In this episode, we talk about one of the underlying principles of mindfulness: that we befriend rather than battle the parts of ourselves that are difficult or problematic. 

Today, we do a brief sitting and talk about this idea of Emotional Shrapnel -- where the practice creates the space for all those things we've been suppressing, repressing, and denying the light of day in our minds to emerge.

Back to basics today as we go over the first part of emotional awareness training as we sit on the cushion together. 

As you do the thought labeling part of the basic practice, the label of 'Story Story' becomes an important one. Today, we look at the difference between objective reality and our subjective perception and start giving those types of interpretative thoughts a label. 

Relax and listen to 45 Power Thoughts and Affirmations. Let the words wash over you, paying attention to the teachings you most need to hear right now. If you notice any resistance to certain thoughts, let those go for now. Keep what works for you. Let go of the rest.

Today, we look at how we tend to stick with the first version of any belief, story, or account that we hear with everything that comes second, third, or there after needing to defend against that first version. The Primacy Effect talks about the staying power of the first version of anything we learn.

A brief meditation for the stress that comes with Monday. Join me for some time together to re-center, breathe, and express some love for yourself.

This month's Facebook Live event was for Walking Meditation instruction. Join in and learn the basics. This video was recorded live. Please excuse the occasional audio fluctuation.

This week we cover a flaw in thinking called the Rites of Passage Fallacy and how often unintentionally, we become preservers of systems of passage that are harmful, unhealthy, and damage ourselves or other people.

This week's contemplation and meditation is on how simply doing the work will lead the meditator into naturally seeing the difference between personal and universal truths.