The Dhamma, the Buddha's teaching, guides us to a moral awakening, a realization of ultimate truth. We have forever searched for eternal peace in the world of fleeting promises where happiness never lasts. And now we turn to pure conscious awareness, stopping as witness in the silence of the heart. Seeing all as empty, fleeting, free from wanting, free from suffering, we rest in knowing the timeless, boundless, transcendent presence that runs through all things. This is the reality of what we are – unconditional love

A short talk, a guided meditation and a Q&A

Recognizing "vedana" or feeling tone - of pleasant, unpleasant, and neutral and habitual reactions

Instructions on mental noting, a guided meditation and a 20 minute talk on learning to take care of what's happening now, and now, and now.

There is a felt sense of being more free (samadhi), we can use this as a way to return to, and deepen into the freedom that is possible for us. This shapes the ethical behaviour that expands freedom even more, and the deepening understanding of our perception of reality as we liberate it. All the aspects of the paths converge into freed up well-being, which opens the door even wider, and into which we can deepen far beyond. This Online Dharma Hall session includes a Guided Meditation, a Dharma Talk, and responses to unrecorded questions. This session includes an invitation to attend the Gaia House course Well Beyond: https://gaiahouse.co.uk/programme-2024-25/well-beyond/ and the week-long retreat on Feeling Freedom online: http://www.meditacevhledu.cz/retreats/

Questions are précised: 01:17 Q1 You mentioned during meditation to start with breathing out. I noticed in my own practice that I don't fully breathe out. In fact breathing out intentionally is more exhausting. How can I be more balanced? 12:27 Q2 I have a mental pattern with deep roots, obsessing over details like the entomology of words that arises when I get panicked or upset. This seems to give me some respite from the panic. Can you offer any advice? 19:02 Q3 I feel both sense of fatigue and desire for connection. I'm confused about how to be with this desire because my mind tells me I should go out and connect with other people. But this isn't the point of meditation is it? How can I understand this tension between internal and external needs in this case? 25:03 Q4 In the last retreat I would wake up not knowing who I am and dream about somebody stabbing my heart. These feelings returned when I went back to domestic duties. In my dreams I am lost. How can I move past this black hole? 30:02 Q5 For me it's very difficult to be mindful every minute every second of my daily life. I do my best. It's easier on retreat or in a monastery. Can you comment? 36:17 Q6 The state of becoming entails grasping and craving then suffering. How can one abide in non becoming?

Developing awareness of mine states, and the field of mental objects, plus a Q&A

This recording also includes Walking Meditation Instructions from Sumedha.

This dhamma talk, guided meditation, and Q&A was offered on August 31, 2024 for “How do I apply the Dhamma to THIS!?!” 00:00 - Guided Meditation 20:37 - Dhamma Talk 49:51 - Q&A

A few words on mindfulness, a guided meditation, and a few words on walking meditation

Understanding the necessity and importance of the hindrances in our awakening practice.

The Buddha taught that mindfulness is the most direct way to overcome suffering and realize the highest happiness. This talk explains power of mindfulness and why it is so liberating.

Betsy shares some of her recent work called "Singing into the Unknown: Songs for Reimagining the Future" coming out the particular time of uncertainty we are currently in.

This meditation includes a full body scan, and then opens the senses to all experience, allowing life to be just as it is. The training is a relaxing back, noticing the sounds that are here, feeling the aliveness of the body. We call on the two wings of wakefulness and openness, noticing what’s happening moment-to-moment with a kind, allowing attention. We rest and relax back, discovering the presence that’s here – our senses awake… wide open awareness… awake, relaxed, and open.

This talk continues the exploration of what causes our distrust of ourselves, others and life, and the pathways to realizing and trusting who we are. We explore the steps of awakening from limiting beliefs, dissolving the resistance to direct embodied presence, and discovering the space and tenderness – the formless dimension – that is indivisible and whole. “How can we trust basic goodness, what lets us trust?” “…imagine how might your life change if you dedicated yourself to realizing and trusting this basic goodness sometimes called Buddha nature or loving presence that’s within.”

Short Reflection & Guided Meditation | Earthworm Practice for the Anthropocene II | Online Wednesday-Mornings