Metta Hour with Sharon Salzberg

In Episode 88 of the Metta Hour Podcast, Sharon joins Frank Ostaseski at an event that was recorded live at the JCC Manhattan in September of 2018 in celebration of Joan Halifax’s new book release, “Standing at the Edge.”Due to travel complications, Joan was unable to join this event until the end of the evening, creating the unique experience of Sharon and Frank discussing Joan’s teaching at length, as well as many of the themes of her new book, like the different paths of the warrior, the role of courage on the spiritual path (and daily life), empathy and compassion, integrity and self-respect and the dedicated, lifelong work of working with dying that both Joan and Frank have spearheaded. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In Episode 87 of the Metta Hour Podcast, Sharon speaks with author, teacher and activist, Ruth King.Ruth King is an international teacher in the Insight Meditation tradition, blending mindfulness and meditation principles with an exploration of racial conditioning and its impact. She is the author of several publications including her most recent release, Mindful of Race. In this episode, Ruth shares her personal story of what brought her to meditation practice, and how it has impacted her life and her work. Sharon and Ruth also speak in depth about racial conditioning and racial justice, the nuance of identity, and Ruth’s work rebuilding communities with new understanding and connection.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In Episode 86 of the Metta Hour Podcast, Sharon speaks with teacher and author, Oren Jay Sofer.Find show notes and links here: https://beherenownetwork.com/sharon-salzberg-metta-hour-ep-86-oren-jay-sofer/ Oren Jay Sofer is a member of the Spirit Rock Teacher’s Council, a Certified Trainer of Nonviolent Communication, and a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner for healing trauma. His first book, “Say What You Mean” comes out in December 2018. In this conversation, Sharon and Oren discuss how Oren came to the path of meditation practice, and his time spent in the East. They also discuss the many nuances of effective communication both related to mindfulness practice, somatic healing, and the application of non-violent communication. The conversation closes with Oren leading a short guided meditation. For more information, visit orenjaysofer.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Find show notes and resources here: https://beherenownetwork.com/sharon-salzberg-metta-hour-ep-85-elisha-goldstein/Elisha Goldstein, Ph.D. is a co-founder of The Center for Mindful Living in West Los Angeles and creator of the 6-month coaching and mentorship program, A Course in Mindful Living. A psychologist, and international speaker and mindfulness educator, his books include Uncovering Happiness and The Now Effect. Learn more at elishagoldstein.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For Episode 84 of the Metta Hour Podcast, Sharon speaks with Lama Tsomo, an American lama, author, and co-founder of the Namchak Foundation.Find show notes and resources here: https://beherenownetwork.com/metta-hour-ep-84-lama-tsomo/Lama Tsomo has followed a path of spiritual inquiry and study that ultimately led to her ordination as one of the few American lamas in Tibetan Buddhism. Lama learned Tibetan to study with her teacher Tulku Sangak Rinpoche, and now shares the teachings of the Namchak lineage in the US and abroad. Lama holds an M.A. in Counseling Psychology and is the author of the award winning “Why Is the Dalai Lama Always Smiling?”In this conversation, Lama speaks with Sharon about her personal story of why she came to study Tibetan Buddhism, how her path has evolved through the course of her life, and how she has balanced family life, work life, and deep practice. The episode closes with Lama leading a guided meditation. For more information about Lama Tsomo, visit: namchak.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For Episode 83 of the Metta Hour Podcast, enjoy this conversation from the archives between Sharon and beloved author and Celtic mystic, John O’Donohue.Find show notes and resources here: https://beherenownetwork.com/metta-hour-ep-83-john-odonohue/This conversation “Dawning of the Spirit” was recorded in 1998 in Boston, MA by the Omega Institute. The conversation is an exploration of the crossover between the practical application and mysticism of Buddhism and Christianity. Sharon and John discuss the concept of faith at length, as well as the themes of identity, connection, empathy and more. John O’Donohue is the beloved author of “To Bless the Space Between Us” and widely recognized as one of the most charismatic and inspirational enduring voices on the subjects of spirituality and Celtic mysticism. The 2018 book release, “Walking in Wonder” is a welcome tribute to a much-loved author whose work still touches the lives of millions around the world, and includes a foreword by Krista Tippett. Learn more about the: legacy of John O’Donohue: johnodonohue.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In Episode 82 of the Metta Hour Podcast, Sharon speaks with Rich Fernandez, Ph.D.Find show notes and resources here: https://beherenownetwork.com/?p=14879&preview=trueRich Fernandez is the CEO of the Search Inside Yourself Leadership Institute and co-founded Wisdom Labs, an organization that brings the science of mindfulness, resilience and thriving into organizations. In this episode, Sharon and Rich speak about how Rich came to the practice of mindfulness, and how that evolved into his professional work bringing the practices of compassion, leadership, resilience and mindfulness into the larger systems of organizations. Learn more about Rich’s work at the SIYLI here: siyli.org and about the Wisdom labs here: wisdomlabs.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sharon speaks with longtime colleague Lama Tsultrim Allione for the 81st episode of the Metta Hour Podcast.Find show notes and resources here: https://beherenownetwork.com/metta-hour-ep-81-lama-tsultrim-allione/Sharon and Lama open the conversation reminiscing about their similar paths going to India in their late teens, and the magic they discovered there. Lama speaks about her path in Vajrayana Buddhism and the sacred form of the feminine as the Dakini. Sharon and Lama speak in depth about Lama’s new book, “Wisdom Rising” and the five mandalas as paths of transformation. They also discuss one of Lama’s other primary teaching themes: chöd practice, aka feeding your demons. Lama and Sharon also share their experiences as women on the path, and some of the history of Buddhist teaching’s availability for women in the eastern patriarchal system— and how that has informed their pioneering work as female teachers in the west. The podcast ends with a short guided meditation by Lama on transforming anger with a Dakini seed syllable.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For the 80th episode of the Metta Hour Podcast, Sharon sits down with colleague Rhonda V. Magee.Rhonda V. Magee is Professor of Law at the University of San Francisco and is an internationally-recognized thought and practice leader on integrating Mindfulness into Higher Education, Law and Social Justice. Sharon and Rhonda speak about Rhonda’s personal practice, her forthcoming book on racial justice, and her work bringing contemplative practice and mindfulness to lawyers. They discuss a holistic approach for compassionate and restorative justice in underserved communities and the different levels of social change that exist– and how to work in those levels for real growth.Show notes and links: https://beherenownetwork.com/metta-hour-ep-80-rhonda-v-magee/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For the 79th episode of the Metta Hour Podcast, Sharon sits down with writer and teacher, Omid Safi. Omid is the Director of Duke University’s Islamic Studies Center and is the author of several books, including his most recent release, “Radical Love: Teachings from the Islamic Mystical Traditions.” In this episode, Sharon and Omid discuss Omid’s life story, and how he came to his work of sharing the history and culture of Islamic studies. They also talk all about love across different cultures, Omid’s most recent book, and last but not least, their shared love of HAMILTON!Find show notes and links here: https://beherenownetwork.com/metta-hour-ep-79-dr-omid-safi/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For Episode 78 of the Metta Hour Podcast, Sharon speaks with Dr. Jennifer Taitz. Dr. Taitz is a board-certified cognitive-behavioral clinical psychologist, a certified dialectical behavioral therapist, and the author of two books: End Emotional Eating and How to be Single and Happy.Find show notes and links for this episode:  https://beherenownetwork.com/metta-hour-ep-78-jenny-taitz/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For the 77th episode of the Metta Hour Podcast, Sharon chats with actress, activist and meditator, Daphne Zuniga.Daphne is beloved by generations of moviegoers for her performances in such classic films as Mel Brooks’ Spaceballs, as Princess Vespa, and The Sure Thing, in which she starred opposite John Cusack, and in television, she became familiar to millions of viewers for her role as Jo Beth Reynolds on Melrose Place. Daphne is a long-time meditator, who first came to the practice about 15 years ago. In this episode, she and Sharon speak about the intersection of meditation and creativity, the role that story plays in identity, as well as Daphne’s personal story related to the path of meditation and how the practice has impacted her life.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In episode 76 of the Metta Hour Podcast, Sharon speaks in depth with colleague, Janice Marturano.Janice Marturano is the Founder and Executive Director of the Institute for Mindful Leadership, a non-profit organization dedicated to training and supporting leaders in the exploration of mindfulness and its impact on the cultivation of leadership excellence. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For episode 75 of the Metta Hour Podcast, Sharon shares a talk from His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.In this 1979 talk at Insight Meditation Society, His Holiness looks at the potential for spiritual practice to transform ourselves and the world we live in. He reflects on Buddhist teachings that could most dramatically change the lives of Western practitioners.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For the 74th episode of the Metta Hour Podcast, Sharon speaks with Roshi Joan Halifax about cultivating the qualities of a compassionate life found in her newest book: Standing at the Edge.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For episode twenty of the Real Love Series of the Metta Hour podcast, Sharon has a candid conversation with Alanis Morissette.  In this episode, Sharon and Alanis talk about addiction, creativity, meditation and love. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For episode 72 of the Metta Hour Podcast, Sharon speaks with one of her longtime teachers, Tsoknyi Rinpoche.Recorded live in Louisville, KY at the 2018 Festival of Faiths, this conversation touches on the theme of the 23rd annual festival 'Sacred Insight-Feminine Wisdom' as well as the topic of basic goodness and compassion. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Live from the Garrison Institute, George Mumford joins Sharon for a conversation around why we practice and offers insight to those who are still new to meditation. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For episode nineteen of the Real Love Podcast Series, Sharon looks at how we can cultivate compassion for our enemies with Lovingkindness practice.This episode features kirtan lead by Lily Cushman who is the co-founder and director of the Brooklyn Yoga School, a donation-based center founded in 2010, and the Executive Assistant to Sharon Salzberg. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For episode eighteen of the Real Love Podcast Series, Sharon speaks with Catherine Burns, from the Moth, about transforming our perspective and connecting with others through storytelling. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Sharon explores the powerful tools of meditation at the launch of the Eight Annual Real Happiness Meditation Challenge.Whether you are brand new to meditation, or a longtime practitioner, Sharon offers down-to-earth expertise based on 40+ years of practical experience studying and teaching.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For episode seventeen of the Real Love Podcast Series, Sharon shares a conversation with Sensei Robert Chodo Campbell and Sensei Koshin Paley Ellison from the New York Zen Center For Contemplative Care.Senseis Chodo and Koshin speak with Sharon about the way we relate to death and how Buddhist practice can prepare us for leaving this incarnation.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For episode sixteen of the Real Love Podcast Series, Sharon has a candid conversation with author Robert Wright and Reverend angel Kyodo williams around Buddhism, love and politics. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For episode 15 of the Real Love Podcast Series, Stephen Cope joins Sharon for a conversation around the science behind loving-kindness practice. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For episode 14 of the Real Love Podcast Series, Sharon speaks to Dr. Dan Siegel about the neuroscience behind love, relationships and awareness.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For episode 13 of the Real Love Podcast Series, Sharon continues her conversation with Congressman Tim Ryan about love in the political landscape. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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For the 11th episode of the Real Love Podcast Series, Sharon is interviewed by James Shaheen, the Editor and Publisher of Tricycle Magazine. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For the tenth episode of the Real Love Podcast Series, Sharon sits down with Rosanne Cash for a fascinating conversation about the intersection between love, creativity and music.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For episode nine of the Real Love Podcast Series, Sharon speaks with meditation teacher and author, Jack Kornfield.Sharon and Jack Kornfield originally met in the 1970s in Colorado and went on to found the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA along with Joseph Goldstein. In this episode, Sharon and Jack talk about their first meeting over 40 years ago, and how the landscape for meditation in the West has dramatically changed since that time. They also discuss Jack's new book "No Time Like the Present" and it's theme of freedom as compared to the theme of love in Sharon's new book "Real Love". Tune into a fascinating ninth episode for the Real Love Podcast Series.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For episode eight of the Real Love Podcast Series, Sharon talks with Congressman Tim Ryan about love in the political landscape. Tim currently serves in the U.S. Congress representing Ohio's 13th District. He was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2002. Aside from his leadership in the political arena, Tim is a tremendous advocate for mindfulness, and author of the book "A Mindful Nation". Sharon and Tim discuss the importance and practice of real love in such critical and polarizing times in american and global politics, as well as value of quiet time and interdependence in community. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For episode seven of the Real Love Podcast Series, Sharon talks with meditation teach and author, Tara Brach. Tara is the author of many books, including the "Radical Acceptance" and "True Refuge," and is the founder the Insight Meditation Community of Washington, DC. Sharon and Tara dive into the world of self-love, discussing the subtle differences between self-worth and self-love, and how the two inform each other. They also discuss how to return to compassion and love when our buttons get pushed, in particular in the with the current political climate in the world. Tara also offers her approach to applying mindfulness and compassion practices of R-A-I-N, and how she continues to develop these tools for herself and her students. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For the sixth episode of the Real Love Podcast Series, Sharon sits down with renowned psychiatrist and author, Dr. Mark Epstein. Mark Epstein has paved the way for the cross-section of Western psychotherapy with Buddhist philosophy in the West, writing a number of books including his seminal work, "Going to Pieces without Falling Apart." Listen in on a fascinating conversation between two longtime friends and colleagues discussing Real Love in relationships and what that has to do with attachment theory, desire, Freud and early childhood development! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For her fifth episode of the Real Love Podcast Series, Sharon speaks with environmental activist Tim DeChristopher. In December of 2008, Tim disrupted a Bureau of Land Management oil and gas auction by registering as “Bidder 70” and outbidding oil companies for land parcels in National Parks in Utah. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sharon is joined by Bell Hooks for a heartfelt conversation about the transformative power of love. Bell Hooks is a cultural critic, feminist theorist, and writer. Celebrated as one of our nation’s leading public intellectual by The Atlantic Monthly, as well as one of Utne Reader’s 100 Visionaries Who Could Change Your Life, she is a charismatic speaker who divides her time among teaching, writing, and lecturing around the world. Previously a professor in the English departments at Yale University and Oberlin College, hooks is now a Distinguished Professor of English at City College and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Happiness Track - Emma Seppälä is the Science Director of Stanford University’s Center for Compassion and Altruism Research in addition to her role as Co-Director of the Yale College Emotional Intelligence Project at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. She has conducted groundbreaking research on mind-body practices for combat veterans and in the fields of meditation and compassion. Sharon introduces Emma and her work, starting with Emma's book "The Happiness Track." See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sharon is joined by Holistic Life Foundation co-founders Andres Gonzalez and brothers Ali and Atman Smith for a conversation around the role of love in community building. The Real Love Podcast Series is a special series on the Metta Hour featuring a variety of conversations with some of the world's finest thinkers and teachers exploring Sharon's forthcoming book "Real Love: The Art of Mindful Connection". Real Love a field guide for anyone seeking awakened living in the 21st century - regardless of age, race, gender, ethnicity or status. The book explores love is three different arena in life: love of oneself, love of one another, and love for all of life. Real Love is now available for pre-order and hits stores on June 6th, 2017. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sharon sits down with Ram Dass and Raghu Markus for a conversation about Ram Dass's relationship with his Guru, Neem Karoli Baba, and how that relationship transformed his ability to love himself and others in his life. Recorded live in December 2016 at the Open Your Heart in Paradise Retreat in Maui, HI. The Real Love Podcast Series is a special series on the Metta Hour featuring a variety of conversations with some of the world's finest thinkers and teachers exploring Sharon's forthcoming book "Real Love: The Art of Mindful Connection". Real Love a field guide for anyone seeking awakened living in the 21st century - regardless of age, race, gender, ethnicity or status. The book explores love is three different arena in life: love of oneself, love of an other, and love for all of life. Real Love is now available for pre-order and hits stores on June 6th, 2017. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Live from Deepak HomeBase, Sharon shares wisdom on learning to love your enemies. In this special talk, Sharon explores inner and outer enemies, looks at the fear, anger and anguish generated by being stuck in a mode of "us" and "them", and focuses on the liberation we are capable of. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Live from the Garrison Institute, Sharon contemplates the role of intentionality in our actions. Joined by the co-host of the evening, Ethan Nichtern, Sharon explores the different components of our actions and how intentionality affects each of them. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this special episode of Metta Hour, Sharon visits humorist Randy Cohen's podcast, Person Place Thing, to talk about her most inspirational "Thing," the Statue of Liberty. Person Place Thing is an interview show based on this idea: people are particularly engaging when they speak not directly about themselves but about something they care about. Sharon shares how the values reflected in Lady Liberty inspire how she lives her life See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Goldstein joins Sharon to talk about overcoming obstacles through meditative practice and living in the dharma. Recorded live from the Insight Meditation Society’s 40th anniversary benefit. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sharon shares insight and words of encouragement on our meditative practice. We get a better understanding of the meaning of the word meditation and context for how it works in our lives. We learn to appreciate meditation as cultivation and the importance of getting used to it. Sharon is joined by Roshi Joan Halifax to take questions from the audience on patience, teaching others, and appreciating our contributions no matter how small they may be. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Sharon digs the into some of the reoccurring challenges we all encounter along the path. Our path to liberation is not a linear one of progression, in which we clear hurdles that never return. Instead, it is a circular journey that keeps coming around and influences all aspects of our life The wisdom our practice cultivates affords us the opportunity to approach these challenges in a better way each time they present themselves along the path. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sharon shares four reflections on the Dharma that will sustain us in our practice. Who in the Western world can imagine sitting in silent meditation for years at a time? What can we do, especially as novices, to remind ourselves the purpose and importance of our practice? Sharon asked the same questions early in her practice as well. What she learned is that there are reflections for sustained practice which shift our perspective and move us forward on the path. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This special episode of Metta Hour is dedicated to exploring the life of the historical Buddha. Sharon discusses the historical Buddha as a human, legendary figure, and mystic, in addition to his role as teacher, historical figure, and founder of a tradition. She walks us through the Buddha's experiences under the Bodhi tree and the teachings he left with. On this episode of, Metta Hour, Sharon gives insight into these lessons to help us better understand the Way of the Buddha. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on, Metta Hour, Sharon has a conversation with Rev Angel Kyodo Williams about political activism and spiritual practice. What is the interplay between activism and personal practice? Sharon and Rev Angel Kyodo Williams discuss the qualities of the two and what they bring to one another. On this week's episode, we learn how to make radical change happen and love everyone in the process. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sharon sits down with Ethan Nichtern and New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman to talk about transformational activism. The three discuss what exactly transformational activism is and how Ethan and Eric have been using the approach to promote positive change in politics.Ethan Nichtern founded The Interdependence Project in 2005 which offers a unique, multi-lineage education in Secular Buddhist practice and psychology. The project also features Transformational Activism initiatives, designed to support the interdependence of our unique personal journeys with our shared path as a society. Eric Schneiderman has been a long time partner to The Interdependence Project, offering his political experience and unique insight to the group. Listen to how Ethan and Eric developed the concept of transformational activism and how we can affect change in our community on this enlightening episode of the Sharon Salzberg Metta Hour!"Understanding the core sense of self . . . is really the key to any long-term transformational change." - Eric SchneidermanShow Notes00:50 - Ethan shares the history of his and Eric's relationship. While approaching their spiritual lives differently, they came to agree that the practice of awakening is happening on three levels simultaneously. These levels are the personal level, our interpersonal lives, and the shared conscious level of experience.05:55 - Eric gives his perspective on meeting Ethan for the first time. At this time Eric was faced with an existential political dilemma. He was concerned with the lack of transformational work, essential to all of the great progressive social movements, being done by his side of the political aisle. While politicians on the opposite side of the aisle successfully appealed to the lesser instincts of voters.12:10 - We are given a few examples of transformational work in political history. Jannette Rankin's fight for women's suffrage saw a drastic change in public perception over the decades of transformational social change.16:15 - It occurred to Eric that the core of the message of the opposing political agenda was about people's sense of themselves. The advertisements used by the conservative opposition appealed to the selfish and fearful nature of voters.19:35 - The idea of transformational activism is that every day each of us engages in either feeling separate, selfish, and scared, or towards being more connected, compassionate, and courageous on all three levels of practice.26:00 - We are offered an example of Gandhi's approach to non-violence. Similarly, maintaining the distinction between an opponent and an enemy is an important part of Eric's political approach.38:30 - What is it that pushes us from being on the sidelines to being in the center of change?42:25 - Buddhism lends itself more to the secular aspects of the western world than the tradition of faith-based voters. Ethan speaks to the challenge of bringing Buddhists to faith-based political rallies.47:20 - The floor is opened up to the audience for Q&A. Is suffering the key to opening up the western world to compassion and seeing a broader world? How do we see the good in everyone when some situations clearly involve individuals acting in in bad ways? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sharon sits down with Ali Smith, Andy Gonzalez and Atman Smith of the Holistic Life Foundation at the JCC Manhattan to talk about their work bringing mindfulness and yoga to inner city youth in their hometown of Baltimore, MD. The Holistic Life Foundation has been serving Baltimore’s underserved communities since 2001 with high quality programming focusing on yoga, holistic health, environmental advocacy and education, sustainability, oneness, and interconnectedness. In this episode of The Metta Hour, Sharon talks with the HLF about how they began this inspiring work, and it’s expansion in their community after 15 years. Show Notes: 00:55 – Sharon jokes about feeling like her life is kind of like “mercury in retrograde” at the moment. She welcomes her audience and introduces her guests Ali Smith, Andy Gonzalez and Atman Smith, founders of the Holistic Life Foundation (HLF). 3:50 – Ali tells about their struggles growing up in the streets of Baltimore. The Smith brothers were raised vegan with yogas and mindfulness. This created a unique dichotomy that the two worked to keep secret from those who would shun them for it. Their practice faded into their teenage years, but was reignited in college where they meet co-founder Andres Gonzalez. After college the three spent their time reading on spiritual practice, meditating, and working on personal growth. 14:53 – Atman shares the story of HLF and their first group of “problem children”. How introducing those kids to the same practices they learned had a dramatic effect. The project grew beyond expectation. Growing from 25 to over 125 kids in one school the program has continued to expand in scope reaching over 5000 students in 15 schools. 19:30 – Beyond reaching out to inner city youth, HLF works with all underserved communities in Baltimore. HLF goes to drug rehab, mental health facilities, and elderly homes to bring them mindfulness practices to help deal with their situation. 21:00 – In schools HLF developed an alternative suspension program called the “Mindful Moment”. A room where kids are sent to calm down and reflect on their actions. They practice breath-work, stretch, and are given time to meditate and reflect. They come out of the room calm and ready to work. 28:00 – Sharon asks the brothers about the trauma that they are helping others overcome. The topic of undiagnosed PTSD in their community is discussed. How they learned to address the trauma affecting their students. Their own experiences on the streets and witnessing the hardship of others. 37:30 – How does love figure into changing things in such harsh circumstances? Atman and Ali return home in the heart of the Baltimore riots and lead their neighbors in meditation and rally them through the clean up effort. Reminding everyone that spreading the love and compassion can make the difference. 49:30 – Sharon turns the floor over to her audience who ask about HLF’s relationship with local churches, spreading HLF throughout the country, maintaining a personal practice, and more 1:17:00 – Atman leads a two minute guided meditation. This breathing meditation is a favorite of his kids because it gives them enough space to to relax, but enough guidance to keep their minds from wandering. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Sharon sits down with author and Buddhist teacher, Ethan Nichtern. Together they discuss with their live audience, life with a smartphone and how technology affects our spiritual development. Ethan highlights the use of technology as an escape mechanism and reminds us to be aware of when and why that is happening. Explaining our ability to turn the potential downfalls of technology into a weapon for positive change. How do we negotiate the extra layer of complexity that technology adds to our lives? Do the comforts it provides pull us too far out of the moment? ” To not have some way of working with one’s own mind, with seven billion people and technology and the ways messages can spread, feels more and more disrespectful. . . If we are going to have a device and we are going to connect to people, we need to know how to use that device.” Show Notes: :50 – Sharon starts the hour by briefly discussing the concept of balance in our body and our practice and how it affects all things and dives right into a guided meditation. 7:40 – The crowd is asked to share about their relationship to technology. A few share about their smartphone addictions, the need to look at Facebook constantly, and the irritation that arises from constant notifications, and alerts we receive. Sharon gives some insight and shares a confession of her own on her relationship with her smartphone and technology. 16:35 – Guest, Ethan Nichtern, speaks of both the ancientness of Buddhism and it’s modernity. The abuse of technology is discussed in the context of the Buddhist precepts. “Be curious about how you escape” 22:15 – How can we reverse the negative potential of technology into a tool for good? “A weapon in the hands of a master can be a force for good. It can become a way to slice through confusion.” 31:45 – Ethan discusses the idea of co-emergence. How the mind determines whether something comes as a positive or negative based on our perspective. 34:18 – What are the signals within ourselves that we miss when we use technology against our best interest. 42:00 – In the age of mindfulness and meditation in vogue, Ethan explains that part of the practice is not transcending discomfort but sitting with it. He reminds us that these discomforts are part of our growth and development. 53:50 – Thoughts on how the connection with others can bring us into the present moment and away from our distractions. For more from, Ethan, check out his website See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.