Last September I wrote about some of the podcasts that I use to evoke the sense of support I get in a class. These podcasts can provide inspiration and focus. They included Tara Brach, Buddhist Geeks, and Dharma Punx. Today, I update this list.
I love the combination of talks and practices that this site offers. It is an archive of talks given by Gil Fronsdal, Andrea Fella and various guest speakers at the Insight Meditation Center in Redwood City, CA. Each talk illuminates aspects of the Buddha's teachings. I've found it interesting to learn a bit more about some of the practices through the lens of Buddhist psychology, in addition to a more Western perspective. The teachers are all very different some more Buddhist, some quite secular. I'd search by the teacher and find what might appeal to you.
Wisdom 2.0
When COVID began Jon Kabat Zinn, the founder of MBSR, led 3 months of daily meditation on Zoom followed by some questions and answers. It was a wonderful support when we were pretty much locked down. These have now been catalogued. You can find episode 1 here
Tara Brach is an old favourite and got a mention in the last blog post. So many MBSR grads have said they enjoy her, so she gets a second mention.
Tara Brach presents an entertaining talk each week and a separate 12-20 minute guided practice. She's a master storyteller, weaving together stories, jokes and poems to cover her weekly theme. She's a psychologist and an insight meditation teacher - the meditation tradition from which MBSR is derived.
If you are feeling a little emotionally tender - her podcasts may hit the mark.
I can't help but throw this in. While it is not a mindfulness meditation podcast, it certainly deals with being mindful as an approach to life. It is hosted by Krista Tippet. I first saw Krista at the Enmore Theatre, when a friend bequeathed me a ticket and have been a fan since then.
The On Being Project is a nonprofit media and public life initiative. They explore the intersection of spiritual inquiry, science, social healing, community, poetry, and the arts. They're offering special content for this moment, including conversations about race and healing, “care packages” for caregivers and uncertain times, and a starting point for the exhausted and overwhelmed.
If you have not yet done an MBSR course or feel you could do with a top-up, I'd love to see you in another course. People who do it more than once, always say the second time always feels better than the first. I think that may be because they know what to expect and dive straight in rather than paddling around the edges, They also say, the course material feels fresh and that they hear different things from round one.
Our next MBSR course
This 8-week starts very soon, Tuesday, Oct 27th. It's on Zoom to ensure safety and continuity. It's my fourth Zoom course and I have worked out how to make it interactive and fun. While there is something special about meeting in real-time, Zoom allows for a different type of intimacy- with no travel, and the capacity to have a cuppa in comfort as we go.
If you are interested, book now to ensure we have the numbers to go ahead. Feel free to call to talk about whether this is a good choice for you. Tienne 0431842950 or book through www.headrest.com.au