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 I've been living with unpleasant piti stuck in my head for 13 years. I've accepted it but I'm curious and would not want others to suffer this. I think my willfulness and forcefulness in my meditation, not knowing what to look for is a problem. Can you comment please? 11:53 Q2 With samadhi deepening would you recommend any kind of inquiry or to stay receptive and view how experience naturally unfolds; 15:12 Q3 If samadhi is being in the whole of the body, is there still room for samatha practice using a one-pointed object like the breathing? 17:46 Several similar questions on protecting oneself: Q4 a) There is protection around the heart because it's afraid of being attacked with insults or aggression. How could I manage situations like these? b) Could you please elaborate on how to avoid other people's emotions getting stuck in your system? c) Could you please talk more about breaking the patterns of acquired behaviours from other people or society in general. 42:32 Q5 The inner tyrant shows up during meditation telling me I'm not doing enough and that I should be more mindful, more dedicated. How can I distinguish from what might be encouragement to practice more, from criticism? 46:36 Q6 Can you say more about bringing the energy of thoughts into the body?

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?