We begin with a short account of some of the history of Juneteenth and its origins in Texas, as well as how it developed in the decades after 1865, including under Jim Crow. We ask how consideration of Juneteenth and the ensuing history informs our practice, considering the three main elements of our practice: Training in wisdom (particularly in understanding the roots of racism in greed for power and wealth and a "divide and conquer" approach); meditation (both in examining our conditioning and working with difficult emotions), and ethical practice (developing care and addressing harm, for the benefit of all beings). The talk is followed by discussion.

We explore how to be aware of body sensations from a "Somatic Mindfulness" or body-based perspective, as well as get guidance on how to mindfully work with physical pain

Adam will give the talk. Over the past seven months, Adam traveled through Bali, Nepal, and Japan on a pilgrimage that became both an outer journey and an inner exploration. At the heart of this journey was a simple question: What allows a human being to feel truly at home within themselves? Drawing from meditation, spiritual pilgrimage, and somatic practice, Adam reflects on how love transforms shame and restores our innate dignity and belonging. He will share how he sees the journey through the lens of the five elemental stages of SomAwaken that he teaches.

This foundational talk on mindfulness offers insight into why and how to practice mindfulness, the science behind it, what makes meditation difficult, the qualities of a mindful mind, and the fruits of the practice.

In our first morning, you are guided to slow down, settle, and turn toward your breath as your faithful anchor for the meditation.

Q1 A few questions for some clarification regarding the three kinds of suffering and suggestions for meditation. 06:22 Q2 My mind often worries more about other people than about myself. I've heard you say that we take care of other people as we take care of ourselves. But I think sometimes we spend more time taking care of other people than taking care of ourselves. Can you elaborate on this? 13:28 Q3 Could you speak on skillful versus unskillful thoughts. 18:05 Q4 Can you speak about centering and arousing good mental qualities at the time of a migraine or brain fog or when the attention is very jumpy. 21:11 Q5 Is there a wise and skillful way to transform a life in pursuit of the fulfillment of big desires and pleasure i.e. lust and wealth into a spiritual practice? 27:22 Q6 How how can I practice non- self in other people's projections of me? 28:58 Q7 Who is the witness, the one being aware? 43:31 Q8 I get glimpses of the sensing presence and awareness, but as soon as it happens I get conscious of it and make it into an object. Then I get frustrated and start to make all kinds of ideas about awareness. How to allow longer glimpses? 42:30 Q9 I feel I have quite a lot of calm and not grasping, choices awareness kind of mind. Sometimes I experience negative stuff being flat, withdrawn and indifferent why does that happen? How do I develop my practice in aliveness and compassion?

Guided meditation using the chant from the Pali Sutta text for the Divine Abidings (Brahmaviharas)