In this talk, Joseph Goldstein speaks about feeling free and the fourth noble truth, the way of practice leading to the end of suffering.
A note from Sean
One thing I keep coming back to is the gap between something unpleasant and our reaction to it. An itch, hunger, a harsh word: we feel the discomfort first, and then the urge to react or judge. The more we notice that, the more space we find around it. That space is a freedom of choice.
Try this today. The next time something mildly unpleasant shows up, like an itch, a cold room, or a sharp email, wait three breaths before you do anything about it. Feel the unpleasant part by itself, in your body. Then notice the urge that follows.
Keep going: The Five Hindrances and Investigating Aversion and Anger.
This suits anyone who feels pushed around by their own reactions. If anger or old pain comes up, go gently. Stop when you need to.
More from: Joseph Goldstein
