We tend to talk about addiction in our culture as though only some of us are "addicts." Mindfulness practice reveals to us that we are all, in fact, vulnerable to addiction. In this episode you can learn to understand the underlying dynamics of addiction, made especially clear in the Buddhist tradition, and start living a life of greater freedom and happiness beyond conditions. Now who wouldn't want that?

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This week I talk to Diane Hamilton of Two Arrows Zen Center about her new book, The Zen of You and Me. Diane epitomizes how beautifully a mature mindfulness practice can show up in an elegant, integrated and dynamic human being. Listen in as we talk meditation, adult development, working with pain and difference, and becoming your biggest self. She leads us in a closing meditation that is signature Diane "Musho" Hamilton.

In a mindfulness practice, eventually we realize the importance of opening the heart. Whereas "Mindfulness" stresses making empowering distinctions in awareness, "Heartfulness" implies sensing into the unity that lies beneath all the differences, otherwise known as "Love." Thomas shares an intriguing piece of scientific research in this podcast and offers a practice to help you start living more fully from your heart today. Also, check out lowerlightsslc.org http://lowerlightsslc.org/> to learn about offerings to deepen your practice.

Once a month Thomas chooses a particular theme that has come up in discussions and offers a longer guided meditation around it. Enjoy this month's extended meditation that will help you not just be more present in daily life, but actually have the experience of being Presence.

It's so easy to go through life believing that we are alone and separate. Listen to this podcast as Thomas relates some touching examples of just how connected we really are. Connection is not without its risks, of course–with true intimacy always comes vulnerability. But we find that vulnerability is a small price to pay for the experience of participating in the great flow of Life.