IntegratingPresence

In this April 9, 2024 conversation with Madhuri Pura Dasa -- more affectionately known as Madhu -- we talk about his journey as a young man finding inspiration in the Bhagavad Gita, so much so it inspired him to ordain as a monk in the Bhakti yoga tradition after turning 18 years old and the his transition back into "normal life" now saturated with service. Madhu also gives some practical basics for wellbeing, the vital importance of the mind, Ayurveda, healing, consciousness, awareness, the opportunities of the rare and precious human incarnation, various ways he connects with divinity, Kirtan, and more *Reach out to Madhu at https://madhu.life with the word "integrating" to get access to a series from his team about integrating meditative practices on a day-to-day basis* Biography: Madhu, formerly a monk, is a Holistic Health & Business Lifestyle Coach who has trained hundreds of health and wellness professionals, coaches and influencers in ancient sciences and helps them create 6 & 7 figure online business. He lived and trained for half a decade as a monk in the Bhakti Yoga tradition. During these years, he travelled extensively studying Vedic arts and sciences under renowned teachers. In his free time he is a professional musician who tours internationally. About Madhuri Pura Dasa: 'I was born into a family of yogis, but for most of my childhood I took spirituality for granted. Everything changed when I was sixteen. My father offered to pay me $100 to read the ancient wisdom text Bhagavad Gita. Eager to become a rich teenager, I accepted his offer. However, it completely changed my life and perspective, and touched my heart so deeply that I refused to accept the money! With a burning desire to dedicate my life to living and sharing spiritual wisdom, I became a monk on my eighteenth birthday. For five years I lived in various monasteries across the United States and India, studying under world renowned teachers and intermittently traveling the world. When I graduated from the monastery, I was eager to bring my passion out into the world. Not knowing how to build a sustainable career out of my offerings, I traveled profusely for years, working tirelessly to network and arrange workshops where I could share the knowledge and tools I had learned as a monk. But I was struggling to make ends meet, barely covering my travel expenses. I was overworking my body and mind. Scattered and constantly on the go, I felt enriched by my teaching work, but at the same time my personal and spiritual lives were suffering, and I wasn’t able to spend the quality time with my wife that I wanted. I had settled for this life, accepting that maybe I just didn’t deserve more. I was afraid of what it might take to truly build the life I wanted. Thankfully, under the guidance of expert teachers and coaches, I learned how to integrate my purpose and offerings into a sustainable business model. I launched Madhu Life and have found an incredibly nourishing balance between my health, spiritual practices, professional life, and relationships. This is the transformation I am inspired to facilitate for all my clients – navigating the various aspects of their lives so that all aspects are balanced and supporting each other! My mission is to help my clients thrive – physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually! Everyone who works with me hones in deeply on their vision for their life, identifies what is holding them back, builds the structure to support transformation, and expands it to grow exponentially from there! I love teaching more than anything. I’m passionate about making ancient, transformative Vedic arts and sciences relevant and accessible for everyone, while still preserving their authenticity and purity. First and foremost though, I remain an avid student. This, I strongly believe, is the qualification of a teacher.' Find Madhu: https://madhu.life https://www.facebook.com/arjuna.gallelli https://www.instagram.com/madhu.life https://youtube.com/@Madhulife https://www.linkedin.com/in/madhuri-pura-dasa-35930894/ https://www.tiktok.com/@madhu.life Original blog post: https://integratingpresence.com/2024/05/03/mad-service-dos-with-madhuri-pura-dasa/

There's a little wind in the mic and I take a call and chat briefly with Truly Julie again. Irregular Wisdom Office Hours. I ask unplanned general & specific questions for your wisdom & you ask me. In the meantime we share openly -- likely from whatever is currently happening -- to get at our wisdom

https://integratingpresence.com/2024/04/26/four-elements-meditation-resources After initially embarking on a research journey in order to offer teachings and guided meditations on the four elements -- earth, water, fire, air -- things change, as they always do, and vital information and insights come to light influencing our choices. Instead, the footage shot exclusively for this project -- during travels and everyday life -- now finds its way as filmic objects for silent observation, inspiration, contemplation and however else viewers wish to skillfully engage. This is a combination video of separate individual element videos which are also available. Three of them have more content than this one. Earth: https://youtu.be/d_cn9IZZY2g Water: https://youtu.be/h_C7Yh7zMuI Fire: https://youtu.be/-xOIFroOO8U Air: https://youtu.be/_Aw_fxccTk0 Disclaimer: Warning of practicing for elements meditation without a qualified teacher. I've put together an extensive blog post containing what's been collected thus far and is for research and informational purposes on the four great elements. Please take only what is helpful and leave the rest Blog post Contents headings: Earth Water Fire Air Miscellaneous and Resources Questions for potential reflection and contemplation Articles https://integratingpresence.com/2024/04/26/four-elements-meditation-resources

This April 10, 2024 Insight Timer live event description: Imagine being impeccable in speech and conduct. Let’s explore such an aspiration via topics like: intent / purpose, honesty, training, authenticity, sincerity, seriousness, humor, ease, intuition, wisdom, discernment, feedback, (self-) kindness, sympathy, mindfulness and the power of self-responsibility And I read this snippet: 'Take another person who’s living with someone else. They come to know: ‘For a long time this venerable’s deeds have been unbroken, impeccable, spotless, and unmarred. Their deeds and behavior are consistent. This venerable is ethical, not unethical.’ That’s why I said that you can get to know a person’s ethics by living with them. But only after a long time, not a short time; only when paying attention, not when inattentive; and only by the wise, not the witless.' via https://heartdhamma.love/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Anguttaranikaya-Sujato-Sutta-Central-A5.pdf Original blog post: https://integratingpresence.com/2024/04/10/surmounting-the-impeccability-gauntlet

Part 2 https://youtu.be/pbmWL1gFk8g of this March 18, 2024 conversation with a university friend dealing with some high strangeness and the Astral realms is on my other channel https://youtube.com/@innerskilled and site https://innerskilled.com. Here we get into all things lucid dreaming from its importance to dream recall and memory to lucid dreaming techniques like substances, tech, mental constructs like WILD, reality testing, etc. We also approach consciously falling asleep, Tibetan dream yoga, how memory behaves in the dream world and memory's mysterious elusiveness in general as well as plenty more avenues along these lines Resources (mentioned:) https://www.amazon.com/Let-Your-Body-Interpret-Dreams/dp/0933029012 https://www.newtoninstitute.org/publication/journey-of-the-souls/ https://www.amazon.com/Advanced-Lucid-Dreaming-Power-Supplements/dp/1430305428 https://integratingpresence.com/2022/01/16/podcast-what-are-thoughts-are-dreams-like-thoughts https://integratingpresence.com/2021/12/19/podcast-distortions-and-dreams Original blog post: https://integratingpresence.com/2024/04/12/a-practicing-psychologists-approaches-to-lucid-dreaming-and-experiential-astral-investigation-part-1-of-2/

In this twentieth installment of the ongoing live series with Wendy Nash inquiring into meditation practice on and off the cushion we explore the highly significant topics of emotions and thinking (again) such as how to train and work with them inside and outside of (formal) meditation including various views, responses, and relationships to/about thinking and emotions. Amongst other things we also talk about Wendy's recent retreat experience with an emphasis on context and teachers. We also touch on topics (not in this order) like the body, change, eye gazing, fear, gender, language, context, impermanence, lock downs, rains retreats, relationships, society, etc. Our very first Q & A addressed some of this although thinking and emotions are worth revisiting time and time again: https://integratingpresence.com/2022/09/15/meditation-q-a-with-wendy-nash *There's naturally an ongoing open call for meditation (related) questions for the (roughly) monthly "Meditation Q & A" either by the various social media means listed; integratingpresence[at]protonmail.com or just showing to type/ask live.* Background: Regular, current and past visitors to Integrating Presence may recall the monthly series "Ask Us Anything" I did with Denny K Miu from August 2020 until January 2022 -- partially including and continuing on with Lydia Grace as co-host for awhile until March 2022. For a few months thereafter I did various Insight Timer live events exploring potential new directions and/or a continuation of the Ask Us Anything format while weaving in other related teachings to these events. Then, after chats with meditation coach Wendy Nash, it became clear to start a new collaboration similar to "Ask Us Anything" simply and clearly called "Meditation Q & A" especially due to the original intent of the Ask Us Anything's being "discussions about meditation and related topics." Original blog post: https://integratingpresence.com/2024/04/19/emotions-and-thinking-meditation-q-a-with-wendy-nash-20-live-at-100am-central-800am-central-european-500pm-australian-eastern-standard-brisbane-monday-april-22-2/

On September 5, 2023 this Insight Timer live event aimed to refresh, inspire, explore and boost innerstanding of service to others. This included: being spontaneous, going on intuition, interventions vs. letting people be, putting compassion and service in action by asking how can I help, harm reduction, prioritizing, self-care, flipping the script on the argument that helping others is service to self, using embarrassment as motivation instead of self-criticism, assimilation, allowing, receiving, recharging, the four nutriments, happiness, (lack of) specialness, conceit, etc. Original blog post: https://integratingpresence.com/2023/10/27/lets-truly-serve

Irregular Wisdom Office Hours. I ask unplanned general & specific questions for your wisdom & you ask me. In the meantime we share openly -- likely from whatever is currently happening -- to get at our wisdom Past Open Wisdom Wednesdays: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmHBy3jSQd-_Otf30cnRpOU3AyIiFcnju

Irregular Wisdom Office Hours. I ask unplanned general & specific questions for your wisdom & you ask me. In the meantime we share openly -- likely from whatever is currently happening -- to get at our wisdom

In this nineteenth installment of the ongoing live series with Wendy Nash inquiring into meditation practice on and off the cushion we explore the ins and outs, ups and downs, and pros and cons of augmented meditation methods, mostly from an outsiders perspective -- things like: brain wave binaural beats, isochronic tones, using specific (chakra) frequencies, lucid dreaming devices, sensory deprivation tanks, biofeedback devices, gongs, singing and crystal bowls, Native American flutes, tuning forks, didgeridoo, hand pan drums, music in general and more. Wendy mentions Dream Yoga: Illuminating Your Life Through Lucid Dreaming and the Tibetan Yogas of Sleep by https://www.andrewholecek.com Original blog post: https://integratingpresence.com/2024/03/17/augmented-meditation-methods-meditation-q-and-a-19/

This Feb 19, 2024 conversation with meditator, yoga therapist and author Ann Swanson jumps into plenty of topics in her new book Meditation for the Real World and others such as the importance of science and research in mediation and yoga and the effects thereof, the eight limbs of yoga, the surprising effects of mindfulness meditation on anxiety, the power of loving-kindness and compassion meditation, presence, appreciation / gratitude, embodiment, tai chi as a gentle and accessible practice, dance style metaphors, meditation challenge, and more About Ann Swanson: 'I've dealt with the type of anxiety that leads to passing out at the most inopportune times. My pain was once so constant and debilitating that I'd lay in bed for days. And I thought I couldn't meditate because my mind wandered too much. How did an anxious binge drinker become a meditation teacher? Well, meditation didn't just improve my life, but it saved my life. Since experiencing the transformative power of presence, I have devoted my studies to the science and traditions behind yoga and meditation. My first book, SCIENCE OF YOGA, has sold over half a million copies, and my second book has just been released. I am ready to share the science and practical tips explored in the book Meditation for the Real World.' Biography: 'Ann Swanson is the author of the internationally bestselling book SCIENCE OF YOGA, which has been translated into over 15 languages. Her new book, Meditation for the Real World, illuminates the fascinating science behind meditation with step-by-step practices. She worked alongside Harvard neuroscientist Dr. Sara Lazar and an illustrator for the New York Times to create this science-backed visual guide. It’s important to note that Ann wasn’t a naturally “chill person,” and meditation didn’t come easy to her. Overcoming her own chronic pain and anxiety led her to India to study yoga and meditation, to China to explore tai chi, and to earn a Master of Science graduate degree in Yoga Therapy. Now, Ann blends cutting-edge research with ancient wisdom, resulting in realistic techniques you won’t just learn – you’ll love to live by!' Links: For ordering Ann's new book Meditation for the Real World, you get special bonuses at https://www.MeditaitonForTheRealWorld.com, including 14 days of science-backed audio meditations with music engineered to optimize your brainwaves for focus, memory, and ease: https://www.annswansonwellness.com/meditation-for-the-real-world https://www.annswansonwellness.com https://www.instagram.com/scienceof.yoga https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-swanson https://www.youtube.com/AnnSwansonWellness

An easy meditative connecting with rejoicing then radically wishing to those perceived as less than desirable -- who we may likely never meet -- all the joy their hearts desire. I openly invite feedback for utmost skillfulness and wisdom

This Feb 26, 2024 Insight Timer live serves mostly our practical doing ability in the context of (creational) projects which in and of themselves are often a tremendously adept use of emotionality. Topics/points include: -not everyone needs to be a constant creator especially as social media demands -worth invaluable time can never get back -- eternalism vs nilihism -yes / no -purpose, function, importance -enjoyment -experimentation -commitment -inspiration -who’s involved — who is this being done for? -shame, blame and/or guilt -alignment with core values -appropriate drive and enthusiasm -priority -work/life balance -supportive habits -energy and expression -energy leakages -best affordable tools — bootstrapped to extravagant -scale -challenge starting or finishing -lifespan and responsible continuation or removal

In this eighteenth installment of the ongoing live series with Wendy Nash inquiring into meditation practice on and off the cushion we explore how our views, perceptions and experiences of time influences, colors and flavors mediation practice and our daily lives. *There’s naturally an ongoing open call for meditation (related) questions for the (roughly) monthly “Meditation Q & A” either by the various social media means listed; integratingpresence[at]protonmail.com or just showing to type/ask live.* Background: Regular, current and past visitors to Integrating Presence may recall the monthly series “Ask Us Anything” I did with Denny K Miu from August 2020 until January 2022 — partially including and continuing on with Lydia Grace as co-host for awhile until March 2022. For a few months thereafter I did various Insight Timer live events exploring potential new directions and/or a continuation of the Ask Us Anything format while weaving in other related teachings to these events. Then, after chats with meditation coach Wendy Nash, it became clear to start a new collaboration similar to “Ask Us Anything” simply and clearly called “Meditation Q & A” especially due to the original intent of the Ask Us Anything’s being “discussions about meditation and related topics.” Original blog post: https://integratingpresence.com/2024/02/21/how-time-meditates-meditation-q-and-a-18/

Kerfuffles. Mishaps. Blunders. Brouhahas. How are you when things don't go your way? How do you view success and failure and can they be reinvented? This Insight Timer live event involves various views and responses to folly and will only be a messed up error if you want it to be

In this sixteenth installment of the ongoing live series with Wendy Nash inquiring into meditation practice on and off the cushion we chat about what it’s like maintaining a consistent formal (international) mediation practice in/given sometimes significantly fluctuating and uncertain conditions. We also touch on some everyday meditative techniques possible outside of more formal sitting practice including various types of laying down, standing, and walking meditations as well as mindfulness of seeing (and looking). We emphasize how helpful it is sometimes, especially in certain conditions and circumstances, to change the view and relationship to our challenges. Safety, retreat, gender are a few more topics amongst others we weave, or stray into Related blog posts: https://integratingpresence.com/2023/02/17/podcast-travel-and-moving-to-expand-perception-and-awareness/ https://integratingpresence.com/2022/03/30/podcast-being-in-and-of-nature/ *There's naturally an ongoing open call for meditation (related) questions for the (roughly) monthly "Meditation Q & A" either by the various social media means listed; integratingpresence[at]protonmail.com or just showing to type/ask live.* (Ways to) join these Q & A's when they happen live: -via downloading the free Wisdom app in your app store or via: https://wisdom.audio where I'm @integratingpresence or https://joinwisdom.audio/integratingpresence -watch on my YouTube channel @integratingpresence Background Regular, current and past visitors to Integrating Presence may recall the monthly series "Ask Us Anything" I did with Denny K Miu from August 2020 until January 2022 -- partially including and continuing on with Lydia Grace as co-host for awhile until March 2022. For a few months thereafter I did various Insight Timer live events exploring potential new directions and/or a continuation of the Ask Us Anything format while weaving in other related teachings to these events. Then, after chats with meditation coach Wendy Nash, it became clear to start a new collaboration similar to "Ask Us Anything" simply and clearly called "Meditation Q & A" especially due to the original intent of the Ask Us Anything's being "discussions about meditation and related topics." Original blog post: https://integratingpresence.com/2024/01/02/nomadic-meditation-meditation-q-and-a-with-wendy-nash-16/

https://RandiGreen.one and I converse on starting some of the awakening processes, especially those of the heart Original blog post: https://integratingpresence.com/2024/01/24/catalysts-for-awakening-and-change-series-the-awakening-heart

In this seventeenth installment of the ongoing live series with Wendy Nash inquiring into meditation practice on and off the cushion we talk meditative environments and spaces — mostly external via showing images of them — for one’s “personal” (formal) meditation space, group spaces, etc Reference images in this blog post: https://integratingpresence.com/2024/01/20/meditation-spaces/ (Ways to) join these Q & A’s when they happen live: *There’s naturally an ongoing open call for meditation (related) questions for the (roughly) monthly “Meditation Q & A” either by the various social media means listed; integratingpresence[at]protonmail.com or just showing to type/ask live.* Background Regular, current and past visitors to Integrating Presence may recall the monthly series “Ask Us Anything” I did with Denny K Miu from August 2020 until January 2022 — partially including and continuing on with Lydia Grace as co-host for awhile until March 2022. For a few months thereafter I did various Insight Timer live events exploring potential new directions and/or a continuation of the Ask Us Anything format while weaving in other related teachings to these events. Then, after chats with meditation coach Wendy Nash, it became clear to start a new collaboration similar to “Ask Us Anything” simply and clearly called “Meditation Q & A” especially due to the original intent of the Ask Us Anything’s being “discussions about meditation and related topics.” Original blog post: https://integratingpresence.com/2024/01/21/meditation-q-amp-a-with-wendy-nash-17/

Randi and I look at various perceptions and the other dimensional elements of the phenomenon known as the Mandela Effect Why Study at the HAL Academy? https://toveje.dk/about-the-hal-academy/why-study-at-the-hal-academy The HAL Academy offers Self-Study Courses as well as Psychic-energetic Counseling. Other Links: The Mandala Effect Film https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mandela_Effect_(film) A New Reality - the HAL Academy Approach https://toveje.dk/hal-new-reality/ HAL Progression Work | THE HAL ACADEMY BY RANDI GREEN https://toveje.dk/hal-new-living/hal-progression-work/ HAL New Living | THE HAL ACADEMY BY RANDI GREEN https://toveje.dk/hal-new-living/ HAL Basic Wake Up Processes https://toveje.dk/hal-new-living/hal-progression-work/the-hal-emotional-field-work HAL Transition Sciences https://toveje.dk/hal-new-living/hal-progression-work/the-hal-transition-sciences HAL Basic & Advanced Clearing Work https://toveje.dk/hal-new-living/hal-progression-work/the-hal-advanced-clearing-work HAL Template Sciences https://toveje.dk/hal-new-living/hal-progression-work/the-hal-template-sciences About Randi: Over the years, from 2007 until 2016 Randi went into explorative and psychic-energetic processes without any forms of mind-altering substances, to find new techniques to amplify my higher order psychic-energetic abilities. She did so in self-reconstructive energy work, altered state meditation and deep contemplation processes reconstructed from the memories she had of these and added this to her studies of the different techniques described and handed over in the ancient teaching systems Original blog post: https://integratingpresence.com/2024/01/13/the-mandela-effect-and-original-reality-programs-with-randi-green/

On December 29, 2023 June Edwards and I spoke a lot about relationships including how she sees the framing of soul mates, twin flames and karmic relationships; the lessons of self-worth, trust and communication, unconditional love, money and balance, and patience. We go deeper into growth, self-love, purpose, effective communication in relationships, and relationship lessons learned. We also get into: growth, plans, service to others, letting go, non-clinging, and more About June Edward 'I was a life long entrepreneur who was born with a lot of psychic abilities. Once they opened fully, I had no choice but to get training to control them. I have worked with several famous paranormal groups and authors. I have assisted on several missing person cases, and am the author of several books, and the Relationship Mastery Program, that helps people understand how energy works, get in touch with their own soul, and change by seeing life from a higher perspective.' Biography 'June Edward has been psychic since a child; however she didn’t realize she was also a medium until later in life. Some of her gifts have been passed on, since her mother was also a medium. She also passed to the other side herself when she was 27 years old, and came back to this side by choice. She can offer firsthand experience that Life after Life does exist! She has a 100% success rate in bringing through souls from the other side, to give closure and help loved ones heal on both sides. Her sold out group readings can help give insight as to what’s going on in your life, and help to see what the Universe has in store. June’s special gifts include working directly with the Angels, Guides and departed Souls. Combined these tools have made her a very strong and accurate psychic and trance medium, able to bring through validating details to prove the connection and messages from the other side. June believes that her job as a psychic medium is not only to help those connect with their loved ones, and heal both sides, but to help encourage others to embrace this life, and be thankful for all the gifts they receive in their life every day!' https://juneedward.com https://www.facebook.com/JuneEdward111 https://instagram.com/juneedwardmassmedium https://www.youtube.com/@juneedward3760 https://www.linkedin.com/in/june-edward-0a6981a https://twitter.com/junemassmedium Original blog post: https://integratingpresence.com/2024/01/12/relationship-lessons-and-growth-with-june-edward/

On December 19, 2023 John Lawyer and I talked about approaches to healing from various forms of trauma, the nature of reality, beliefs, awakening, purpose, spiritual community, intelligence, discernment, the complexity of war and violence, changing ourselves to change the world, and more Biography 'From desert combat zones to a battle within, John Lawyer transformed from soldier to spiritual seeker. He acts as one of several guides for Kishar, a non-profit online spiritual community for people to share their journey and explore their own unique spiritual path. John is an Omnist and believes in the validity of great human thought from around the world and across time. He offers individual spiritual coaching and guidance services as part of the Kishar Spiritual Community.' About John Lawyer 'My story is somewhat unique and I tell it fairly well. The transition from a warrior in Kuwait, Baghdad and Kandahar over many years to a spiritualist and universalist is a powerful narrative. I was a counterintelligence special agent when I was in the Army and also an asymmetric warfare specialist responsible for coordinating various operations for a special USAF unit in Afghanistan for six years. So I’ve gone from receiving a bronze star for counterterrorism operations to walking through a swamp of sadness to an amazing path of spiritual healing and awareness.' https://kishar.org https://www.facebook.com/KisharSpiritual https://www.instagram.com/kisharspiritual https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnlawyergreenvets https://www.youtube.com/@PeaceOnYourJourney https://twitter.com/kisharspiritual https://www.tiktok.com/@kisharspiritual Related post: Cultivate, Develop, Train And Progress Discernment https://integratingpresence.com/2022/06/06/podcast-cultivate-develop-train-and-progress-discernment/ Original blog post: https://integratingpresence.com/2023/12/29/a-healing-way-out-of-spying-and-war-with-john-lawyer

Randi invites me to talk and ask questions about "good" and "evil." Much is in the context of our previous talk New Inner Domain Races and New Intervention Protocol https://integratingpresence.com/2023/01/29/podcast-new-inner-domain-races-and-new-intervention-protocol-with-randi-green/ She drops the bombshell: ". . . most of us have been pushed into other timelines where they have literally worn down our Energy System in whatever projects they have found fruitful for them so they could continue their “progression Sciences,” their continued developmental programs because one of the things that are important in the mission statements from the future was that we had Gene codes to recalibrate and restore genes. And that’s a huge bomb. That’s why we’ve been targeted so hard and pushed into so many negative programs because they’re literally trying to extract that code from our Energy System so they can apply to their own. They have used many of the future human civilizations that have come back — traveled back in time — to be the Breeders within their programs. We didn’t know that when we came here." Included: What does "good" and "evil", right and wrong even mean In what context is it used One's perceptions of this What's helpful to oneself Expanded awareness For self, other and reality Highest progression for all Polarity (of high energy) In the long-term Harm and ill-will Being the lighthouse so not to fall into darkness Artificial 4D and 5D cloaking after Atlantis reseeding Individual energy systems and genetics A type. of future holographic network technology: ". . . it’s meant to literally combine the different levels of genetic and Consciousness potentials that are represented in the council members and from that connect to the different past / present / future timelines from where it can process the most optimal outcome of what is seen and perceived when it scans this reality compared to what they offer in the councils" Some advice for clearing and inner work: Know thyself Meditation Contemplation Processing information systems Inner realm work Inner narratives Food Feelings What do I want? Where do I want to go? How? Trusting internal guidance and testing it Administer one's heart and energy Cultivate resilience Checking if one is on the right track Check out the HAL Academy coursework at https://toveje.dk And learn more about a session at https://RandiGreen.one Original blog post: https://integratingpresence.com/2023/08/05/on-the-future-mission-statements-with-randi-green

August 26th, 2022 Insight Timer live event description: Not full of cr*p. For those (interested in) practicing the Four Sublime Abidings of loving-kindness, compassion, vicarious joy/rejoicing & equanimity join this Mettāsahagata Sutta (SN 46.54) sharing where we penetrate into even higher release by examining various modes of repugnance & lack thereof Referenced translations: • https://dharmatalks.org/suttas/SN/SN46_54.html • https://suttacentral.net/sn46.54/en/bodhi • https://suttacentral.net/sn46.54/en/sujato Want to say the Pali word translated as “repulsive”, and my translation/use of “repugnant” is from: • appaṭikūle • appaṭikūlasaññī With the “appa” defined as: adjective & neuter--small, little; trifling; few; rare; iic: very little, next to nothing (almost equivalent to a negative) (neuter) a little, a small amount; a trifling thing I didn’t immediately find translations for the rest of that Pali word In practical daily life for greater and greater freedom of heart: • Will come back to some of these at end again: • “repugnant” seems more extreme may really get our attention, Ṭhānissaro Bhikkhu uses “(not) loathsome,” but “repulsive” and “unrepulsive” in daily life: • people, groups, food, feelings, thoughts • perception level • David Lynch photos example • seeing buddha nature and/or divinity in the characters in our lives • respecting power in blasting noise pollution example • in relationships noticing strong likes and dislikes in same person Key translation differences: • “And how, monks, is awareness-release through goodwill developed, what is its destination, what is its excellence, its fruit, & its consummation? • And how, bhikkhus, is the liberation of the mind by lovingkindness developed? What does it have as its destination, its culmination, its fruit, its final goal? • ‘But reverends, how is the heart’s release by love developed? What is its destination, apex, fruit, and end? • I remember hearing somewhere in the Visuddhimaga practicing metta, compassion, and rejoicing for jhana can only result as high as the first three jhanas. If so, this doesn’t seem to add up with this sutta. What am I missing and/or getting wrong? • How can we better identify and be mindful of repulsive and unrepulsive in daily life? How can we then work with these dynamics of repulsive/repugnant and unrepulsive/not repugnant / loathsomeness and what’s not loathsome? • Everyday live areas for exploration and practice: people, groups, food, feelings, thoughts, public bathrooms, bad neighborhoods, politicians May I, you and all of us come to know the true heart’s release See original blog post for the comparative paragraphs in this talk, images, link, etc.: https://integratingpresence.com/2022/08/31/full-of-love-audio-and-notes-from-the-insight-timer-live-event/

The description to this unedited August 17th, 2022 Insight Timer live event and subsequent notes: Pretty much all considering joining this already know they’d like to gossip less so let’s dig into some teachings to really drive home the importance of quashing our gossip as we interactively share questions, feedback, contemplate, reflect and explore solutions Notes: Recently uncovered levels of shame so forgive me if any of this where notes written beforehand comes off as shaming I’m obviously not beyond gossip yet but am more interested in events and ideas so I’m kind of like an alien overhearing gossip at cafes then observing, contemplating, getting insights and “downloads”. Glad for this though and not everybody tethered to devices. I’ve been out of traditional workplace for awhile which is a different more dangerous dynamic Not to take to other extreme of avoiding discussing uncomfortable occurrences or keeping secrets only to perpetuate harm relationships built on gossip enlivens life compassionate potential in weird way comparison / ego involvement how much is reflective or indicative of the degree to which one values and validates one’s own life and behavior? Seems so juicy, important, irresistible, but what is the intent and reasons for involvement, even if just talking about someone? How much are we trying to control other people — via judgements and advice — and not wanting it to happen to us or avoid that we may still do the same thing? Can and how much of (unusual/foreign-like) drama of others points out what’s missing or not understood about one’s own relationships? How much do we learn from what others are going through and how can we do so better without getting addicted to and fueling unhelpful drama? What do we find idle chatter and boring? What do we find juicy? How much of our assessment is person specific? How can societal importance on an event affect how related, or involved people are gossiped about i.e., extra chatter from a “news item”? Recall a gossip session. Recall for a few moments what was: emotionally triggering emotionally amplifying a release, a relief gratifying and a reinforcement to repeat this and/or other gossip Ways to master gossip: feel what’s happening in and to body after identifying some of the unskillful, unwise, unwholesome, unhelpful aspects (we’ve explored) consider the choice to stop feeding them “Don’t respond to drama and drama won’t respond to you” Notice where the value and worthiness is, where it’s coming from or where and how value and worthiness is missing How can life be enlivened in the moment, especially with (former) gossip pals, without always relying on external stimulus? How can we identify what gossip games and programs, old and new are running? How can we develop new healthy habits to replace them. Old fashion: Males bond more around shared interests. How can males gossip less around shared interests? Female tend to bond more around relationships. How can females gossip less while still deeply engaging in relationships? Perhaps being more absorbed into the present helps both Identify common, easy to notice landmarks and reference points to help recognize patterns and traps when gossiping that shout, “hey this is now happening again. I see it and now can choose differently.” Then what are some of those better choices? “What we notice about others is what we’ve already addressed in ourselves” Talk to people not about people Original blog post: https://integratingpresence.com/2022/08/29/quashing-gossip-audio-and-notes-from-the-insight-timer-live-event/