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In this episode, I offer a few reflections on the passing of my dear companion, Ozzie. On February 15, 2023, Ozzie died peacefully in our arms, in front of his hearth, and as I try to convey in this short talk, the dharma of his life continues to open and deepen for me.

In this episode, I try to speak to the implacable heaviness many are feeling in the face of the overwhelming number of ongoing disasters in the world. What, if at all, does the Dharma have to offer?  

In this episode, I reflect on the roots of anger in my own conflicts and share the tools I’ve learned from mindfulness-based modalities to de-escalate tensions and nurture harmony. I share from my own challenges and difficulties with practicing wise speech, and how Active Reflective Communication is my go-to model for any generative and important […]

In this episode, I republish a conversation I had with Robert Wright on his Nonzero Podcast. Bob and I discuss my struggles with cognitive empathy in everyday life. Not my struggle with the concept, mind you. I know that the ability to imagine another person’s perspective is enormously important in communication and relationships. We explore […]

In this episode (#207), Josh reflects on the four foundations of practicing Yin Yoga, and how the first two foundations – safety and relaxation – inform the development of the meditation process. This dharma theme closes with a prompt from Josh: What does it mean to practice non-grasping in meditation? Further reflection: “Great genial power, […]

In this episode, I am joined by my friends and colleagues Linda Modaro and Nelly Kaufer to talk about their new book, Reflective Meditation – Cultivating Kindness and Curiosity in the Buddha’s Company. Order your copy of Reflective Meditation, by Linda Modaro and Nelly Kaufer Linda Modaro’s website: https://satisangha.org/ Nelly Kaufer’s website: https://pinestreetsangha.org/ What is […]

In this talk, I reflect on a passage from Martin Luther King Jr.’s Letter from Birmingham Jail, and how practice, itself, generates an internal creative tension that is necessary for growth and transformation.

In this episode, I talk with the Swiss yoga teacher Elisa Malinverni about her wonderful new book, Yoga for Recovering Addicts, Stories of Hope and Ways of Self-Healing. Elisa’s clear and nuanced writing explores an integral path to recovery for all manner of addiction. “In my book, we’re all addicts. The only difference is, some […]

In this talk, I reflect on some of the parallels between tending the fire of a woodstove and tending the conditions of a meditation and yoga practice.

The Zen teacher Charlotte Joko Beck said that when “nothing is special, everything can be.” In this talk, Josh reflects on how everything that arises in our practice can be received as a perfect learning opportunity.

In preparation for the winter holiday season, Josh reflects on the Buddha’s insight of conditionality, or karma, and how this helps release ourselves and others from vicious cycles of blame. Learning to listen to the nature of conditionality is at the core of the Buddha’s path of liberation.

Morning practice is often recommended as the foundation of a contemplative path. In this talk, Josh offers reflections on the importance of practicing in the morning.  

In this episode, I speak with my friend and former Buddhist monk, Greg Burdilis about our time practicing together in Burma. We discuss the highs and lows of life on an intensive vipassana meditation retreat. Greg and I plan to have more conversations about deep practice and we welcome your questions. Email me at josh@joshsummers.net […]

In this talk, Josh discusses the process and energy of Recognizing, Realizing and Releasing conflicts and challenges as they arise in our practice and life.  

In this talk, Josh explores the important role of relaxation, rest and receptivity for the development of calm clarity in Yin Samatha-Vipassana Meditation.

“Enlightenment is an accident, but some activities make you accident-prone.” – Krishnamurti In this talk, Josh offers reflections on the most important element of a personal spiritual practice. Weekly Online Yin Yoga, Qi Gong and Meditation Classes with Josh Summers and Terry Cockburn, PLUS access to our replay library of workshops, classes and tutorials. https://joshsummers.net/classes/ […]

Every meditator will confront their ego’s attempt to meditate from the back seat. The ego will try to control, influence and manipulate the entire process. In this talk, Josh suggests how to work with this energy. “Yesterday’s insights are like yesterday’s fish, unrefrigerated.” – Larry Rosenberg

In this talk, Josh reflects further on Zhuang Zi’s Butterfly Dream and how the parable offers clues and questions for deepening an understanding of self and consciousness. “Within the dream state, unless we’re lucid, we tend to be held captive by the content of the dream. But in waking up, we open to the possibility […]

In this talk, Josh connects the famous parable of Zhuang Zi’s Butterfly Dream to the practice of moment to moment mindfulness. “I, Zhuang Zi, dreamt I was a butterfly, fluttering hither and thither, to all intents and purposes a butterfly. I was conscious only of my happiness as a butterfly, unaware that I was Zhuang […]