Buddhism Beyond Belief with Susan Piver

The Broken Hearted Meditator


Listen Later

Perhaps contrary to popular belief, meditation does not make us feel all zen. Rather, it actually makes us feel more deeply.

Discussed in this episode:

Meditation Heightens Emotions – It doesn’t numb feelings but makes them more vivid.

Trauma-Sensitivity is Important – Meditation can help with grief and sorrow but may amplify trauma. The practice should be handled with great care.

Options for Working with Strong Emotions in Meditation:

Stop meditating if it’s overwhelming.

Label emotions as “thinking” and return to the breath.

Focus on the physical sensation of the emotion without engaging in its story.

Feelings vs. Thoughts – Emotions are real, but the stories we tell about them create suffering. “Feel the feeling, drop the story.” –Pema Chodron

Personal Stories:

A heartbreak revealed that suffering was increased by the thoughts added to the reality of loss. The loss (a breakup) was not optional, but the additional thoughts were.

A career setback and a chance encounter with an experienced meditator taught that meditation isn’t about avoiding emotions but facing them.

Meditation’s Impact – It is rare that anything happens while meditating. It’s actually pretty hard and boring. However! Progress shows up “off the cushion” as increased wisdom, compassion, and resilience.



Thoughts? Email us at [email protected]

Produced by Citizens of Sound

Music by: Derek O'Brien

©Open Heart Project

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Buddhism Beyond Belief with Susan PiverBy Susan Piver

  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5

5

15 ratings


More shows like Buddhism Beyond Belief with Susan Piver

View all
Upaya Zen Center's Dharma Podcast by Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot

Upaya Zen Center's Dharma Podcast

261 Listeners

On Being with Krista Tippett by On Being Studios

On Being with Krista Tippett

10,356 Listeners

Sounds True: Insights at the Edge by Tami Simon

Sounds True: Insights at the Edge

1,827 Listeners

AudioDharma: Gil Fronsdal's most recent dharma talks by www.audiodharma.org

AudioDharma: Gil Fronsdal's most recent dharma talks

484 Listeners

Good Life Project by Jonathan Fields / Acast

Good Life Project

3,297 Listeners

Tricycle Talks by Tricycle: The Buddhist Review

Tricycle Talks

345 Listeners

The One You Feed by iHeartPodcasts

The One You Feed

2,514 Listeners

Heart Wisdom with Jack Kornfield by Be Here Now Network

Heart Wisdom with Jack Kornfield

1,447 Listeners

Metta Hour with Sharon Salzberg by Be Here Now Network

Metta Hour with Sharon Salzberg

684 Listeners

The Wisdom Podcast by The Wisdom Podcast

The Wisdom Podcast

321 Listeners

Untangle by Untangle

Untangle

828 Listeners

10% Happier with Dan Harris by 10% Happier

10% Happier with Dan Harris

12,509 Listeners

How to Train a Happy Mind by Scott Snibbe

How to Train a Happy Mind

139 Listeners

Mind & Life by Mind & Life Institute

Mind & Life

267 Listeners

The Way Out Is In by Plum Village

The Way Out Is In

1,236 Listeners