When we open up to the suffering on the planet, we soon realize that we, the "small self", are not nearly big enough to contain it all. To really hold suffering in our heart and help to relieve it, we must get bigger—a move from the relative to the Absolute. In Buddhism, there is a Bodhisattva, or awakened being, who models just this: Kuan Yin (Chinese translation). Her name means "she who hears the cries of the world." As a new war wages in Ukraine, it is an especially important moment to learn to get Big, to hold it together; to hear the cries of the world.

At a time in the not-so-distant past, you might have been involved in the building of a cathedral that took so long to complete, you would have never seen the finished product of your labors. Nevertheless, your participation was absolutely vital. This is a fascinating metaphor for the new reality humanity is giving rise to moment by moment. Thomas calls it "building heaven."

When life throws challenges at us, it tests our capacity to be open, clear and present. Thomas recounts his glory days as a high school swimmer in this episode to point out a helpful technique for practicing when the going gets tough. If we're clear where our mindful awareness tends to break down, we can "train to remain" in a more intelligent way.

If you think about virtually everything you do in a given day, you may come to a realization: "I do what I do because I want to get something out it." We work to earn money, we exercise to stay fit, we meditate to feel good…it seems harmless enough. But there is a more subtle path available to us as human beings. In Suzuki Roshi's words, we can live our lives with "no gaining idea." When we have no gaining idea, we taste what it means to express our true nature—to be truly alive.

It's not often you call someone "selfish" and mean it as a compliment. But prepare to be liberated from your misconceptions about what healthy selfishness actually is! In this episode, Thomas offers insights from the field of developmental psychology and coaches you on how to be the best kind of selfish in your life. You'll be glad you listened. Interested in learning more about development? For information about an opportunity to join Thomas's cohort program, go to www.lowerlightswisdom.org/spectra.

One of Thomas's great pleasures in hosting Mindfulness+ is the opportunity to introduce listeners to some of the teachers who have changed his life. On today's show, Dr. Terri O'Fallon shares a few of the dazzling delights from the field of human development. Terri is a renowned expert in this area, known for her spiritual depth, vision, and kindness. She ultimately points us to the great mystery, "who am I?" Learn about her latest offerings at stagesinternational.com. For information about an opportunity to join Thomas's cohort program, go to www.lowerlightswisdom.org/spectra.

If you've been practicing meditation for some time, you may have heard the instruction somewhere along the way to "sit like a mountain." But what does that mean? Is it just a nice metaphor? Thomas takes us right to the heart of our mountain nature in this episode, where there is always, right here, an abiding peace, stillness and stability.

Spirituality and human transformation are taking exciting turns in the 21st century. Never before have so many traditions been intersecting, influencing and evolving one another. How can we meet this moment with courage and curiosity? Thomas lays out a vision of "metalineage" in this episode—a way in which all of humanity can realize greater fullness and freedom. For a deeper dive, check out this immersive online experience, Gospel Meets Dharma: The Dance of Buddhism and Christianity in the 21st Century.

Mindfulness practice is simple as it is difficult: we need to be willing to feel what we're actually feeling. Easier said than done! In this episode, Thomas shares the experience of his grandmother's recent passing, all that he wasn't willing to feel, and what came on the other side of being honest with himself.

In this episode, Thomas offers an extended, beginning-of-the-year meditation, inviting you to appreciate what has already passed—what is gone. The more fully we learn to welcome the "gone", the greater the birth of something new in our lives.