Logo

    Resisting What You Don’t Want To Feel Just Makes It Worse. Here’s A Different Strategy. | Ofosu Jones-Quartey and Cara Lai

    Meditation teacher Ofosu Jones-Quartey shares strategies for acceptance and equanimity in a podcast episode, with over 17 years of experience teaching nationwide. He is an accomplished musician and author, known for his mindfulness-themed album 'AMIDA' and children's book 'You Are Enough'. Cara Lai, another meditation teacher, co-hosts a podcast and teaches at various centers. They both have online classes available.

    1
    enOctober 23, 2024
    What was the main topic of the podcast episode?
    Summarise the key points discussed in the episode?
    Were there any notable quotes or insights from the speakers?
    Which popular books were mentioned in this episode?
    Were there any points particularly controversial or thought-provoking discussed in the episode?
    Were any current events or trending topics addressed in the episode?

    In the latest episode of the 10% Happier Podcast with Dan Harris, meditation teacher Ofosu Jones-Quartey and mindfulness educator Cara Lai delve into the Buddhist principles of acceptance and equanimity. The discussion centers around the idea that resisting negative feelings often leads to greater distress. Instead, the episode explores more mindful approaches to handling these emotions through the lens of ancient wisdom.

    Key Concepts Covered in the Episode

    The Three Root Poisons

    The conversation opens with a discussion about the Buddhist concept of the three root poisons: greed, hatred, and delusion. These poisons contribute significantly to human suffering and can be observed through our daily reactions and behaviors. Here’s a breakdown of these concepts:

    • Greed: The incessant desire for more, often leading to dissatisfaction with the present moment.
    • Hatred: The aversion towards unpleasant experiences, which can manifest as anger or denial.
    • Delusion: When individuals disconnect from reality, believing happiness exists only in different circumstances.

    By recognizing these poisons in our lives, we can cultivate a more understanding and compassionate relationship with ourselves and others, ultimately fostering healthier emotional responses.

    Acceptance vs. Resistance

    A core theme of the discussion is the distinction between acceptance and resistance. In Buddhist terms, suffering is often a result of our resistance to life's realities. Jones-Quartey explains that acceptance does not imply complacency or passivity but represents an acknowledgment of the present moment for what it is. This acceptance can liberate energy previously spent on resistance, allowing individuals to act more wisely rather than reactively.

    Mindfulness as Activism

    Both hosts advocate that mindfulness can be seen as a form of modern activism. When we practice mindfulness, we not only improve our sense of well-being but also contribute positively to the collective societal discourse. They suggest that mindful awareness can disarm hostility and cultivate compassion, particularly during heated political discussions. By understanding our own reactions rooted in greed, aversion, or delusion, we can engage in more constructive dialogues.

    Expert Insights

    Jones-Quartey and Lai emphasize that recognizing our emotional responses is crucial for personal growth. The episode articulates how our underlying attitudes shape our responses to both internal and external events. Key takeaways include:

    • Self-Reflection: Take time to observe your mental patterns when faced with discomfort. Recognizing this cycle allows for a better grasp of your emotional state without immediately reacting.
    • Curiosity over Judgment: Approach disagreements with a desire to understand rather than to win, fostering deeper human connections.
    • Creating Space: Allow yourself the grace to feel uncomfortable feelings without judgment; this can pave the way for healing and understanding.

    Practical Applications for Listeners

    The hosts shared practical steps listeners can implement:

    • Journaling: Write about your experiences and feelings to process them better.
    • Mindfulness Practices: Engage in mindfulness meditation to cultivate awareness of your thoughts and feelings.
    • Community Engagement: Find ways to connect with those differing from you in viewpoints, and approach discussions with openness and curiosity.
    • Acts of Kindness: No matter how small, engaging in acts of kindness can significantly impact your well-being as well as that of those around you.

    Conclusion

    In a world filled with conflict and rapid changes, the insights drawn from this episode highlight that genuine progress starts from within. By applying mindfulness to daily challenges, we not only enhance our personal growth but create ripples of positive change in our communities. As Jones-Quartey poignantly summarizes, the key lies in softening our grip on fixed views and welcoming a more flexible, compassionate understanding of ourselves and others.

    This engaging conversation invites listeners to reflect on how they approach their feelings and reactions, encouraging a pathway towards peace and acceptance.

    Was this summary helpful?

    Recent Episodes from Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris

    How To Counteract Your Negativity Bias | Bonus Meditation with Kaira Jewel Lingo

    How To Counteract Your Negativity Bias | Bonus Meditation with Kaira Jewel Lingo
    Twenty-five year old Kaira Jewel Lingo spent fifteen years as a nun in the Buddhist tradition and is now based in New York. She is an author specializing in mindfulness and meditation for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, activists, educators, youth, artists, and families. Her latest work, 'We Were Made for These Times,' focuses on moving through change, loss, and disruption.

    Related Episodes

    La Sarmiento on Suffering to Acceptance

    La Sarmiento on Suffering to Acceptance

    La Sarmiento has been practicing Vipassana meditation since 1998. They are the guiding teacher of the Insight Meditation Community of Washington’s BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ Sanghas, a mentor for the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program and Cloud Sangha, a contributor to the Ten Percent Happier app, and a graduate of Spirit Rock’s Community Dharma Leader Training Program.

    In this episode, Eric and La discuss how to move from suffering to acceptance and belonging through mindfulness practices.

    But wait – there’s more! The episode is not quite over!! We continue the conversation and you can access this exclusive content right in your podcast player feed. It’s that simple and we’ll give you good stuff as a thank you!

    La Sarmiento and I Discuss Suffering and Acceptance and…

    • Finding connection and acceptance with someone who has very different beliefs
    • Their feeling of not belonging in the dominant culture
    • When they decided to claim their belonging
    • Their important work helping teens 
    • How they intentionally doesn’t prepare her Dharma talks ahead of time
    • The questions to ask when suffering 
    • How being mindful doesn’t mean doing it right, it’s being aware of what you’re doing
    • Taking refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma, and Sangha helps them to remember to mindful
    • The practice of learning to be more comfortable with being uncomfortable
    • How the dominant culture needs to better understand inclusion and assimilation
    • How their dog Casey opened her heart

    La Sarmiento links:

    Explore the science behind weight loss and partner with your healthcare provider for a healthy approach to your weight management, visit 

    Novo Nordisk - Explore the science behind weight loss and partner with your healthcare provider for a healthy approach to your weight management, visit 

    When you purchase products and/or services from the sponsors of this episode, you help support The One You Feed. Your support is greatly appreciated, thank you!

    If you enjoyed this conversation with La Sarmiento, you might also enjoy these other episodes:

    See for privacy information.

    Logo

    © 2024 Podcastworld. All rights reserved

    Company

    Pricing

    Stay up to date

    For any inquiries, please email us at hello@podcastworld.io