Contemplative Living

This week's Contemplative Living Podcast examines what it means to be generous with what you have, regardless of how little. Back when I was young and poor, I never hesitated to give away whatever I had, unafraid that the universe wouldn't come through for me. The key to generosity is a profound feeling of gratefulness; when we recognize that what we currently have is enough, our ability to give increases exponentially. By acknowledging people in full without expecting anything in return, we open ourselves up to acts of fearless generosity seen all around us in nature - like the beauty of flowers and trees or the comforting sound of raindrops.

This week's Contemplative Living Podcast is devoted to regularly cultivating Sublime Attitudes of Goodwill, Compassion, Empathetic joy, and Equanimity. The first of these divine states is Goodwill - a desire for the ultimate well-being of oneself and all others. Compassion then comes into play when we encounter suffering, while Empathetic joy is experienced upon seeing happiness. Finally, Equanimity focuses our goodwill so that it can be applied more efficiently. Creating infinite attitudes in this way requires some effort. Keeping a positive outlook and mastering our intentions are both key steps toward success in doing so.

This week's Contemplative Living Podcast encourages us to look at our faults and mistakes as an opportunity for growth. Being unaware of our errors is the biggest misstep we can take. By rediscovering the present moment, we can return to a place without inadequacies. By investigating within to recognize why we may be troubled and disconnected, we can begin to address our dissatisfaction. Once accepted, our blunders become a platform on which to create positive change in our lives. Looking at missteps with compassion helps us let go of any guilt or shame that comes with them, providing us with the space to forgive ourselves.

In this week’s Contemplative Living Podcast - we look into what teachers and philosophers of all time have taught. It is said that the universe is in our hearts, yet we have to find out for ourselves. By looking directly into our own hearts, we find a clear experience of how things really are.

In this week’s Contemplative Living Podcast - we take a look at how we are connected to each other. Buddhist teachings tell us to see all living beings as precious jewels. We are linked together in the vast web of universal oneness. We connect to all the other jewels, even to those so distant that they are not visible. Each of us shines on all the others, no matter how faintly. We are all interdependent to learn from and better understand each other. Our jewel, of course, symbolizes our spiritual potential to become happier and wiser. We are mutually linked, interconnected, and interdependent to illuminate and support. 

In this week’s Contemplative Living Livestream, We look at our personal honor and integrity. Our spiritual practice is about resolutely pursuing our projects in the world and living authentically with personal honor and integrity. We can be authentic moral agents, by prioritizing in practice what we care about. Stand up to the stream of social expectations by living in your honor. We accept honor within our being and commit to living by it. Live up to the standards you set for yourself by doing what is right, even when it is hard. The most important step in living with integrity is, to be honest with yourself. Bring forth positive qualities that will see us live meaningful and dignified lives.

In this week’s Contemplative Living Podcast, We look at how connecting to ancestors of the past helps us live a better life. Practicing is about discovering ourselves to be in a great, flowing river connecting to ancestors of the past. We are shaped by our ancestors and also by the environments in which they lived. We think that our ancestors are behind us, but one of our tasks is to connect and discover how all our ancestors enrich our lives. When we connect with our ancestors, it can feel like they are right there with us.

In this week’s Contemplative Living podcast, We look at how our spiritual practice helps us experience Love and how it illuminates whatever we are creating. We are the brush that colors our world. Fill your palette with colors that positively excite your senses. Love illuminates whatever we are creating. We are neither the master nor owner of the love, compassion, and peace we create. We are here to participate in the creation and to embody who we are. 

In this week’s Contemplative Living podcast, We look at how our spiritual practice helps us experience the stir of the awakening mind. Through stillness, we begin to create space between ourselves and our thoughts. 

In this week’s Contemplative Living podcast, We look at how living our joyous life is tethered to our intentions. It’s a new year and with that comes the opportunity to start fresh. Take some time to reflect on what you want to manifest in your life this year. What are your deepest desires? What brings you joy? Begin living with deeper rooted intentions by setting aside time each day to connect with your higher self.