We are living through what is likely the most trying time of our lives with the Covid-19 pandemic.  This is not the only trial we are confronted with, as the upheaval caused by global warming is becoming even more evident.  Both of these conditions require a degree of equanimity and creative adaptation to successfully live through.  During this talk Peter described how meditation practices such as mindfulness of breathing, lovingkindness and the just posted Four Elements Contemplation can provide support for effective coping, using the Four Noble Truths as the conceptual structure for discussing the significant changes we must make in redefining what constitutes a good life, differing in several ways from the consumerism that is the characteristic conditioning in this culture.  During the talk Peter described the importance of a book entitled “Voluntary Simplicity: Toward a Way of Life That Is Outwardly Simple, Inwardly Rich”  by Duane Elgin in shaping his understanding and growth towards a good life.  It can be found on Amazon as a revised edition.  It is also useful to go to a site like http://simplicitycollective.com/start-here/what-is-voluntary-simplicity-2  to get more information.

Here are the notes prepared for this talk:  MINDFUL COPING AND CULTIVATING AN ADAPTIVE LIFESTYLE