Strategies for Transforming Your Relationship with Addiction
Special PODCAST:
This talk explores how you can find freedom and peace in the midst of patterns of addictive actions and thoughts.
You’ll learn how transforming addiction is all about seeing clearly, recognizing pain, the 'unmet need' and learning how to open to compassion and kindness.
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.
Five Breaths: August on the River
Two-Minute Meditation: Move from Thought to Sensation
Special PODCAST:
This short meditation helps you shift from thinking to sensing, particularly images, sounds and sensation.
This can be a helpful tool when you find your mind caught in strong mental states.
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.
Strategies for Transforming Your Relationship with Anxiety
Special PODCAST:
This talk explores how you can shift your relationship with anxiety, worry and restlessness.
You’ll learn how anxiety can be an ally, how to look for the cause of anxiety and some approaches as to how to be with it or let it go.
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.
In All Directions
Strategies for Transforming Your Relationship with Anger
Special PODCAST:
This talk explores some fundamental ways you can work with anger when it arises.
You’ll learn how anger arises, how to identify the cause and strategies for releasing anger and opening to new possibilities.
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.
Strategies for Transforming Your Relationship with Physical Pain
Special PODCAST:
This talk explores how to bring non-judging awareness to the experience of physical pain.
You'll learn some essential teachings of Buddhist psychology as well as strategies that draw on the power of present-moment awareness including your capacity to 'zoom in' on sensation as well as how to 'zoom out' to a more expanded sense of the space that surrounds and infuses unpleasant sensations.
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.
Greetings from Jonathan Foust: Recent Dharma Talks, The Energy Intensive... Fresh Photos and More.
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please signup here.
Welcome!
Here in the mid-Atlantic it’s been hot.
Beyond hot.
With the heat index over 100 for much of this month, I get out on the river as early as I can and still come back soaked in sweat. It's a bit disconcerting to be paddling in water that feels not just tepid, but alarmingly hot.
Our ecosystems and environment feel so fragile right now. It seems more than ever, given the drama of heat, weather and the upheavals in our society, it's on us to pause, find our center and respond from presence.
Best wishes to you in your practice and in your life.
Upcoming Events
August 1:
Evening Class at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington Learn More
August 7:
The Still, Small Voice Within: Meditation, Focusing and Intuition Training at Kripalu Center (5 days) Learn More
August 8:
Evening Class at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, Guest Teacher Learn More
August 15:
Evening Class at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington Learn More
August 17:
YLM8 Evening Session Learn More
August 20:
Daylong Retreat: A Meditative Journey Learn More
August 22:
Evening Class at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington Learn More
August 29:
Evening Class at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington Learn More
Some Recent Dharma Talks
I sent out a survey awhile back asking for topics I might explore in an evening talk on Monday night in Arlington. If you're in the mood to listen to a talk, you might find one of these three recent ones of interest. On Non-Attachment to Non-Attachment Who doesn't want to feel free, spacious and at peace? Its a most worthy goal. We have all experienced moments when we are deeply at peace, aware of the vastness of it all and the mystery of this life. Spiritual practice gets tricky, though, when you get attached to that state of freedom and bliss. This talk explores the states that get in the way of presence and how to recognize them. You will also explore the importance of tracing back your desires to ensure they are in alignment with your deepest intentions. How to Embrace Challenge as a Spiritual Practice Recent studies indicate that stress is not necessarily what kills you. Its your attitude toward the stress. If you think the stress is good for, it will be good for you. This talk explores not just the power of clarifying what you really want, but looking closely at how you can change your attitude toward your challenges. You will also explore some strategies that can help you embrace the obstacles that make you more resilient. How to Stay Focused on What is Most Important Have you noticed how hard it is stay focused with so much information coming at you all the time? This talk explores the transformative power of a concentrated mind. It also explores how and why you lose focus. When you really want something and you are committed to it, you are setting yourself up for both challenges and breakthroughs. Having a map and a sense of best practices can make the difference between staying stuck and opening to entirely new possibilities. You can subscribe to my iTunes podcast here, check out talks on youtube here. If you have suggestions for a talk, please do let me know. And if you have time or interest, please offer a review of the podcast on iTunes. Thanks!
Fresh Photos
Cormorants and herons dominate the river this time of year. A few perspectives:
A cormorant heads up river at sunrise.
An annoyed heron leaves its perch.
Another annoyed heron. Something itches.
Me flying at 3,000 feet. Banking toward Provincetown just above the clouds.
A rock-solid vriksasanaa (tree pose).
Four cormorants decide its time to roll.
Stealth bomber cormorant.
Ta-daaaa!
Video: My Paddleboard Set Up for Photography and Video
Here’s a quick and dirty video as to what I use and carry on my paddleboard. I love the paddleboard as it’s so light and quite stable with a tripod. I love the zazen position that affords good power but great posture for meditation. I have a list of the items I use on my site. Geek Alert: All video was shot with the iPhone 6s Plus with an 18mm Moment lens. (I gave up trying to edit the video on my iPad and put it together in Final Cut Pro.)
The Energy Intensive: Meditation, Yoga and Breathwork at Kripalu Centers
September 29 - October 2
For the past fifteen years or so Shobhan Richard Faulds and I offer up a highly experiential and frankly, a pretty intense retreat at Kripalu Center.
Some call it ‘classic Kripalu,’ in that much of what we do is highly experiential and draws on the core Kripalu teachings that explore how to develop greater awareness of the play of energy (prana) and awareness (chitta).
Though you don’t have to have extensive experience in yoga, the three-day retreat is intensive in nature and includes social silence. You’ll explore in-depth Kripalu Yoga with it’s roots in tantra and raja yoga.
You’ll learn how to open body, heart and mind through carefully sequenced guided experiences that take you deep inside as well as in relationship with fellow retreatants. Many participants take this retreat again and again and you’re welcome to join us.
To learn more and to register:
Click Here
Latest from the Blog
My Paddleboard Set Up for Photography and Video
How to Stay Focused on What is Most Important
Falling
How to Embrace Challenge as a Spiritual Practice
Humiliation
That Book You Gave Me?
Greetings from Jonathan Foust: Intuition and Mindfulness, Conscious Relationships, The Still, Small Voice Within... Fresh Photos and More
Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program
My wife, Tara Brach, and Jack Kornfield will be offering a Mindfulness Meditation Certification Training in 2017. This program has been years in the making, and promises to be a gold standard in secular programs for teaching awareness and compassion-based practices. The two year professional training will include three 5-day residential retreats, a monthly mentoring session, monthly live q/a phone sessions, and a teaching practicum. One of the prerequisites for this program is their 7-week online Power of Awareness training, next offered starting November 7, 2016 (you can register now). Enrollment for the Teacher Certification Program is opening now. More information is available at: www.MindfulnessMeditationCertification.com. If meditation has transformed your life, you may feel drawn to deepening your own practice and bringing these practices and teachings into the world.
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please signup here.
iTunes podcast here, online listening here, stitcher here, and Jonathan’s YouTube channel here.
Retreat
My Paddleboard Set Up for Photography and Video
Most mornings I head to the Potomac for a morning adventure on my paddle board. I’ve refined my system over the years and have it pretty much down to this for warm weather paddling.
Inflatable Waterman Paddle Board
I bought my inflatable paddle board from Potomac Paddle Sports at the end of their rental season. These are wide and big boards which are great for first-timers, but also for large people and those heading out on rivers and oceans. Inflatables have so many advantages I can’t imagine wanting a fiberglass board. Lightweight, perfect for bouncing off rocks, they break down into a small bundle.
This is a monster board but what you give up in maneuverability you make for in comfort and confidence.
https://www.c4waterman.com/iSup.aspx
Pakpod Waterproof Tripod
Pakpod is recent Kickstarter release. Rugged, lightweight, adjustable and waterproof.
http://www.pakpod.com
Manfrotto 49ARC2 Tripod Head (discontinued)
The Pakpod would be quite frustrating if I couldn’t make micro adjustments and the Manfrotto ballhead allows that. They update their ball heads quite often. Mine is very simple and solid.
https://www.manfrotto.us/products/supports/tripod-heads?p=2
Ribz Pack
What a great invention. Lots of trekkers use these and they are perfect on a boat. Large enough to carry big items and extremely convenient. I carry extra lenses and camera gear, lens cleaners, a windbreaker, my keys and an food bar.
http://www.ribzwear.com
Inflatable Belt Pack
Life vests are required and are usually awkward and restricting. Except for these.
https://www.amazon.com/Onyx-Manual-Inflatable-Jacket-Black/dp/B0032ALK72
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.
How to Stay Focused on What is Most Important
Special PODCAST:
The talk explores how to sustain attention on what’s most important in your life.
You’ll learn about the power of concentration, how and why you lose focus, how staying present to your goals sets you up for a transformational ride and some practical strategies for sustaining attention on the most important things in your life.
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.
Falling
How to Embrace Challenge as a Spiritual Practice
Special PODCAST:
This talk explores how you can transform your life experience by embracing your deepest challenges.
You’ll learn the importance of remembering what is most important, the power of changing your attitude toward your challenges, the importance of testing yourself and how what you are seeking is truly 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.
Humiliation
That Book You Gave Me?
Greetings from Jonathan Foust: Intuition and Mindfulness, Conscious Relationships, The Still, Small Voice Within... Fresh Photos and More
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please signup here.
Welcome!
This was a month of travel and adventure.
I spent a week in Paris with friends where we got to watch the record-breaking floods almost swamping the famous bridges on the Seine. Tara arrived later in the week after leading a retreat in London. She gave a talk at the Apollo Theater in the heart of Paris and we met with many of the local MBSR teachers.
Trains to Zurich and Grindewald, Switzerland set us up for eight days of hiking in the high alps. The heavy rains continued, but skies did break occasionally, revealing spectacular vistas and sodden, but fresh spring flowers.
Then we were on to the Netherlands where we led a retreat for 200 folks in central Holland, days filled with silence, warmth, tears and lots of laughter.
I think it rained 18 out of 21 days, but equanimity opens us to find joy in any moment.
Here's to a great summer ahead.
Upcoming Events
July 6:
YLM8 Evening Session Learn More
July 11:
Evening Class at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, Guest Teacher Learn More
July 18:
Evening Class at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington Learn More
July 25:
Evening Class at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington Learn More
July 30:
Conscious Relationships: Daylong Retreat with Tara Brach Learn More
August 1:
Evening Class at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington Learn More
August 7:
The Still, Small Voice Within: Meditation, Focusing and Intuition Training at Kripalu Center (5 days) Learn More
Intuition and Mindfulness
When people tell me their relationship is ending I can't help but ask, "When did you know it wasn't going to work?"
Quite often I hear this: "I knew in the beginning."
How can this be? What overrides our inner sense of knowing?
Your inner voice often speaks in a whisper, not as a shout. To hear this still, small voice within you need to quiet the mind and the forces of doubt and judgement.
Meditation can help. Over time you develop your capacity to observe without judgement and you begin to see more intimately into the internal mechanisms that shut off your intuition.
In addition to quieting the mind, it's helpful to formulate questions that call the voice of intuition forward.
The mind responds to questions, whether we like it or not.
As Tony Robbins says, 'We ask ourselves questions all the time and the question is usually, "Why does this crap always happen to me?'"
Fortunately, we have some control over these questions.
What are you most excited about in your life?
What do you love?
What is calling your forward?
In August (the best time to be in the Berkshires), I'll be leading a five-day retreat dedicated to calming the mind and turning attention to the questions most important to you.
Follow this link for more information and to register for The Still Small Voice Within: Meditation, Focusing and Intuition Training.
Fresh Photos
A few visual highlights:
The banks of the Seine were dramatically challenged with record-setting rains.
We stayed in the Marais arrondissement, the old Jewish ghetto and home to LBTQ communities and progressive happenings. Heading back to our apartment one day, we stumbled into a street carnival celebrating diversity.
In Switzerland we slogged through mud and mist and enjoyed the contrast to Paris. The pipe and water trough in this image are made of wood.
Grindewald, Switzerland. At the base of a glacier.
At the top of Jungfrau, the set of numerous James Bond movies, the highest point in Europe. We blew off the touristy stuff and hiked two hours out on the glacier to the Mönchsjoch hut. We were so giddy we overlooked the fact we had no sunblock and both got badly burned.
Waiting for hobbits in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland. 27 waterfalls line this valley. When the clouds clear, base jumpers and paragliders leap off the edges.
Tara hiking on Schynige Platte with a storm sweeping in.
Mürren, Switzerland, right at the base of the high peaks.
Trams and cog railroads get you up the highest elevations. In this case we hiked up and caught a tram back. Looking down on Mürren.
Tara and I led a retreat in central Holland. The kindest, most sincere people imaginable.
Upon returning back home I got a lovely escort down to the river from the locals.
Geek Alert: As an experiment I did all photography on my iPhone 6s+ and mostly used an 18mm lens from Moment lenses. Except for time-lapse images, which were shot with the native iOS app, I did all stills and video with the ProCamera app at a 16:9 aspect ratio and in their highest allowable resolution, an uncompressed TIFF setting. In many cases, I used the native HDR setting. Post-processing was done on the iPhone with Snapseed and the native iOS app.
Video: 1 Bag and 21 Days in Europe: Jonathan's Packing List
I put together this short video showing everything I packed for 21 days on the road in preparation for semi-formal city explorations, trekking through rain, mud and snow in the Alps and leading a meditation retreat. All in one slightly-than smaller-carryon. (PS: It worked!) Watch the Video and Check Out the Packing List.
Conscious Relationships
Years ago I told the resident guru I wanted to go to a long, intensive retreat that promised all kinds of spiritual insights and skills. He listened and responded: "You can go into a cave and learn all kinds of techniques and cultivate special powers. But what happens if you leave your cave, someone insults you and you get upset? Perhaps it's also helpful to learn to live in the world and be skillful in your relationships." A good point. I’ve found that I benefit from both times of retreat as well as times of looking closely at how I can bring more wisdom and compassion into how I relate to others. For a few years now Tara and I have been offering retreats on how to use relationships as a vehicle for awakening. Intimacy with others can be the ground for experiencing full aliveness and sacred communion. Yet as so many have experienced, our relationships are also often the source of insecurity, hurt and betrayal. During this daylong workshop we will explore the beliefs and feelings that separate us from each other and the meditative practices that enable us to cultivate genuine bonds of trust, understanding, intimacy and love. You are welcome to come on your own, or with a partner. Our time together will include short dharma talks, silent meditation, mindful movement, reflective inquiry and dyadic exercises. To learn more and to register: Click Here
Latest from the Blog
On Non-attachment to Non-attachment
More Images from the Road
So Many Options
Images from the Road
High in the Mountains
Greetings from Jonathan Foust: The Key Elements to Practice, The Still, Small Voice Within... Fresh Photos and More
To receive a monthly newsletter,
please signup here.
iTunes podcast here, online listening here, stitcher here, and Jonathan’s YouTube channel here.
My 2016 "Integrity Report"
I’ve been a fan of James Clear (www.jamesclear.com) for some time now.
For the last few years, following his format, I've done an Annual Report. Keeping in step, I've just done my 'Integrity Report,' an inquiry as to how I'm doing in regard to my core values.
It's below, for your amusement.
As Shunryu Suzuki reportedly said, "The most important thing is to know what the most important thing is," or something like that.
I find great value in pausing and reflecting on what's most important.
VIEW Jonathan's 2016 Integrity Report
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.
1 Bag and 21 Days in Europe: Jonathan's Packing List
To read a post on Jonathan’s travel philosophy, check out Jared Gotlieb’s article on the National Geographic Intelligent Traveler blog: http://intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com/2013/10/10/how-to-pack-mindfully
Jonathan’s Packing List
This is what I took on a 21-day trip to Europe, which included time in Paris and Amsterdam, trekking in the Alps and leading a four-day retreat in the Netherlands.
A few details:
* Everything I brought had to fit into one bag
* Merino wool is the perfect travel fabric as it does not pick up odor easily, insulates when wet and dries fast
* These are my favorite clothes and I didn’t miss anything wearing the few things I brought
* Doing laundry is easy when you make it a habit and use the right system (more below)
* As a creative challenge I elected to leave the big camera and lenses at home and shoot and edit photography and video with the iPhone and iPad Pro The Bag: REI Trail 40 I’m a shameless pack geek. This is as satisfying a pack as I’ve ever owned. https://www.rei.com/product/880839/rei-trail-40-pack-mens * Extremely comfortable for my frame.
* Opens fully for easy access
* Comes with it’s own waterproof cover, which I used a lot The Clothes
Outdoor Research Sun Guide Cap https://www.rei.com/product/844695/sunday-afternoons-sun-guide-cap
* Super light weight and the snap on sun shield is actually useful
* Though not as bulky as a larger hat, the bill is a little short for intense sun exposure Outdoor Research Helium II Rain Jacket https://www.rei.com/product/846522/outdoor-research-helium-ii-rain-jacket-mens
* Only 6.4 ounces
* Packs so small there’s no reason not to have it with you all the time
* Get yours large enough to layer bulky stuff underneath REI Rainpants * The ones I was wearing are discontinued, but if I didn’t need extra tall ones, I’d go with the Outdoor Research Helium pants
* New materials are so light it’s easy to take them with you
* It’s luxurious to hike all day in rain and have your legs stay dry - and warm Ibex Shak Hoodie http://shop.ibex.com/merino-wool-clothing/outlet-sale/m-shak-hoodoo-hoody
* Warmth when you need it
* Hood is comfortable
* Thumb holes keep your hands warm
* Sharp-looking enough to wear to a dinner
* Zip allows you to regulate warmth well Ibex Shak Vest http://shop.ibex.com/merino-wool-clothing/mens-vests-jackets/m-shak-vest_2
* One of my favorite pieces of gear
* Great for temperature regulation Ibex W2 Sport Zip http://shop.ibex.com/merino-wool-clothing/mens/w2-l-s-sport-zip
* A big surprise - perfect for sun protection
* Cool by itself but warm when layered
* Long zip for great temperature regulation
* Does not hold odors Ibex Cirrus Polo http://shop.ibex.com/merino-wool-clothing/mens/m-cirrus-polo
* Super lightweight
* Doesn’t wrinkle
* Does not hold odors
* Easily passable for dinner out or teaching Cashmere Sweater
* Weight to warmth ratio is amazing
* Rugged and practical but dressy and presentable
* Expensive, but mine shows no wear after many years of regular use Icebreaker Anatomica Briefs http://www.icebreaker.com/en/mens-underwear/-anatomica-briefs/103031001S.html?gclid=CP6OzrTB2s0CFQyHaQodYXQB0w&gclsrc=aw.ds
* Comfy
* Take ‘em into the shower and wash ‘em, roll ‘em up in a towel and they dry so fast you are can almost wear them right away Prana Zion Pants http://www.prana.com/stretch-zion-pant.html
* Possibly the perfect pants
* Rugged, comfortable, made for movement with gusset crotch
* Still snappy enough to wear for a nice dinner or for teaching Darn Tough Socks http://darntough.com/men/mens-hike-trek/light-hiker-micro-crew-light-cushion
* A life time guarantee for socks?
* Indestructible so far
* Doesn’t hold odors Unshoes Pah Tempe Sandals http://www.unshoesusa.com/Pah-Tempe_p_17.html
* Minimal sandal with no elevated heel
* Dries fast
* Sticky soles for great hiking Vivobarefoot Gobi Shoes http://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/mens/gobi-ii-leather-mens
* I wear these hiking, trekking, to teach class, perform weddings and probably to my own funeral
* I treat mine with sno-seal and they are passably waterproof Scrubba Wash Bag
* Ingeniously-designed bag makes washing your clothes quite fast. About three or four minutes.
* Doubles as a waterproof bag for stuff that has to stay dry on the trail Technology iPad Pro iPhone 6s+
Moment Lens https://momentlens.co
* High-quality glass lenses for the iPhone
* Get extra lens caps
* If you were to get one, get the wide angle Reticam Tripod Mount http://reticam.com/product/smartphone-tripod-mount-with-conversion-kit.php
* Solid and dependable tripod mount Ultra-Pod II tripod http://industrialrev.com/ultrapod-ii.html
* Lightweight tripod and camera holder Peak Design Camera Strap https://www.peakdesign.com/product/straps
* Keeps your camera at the ready
* Quick to adjust and remove Photive Multi Charger https://havecamerawilltravel.com/photographer/photive-5-port-25w-usb-charger-review
* Quick, fast, easy charging for multiple devices
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.
