Why We Meditate & Guided Meditation

Joanne shares the practice of mindfully following our breath, which gives us the opportunity to stop, rest and calm ourselves, unifying our mind and body. By doing so we give ourselves a greater chance of exercising free will, allowing us to respond skillfully when suffering arises. *The talk is followed by a guided meditation.

Dharma talk and guided meditation given at the Hartford Day of Mindfulness on November 5, 2011.

"At the Foot of the Mountain" - Interbeing Explained in Song

Joanne uses the song "At the Foot of the Mountain" and at story by Thich Nhat Hanh to illustrate how we are made of every single element of the cosmos. We learn that only through an awareness of our ultimate interconnectedness are peace, harmony, and fearlessness possible.

The song “At the Foot of the Mountain” is sung by the Nuns of Plum Village, from the recording "Mountains" available from Blue Cliff Monastery.

Talk given at the Hartford Day of Mindfulness, November 5, 2011.