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The joke used to be that every time Michael opened his mouth what he said was archived here. We couldn’t be more grateful for that now because it is one of the best ways Michael’s teachings will live on.
The Awake in the World Podcast is the heart of the Community Library. Talks are 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.
This podcast has been created so that anyone can have instant access to Michael’s teachings. It has been made possible due to generous donations from members of the community. In the six years that the podcast has been available, over half a million people have pressed play as a way to be more—like the name says—awake in the world.
Each podcast is between 30-60 minutes long. As always, you’re encouraged to follow along weekly as part of your practice. 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.
Best of Awake in the World: I Saw You Fall, So I Helped (Portland)
In this Best of Awake in the world episode, Michael explores what it truly means to live a life of deep care and openness—how it’s not about needing a title or a badge, but about the genuine commitment to serve
Best of Awake in the World: Moment To Moment Non-Stop Flow
In this Best of Awake in the World episode Michael speaks about bowing, forms of practice, gratitude, extending meditation beyond the cushion, and appreciating the practice of others during silent retreat.
Best of Awake in the World: Letting Go of Expectations & Having the Last Word
In this Best of Awake in the World episode, Michael begins his teaching on concentration techniques by connecting attention with the body. He emphasizes understanding the expectations we place on ourselves and others, highlighting how attachment can lead to suffering
Best of Awake in the World: From Fear to Sympathy
In this Best of Awake in the World episode, Michael examines how to meet others who are in fear or anxiety, how to help anxious kids, how to validate the feelings of other people without exacerbating what’s going on for
Best of Awake in the World: You Can’t Make A Person Into a Buddha
In this Best of Awake in the World episode, Michael explores practicing without an idea of gain, the Universal Self, Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, the Buddha and Shunryu Suzuki. How can you blend your breath with the larger self?
Ego & Essence: Cultivating Connection
Michael examines the fragile nature of the self while questioning how our egos—rooted in fear and craving—can create barriers to true togetherness. Through mindful attention to the present moment, we can renounce the grasping that fills our perceived voids as
The Paradoxes of Commitment and the Human Experience
In this episode, Michael examines the struggle between our intentions and the distractions that often arise when we seek to make meaningful changes in our lives. Drawing on thought-provoking examples—from donning the robes of a monk only to be tempted
25 Minute Guided Ashtanga Meditation
Michael leads a 25-minute guided meditation class that begins with the beautiful chanting of the Ashtanga Yoga Prayer. This practice encourages you to bring your awareness inward, grounding your gaze as you settle into the rhythm of your breath. Ideal
Exploring Samadhi (Part 2)
In the second half of our exploration into Chapter 4 of the Yoga Sutra, Michael illuminates the distinction between our transient experiences and the underlying pure awareness that observes them. By recognizing this separation consciousness can realign itself toward true
Exploring Samadhi (Part 1)
In this episode, Michael investigates Chapter 4 of the Yoga Sutra, focusing on the concept of Samadhi, a state of meditative consciousness. Discover how Patanjali presents samadhi as both a process and a state that can arise through various avenues.
Illness & Strength
Michael teaches the distinction between pain and suffering and how everything is about healing. He explores the psychology behind these often intertwined experiences through the lens of one of the Buddha’s lesser-known teachings: The Two Darts. Michael begins by introducing
8 Limbs: Unveiling Our True Selves
In the second part of our dharma talk series, Michael builds upon our previous discussion on the Eight Limbs of Yoga and the Bhagavad Gita. Reflecting on how our actions and relationships influence our practice, he emphasizes the importance of
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