Description
The great paradox of the human psyche is that we suffer because we try to get away from suffering. When the teachings of Buddhism and yoga refer to suffering, they’re pointing not just to the intense pain we sometimes encounter, but to the thread of dissatisfaction that runs through every aspect of our lives and keeps us locked in a cycle of trying to get what we want and avoid what we don’t want. That more subtle and pervasive form of suffering leads to every variety of unhealthy human behavior: addiction, craving, aggression, escapism, laziness, and more.
What if we could break out of those patterns altogether by training our minds, hearts, and bodies to respond to our own and others’ suffering not from reactivity, but from wisdom? That is the very definition of freedom—and it’s available to you right now.
In this online course, the late Michael Stone—a well-loved and esteemed teacher of yoga, psychology, and Buddhism—illuminates insights from those three traditions to show us how our minds work. Michael centers his teachings around the five kleṣas of yoga philosophy: the reactive patterns in our minds and bodies that keep us trapped in a cycle of negative beliefs and behaviors. By unpacking the kleṣas and shining light on why we do what we do, Michael guides us in opening courageously to what’s around us and inside of us, expanding our ability to move beyond reactivity and habit and lead lives full of meaning.
Learn how to:
- Recognize the triggers that activate your mind, body, and nervous system
- Discover a new way to think about challenging mental states and emotions, and create space around harmful stories and beliefs
- Cultivate courage and insight by learning to stay with intense feelings instead of reacting to them
- Break the cycle of habitual thoughts and behaviors that cause suffering to yourself and others
- Find healthier ways to respond to life’s challenges instead of repeating the same destructive patterns
- Understand the psychological mechanisms that sap your life of meaning and vitality so you can live more purposefully
- Learn how we can collectively change the world by responding actively rather than reactively
You will receive:
- 8 Hours of Video Lessons
- Downloadable Transcripts and Selected Readings
- Guided Meditations
- Downloadable Workbook
- 50% Discount on Books
- Unlimited Access
“We begin practicing yoga postures in an effort to relieve suffering and find a way to meet life with less effort and more flexibility. Yoga is a path out of suffering. But what we find after our initial foray or honeymoon period is a matrix of psychological and physical holding patterns that have captured our minds and bodies within tightly conditioned parameters.” – Michael Stone
