Awake in the World Podcast

Explore how meditation can transform even mundane tasks into profound practices. Delve into the dance of mindfulness in everyday life, where gratitude merges with the beauty of fleeting moments like cherry blossoms. Learn to cultivate awareness through meditation, reflecting on personal memories and emotions that enrich your journey. This intriguing blend of insights encourages embracing both the bright and shadowy aspects of existence.

Discover the power of mindfulness through breathing techniques, as listeners explore focal points like the belly and nostrils. The conversation emphasizes managing expectations in both meditation and everyday life, illustrated through relatable metaphors. A touching story reveals that true rewards come from nurturing experiences rather than just outcomes. The 'aim and allow' approach encourages openness and compassion, particularly in supporting individuals with autism. Personalizing meditation practices to address challenges like trauma is also highlighted.

Looking at early Pali texts, Michael tries to recover the original and fuller meaning of mindfulness from its current usage in the west. "Mindfulness establishes the presence of the object and thereby makes it available to scrutiny and discernment." Recorded at Centre of Gravity, Toronto. October 29, 2013. The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon supporters, making it possible for us to keep Michael's archive of teachings available to the public. To become a patron, visit: patreon.com/michaelstone.

Michael explores the fear of uncertainty and its impact on personal growth. He emphasizes balancing self-awareness with social responsibility and advocates for self-compassion amidst fear. The discussion touches on how we often numb emotional pain and the importance of awareness in healing. The podcast delves into the journey of awakening through suffering and the significance of dedicated practice in shaping one's legacy. Embracing both personal and collective pain is essential for deeper connections and authentic growth.

Michael Stone delves into the Zen koan of the oak tree, intertwining meditation with the politics of love. He shares a poignant account of the Buddha's final moments, emphasizing themes of love and companionship amidst suffering. The discussion reflects on the emotional ties between personal narratives and nature, highlighting how connections to the land can foster healing. With insights from a monk's transformative journey and the importance of simplicity, this conversation offers a rich exploration of mindfulness and the essence of life.

In this insightful Best of Awake in the World episode, Michael delves into how the mind works, the benefits—and limitations—of meditation, and why it’s not always the right fit for everyone. He explores karma, the psychology of delayed gratification, and touches on topics like borderline personality. You’ll also learn the difference between meditative practices that help uncover repression versus those that build a resilient, integrated self. Recorded live at the Enso Foundation in Kelowna. Approx. 1 hour. The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon supporters, making it possible for us to keep Michael's archive of teachings available to the public. To become a patron, visit: patreon.com/michaelstone.

Michael begins with talking about finding simplicity in meditation practice; stepping back from the details of thinking to notice the subjective experience of awareness; and then he launches into a discussion about grieving and loss and how we can never get satisfaction when we make war on ourselves or others. He ends by talking about how loss is part of our experience of being a self and how when we reduce ourselves we rescue others. Recorded at Kushala, Port Moody, British Columbia. 1 hour. The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon supporters, making it possible for us to keep Michael's archive of teachings available to the public. To become a patron, visit: patreon.com/michaelstone.

Dive into the complexities of self-discovery and emotional resilience, as insights from Carl Jung inspire mindfulness amid life's imperfections. Explore the balance between awareness and reaction, especially in managing emotions like anger. Reflect on personal experiences of love and acceptance, illustrated through a bar mitzvah story. The importance of community support for mindfulness programs shines through, emphasizing the collective journey toward understanding and well-being.

In this Best of Awake in the World episode, Michael Stone and Grant Hutchinson teach the ways yogic breathing returns the nervous system to "factory settings." Topics include ujjayii pranayama, the palette, the spine and viola pranayama. Pranayama is a practice of settling your attention on your breath. As attention becomes balanced, so too does the nervous system. Recorded on February 6, 2012. The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon supporters, making it possible for us to keep Michael's archive of teachings available to the public. To become a patron, visit: patreon.com/michaelstone.

Michael Stone emphasizes the art of relaxation as a pathway to enthusiasm and mindfulness. He discusses the significance of deep concentration and breathing techniques in fostering mental clarity. The insights into the legacy of Lead Belly highlight introspection in music as a form of self-reflection. The dialogue also navigates the balance of energy and relaxation, offering strategies to overcome laziness and cultivate a dedicated spiritual practice amidst life’s distractions.