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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 : Transforming Pain
Michael begins teaching on the Two Darts and explains how physical and emotional pain are connected and how when we feel physical pain (first dart) it’s followed by a mental response (second dart). Then Michael teaches a guided meditation that
Best of Awake in the World: Heaven Realms, Hell Realms, And Protection
Follow along with a talk from Michael recorded on the first day of a retreat back in February 2016 at Chapin Mill, New York. In this 50-minute session, Michael explores the practice of walking meditation and bowing, offering valuable tips
Best of Awake in the World: We Practice Because We Forget
Michael also reflects on the profound reality of human suffering, pointing out how the existence of prisons and the suffering within them calls into question the true freedom we experience. He shares the unsettling statistic that the USA has the
Best of Awake in the World: Home Base: Guided Meditation (20 min.) on Mindfulness of Thinking
Michael leads a 20-minute guided meditation focusing on mindfulness of thinking. This practice invites listeners to gently observe their thoughts without judgment or attachment. Perfect for those looking to enhance their meditation practice or find stillness in the midst of
Best of Awake in the World: Allowing For Experience: Practicing Non-Separation
Michael lectures on the end of 2nd chapter of the Yoga-Sutra and then gets into a very precise mapping of what happens to the ego when you get into deeper states of calm and how to practice without dissociating. Recorded
Best of Awake in the World: Mindfulness of Mental States
Michael explores how mind states are not inherently fixed; you can hold mind states lightly; moods are phenomena, not who you are, and; you can sculpt your attitude.
Best of Awake in the World: Not Identifying with Your Moods
Michael explores how to become interested in how the mind functions rather than being caught in the content of our stories. Meditation is a physical practice and we use breathing to settle the mind and heart. 40 min.
Best of Awake in the World: Labeling And Noting Thoughts
Michael explores language and emotions in children and how this gets internalized in adults. How to meditate when we are thinking too much with a very clear talk on mindfulness practices for transforming overthinking and identification with thoughts.
Best of Awake in the World: Why Can’t the Tail Get Through?
Michael examines how even despite our progress in spiritual practice, there’s often a sense that something is lacking. Perhaps nirvana involves facing challenges without resorting to defence mechanisms or succumbing to burnout. Michael also offers a sharp critique of the
Best of Awake in the World: When You Have No One, No One Can Hurt You
Michael discusses the topics of loneliness, the power of focused attention, and the significance of small ideas that can connect and foster the creation of a new culture.
Best of Awake in the World: Speaking Up, Resilience, Non-Grasping
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.
Best of Awake in the World: 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 Nov 09,
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