Do you REALLY want to Wake Up? Tracy Budd on his Journey of Intensive Practice
A few years back, Tracy retired and thought to himself, “What would happen if I practiced at home with the same intensity as I would on retreat?” He was inspired to practice the “Elephant Path,” a very disciplined approach that cultivated deepening concentration. His journey was powerful, traumatic and brought him to his knees, but opened up vistas he could only imagine. Here he shares his story, what he learned and what we might offer by way of encouragement and caution for those looking to intensive practice.
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Jeff Fajans on the Flow State and Creativity: Conversations with Depth Practitioners
This conversation is with Jeff Fajans—a creative momentum coach, seasoned musician, and PhD‑backed creative performance researcher—who helps creative people bring their biggest ideas to life. Whether you’re drafting a feature film script, launching a new business, or building a product from scratch, Jeff blends flow science, mindfulness, and creative productivity and leadership principles to move you past procrastination and into real, lasting creative momentum. Here are some links: More info about Jeff’s coaching: https://jefffajans.com/creative-performance-coaching-creative-coach-jeff-fajans/ To book a free 45-minute coaching session: https://calendly.com/jeff-fajans/45-min-intro-coaching 30 Day Creative Momentum Challenge: https://jefffajans.com/30-day-creative-momentum-challenge/
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Don't Believe All Your Thoughts
As your practice deepens, you may begin to notice you are less identified with your thoughts. 'Observing without judgement' can open all kinds of new possibilities. This talk explores some strategies for shifting your relationship to thinking.
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Why Practice?
Mindfulness practice can get dry and rote. When you remember why you are practicing you'll reconnect with your passion and deepest intention. When you can sustain your practice, you may notice a number of benefits. Beyond the physiological and emotional boosts you'll feel, ultimately you'll notice the arising of two distinct faculties. Wisdom is your capacity to recognize what is true. Compassion is your capacity to allow and open to truth.
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Skillful Effort: Maintaining Wholesome States of Presence
This talk explores how to manage your energy as you pursue your aspirations. You’ll learn about four guidelines: How to prevent unwholesome states before they arise, how to let go of unwholesome states when they have arisen, how to cultivate wholesome states that have not yet arisen and how to maintain wholesome states that are already here.
Senior teacher at the Insight Meditation Community of Washington and co-founder of the Meditation Teacher Training Institute, Jonathan Foust share weekly talks, guided meditations and inquiries that explore how to cultivate an awakened heart and mind.