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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.
The Stages of Meditation Practice, Part 2
Michael talks about how the person in us who is sick has the resources to take care of the parts of us that are not sick. This paradox is the entry point of maturing meditation practice. Recorded December 21, 2010.
The Stages of Meditation Practice, Part 1
Michael begins talking about the snow and the differences between people and birds and then ends up speaking about the map of what to look for in meditation practice over time. Recorded December 14, 2010.
Make this Country Safe for Poetry!
A recording of the annual poetry evening at Centre of Gravity. Erin Robinsong, Sarah Selecky, Michael read from their favourite poems – a wonderful evening of words to support practice. Recorded November 30, 2010.
Spiritual Practice that Supports Community
Michael talks about the G20, the power of shared attention, and how letting go of fixed views opens us up to community. When we are attentive to suffering we are more tender and connected. A self connected with others is
Your Inner Child Never Grows Up!
A talk by Michael on how even the best meditators have old wounds that need attention. He talks about how we need support for working with old patterns of our psychology that spiritual practices may not reach. Recorded November 9,
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 November 2, 2010.
Who Am I If Not This Mask?
Michael continues his month-long discussion about masks and how they shouldn’t stick to your face. He gives the sangha some homework. Recorded October 11, 2010.
Asking the Master
Michael introduces Case 12 of the Mumonkon, “The Master”. He ties waking up with social action and the teachings of the Burmese Monks who visited the evening prior. A funny and lively talk with practices you can use in your
I’ve Stopped: Can You?
Michael tells the story of Angulimala, a murderer who met the Buddha and changed his ways though was still stoned to death. This teaching illustrates how we are never free of karma and that our conduct always shapes our lives.
Deeply Secret Mind
Jen Whitney investigates a favourite koan of hers and relates it to the passing of Michael and how the community can move forward from here. Recorded at the Eight-Day Silent Meditation Retreat in France, August 2017.
How Do You Use All Your Hands & Eyes?
Part two of Michael describing how to enter the path of practice and become a committed student at Centre of Gravity. Recorded September 15, 2010.
Mountains Are Not Mountains
Jen Whitney explores the famous saying by Seigen Ishin, integrating the wisdom of poet David Budbill. Recorded at the Eight-Day Silent Meditation Retreat in France, August 2017.
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