Awake in the World Podcast
Michael Stone
Awake in the World Podcast is a library of talks on a wide-range of topics, including bringing mindfulness and meditation practice into daily life; personal and community issues regarding mental health; and social change. The podcasts were recorded at live events so you might hear coughing, airplanes, cars, sirens, laughter, and peoples’ questions—all part of the intimate experience. Michael Stone (1974-2017) was a Buddhist teacher, author, and mental health advocate. His legacy is stewarded by Carina Stone. Podcast funded by Patreon (patreon.com/michaelstone).
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 7, 2023 • 35min
Best of Awake in the World: My Body is My Teacher Now
This week we're revisiting a favourite Awake in the World podcast episode. How to not leave your body, even when it feels untrustworthy. We can always turn to the body in pain, grief, and even in altered states of consciousness. Anxiety, compassion, and equanimity always play out in your body. Victoria, B.C. Recorded January 19, 2017.
5 snips
Apr 30, 2023 • 42min
Three Principles of Peacemaking
This talk explores Bernie Glassman’s guiding principles for taking practice into daily life: not knowing, bearing witness and taking loving action. Recorded on September 6, 2008.
Apr 23, 2023 • 25min
Without Holding On
Michael guides a meditation on the breath, with an emphasis on letting go of grasping. Recorded on September 28, 2007.
Apr 16, 2023 • 1h 16min
Only Fools Understand Yoga
In this talk Michael describes ujjayi breathing as a meditative practice, explains that the goal of yoga is not samadhi, and argues that “realization” automatically cycles back to the yamas—and demands action in response to suffering in the world. Recorded on September 27, 2007.
Apr 9, 2023 • 20min
Are Stiff People Less Awake?
Michael speaks about the eight limbs of Ashtanga and how to practice them. He argues for the importance of a sitting practice as well as asana. (Unfortunately the last half of this talk failed to record, so it ends abruptly). Recorded on September 25, 2007.
Apr 2, 2023 • 52min
Best of Awake in the World: Not Being Possessive and the Gift of Fearlessness
This week we're revisiting a favourite Awake in the World podcast episode. Michael Stone gives a talk during the ethics course about the precept of Aparigraha, and using our imagination. Recorded at Centre of Gravity, Toronto, on March 17, 2011.
Mar 26, 2023 • 1h 29min
Vande Gurunam
In this talk inspired by “bowing to reality,” Michael covers impermanence, story-telling and his view of the three most common ways we try to deal with our dukkha. Recorded on September 21, 2007.
Mar 19, 2023 • 32min
Let It Be
Michael talks about Patanjali, subject/object duality, and the meaning of nirodha. Recorded on September 29, 2007.
Mar 12, 2023 • 23min
Focus on the Calm Part of the Breath
A twenty-minute guided meditation on breath-centered mindfulness. Recorded on October 31, 2009.
Mar 5, 2023 • 30min
Peace in the Breath, Stillness in the Ground
In this guided mindfulness-of-the-body practice Michael focuses on feeling the ground, the breath, the support of the posture and a sense of buoyancy within stability. Recorded on October 30, 2009.
