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In this insightful episode of the Mindfulness Exercises Podcast, host Sean Fargo explores the profound relationship between mindfulness and concentration — two practices often seen as separate, yet deeply intertwined.
Drawing wisdom from his teacher Ajahn Chah, Sean reflects on how concentration serves as the foundation for steady mindfulness, allowing us to stay fully present with whatever arises. Through stories from his years as a Buddhist monk and practical guidance for daily life, he reveals how simplicity, stillness, and focused attention can help us extend our presence and deepen our peace.
From belly visualizations to breath counting, external object focus, and loving-kindness repetition, Sean shares timeless concentration techniques that bring relief from the chaos of modern life. These practices, he explains, are more than just tools for focus — they are gateways into joy, clarity, and perspective.
Listeners are encouraged to experiment with longer meditation sessions, combine multiple sittings, or even create mini at-home retreats to strengthen concentration and mindfulness together.
Throughout the episode, Sean offers candid reflections on the five hindrances, the subtle line between grasping and genuine focus, and how deep concentration can lead to moments of profound stillness, happiness, and insight.
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What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Show Notes:
Concentration as the Foundation of Mindfulness
Sean reflects on how stable concentration anchors mindfulness, preventing it from drifting and allowing for more continuous awareness of the present moment.
Simple Practices for Deep Presence
Listeners are guided through accessible concentration exercises — focusing on the breath, visualizations in the belly, or repeating loving-kindness phrases — to help train the mind to rest more easily.
Overcoming the Five Hindrances
Sean shares how concentration helps us navigate obstacles like restlessness, doubt, and desire, transforming them into opportunities for insight.
From Stillness to Joy
As concentration deepens, a natural joy and clarity emerge. Sean encourages listeners to see concentration not as rigid focus, but as restful presence — a refuge that reconnects us with peace and perspective.
Practical Ways to Deepen Practice
As concentration deepens, a natural joy and clarity emerge. Sean encourages listeners to see concentration not as rigid focus, but as restful presence — a refuge that reconnects us with peace and perspective.
Resources & Links
- 🎥 Watch the full session: Staying Present Longer
- 📚 Learn more about Ajahn Chah’s teachings: ajahnchah.org
- 🌿 Explore free meditations, courses, and trainings: MindfulnessExercises.com
