There is a felt sense of being more free (samadhi), we can use this as a way to return to, and deepen into the freedom that is possible for us. This shapes the ethical behaviour that expands freedom even more, and the deepening understanding of our perception of reality as we liberate it. All the aspects of the paths converge into freed up well-being, which opens the door even wider, and into which we can deepen far beyond. This Online Dharma Hall session includes a Guided Meditation, a Dharma Talk, and responses to unrecorded questions. This session includes an invitation to attend the Gaia House course Well Beyond: https://gaiahouse.co.uk/programme-2024-25/well-beyond/ and the week-long retreat on Feeling Freedom online: http://www.meditacevhledu.cz/retreats/

Questions are précised: 01:17 Q1 You mentioned during meditation to start with breathing out. I noticed in my own practice that I don't fully breathe out. In fact breathing out intentionally is more exhausting. How can I be more balanced? 12:27 Q2 I have a mental pattern with deep roots, obsessing over details like the entomology of words that arises when I get panicked or upset. This seems to give me some respite from the panic. Can you offer any advice? 19:02 Q3 I feel both sense of fatigue and desire for connection. I'm confused about how to be with this desire because my mind tells me I should go out and connect with other people. But this isn't the point of meditation is it? How can I understand this tension between internal and external needs in this case? 25:03 Q4 In the last retreat I would wake up not knowing who I am and dream about somebody stabbing my heart. These feelings returned when I went back to domestic duties. In my dreams I am lost. How can I move past this black hole? 30:02 Q5 For me it's very difficult to be mindful every minute every second of my daily life. I do my best. It's easier on retreat or in a monastery. Can you comment? 36:17 Q6 The state of becoming entails grasping and craving then suffering. How can one abide in non becoming?

This recording also includes Walking Meditation Instructions from Sumedha.

This dhamma talk, guided meditation, and Q&A was offered on August 31, 2024 for “How do I apply the Dhamma to THIS!?!” 00:00 - Guided Meditation 20:37 - Dhamma Talk 49:51 - Q&A

A few words on mindfulness, a guided meditation, and a few words on walking meditation

This meditation includes a full body scan, and then opens the senses to all experience, allowing life to be just as it is. The training is a relaxing back, noticing the sounds that are here, feeling the aliveness of the body. We call on the two wings of wakefulness and openness, noticing what’s happening moment-to-moment with a kind, allowing attention. We rest and relax back, discovering the presence that’s here – our senses awake… wide open awareness… awake, relaxed, and open.

Short Reflection & Guided Meditation | Earthworm Practice for the Anthropocene II | Online Wednesday-Mornings

In the final session of this series, teachers Ronya Banks and Donald Rothberg offer a number of resources that can help one navigate these times and the conflict between Israel and Palestinians. After a brief period of meditation, we offer four teachings and practices, each first explored through teachings and then briefly guided experientially: (1) the teaching of the Two Arrows and Dependent Origination pointing to the nature of reactivity--habitual and often unconscious grasping after the pleasant and pushing away the unpleasant or painful; (2) the teachings about attachment to views; (3) the cultivation of wise speech and empathy, increasingly pointing toward universal empathy and what Dr. King called the "beloved community"; and (4) practicing with difficult emotions, body states (including traumatic reactions), and thoughts. These teachings and practices are followed by a period of discussion, closing intentions, and the dedication of merit.

Instructions and Guided Meditation