Greetings from Jonathan Foust: More on the Path, The Question That Can Change Your Life, Fresh Photos and More
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Welcome!
Spring is sort of here in Northern Virginia. The geese are pairing off on the islands on the Potomac and are now extra-vigilant when I paddle by.
Mom and Dad hanging by the nest. (Young Virginia Bluebells in the background.)
The Blue Bells, Trillium and Bloodroot are emerging and despite the calamities and cacophony blaring in the media, life continues on.
May you find peace in the midst of all that changes.
Upcoming Events
April 2:
YLM8 Daylong Retreat Learn More
April 4:
Evening Class at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington Learn More
April 8:
Weekend Meditation Retreat at Bowdoin College Learn More
April 11:
Evening Class at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington Learn More
April 13:
YLM8 Evening Session Learn More
April 18:
Evening Class at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington Learn More
April 25:
Evening Class at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington Learn More
April 30:
Daylong Retreat Learn More
May 2:
Evening Class at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington Learn More
More on the Path
I continue to make my way through a series on The Eightfold Path, the guidelines for cultivating greater wisdom and compassion in your life as outlined by the Buddha. Since last month's newsletter I've covered a few more topics: The Path: Wise and Skillful Speech You'll learn why not to use auto-correct on your phone, the impact and criteria for wise speech, questions you can ask yourself before speaking, a powerful communication model and what's possible when you pay attention to the relationship between your mind and what you say out loud. The Path: Ethical Actions You'll learn how you can use five precepts (guidelines) to deepen your life experience in a personal and nuanced approach rather than viewing them them through the lens of "Thou shalt not...". The Path: Ethical Livelihood You'll learn how Johnny Paycheck's classic country song "Take This Job and Shove It" ties into Buddhist psychology. You'll learn the importance of finding a form of livelihood that truly resonates for you, a model for changing your relationship to work and what can happen when you substitute the word 'work' with the word 'service.'
Fresh Photos
This was a month of contrasts with both snow and record-setting temperatures as well as a retreat in warmer waters.
Our pup keeps tabs on our local fox den in early March.
Gulls come up river in early Spring to harvest the first hatching larvae.
A break in the Grey. Spring sunrise on the Potomac.
Geese on the move at sunrise.
A tropical sunrise on St. John's.
Free-diving.
Underwater Namaste.
For every great shot I end up with a good number of these.
The Clean Living Series
I'm doing an interview with Christine Waltermyer on meditation and intuition.
Christine is a buddy from my ashram days. She is an author, chef and wellness coach with a heart of gold.
She's offering a free series exploring meditation, food and nutrition, stress management and health.
Click here to register if you'd like to listen to this free series.
A Daylong Retreat on Saturday, April 30th
Exploring the Questions that Can Transform Your Life : The Inquiry Intensive
Saturday, April 30th, The Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington
Arlington, VA
9:30-4:30
"What is the most important question in your life right now? Discover that, and your journey begins."
The right questions can help you change your perspective, make important decisions, solve problems and most importantly, point your attention toward your true nature.
In this highly experiential and interactive retreat, you'll learn:
* How to use intuitive inquiry as a tool for transformation
* Meditation techniques for calming and clear-seeing
* How to use writing as a tool for insight
* Mindful movement flows and guided relaxations that help shift your brainwave states
Click here for more information and to register online
Latest from the Blog
The Path: Ethical Livelihood
Migration
Below All Silent
No Cloud No Me
The Path: Wise and Skillful Speech
You Fly
Greetings from Jonathan Foust: The Path, The Energy Intensive, A Guided Video Meditation: "The Stream" and More
Could You Give Me Some Feedback on my Talks?
I'm coming up on 500,000 downloads of my dharma talks and meditations. Thank you for your support! A big thank you to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington for sponsoring our Monday Night class. What started with 15 people in the basement has grown into a thriving scene with an optional hour-long sit and yoga class before beforehand and fresh-baked cookies afterward. Would you be willing to give me a little feedback via this survey? It should just take a minute or two. Please click this link. Thank you!
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iTunes podcast here, online listening here, stitcher here, and Jonathan’s YouTube channel here.
Waiting for Sunrise
Migration
Below All Silent
No Cloud No Me
You Fly
Greetings from Jonathan Foust: The Path, The Energy Intensive, A Guided Video Meditation: "The Stream" and More
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please signup here.
Welcome!
As I wrote this at Kripalu Center in the Berkshire Mountains of western Massachussets where I was leading a teacher training, I was looking out on grassy fields while Washington DC braced for a snowstorm.
As one climate expert put it, "We shouldn't have called it 'Global Warming.' We should have called it 'Global Weirding.'"
Whatever weirdness you are experiencing, I hope this finds you well.
Graduation Day at Kripalu Center.
Upcoming Events
March 5:
YLM8 Opening Weekend Retreat Learn More
March 7:
Evening Class at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington Learn More
March 9:
YLM8 Evening Session Learn More
March 14:
Evening Class at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington Learn More
March 21:
Evening Class at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington Learn More
March 24:
Energy Intensive: Meditation, Yoga and Breath Work at Kripalu Center Learn More
March 28:
Evening Class at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington Learn More
April 2:
YLM8 Daylong Retreat Learn More
April 4:
Evening Class at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington Learn More
The Path
It's been said that a great teaching can be grasped by a child as well as hold great nuance and depth. The result of the Buddha's life-long quest was the realization of four insights: 1. The fact of suffering 2. The cause of suffering 3. The end of suffering 4. The path that leads to the end of suffering That word 'suffering' can also be translated as "unsatisfactoriness," "unsteadiness" or "stress." Whenever and wherever you have a complaint, there is a cause for it. Wherever there is a cause, there is a remedy. I'm launching into an eight-week series on 'The Eightfold Path,' the means by which you can not only lessen your stress, unsatisfactoriness and suffering, but according to these teachings, truly unleash your capacity for happiness, freedom and joy. Two of the talks are already in the can (click the links below): #1 The Path: Skillful Vision: It's important to check out a map of the journey before you begin. When you look closely at the terrain and listen to others who've gone before you, you can avoid dead ends and follow the most efficient route. #2 The Path: Skillful Intention: Your intention determines your destiny. Along with goals, which are measurable and require effort, intention is about the quality of the journey.
Images from Last Month
Junco Butt
Morning Dove
House Finch
Goldfinch and Two House Finches
Tufted Titmouse
Truck Stop Meditator
Guided Video Meditation: "The Stream" (two minutes)
This last month I was with a phenomenal group of yoga teachers exploring the art of teaching meditation. We spent a few hours exploring along "Shadowbrook," the stream that runs through the Kripalu grounds. This two-minute meditation explore the fundamentals of the Kripalu approach to being with the stream of sensations, thoughtforms and states as they pass through. Breathing, Relaxing and Feeling open you to what is here and changing. Watching and Allowing turn your attention to spaciousness and presence. Apologies for a few of the shaky shots. It was cold!
The Energy Intensive at Kripalu Center
March 24-27
If you feel drawn to three-day program designed to dramatically blow off stress and tension while cultivating greater insight and calm, you might enjoy the Energy Intensive at Kripalu Center.
Shobhan Richard Faulds and I have been leading this program for about 15 years. It's based on cultivating and balancing both prana (energy) and chitta (awareness) using both classical and some rather radical techniques.
You can learn more here.
Latest from the Blog
The Path: Skillful Intention
Innocence Inside
The Retreat Begins
20-Minute Guided Meditation
Depressing Haiku for the Day
Frost
The Path: Skillful Vision
Greetings from Jonathan Foust: Your Year Ahead, What’s Most Important?, A Guided Video Meditation and More
Join Me for a Conversation with Christine Waltermyer
I've been hyper-focused on healthy living for decades and am always looking for the 'best practices.' If you're on the lookout for what experts have to share on health, you might like to check out this offering.
I've known Christine from back in my days at Kripalu Center. I will be joining her for a conversation about mindfulness and how to tune into the wisdom of your body to access your intuition. You're welcome to join in.
Christine is a Professional Chef, Certified Holistic Health Counselor, Author of The Natural Vegan Kitchen and a radiant person.
Her vision is to ask experts to share their best tips to recharge the mind, body and soul.
This offering is free and you can sign up here to claim your spot.
To receive a monthly newsletter,
please signup here.
iTunes podcast here, online listening here, stitcher here, and Jonathan’s YouTube channel here.
Innocence Inside
The Retreat Begins
Depressing Haiku for the Day
Frost
Greetings from Jonathan Foust: Your Year Ahead, What's Most Important?, A Guided Video Meditation and More
To receive a monthly newsletter,
please signup here.
Welcome!
Every great spiritual tradition speaks of the power of pausing.
I'm just back from a silent unstructured retreat at the Forest Refuge in Barre, MA. It was hard to break away from all my projects and commitments. To be honest, I didn't really want to go though it had been on my calendar since the day after the same retreat I did one year ago.
I'm glad I went.
I'm reminded again of how fast this life goes by, how precious it is to slow down and celebrate the rising of the sun, the gift of a warm cup of tea and the silence that can make it feel like a celebration.
The dining room at the Forest Refuge. Space and Silence.
Upcoming Events
February 3:
YLM Evening Session Learn More
February 6:
YLM7 Weekend Retreat Learn More
February 8:
Evening Class at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington Learn More
February 15:
Evening Class at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington Learn More
February 19:
300-Hour Kripalu Yoga Teacher Training: Guiding Meditation for Transformational Yoga Learn More
February 22:
Evening Class at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, Guest Speaker Learn More
February 29:
Evening Class at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington Learn More
March 05:
YLM8 Opening Weekend Retreat Learn More
Your Year Ahead. What's Most Important?
One thing I always take away from a retreat? Remembering what I really want. Along with health and love and feeling like I'm contributing to others, I want to know what transcends the ups and downs of life. I want to know what it means to be awake. That inquiry comes down to a few things: * Intention * Sustained practice * Like-minded community That's what the Year of Living Mindfully is all about. If you live in the DC area and are drawn to both deepening and sustaining your practice in the context of a small and dedicated community, do check out these links. A short article by Catie Whelan, founder of "The Lightening Notes," on her YLM experience. Applications are due February 15th. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Images from Last Month
January started off cold and grey. If you look closely you can see a huge murmuration of grackles beyond the Bald Eagle in the tree.
With grey water reflecting grey skies, Canada Geese seem to be floating in space.
My room at the Inn. "Everything You Need and Nothing More."
Sunrise through an icicle at the Forest Refuge.
Frozen water droplet on the end of an icicle.
Short Guided Video Meditation: The Mystery
I shot these images when I was on retreat at the Forest Refuge. With the milder weather in central Massachussets, icicles on the cliffs melted during the day and froze again at night. I was able to visit them in both morning light when they were hardened and the afternoon light, when they were softening.
Four Things I Learned on My Retreat
Meditation teacher Loch Kelly offers this question: "What is there if there is no problem to be solved?" Take a moment and try that on. That inquiry is the foundation for my practice these days and dramatically informed my silent retreat at the Forest Refuge. Quite often when I start a meditation practice there is a sense that I'm trying to get somewhere or make some change. This question helps me remember who I am and what I seek is already here. To listen to my talk, "Four Things I Learned on My Retreat," see the video below. If you're interested in the topic of inquiry you might enjoy these recent talks: One Question Can Change Your Life More Questions That Can Change Your Life
Latest from the Blog
Four Things I Learned on My Retreat
Finally the Sun
Coming Home: The Portal of Self-Compassion (Retreat Talk)
Meditation: Embodied Space, Gratitude, Appreciation and Love (Retreat Meditation)
Awake
More Questions That Can Change Your Life
Rising
One Question Can Change Your Life
Tiny Boxes
Pause and Still Move
Happy New Year! Greetings from Jonathan Foust: Announcing the 2016 Year of Living Mindfully, Year-End Review, What You REALLY Want and More
Seeking Persons with a Regular Meditation Practice to Participate in a Research Study
If you have interest and meet their criteria, I highly recommend this experience. If you qualify, you will be supported by deeply caring and wise team of professionals. Researchers at the Johns Hopkins University are seeking individuals with a regular long-term meditation practice to participate in a research study looking at the combined effects of meditation and psilocybin, a psychoactive substance found in sacramental mushrooms of some cultures. The study will investigate psychological and brain processes underlying such effects. Volunteers must be between the ages of 25 and 80, have no personal or familial history of severe psychiatric illnesses, or recent history of alcoholism or drug abuse. To discuss the possibility of volunteering or to learn more: phone: 410-550-2253 or email: meditation@jhmi.edu website: http://www.hopkinsmeditation.com Confidentiality will be maintained for all applicants and participants. Roland Griffiths, Ph.D., Principal Investigator Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine IRB approved application NA_00054696
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iTunes podcast here, online listening here, stitcher here, and Jonathan’s YouTube channel here.
Finally the Sun
Awake
Rising
Pause and Still Move
Happy New Year! Greetings from Jonathan Foust: Announcing the 2016 Year of Living Mindfully, Year-End Review, What You REALLY Want and More
To receive a monthly newsletter,
please signup here.
Welcome!
Friendship There is a story from the "Buddha's life" when Ananda, his attendant and student of 25 years, came up to him with what he thought was a big insight. "Is it not true," Ananda asked excitedly, "that spiritual friendship is half of the holy life?" The Buddha responded, "No, don't say that. Spiritual friendship is the whole of the holy life." Associating with those who want what you want can dramatically enhance your life and your aspirations. May you discover what you most want, cultivate wholesome companionship and may this coming year be filled with unexpected pleasures.
The Year of Living Mindfully
Have you ever wondered what your life would be like if you could sustain attention on non-judging awareness and compassion for a year? That's the intent behind the Year of Living Mindfully (YLM). I've had the benefit of years of sustained practice in the company of like-minded people and YLM is all about making this possible for those living in the DC area. You'll be supported in your daily practice through regular retreats, a monthly class, monthly small-group gatherings, a monthly 1:1 process with fellow practitioner and some individual time with me. More than that, though, you'll be in relationship with other who want what you want. That makes all the difference. Applications are due in February. Click here to read an article by Caitie Whelan, founder of The Lightning Notes and a graduate of the program. Click here to learn more about the program and to determine whether it's a match for you in your life right now.
Upcoming Events
January 4:
Evening Class at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington Learn More
January 11:
Evening Class at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington Learn More
January 13:
YLM7 Evening Session Learn More
January 16:
YLM7 Daylong Retreat Learn More
January 18:
Evening Class at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington Learn More
January 25:
Evening Class at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, Guest Speaker Joseph Bobrow Learn More
Images from Last Month
December shifts to browns and greys with the occasional magical sunrise or sunset.
Some days on the river start like this.
But mostly it's like this, with mist and overcast skies.
This big Sycamore is the favorite hangout of two mature Bald Eagles.
And here you can see their tail feathers being warmed by the first light.
A storm front rapidly closes in.
Geese head up river.
A Moment of Zen wth a Female Belted Kingfisher.
Moving Meditation on The River
Could you do with a five-minute guided meditation with some nice visuals and soundtrack? Please join me for a sub-freezing and foggy December morning paddle on the Potomac River.
What Do You Want and What Are You Willing to Give Up to Get it?
An extensive study of Harvard graduates revealed the one most important difference in success in life was to write down your goals.
It's that time of year when we inevitable ask ourselves:
1. What went well?
2. What didn't go so well?
3. What is calling me now?
Inspired by the writer James Clear, I've written my 2015 Annual Report, where I go into these questions. I find the exercise both humbling and clarifying.
If you're inspired, you can read it here.
Best wishes!
One aspiration for this coming year is to embrace even more the practice of Generosity.
Here's a recent talk: Generosity as a Path to Liberation.
Latest from the Blog
Jonathan Foust 2015 Annual Review
Living Out Your Wild and Precious Life
Waiting for Sunrise
Announcing: Monday Night Yoga at UUCA
Generosity as a Path to Liberation
First Light
Practicing at Your Edge and Your Path to Balance
Lost
The Heart Practices: Cultivating Equanimity
December Greetings from Jonathan Foust: The Heart Practices, 5 Breaths 5 Scenes and More!
RAIN and Self-Compassion
You may be familiar with this acronym in mindfulness practice: RAIN. R: Can you Recognize or Realize what is presenting? A: Can you Allow or Accept what is here? (Sometimes you can't and that's OK.) I: Can you Investigate with Kindness and be Intimate with this? N: Can you Nourish this moment with self-compassion? If you are an aficionado of this practice, you might enjoy this link, where my wife, Tara Brach, clarifies the "N" part of the equation. In the older version, the "N" represents non-identification, but in her view, and I agree, "nourishing with self-compassion" is a practice that inevitably leads to the same result, but with greater efficacy.
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please signup here.
iTunes podcast here, online listening here, stitcher here, and Jonathan’s YouTube channel here.
The New Year’s Retreat
If you can ever swing it, consider joining us for one of our residential retreat this year. A few images from our week:
Up with sunrise for the first meditation period.
Tara heading over to the hall to give her talk on the final evening.
New Year’s eve ceremony. Photo by Janet Merrick.
Candle ceremony before we broke silence and broke out the cookies. Photo by Janet Merrick
Teachers: Hugh Byrne, Ruth King, Tara Brach and Moi.
iTunes podcast here, online listening here, stitcher here, and Jonathan’s YouTube channel here.
