This talk was given as part of the series “Strengthening Mindfulness.” Dukkha, or suffering, includes pain, illness, and death; yet these are inevitable visitors to our lives. It is our practice to gently turn towards what’s difficult and painful in our lives, and understand truly these human experiences. When we are mindful, we become aware that there are the bodily sensations of pain and discomfort that we may not control, and there are our mind’s reactions to these sensations that we may observe and change. Mindfulness of death can lead us to a sense of spiritual urgency, and help us to cultivate compassion for this shared experience among all human kind. This knowledge of commonality can also help us to overcome fear.

How can we transform the hindrances into the path of awakening

Guided meditation

Guided meditation on three primary themes, each divided into three sub themes

After a review of some of main themes related to taking everything as learning, we look especially at what qualities and practices support taking everything as learning. Including mindfulness, equanimity, confidence and faith, heart practices, setting intentions and using the imagination to stay open to possibilities.

Working with kilesas

In this talk Heather shares some of her personal connection with the Thai Forest Tradition, followed by offering a map of practice from the tradition. Sati (Mindfulness) - MahaSati (Pure Awareness) - SatiPanna (Mindfulness- Wisdom) - PannaVimudhi (Wisdom Leading to Release).

Anapanasati 1. In silence, guided: Int, Ext, Both; 2. Internal�A-B-AB; 3. External--A-B-AB; 4, Int + Ext�B-A-AB; 5. Open awareness; 6. How was practice

The power of the path activity. Graduated process of mindfulness

Exploring the Fourth Foundation of Mindfulness, in particular the aggregates. What is this event I call "me".

This talk discusses how to apply mindfulness to the mind and body. Clarifies what kind of attention is called for in working with thoughts/emotions. Distinguishes mindfulness meditation from psychotherapy, and discusses the relationship between them. Explores "which tool is right for the task."

How the teachings and practices of insight meditation (mindfulness) help us navigate the stormy seas of old age, sickness, and death.

First foundation of mindfulness

This talk also includes Jenny Wilks

The Third Foundation of Mindfulness

1st day of 5 day retreat

An overview of the Third Foundation of Mindfulness

MN:125 dealing with renunciation, virtue, sense control, mindfulness, the hindrances and entry to satipatthana by insight. Followed by tranquility. A variant of the gradual training

Mindfulness of Feeling-Tone (the Second Foundation of Mindfulness) and Introduction to the Third Foundation of Mindfulness (here, practicing with thoughts and emotions)

Includes practices to calm the bodily formation and settle the nervous system.

Dedicated in memory of Ruth Denison, the Talk explores traditional and innovative applications of the First Foundation of Mindfulness, including Calming the Bodily Formations and nervous system, the wisdom aspects of mindfulness of the body, and mindfulness in all the postures and activities.