, their thinking, and their way of being with others, especially using Focusing but also other experiential and existential practices. The Living Process on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLx3FqA70kQWuHCHmEiZnkn1VcrRIPbcvk All about Dr. Greg Madison: https://www.gregmadison.net/about-greg/

Jan 7, 2025 • 46min
The How Of Now: How to be More Present in Tumultuous Times
This talk from 2022 explores the doorways from moving from fear and pain to a sense of ease and freedom. You’ll learn how the conditioned self is dedicated to survival and self-preservation, the role of pain in waking up, how embodied presence opens new doorways to freedom and some thoughts on how to be present in these tumultuous times.

Dec 20, 2024 • 40min
Aligning with Your Purpose: The Annual ‘North Star’ Review
Explore the journey of self-reflection and integrity as a path to understanding your true purpose. Discover how defining your 'North Star' can guide your life choices and aspirations. Delve into themes of impermanence and how unexpected loss can shift your priorities. Learn about self-assessment models that refine your achievements and goals while emphasizing fulfillment. Embrace the transformative power of reflecting on your values to navigate life with intent and happiness.

Dec 10, 2024 • 38min
How to Surf the Waves of Uncertainty, Part 2: Practices for Cultivating Steadiness
More on how to keep you keel in the water when navigating uncertainty. You’ll learn some practical strategies for finding ‘refuge,’ a place of presence, particularly accessing Wisdom - clear seeing, Compassion - a heart that can hold it all, Presence - the space of awareness itself, and Skillful Action - strategies for staying deeply present in the midst of change.

Dec 3, 2024 • 45min
How to Surf the Waves of Uncertainty, Part 1: Practices for Cultivating Steadiness
This talk explores how you might cultivate greater steadiness in turbulent times. You’ll learn some practical tools for finding refuge in present-moment awareness, in cultivating Witness Consciousness and in watching the flow of phenomena with awake awareness and an open heart.

32 snips
Nov 26, 2024 • 42min
Gratitude as a Gateway to Liberation: The Transformative Power of Giving Thanks
Discover how gratitude can transform your life and reshape your mindset. Learn to overcome self-centeredness by fostering appreciation, which enhances overall well-being. Explore sensory exercises that boost gratitude's impact on mental health. See challenges as opportunities for growth and connect with positive global changes. Engage in guided meditations that focus on meaningful relationships, promoting deeper sense of connection and resilience. Cultivate a mindful approach to life that nurtures well-being and joy.

Nov 21, 2024 • 42min
Happiness and Your True Nature
Explore the idea that happiness is inherent and can be cultivated through intention. Discover the surprising links between intimacy and joy, highlighted by humorous anecdotes. Reflect on the balance between internal emotions and external conditions that shape well-being. Delve into how generosity and gratitude enrich relationships and foster joy. Experience a meditative reflection to enhance mindfulness and deepen engagement with life, emphasizing true fulfillment in the present moment.

20 snips
Nov 12, 2024 • 47min
The Balance of Resilience and Surrender
Dive into the delicate dance between resilience and surrender. A journey through personal anecdotes reveals the importance of balance in life's challenges. Discover lessons from childhood that shape our understanding of hard work, and be inspired by an unexpected ultra-marathon champion. Insightful discussions encourage finding harmony in effort and relaxation, complemented by guided meditations that promote personal growth. Embrace the beauty of focus and openness to new possibilities.