Special PODCAST:
This talk explores what can happen as you develop concentration.
You’ll learn how each element of the path is interconnected, about the balance of concentration and mindfulness, more on the states of absorption (the jhanas) and where the path actually leads.
Subscribe to Jonathan's podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/jonathan-foust/id455422434?ign-mpt=uo%3D4
iTunes podcast here, online listening here, stitcher here, and Jonathan’s YouTube channel here.
9:30 - 4:30 at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Arlington
Click here for more information and to register.
The questions you ask yourself can dramatically shape your life.
At The Inquiry Intensive you’ll learn how the inquiry process works and explore questions that can change your state, help you solve problems and to explore non-dual awareness.
This is one of my favorite retreats.
Please know this will be a mix of inner-focused practices as well and practices explored with a partner. Some have asked if we’ll explore the same process as we have in former retreats of this nature. The answer is ‘yes, but not really.’ Some of the inquiry processes may be familiar if you’ve attended a retreat like this before, but we’ll be emphasizing more of the non-dual inquiry than before.
Please let me know if you have any questions and I hope to see you there!
iTunes podcast here, online listening here, stitcher here, and Jonathan’s YouTube channel here.
Special PODCAST:
This talk explores skillful means for being aware.
You’ll learn the core instructions that guide you how to be aware of four essential areas: the body, feeling tone, mind-states and in your moment-to-moment experience, what is true.
Subscribe to Jonathan's podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/jonathan-foust/id455422434?ign-mpt=uo%3D4
iTunes podcast here, online listening here, stitcher here, and Jonathan’s YouTube channel here.
Special PODCAST:
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.
Subscribe to Jonathan's podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/jonathan-foust/id455422434?ign-mpt=uo%3D4
iTunes podcast here, online listening here, stitcher here, and Jonathan’s YouTube channel here.
To receive a monthly newsletter,
please signup here.
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.
YLM8 Daylong Retreat Learn More
Evening Class at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington Learn More
Weekend Meditation Retreat at Bowdoin College Learn More
Evening Class at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington Learn More
YLM8 Evening Session Learn More
Evening Class at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington Learn More
Evening Class at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington Learn More
Daylong Retreat Learn More
Evening Class at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington Learn More
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.'
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.
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.
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
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!
To receive a monthly newsletter,
please signup here.
iTunes podcast here, online listening here, stitcher here, and Jonathan’s YouTube channel here.
Special PODCAST:
This talk explores the importance of finding work that truly resonates for you.
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.'
iTunes podcast here, online listening here, stitcher here, and Jonathan’s YouTube channel here.
Special PODCAST:
This talk explores how to use five precepts (guidelines) to enhance and deepen your practice.
You’ll learn how you can use these guidelines in a personal and nuanced approach rather than viewing them them through the lens of “Thou shalt not…”.
iTunes podcast here, online listening here, stitcher here, and Jonathan’s YouTube channel here.
Special PODCAST:
This talk explores guidelines for 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 outloud.
iTunes podcast here, online listening here, stitcher here, and Jonathan’s YouTube channel here.
To receive a monthly newsletter,
please signup here.
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.
YLM8 Opening Weekend Retreat Learn More
Evening Class at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington Learn More
YLM8 Evening Session Learn More
Evening Class at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington Learn More
Evening Class at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington Learn More
Energy Intensive: Meditation, Yoga and Breath Work at Kripalu Center Learn More
Evening Class at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington Learn More
YLM8 Daylong Retreat Learn More
Evening Class at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington Learn More
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.
Junco Butt
Morning Dove
House Finch
Goldfinch and Two House Finches
Tufted Titmouse
Truck Stop Meditator
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!
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.
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.
Special PODCAST:
This 2-minute meditation explores how to be with the stream of sensations, thoughts and different states.
The actual stream here is "Shadowbrook," on the Kripalu Center grounds in Western MA.
iTunes podcast here, online listening here, stitcher here, and Jonathan’s YouTube channel here.
Special PODCAST:
This talk explores the importance of clear and conscious intention.
You’ll learn about the difference between a goal and an intention, how intention is related to karma, three main intentions you might keep in mind and how the spirit of an intention is to bring you back to the here and now.
iTunes podcast here, online listening here, stitcher here, and Jonathan’s YouTube channel here.
