Ep. 164 – Robert Thurman

For episode 237, we are launching the Fireside Chat Series on the Metta Hour.This series features intimate conversations with longtime dharma teachers about the early days of their practice and the most impactful moments with their own teachers. Hosted by IMS Online, the launch of this monthly series is a conversation between Sharon and Jack Kornfield. Jack trained as a Buddhist monk in the monasteries of Thailand, India and Burma. He has taught meditation internationally since 1974 and is one of the key teachers to introduce Buddhist mindfulness practice to the West. The conversation begins with a 10-minute guided meditation from Jack.In this episode, Sharon and Jack discuss:Jack’s experience with Thai Buddhist monk Ajahn ChahThe Buddha statue debate from the early days on IMSJack’s first book “Living Dharma”Ajahn Chah’s teaching about the original mindRealizing innate qualities versus developing themThe sign above the door at IMSWhat languages Sharon and Jack learned in AsiaSharon’s relationship with teacher Tsoknyi RinpocheThe role of study in one’s spiritual lifeDualistic versus non-dualistic teachingsThe necessity of lovingkindness in their early teachingsLearning to accept help and supportSharon’s experiences with Dipa MaDifferent teachers that Jack has pissed offThe conversation closes with a short sitting. You can learn more about Jack’s work right here and check out his new online course on the eight-fold path available right here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For episode 236, Sharon is in conversation with Sameet Kumar, Ph.D. Sameet is the clinical psychologist for the Memorial Cancer Institute.Sameet specializes in working with cancer patients and their caregivers. He is the author of Grieving Mindfully, The Mindful Path Through Worry and Rumination. He is part of a new anthology, coming out in May of 2024 from New Harbinger Publications, How to Grieve What We’ve Lost.In this episode, Sharon and Sameet discuss:How Sameet came to grief counselingAmerican culture’s denial of the first noble truthThe human experience of pain/pleasureGrief is whatever it is to youThe non-existent timeline for griefWidening the scope of what losses affect usThe tools of ACT, CBT and Mindfulness for griefSameet’s new anthology bookDampening the grief  stress response Sameet’s support of COVID front-line workersWorking with add-ons The role of Ram Dass in Sameet’s lifeSameet closes the conversation with a guided meditation on the refuge tree. You can learn more about Sameet’s work right here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For episode 235, Sharon speaks with Suneel Gupta.Suneel is a bestselling author, renowned speaker, Harvard Medical School visiting scholar, and host of a global documentary series. He studies leaders around the world to discover and share simple, actionable habits that lift our performance, deepen our state of well-being, and guide us further into our dharma. His latest book, “Everyday Dharma: Eight Essential Practices for Finding Success and Joy in Everything You Do” was released in the Fall of 2023 from Harper Collins.In this episode, Suneel and Sharon discuss:Suneel’s definition of dharmaHow we express our core truth Dr King’s Street Sweeper storySuneel’s life path with failureThe wisdom of Suneel’s GrandfatherSuneel’s journey of identity as a brown-skinned manWriting as a therapeutic formArrival fallacy Eight pillars of Suneel’s book Everyday DharmaThe path is cyclical, not linearDharma as the bedrock on your lifeHow Suneel defines success Asking what makes you come alive?Howard Thurman’s wisdomTuning into spaceVulnerability promoting connectionSuneel closes the conversation with a short reading from his book. You can learn more about Suneel’s work and get a copy of Everyday Dharma on his website.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For episode 234, Sharon speaks with author and podcast host, Dan Harris.Dan is the author of the #1 New York Times best-selling memoir, 10% Happier, about a fidgety, skeptical news anchor who finds meditation. He’s also the host of the Ten Percent Happier podcast and the co-founder of the Ten Percent Happier meditation app. For 21 years, he worked at ABC News, where he anchored such shows as Nightline and the weekend editions of Good Morning America.In this episode, Dan and Sharon discuss:The new edition of Ten Percent HappierWhat has changed in the meditation space in the last decadeThe line between cynicism to skepticism The climate of despair and nihilismWorking with the inner criticDan’s drug-fueled panic attack on-airBig life changes are not often a straight shotDan’s path finding meditationThe Jew-Bu movement towards AsiaThe connection of Dan’s father and Joseph Goldstein’s familyDan meeting Mark EpsteinThe first time Sharon saw BirkenstocksDan’s first meditation retreatHow lovingkindness has affected Dan“The Way of the Worrier” list from Ten Percent HappierDan’s son teaching lovingkindness meditationDan closes the conversation with a guided lovingkindness meditation. You can learn more about Dan’s work and get a copy of Ten Percent Happier, the newly reissued book on his website.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For episode 233, Dr. Jenny Taitz returns to the Metta Hour. Jenny is a clinical psychologist and an assistant clinical professor in psychiatry at the University of California, Los Angeles.Jenny completed her fellowship in psychology at Yale University School of Medicine and achieved board certifications in cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. In addition to treating clients in her private therapy practice, LA CBT DBT, she is the author of How to Be Single and Happy and End Emotional Eating. Her new book, Stress Resets: How to Soothe Your Body and Mind in Minutes, is now available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats.In this episode, Sharon and Jenny discuss:Jenny’s new book, Stress ResetsAcute versus chronic stressLearning how to put stress downThe distinction between stress and traumaHow stress affects the bodyPreventing a stress snowballCultivating agency in dealing with stressThe role of acceptance in stressWorking with causes and conditionsStress resets versus stress buffersEmotions come in wavesCoherent breathingCreating an anti-depressant lifestyleJenny closes the conversation with a guided mindfulness practice. You can learn more about Jenny’s work and get a copy of her new book, Stress Resets, on her website. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For episode 232, Cecilia B. Loving returns to the Metta Hour. Cecilia is an award-winning speaker, belonging and inclusion thought leader, consultant and author, who serves as the Senior Vice President Head of DEI for PBS.Her work in restorative justice, storytelling, inclusive leadership, racial inclusion, mindfulness, and well-being helps redefine the importance of self-care and self-empowerment to create a positive and holistic environment for everyone. This is Cecilia’s second appearance on the Metta Hour. Her first appearance was in 2022 with Episode 192, which you can hear right here.In this episode, Sharon and Cecilia discuss:Cecilia’s new book, Connecting Through CirclesThe concept of "connecting through circles"How circles differ from other conversationThe necessity of belongingThe science that backs social bondingThe Ministry of ForgivenessDesmond Tutu’s personal styleEmpathy as a path to transformationMoving beyond “Us” versus “them” mentalityCecilia’s approach to DEI at PBSThe ripple affect of DEI in the worldVicarious TraumaLovingkindness MeditationCecilia closes the conversation with a guided circle meditation. You can learn more about Cecilia’s work right here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For episode 231 of the Metta Hour, Sharon Salzberg shares the journey of her spiritual life with the host of Meditative Story, Rohan Gunatillake.This episode was originally aired on Meditative Story, a podcast that combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with the immediate, science-backed benefits of mindfulness practice – all surrounded by breathtaking and cinematic music. You can find Meditative Story on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more!Rohan Gunatillake is a writer, entrepreneur, and host of the podcast Meditative Story. By artfully crafting meditations to compliment each guest’s story, Rohan blends mindfulness with narrative to create a unique listening experience, encouraging listeners to use someone else’s transformative moment as the basis for their own. He’s also the founder of the best-selling app Buddhify, and author of Modern Mindfulness: How to Be More Relaxed, Focused, and Kind While Living in a Fast, Digital, Always-On World.In this immersive blast to the past, Sharon Salzberg reflects on:Her first trip to IndiaHow disappointments and discomforts can lead to self-discoveryBeing kind to ourselves and allowing slip-ups to happenThe initial meeting of Sharon Salzberg and Joseph GoldsteinGoenka’s non-verbal advice to Sharon and how laughter can release fear and angerReorienting ourselves when we veer off courseThis episode closes with a guided meditation. Visit meditativestory.com to find our more information about the Meditative Story Podcast and how you can subscribe for more stories like this one!“It will take a while before I learn that the skillful response to feeling anger is to feel it, and then, even to take an interest in it. I don’t have to let it carry me into action that I may regret. I already feel the lesson that life is teaching me over and over again: we all face challenges. It’s how we become who we are. You don’t have to judge yourself all the time. Give yourself a break.” – Sharon SalzbergSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For episode 230 of the Metta Hour, Sharon sits down with her longtime friend, teacher and author, Roshi Joan Halifax, Ph.D.Roshi is a Buddhist teacher, the founder and head teacher of the Upaya Zen Center in Santa Fe, NM, a social activist, author, and in her early years was an anthropologist. She is also a pioneer in the field of end-of-life care. Some of her books include: The Human Encounter with Death (with Stanislav Grof) and her most recent, Standing at the Edge: Finding Freedom Where Fear and Courage Meet, and the 2023 card deck from Shambala Publications, In a Moment, In a Breath.In this episode, Sharon and Roshi discuss:The impetus for Roshi’s new card deckHow Roshi came to contemplative practiceThe impact of COVID on inner lifeDeconstructing being a beginnerHow the elements correlate to Roshi’s card deckGrounding into the bodyThe nuanced work of caregiversThe Brahma ViharasEquanimity as a form of inclusivenessUsing ideology to avoid feelingStrong back, soft frontNot cultivating a mind of povertyRadical InclusionWatering the good seedsRam Dass in his last yearsSpace and wisdomRoshi closes the conversation with a short guided meditation on Ocean Mind.To learn more about Roshi’s work, you can visit her website right here or the website for the Upaya Zen Center right here and get yourself a copy of her new card deck, In A Moment, In a Breath, right here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For episode 229 of the Metta Hour, Sharon sits down with teacher, author, and CEO whisperer Jerry Colonna for his second appearance on the podcast to talk about his new book, Reunion: Leadership and the Longing to Belong.Jerry is the CEO and co-founder of the executive coaching firm Reboot.io. A highly sought-after coach and speaker, he is also the author of Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up. For more than 20 years, he has used his experiences as a CEO, investor, journalist, college professor, and coach to help people lead with humanity, resilience, and equanimity. Please be aware this episode contains mention of sexual assault. In this episode, Sharon and Jerry discuss:Being a first responder to sufferingBeing content in the face of sufferingHow Jerry came to belonging as a book topicBelonging as being at home in one’s existenceBeing included, accepted, and celebratedHow to cultivate belonging as a skillA new definition of leadershipHow hungry ghosts affect leaders and communitiesFree speech versus right speechJerry’s family historyHow untold stories affect usWhat propels reunionJerry closes the conversation with a reading of Poem 41 by bell hooks. To learn more about Jerry’s work, you can visit his website and get yourself a copy of his new book, Reunion, right here.----In a world that often feels like it's teetering on the edge, it's not surprising that so many of us grapple with feelings of instability and overwhelm. On Tuesday, December 19th, join acclaimed Buddhist meditation teachers Sharon Salzberg and Ethan Nichtern for a free online conversation on staying grounded, available, and engaged, even when the world is on fire.Sharon and Ethan will also discuss the upcoming Dharma Moon Yearlong Buddhist Studies program and offer their insights on how studying Buddhism can help us show up more fully for ourselves and others during these challenging times.Visit dharmamoon.com/event for more info and to reserve your free spot!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For episode 228 of the Metta Hour, we are continuing our Mental Health Series. In this series, Sharon sits down with different teachers, experts, and health advocates to explore and destigmatize mental health by applying the tools of Buddhist wisdom and spiritual practice.For this sixth episode of the series, Sharon speaks with Dr. Richie J. Davidson, PhD. Richie is the William James and Vilas Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the Founder and Director of the Center for Healthy Minds. He is best known for his groundbreaking work studying emotion and the brain. A friend and confidante of the Dalai Lama, he is a highly sought after expert and speaker, leading conversations on well-being on international stages such as the World Economic Forum, where he serves on the Global Council on Mental Health.In this episode, Sharon and Richie discuss:How Richie came to this pathMeeting Daniel Goleman and Ram DassHow Danny Goleman brought Sharon to her first retreatThe term “Mental Health”Innate GoodnessBelieving in Growth MindsetA vision of possibility for ourselvesThe role of systemic oppression in mental well-beingIntergenerational ResilienceRichie’s four pillars of well-beingPersonal mental hygiene“The road to Lhasa goes up and down” – Mingyur RinpocheThe value of community and teachers in mental health Richie driving Mingyur RinpocheContemplative NeuroscienceThe Science of Flourishing CourseRichie’s new book projectThe conversation closes with a guided meditation led by Richie. To learn more about Riche’s work or his different books, you can visit his website and check out the Center for Healthy Minds.Join Richie’s upcoming course The Science of Flourishing: Well-Being Skills for Daily Life. Save 20% off the course using coupon code METTA20.Mental Health ResourcesNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline call 988 or (800) 273-8255Psychology Today Find a Mindfulness-Trained TherapistActive Peace Yoga with Reggie HubbardThe Psychology Podcast with Scott Barry KaufmanMark Epstein Psychiatrist & Author with a Buddhist LensNalanda Institute Contemplative Psychotherapy ProgramExpress Yourself Black Man Healing Community for Black MenBlack Boys Om Black Boys & Men Healing & Wellness EducationCloud Sangha Community For Meditation & WellnessThe Trevor Project Support for LGBTQ Mental HealthTherapy for Black Girls Mental Wellness for Black Women and GirlsThe Friendship Bench Creating Safe Spaces & CommunityHope for Bereaved Grief Support GroupsOption B Grief, Trauma and Loss SupportSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.