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Best of Awake in the World: How To Meditate, Forgive, End Blame, And Stop Wounding Your Own Heart
In this special “Best of Awake in the World” episode, we explore why we struggle so much when all we really need to do is pause and truly see what’s right in front of you? It’s always in the present
Best of Awake in the World: When Thorns Grow in Our Practice
A talk and group exercise for working with thorns when they begin to grow on the branches of our practice and in our lives. Recorded Nov. 2, 2010.
Best of Awake in the World: Stabilizing Ourselves In The Digital Age
In this Best of Awake in the world episode, a public lecture about the effect of phones, the internet, and digital media on our minds and relationships. Michael offers very practical tools for managing our minds in an era of
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
About the Community Library
Michael was a great archivist and the Community Library was—and continues to be—a labour of love. Everything in the Community Library is available for free. Anyone, anywhere can have instant access to material that will help them deepen their practice and contribute to a culture of compassion and collaboration.
Libraries are places where we gather alone together. They are known to be places of refuge for seekers, as well as those who are marginalized. This library is no different. It helps us nourish our beautiful, international community without walls. Now, it will also help keep Michael’s legacy alive.