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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: Mindfulness of Mental States
In this Best of Awake in the World, 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
In this Best of episode 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
Labeling And Noting Thoughts
In this Best of episode 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
Best of Awake in the World: Why Can’t the Tail Get Through?
In this Best of episode 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
Best of Awake in the World: When You Have No One, No One Can Hurt You
In this Best of episode 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,
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.
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