Sylvia Boorstein is cofounding teacher at Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, California, and a senior teacher at the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts. She lectures nationally on Buddhism and mindfulness, and teaches Vipassana and Metta meditation.
Sylvia’s spiritual practice now is paying attention to all parts of her life including her political activism. She has a dedicated meditation practice and she teaches meditation as well as the philosophy of the Buddha in classes and workshops. She has written five books about these subjects and feels happy to have discovered that her talent as a story-teller has served her well in making these subjects accessible to contemporary audiences.
She’d like to say that her spiritual practice is the whole of her life. When people ask, “What do you practice?” she responds, “I am trying to keep my mind clear and alert so that my heart can be open to respond with kindness and compassion to all parts of my life.” She has recently changed from teaching, “Mindfulness in Everyday Life” to saying, “Everyday Life IS Mindfulness Practice.” There is no situation in which paying careful kind attention would not be the most helpful response.
To know more about Sylvia Boorstein, visit her website.
Sylvia Boorstein’s Mindfulness Meditations
Sylvia Boorstein tells a story that leads to Siddharta, it deals with the spiritual journey of self-discovery. We all have stories to share with people.
Sylvia Boorstein tells a story about an Olympic situation and brainstorms about “what to think?” in response to the situation, how we are limited by thinking normally.
Sylvia Boorstein leads a spontaneous meditation and tells that the spiritual practice happens even when in community with others, so it’s everything.
Sylvia Boorstein talks about how the Dalai Lama teaches the same old teachings, which is good! Expounds that what’s important people stick to ethics.
Sylvia Boorstein talks about What Makes Life Precious. She starts with a story about what’s in the news and highlights difficult times as part of the Buddha’s teachings.
Sylvia Boorstein brainstorms about “I would have wanted more, but I never wanted other.” She explains the power of choice that we have that leads us to where we should be.