Heather Sundberg began teaching meditation in 1999 primarily to youth and families. She completed teacher training at Spirit Rock and is mentored by Jack Kornfield. Heather has studied with senior teachers in the Insight Meditation and Tibetan (Vajrayana) traditions, and has sat 1-3 months of retreat a year for over a decade. She was teacher and mangager of the Spirit Rock Family Program from 2001-2010. She is a teacher for Mountain Stream Meditation Center in the Sierra Foothills and also teaches classes, daylongs and retreats nationally, especially at Spirit Rock Meditation Center.
Using images, stories and quotes from teachers and spiritual leaders, this talk explores the practice of equanimity, discussing the topics of dependent conditions, working with challenges to equanimity, and offering equanimity practice techniques.
After recently returning from six months of study and practice in Asia, Heather shares a few stories from her trip, weaving the themes of the outer journey and the inner journey of retreat. Teachings and practice tips focus primarily on working with strong emotions, the five hindrances and the process of letting go.
Through personal stories and practical techniques for daily life practice, the talks explore the relationship between the Divine Abodes (lovingkindness, compassion, joy and equanimity) and the Four Nobel Truths, especially the Eight Fold Path. Part 2 following the Wed. class 5/5/10
Through personal stories, traditional teachings, somatic exercises & exploration of language, the talk explores this fundamental teaching of the Four Noble Truths.
This talk examines the role of forgiveness as an important internal process within the practice of steps eight and nine. It includes stories, reflection questions, and the supportive role of loving-kindness in transforming resentment, guilt, shame and blame.
How do we find the place between indulgence and self-mortification, between pride and shame? This talk explores the relationship between humility and the Middle Way, through personal stories, poetry and practical techniques such as working with fear, the hindrances and the RAIN practice.
The talk explores the story of Prince Siddartha's encounters with the Four Heavenly Messengers - old age, sickness, death and those who have 'gone forth' in search of the highest happiness. Woven with personal stories and the examples of contemporary masters, the talk also offers practical advice on how to use the experience of the Four Messengers as our teachers and inspiration in practice.
