The OneMind Meditation Podcast with Morgan Dix: Meditation | Mindfulness | Health

What is intention and why is it one of the most important pillars of meditation and our spiritual life in general? Two events brought this to mind for me recently and they were important enough to me that I wanted to share them. And for context, I’ve thought a lot about intention. When I lived full time in a meditation ashram for 13 years, the bedrock of our practice in the context of the spiritual teaching we followed was Clarity of Intention: “Do I want to be free more than anything else?” What Is Intention? So I have a few simple things I want share on the topic of intention for sure. But first, let’s take a quick look at the definition. intention (n.) late 14c., entencioun, “purpose, design, aim or object; will, wish, desire, that which is intended,” from Old French entencion “intent, purpose, aspiration; will; thought” (12c.), from Latin intentionem (nominative intentio) “a stretching out, straining, exertion, effort; attention,” noun of action from intendere “to turn one’s attention,” literally “to stretch out” (see intend). Also in Middle English “emotion, feelings; heart, mind, mental faculties, understanding.” -Etymology Online And now, why did this topic come to my attention? Intention Creates A Virtuous Loop First, a member of the aboutmeditation.com community recently commented on the importance of intention in his practice and how, when he doesn’t focus on and nourish his intention, his meditation practice falls apart. He wrote: For me, it’s all about intentionality and discipline. I have to be intentional in my practice and I can’t take long breaks away from it. When I’m disciplined, I look forward to the next practice. When I start giving myself “outs”, then things fall apart and I feel less inclined to keep doing it. And when that happens, I start falling apart in other areas of my life. So I’m mindful of the snowball effect! When it comes to intention, I thought this was spot on. Before anything, you have to ask yourself, what’s most important to me. Why am I doing this? For example, I meditate now because I know that it affects every part of my life. And that’s implicit in his words too. He knows that when he’s consistent, he’s entering into a virtuous loop where practice begets more practice. Everytime he meditates, he wants to meditate more. Inspiration begets more inspiration and all the while, your motivation is deepening and your momentum is growing, and little by little, inch by inch, you are changing. Little by little, you’re nurturing your connection to the infinite. And conversely, when you miss a few days, it becomes harder to meditate and to feel motivated. You lose touch with why it was so important. You lose touch with that. And then you give yourself outs. Here’s a personal example from my own life. Meditation helps me to be more patient across the board. That makes a really big difference when my little girl, as we’re trying to get out the door for school, is refusing to put on the Minnie Mouse shirt she just made me spend 10 minutes looking for. But she won’t consider wearing anything else. That’s patience is really important. It gives me a beat to make a creative slight of hand to divert her before my blood starts to rise. In those moments, an extra shot of patience can make all the difference. Intention Dispels Confusion And that game-changing patience? It all started with my intention to meditate earlier that day. For me, I gained a deep understanding of the power and importance of intention when I lived in a spiritual meditation ashram for 13 years. At the ashram, we adhered to a rigorous schedule of spiritual practice. The goal, according to our teacher, was enlightenment or spiritual freedom. For me, intention had everything to do with cutting through confusion and inner challenges. When I felt divided, when I questioned my motivations, when I was confused, or even if I just felt like somehow I wasn’t living my fullest or best self, I came back to the first tenet of our teaching, clarity of intention. And in that context, it meant wanting to be free more than anything else. Wanting to align myself and my momentary purpose in this instant right now, with my deepest experience of reality and to be true to that. This never failed to help me penetrate my confusion or malaise and find direction and contentment. Knowing what is most important to you in a given context is like a superpower. It gives you clarity, direction, purpose. And that does amazing things for you. It gives you confidence but it also helps you give confidence to others. So…take a few moments every day and reflect on your intention. Why are you meditating? Why is it important to you? The more clarity you gain around this question, the more confidence you’ll start to generate in and through your meditation practice. The post OM096 Harnessing The Power of Intention & Creating A Virtuous Habit Loop appeared first on About Meditation.

How do you keep your meditation practice strong and steady? How do you stay inspired? In this episode, I share some of the things that have added fuel to my fire and helped a lot to keep my meditation practice fruitful. In particular, we explore the power of getting up early as a way to boost your practice. For me, it’s a game changer. I went from never setting an alarm to setting it for 515am every morning and I feel awesome as a result. Why? Because I’m logging a minimum of 30 minutes of meditation. I’m reading 10-20 pages of a book each morning. And I’m managing to squeeze in deep breathing and exercise (running) as well. And usually I’m done with all that by around 730. Coming out of the gates like that every morning affects every aspect of my life and I haven’t looked back. I love it. Another game changer? Intermittent fasting. During the week, I’ve been experimenting with having just miso and chicken broth at dinner time. So effectively, I’m giving up dinner during the week. The result? I feel incredible. I don’t miss eating dinner. I bounce out of bed in the mornings. I feel lighter and I’m shedding unnecessary pounds. Also, there is something deep and peace inducing about giving up food. There’s a reason that fasting has occupied a hallowed place among the spiritual practices of the great mystical traditions since time immemorial. Renouncing your core cravings makes you strong and gives you spiritual vitality. And although I’m only fasting from after lunch to breakfast the next morning—from 2pm to 6am or about 18 hours—it still makes a difference physically, emotionally, and psychologically. If that kind of thing resonates with you, I can’t recommend it highly enough. And finally, I share some tips and advice that I gave to one of our members who was struggling with motivation. I think you’ll find it useful. The post OM095 – Early Mornings, Intermittent Fasting, And Tips To Propel Your Practice appeared first on About Meditation.

BIO: Dr. Jeffery Martin is a founder of the Transformative Technology space, serial entrepreneur and social scientist who researches personal transformation and the states of greatest human well-being. He spent the last 10 years conducting the largest international study on persistent non-symbolic experience (PNSE), which includes the types of consciousness commonly known as: enlightenment, nonduality, the peace that passeth understanding, unitive experience, and hundreds of others. More recently, he has used this research to make systems available to help people obtain profound psychological benefits in a rapid, secular, reliable, and safe way. His research began with over 1,000 individuals who claimed to experience PNSE. This resulted in the first reliable, cross-cultural and pan-tradition classification system for these types experience. It also led to the fundamental discovery that these were psychological states that had been identified and adopted for thousands of years by many cultures and belief systems. They were not inherently spiritual or religious, or limited to any given culture or population, and could be molded in many ways to shape the experience. Jeffery’s current work involves helping people use what’s been learned to make the life-changing transformation into PNSE. His most recent study achieved strong validation, with approximately 73% of participants who successfully completed the program reaching ongoing non-symbolic experience in less than 4 months (FindersCourse.com). His interest in Transformative Technology comes from a belief that findings like his can be translated into mass consumer technologies and affect billions of lives worldwide. Since 2008 he has worked to bring together the stakeholders from academia, technology, business, finance, and public policy to create a sustainable technology space that dramatically improves human well-being. BOOKS: The Finder’s Book by Dr. Jeffery Martin End of your World by Adyashanti LINKS: Jeffery’s Website Finder’s Course Explorer’s Course (Free Mini Course) Center for the Study of Non-Symbolic Consciousness Tranformative Technology Conference Arnaud Delorme SPONSORED BY: The Meditation for Life Mini Course The post OM094 – The Finder’s Course, Permanent Enlightenment, & Fundamental Wellbeing with Dr. Jeffery Martin appeared first on About Meditation.

In ordinary life, we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.  – Dietrich Bonhoeffer On a recent weekend retreat, I experienced some challenging moments. It’s not the first time. In my life, I’ve gone on more silent retreats than I can count. Two-day, ten-day, 21-day silent meditation retreats. So it wasn’t the first time I encountered some turbulence. But what was different was the guidance I received from within. It was super simple—be grateful. Say thank you! Discovering the Power of Gratitude This simple inner directive changed the way I experienced the retreat. And more importantly, it changed the way I experience my life beyond the retreat. In today’s show, we explore the life and brain-changing power of gratitude. What does the science tell us about the benefits of gratitude? What are the psychological, emotional, physiological, and spiritual effects of practicing gratitude every day? Studies show that gratitude can change your life. Here’s how. It can: Make you happier Reduce your inner fears Strengthen your positive emotions Make you more optimistic Increase your self esteem Improve your sleep As we buckle up for yet another orbit around the sun, let’s take a moment to reflect on what we’re grateful for…and more importantly, let’s give gratitude its due. If you look with patience and perseverance, I think you might find that you have more to be grateful for than you originally thought. Links In Praise of Gratitude – Harvard Health How Gratitude Changes You and Your Brain – Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley 7 Scientifically Proven Benefits of Gratitude – Psychology Today The post OM093 – A Brief Meditation On The Life-Changing Power of Gratitude appeared first on About Meditation.

I’m delighted to share my interview with Daniel Palazuelos. Dan’s approach to medicine and public health is deeply informed by his meditation practice and his passion for zen and poetry. Together, these influences have helped Dan nurture a perspective and approach to his work (and life) that is founded on compassion. In this interview, we explore zen, the beat poets, literature, catholicism and how these early influences shaped his perspective. Daniel Palazuelos Bio: Daniel Palazuelos, MD, MPH, is an Associate Physician in the Department of Medicine, Assistant Director of the Hiatt Global Health Equity Residency in the Division of Global Health Equity, and a Clinician-Educator Hospitalist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Dr. Palazuelos also serves as the Cannon Society Global Health Teaching Fellow at Harvard Medical School, as the Senior Health and Policy Advisor for Community Health Systems at Partners In Health, and as the Co-founder/Chief Strategist of Compañeros En Salud – México (PIH-Mexico). Early in his career, Dr. Palazuelos focused on grassroots community health efforts in the Sierra Madre Mountains of Chiapas, México. The lessons learned during this time helped Dr. Palazuelos and his team co-found Compañeros En Salud, the Partners In Health sister-project in Mexico, a healthcare system strengthening organization that works with the Mexican government to deliver high-quality medical care to the rural poor and train the next generation of “change agents.” Dr. Palazuelos has also collaborated with the UN Special Envoy Office for Health Financing to write a report outlining the case for investment in community health workers. This led to the establishment of the Financing Alliance for Health, an international organization that partners with Ministries of Health in impoverished countries to build, find funding for, and sustain ambitious national community health programs. In addition to this implementation work, he has held various roles in global health education, including: training and mentoring Mexican clinicians during their social service year working with PIH-Mexico; serving as the global health teaching fellow for the Cannon Society at Harvard Medical School; and serving as the Assistant Director for the Hiatt Global Health Equity Residency where he helps to train resident-physicians looking to launch a career in global health. Dr. Palazuelos aims to train global health clinicians to understand the perspectives of those they serve, and to design exemplary health systems that are aligned with the real needs of people living in the poorest and most difficult circumstances. LINKS: Daniel’s Contact Info Daniel at Brigham and Women’s Hospital Daniel at Harvard Medical School Daniel at Partners In Health First Church Boston, Unitarian Universalists BOOKS and AUDIOS: Dropping Ashes on the Buddha: The Teachings of Zen Master Seung Sahn by Zen Master Seung Sahn (Author), Stephen Mitchell (Compiler) What Makes You Not A Buddhist by Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse On the Road by Jack Kerouac Dharma Bums by Jack Kerouac FREE Online Audio with David Whyte, Poet Another FREE Online Audio with David Whyte, Poet The post OM092 – The Path of Zen, Poetry, and Compassion with Dr. Daniel Palazuelos appeared first on About Meditation.

When I first heard that Mark led guided meditations at the local hospital here in Boston, I was intrigued. I then learned that he also creates guided meditations for the popular meditation app Calm. That’s when I knew I wanted to interview him for the podcast. So today I’m excited to share my interview with Mark Zelinsky. Mark is a new friend who I met in a local men’s group. In today’s show, we explore the relationship between meditation and compassion. We also ask, how does meditation increase your confidence and what does and should meditation look like off the pillow? Mark’s got a great big heart, and I hope you get as much out of this conversation as I did. BIO: In addition to leading weekly guided meditations at Newton Wellesley Hospital, Mark Zelinsky has worked on farms, roofs, in the wine business, as a musician, and he’s a father of two sons who have been most valuable teachers within his other profession–let’s call it student of spiritual studies. He seeks treasures to share for the benefit of all. Guided Meditations Enjoy a selection of Mark’s excellent guided meditations here. LINKS: Mark’s Website Mark’s Facebook Page Download Mark’s Free Guided Meditations The post OM091 – Cultivating Compassion & Confidence through Meditation with Mark Zelinsky appeared first on About Meditation.

Kate Manser is so happy to be alive. Here’s her story. In 2013, Kate’s 27-year old manager at Google and her 27-year old college friend died in unrelated, unexpected tragedies. It shocked and terrified her, and she developed a fear of death that began to take over her life: she would imagine getting hit as she crossed an intersection, envision how the phone call would go when she got the news that her mom died, and avoided taking any risks out of fear of the unknown. It completely clouded the beauty of awe life. About a year later, Kate’s colleague and adventure idol Dan Fredinburg was killed in the Nepal earthquake while climbing Mount Everest at 33 years old. As she struggled to make sense of the loss, she realized that he knew he might die climbing that mountain, but that he had to climb it to truly live. In that moment, everything changed for her: she realized that she has absolutely no control over when or how she dies — but she has complete control over how she lives until that mystery moment comes. All of the energy Kate spent on her fear of dying was instantly channeled instead into living every day like she might die tomorrow. Since then, she has made radical shifts in her life to better align with her soul — including quitting her job at Google, traveling around the world for two years, and writing a book about how thinking about your death makes life better — but no shift has been as radical as her shift in perspective. She lives urgently, loves wildly, and is so grateful to be alive. Life is beautiful. Experience it with Kate via her blog, social media, and in her upcoming book, You Might Die Tomorrow. LINKS: Kate’s Website Kate’s Facebook Page Kate’s Instagram Page Preorder Kate’s book “You Might Die Tomorrow” Here. Want Kate to facilitate The Death Bed Meditation at your location? Contact her here. Kate’s Art installation at Burning Man The post OM090 – You Might Die Tomorrow with Kate Manser appeared first on About Meditation.

Megan Marini is a speaker on emotional intelligence and conscious leadership. After leaving a job in finance to teach yoga, she dove into wellness and leadership. Later attending Naropa, a contemplative psychology and Buddhist college where she started building communities and mission driven brands. Today she runs Boston Men’s Group, a project that prepares men for the shifting power dynamics in the workforce through leadership and self-awareness training. LINKS: Megan’s Website Boston Men’s Group Megan’s Facebook Page Megan’s Twitter Page Megan’s Instagram Page Megan’s Linked In Page The post OM089 – Becoming a Conscious Leader with Megan Marini appeared first on About Meditation.

In this week’s One Mind Podcast I review the book Radical Acceptance, written by buddhist teacher and clinical psychotherapist, Tara Brach. Believing that something is wrong with us is a deep and tenacious suffering,” says Tara Brach at the start of this illuminating book. This suffering emerges in crippling self-judgments and conflicts in our relationships, in addictions and perfectionism, in loneliness and overwork–all the forces that keep our lives constricted and unfulfilled. Radical Acceptance offers a path to freedom, including the day-to-day practical guidance developed over Dr. Brach’s twenty years of work with therapy clients and Buddhist students.” LINKS: Purchase the book ‘Radical Acceptance’ by Tara Brach The post OM088 – Exploring the Practice of Radical Acceptance with Morgan Dix appeared first on About Meditation.

BIO: Jonathan Mozenter is a consultant, coach, and educator. His work focuses on helping organizations and individuals manage positive change. Jonathan helps clients to understand where they’re at, identify current challenges, then build and implement plans to help realize their life vision. Professionally, he has been working with people for more than 20 years in both private and public sectors. His natural instinct for synthesizing ideas and inspiring growth has been employed in coaching executives, helping organizations redesign their structure, working with young people, publishing articles, evaluating programs, designing and delivering training materials, and evolving powerful long-term strategies. Currently, Jonathan is on a long-term change management project called Compliance Safety Accountability that is helping the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) redesign their enforcement agency to be more efficient and effective. Jonathan’s formal education is in psychology, organizational behavior, change management, and business, and he has a BSBA and MBA from Boston University. His family background is in social work, which helped him cultivate from an early age his strong psychological approach to problem solving. Jonathan has complemented his formal training with knowledge in Integral Theory, philosophy, and consciousness, to help craft a profoundly effective approach to mastering change. This includes completing the Core Integral Essential Integral and Advanced Integral courses and training in Tibetan Mahamudra and Dzogchen meditation. Jonathan has published articles in professional journals on identifying trends in organizational development and leadership skills needed to build a learning organization. Jonathan also collaborates with fellow advocates in interrelated fields to help transcend the world’s crisis state. He is devoted to sharing his knowledge and methods with all those committed to helping create stronger, wiser, and more abundant communities. LINKS: Jonathan’s Email Address Morgan’s Interview with Jonathan’s Meditation Coach, John Churchill The post OM087 – Transforming ADD into Higher Levels of Consciousness with Meditation with Jonathan Mozenter appeared first on About Meditation.