We begin by reviewing some and expanding last week's introduction to practicing to transform the judgmental mind, including clarifying our language and the way that in English "judgment" can ambiguously mean either an expression of the judgmental mind or a non-judgmental discernment. We identify examples of the judgmental mind, and point to how it can be understood in terms of the sequence of contact to grasping (and pushing away) in the Buddha's teaching on Dependent Origination, how negative judgments (in the sense of the judgmental mind) typically come out of unacknowledged or unprocessed pain. We also point to how our practice with the judgmental mind, as it goes deeper, begins to identify "limiting beliefs," often from childhood, that generate our most chronic judgments. We end the talk with naming a number of ways to practice with the judgmental mind. The talk is followed with discussion.

00: How to suffuse; 04:40 Placing and sensing the thinking mind; 07:14 Does Ānāpānasati help prepare us for end of civilization; 08:42 Nimittas; 10:01 When one area of body is not suffused; 11:25 How can we suffuse pīti/sukha? 13:00 Softening the process of enquiring; 15:26 Generating joy with chronic pain and vicious personal circumstances; 18:17 Blockages make nostril breathing difficult; 21:24 Can you speak about death?

Resistance to pain is natural. When pain is chronic, resistance makes the pain worse. The many forms and levels of resistance, and how to work with it.

Experiencing basic needs of satisfaction, meaning and connection for resiliency when living with chronic pain. Guided indirect practice for balancing nervous system with breath and hand movement.

Compassion as a way to meet pain and transform suffering into agency and freedom. How compassion works, what it is and is not, and how to develop self-compassion with chronic pain

When working with pain, balance is key. Choosing where to place your attention when experiencing chronic pain helps establish equanimity. How to work with indirect practices and skillful distractions. Guided indirect practices and group reflections.

Asking for and receiving help