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  • Distractions: JoAnna Harper

    Length: 27 minutes, 50 seconds Memorable Quote:  “An emotion only lasts about 30 seconds. The story that comes with the emotion can last for days.” Synopsis: JoAnna finds meditation valuable, and in particular meditation retreats, because it is an incredibly “safe” space. No one will steal from you. No one will cause you harm. It…

  • The Root Cause of Suffering: Anushka Fernandopulle

    Length: 14 minutes, 17 seconds Memorable Quote:  “We spend a lot of energy trying to create a certain impression of ourselves in others, but it’s an exercise in futility. It’s like boxing with clouds.” Synopsis: Anushka identifies craving as the root cause of suffering, or the “leaning” of the mind. We have craving for direct…

  • Nothing to Show: Jose Reissig

    Length: 29 minutes, 02 seconds Memorable Quote: “Instead of being motivated by our agendas, sometimes generations old agendas, we can just be present with ourselves.” Synopsis: Jose asks us to be present with that feeling we might get at the end of a long day, when we ask ourselves the question: Where has the day…

  • Planting Flowers, Pulling Weeds: Ayya Anandabodhi

    Length: 26 minutes, 13 seconds. Memorable Quote:  We should take care to be aware of the hindrances that are NOT present, and appreciate that. It is a lovely feeling. Synopsis: Ayya Anandabodhi compares the mind to a garden in which we must make efforts to water the flowers and pull up weeds. This is easier…

  • Natural Wakefulness: Pema Chodron

    Length: 9 minutes, 33 seconds Memorable Quote:  During a sit, there are only two times that we are actually meditating: the beginning and the end. Synopsis: Pema wants to talk about “not meditating,” but doesn’t want to ruin it by calling it anything formal. She fears that by formalizing it, we will tense up, take…

  • Right Attitude for Meditation: Sayadaw U Tejaniya

    Length: 24 minutes, 7 seconds Memorable Quote: “Don’t use too much energy meditating. You need to do it all day every day.” Synopsis: Is paying attention alone sufficient for meditation? No, is the answer that Sayadaw U Tejaniya gives us. We need to cultivate the following five qualities in our mind to get the most…

  • The Power of Kindness: Sharon Salzberg

    Length: 26 minutes, 17 seconds. Memorable Quote:  If you really want to be a rebel, be kind. If you really want to break away from the narcissistic expectations of society and be bold, be kind. Synopsis: Sharon sees kindness and compassion not simply as a tool for seeing for clearly, but also the culmination of…

  • There is a Body: Joseph Goldstein

    Memorable Quote: “This is not an effort of struggle, but an effort of remembering. When the mind is lost in a thought, we simply come back.” Synopsis: “Be mindful, there is a body, to the extent necessary, for clear knowledge, and continual mindfulness.” Joseph urges us to make a simple mental note, “there is a…

  • Damnit Dukkha: Ruth King

    Length: 14 minutes, 31 seconds Memorable Quote: “The mind has no shame. It will do anything to get your attention.” Synopsis: Ruth contrasts the “big” dukkhas (suffering), such as illness and death, with the smaller kinds of dukkha, those moments when you say “Damnit!” These smaller sufferings are moments of not getting what you want,…

  • Anticipation: Ines Freedman

    Memorable Quote: “It’s important as we look at the life desire that moves us forward, and we keep a balance between forward movement and having a really strong presence in the now.” Synopsis: Ines points out that, although we often think of mindfulness as being in the present moment, we should also pay attention to…