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About this episode
Perhaps contrary to popular belief, meditation does not make us feel all zen. Rather, it actually makes us feel more deeply.
Discussed in this episode:
Meditation Heightens Emotions – It doesn’t numb feelings but makes them more vivid.
Trauma-Sensitivity is Important – Meditation can help with grief and sorrow but may amplify trauma. The practice should be handled with great care.
Options for Working with Strong Emotions in Meditation:
Stop meditating if it’s overwhelming.
Label emotions as “thinking” and return to the breath.
Focus on the physical sensation of the emotion without engaging in its story.
Feelings vs. Thoughts – Emotions are real, but the stories we tell about them create suffering. “Feel the feeling, drop the story.” –Pema Chodron
Personal Stories:
A heartbreak revealed that suffering was increased by the thoughts added to the reality of loss. The loss (a breakup) was not optional, but the additional thoughts were.
A career setback and a chance encounter with an experienced meditator taught that meditation isn’t about avoiding emotions but facing them.
Meditation’s Impact – It is rare that anything happens while meditating. It’s actually pretty hard and boring. However! Progress shows up “off the cushion” as increased wisdom, compassion, and resilience.
If you enjoyed this episode:
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Produced by Citizens of Sound
Music by: Derek O'Brien
©Open Heart Project
Get every episode summarized
Each time Buddhism Beyond Belief with Susan Piver publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
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