Mindfulness+ with Thomas McConkie

What could it mean to see the “World in a Grain of Sand”, or to live “Eternity in an hour”? In this extended meditation, Thomas points out the “Ground of Being”, a classic territory in contemplative practice.

The soul’s need is overwhelming. There are no lengths it would not go to to get the sustenance it needs to flourish. In these days of quarantine, take a moment—take many moments—to come back to yourself and be honest about what really drives you. What really feeds you. Then risk it.

In these Covid times, we have all lost things that we didn’t plan to lose. Many of us probably spend more energy than we’d like fearing further loss. In this episode, acquaint yourself with the fear that surrounds the experience of loss and learn to include it more fully in the wholeness (and holiness) of your life.

Life is full of second chances. The Dharma is all about second chances. Just now, if you didn’t meet the last moment with full presence and full awareness, life will offer you the next moment to get it right. It’s as if Reality itself is not content until you fully receive the “Great Gesture”, right now. Always right NOW.

It’s World Autism Month! In honor of all of our neurodiverse loved ones, Thomas shares a story of a dharma teaching from his brother, Joseph, who is on the autistic spectrum. Join us in this episode for a practice inspired by one of the many superpowers that people with autism have to offer to the world. Also, if you have any leads on helping Joseph make new and meaningful connections, please email us at info@mindfulnessplus.org.

In these times of quarantine, it can be easy to get bogged down in one care, one concern, one worry after another. When we enter that “mind” of fretting, there is no end to our troubles. How about cashing in all of the cares in the world for one single care? Would you do it? Would it even be possible to stop worrying and let something else within us tend to all of our cares? Come and see!

Living bacteria were first observed through a microscope in the year 1670. This discovery led to the development of Germ Theory and a revolution in human health. There is another kind of subtle infestation in human experience that deprives us of an inherent sense of freedom and joy. But there’s good news! We all have the capacity to disinfect; to become healthy and whole again. This discovery too has led to a whole new order of human happiness.

We find ourselves—all of humanity—suddenly thrust into a “school of hardship.” What qualities will we “gather” during this time? What garden will we grow? Let your in-tention guide your a-ttention and see who you become.  Next live practice call will be Wednesday, April 1st, 7-8pm Mountain Time!  To register: https://lowerlightswisdom.org/upcomingevents/2020/4/causal-collective

We cannot wake up alone. We need each other. In this post-season bonus episode, Thomas and his wife, “Glo”, share some of their experiences and insights working and living in “cohort life.” For those Mindfulness+ listeners who are interested in really taking their practice to a new orbit, check out the Spectra program at lowerlightswisdom.org/spectra.

To be alive is to be in exchange with all things—an endless round of giving and receiving. When we receive something precious, we naturally move to reciprocate and give back to it. For the season 3 finale, we invite you to support Mindfulness+ in whatever way you can and help us continue to provide this resource for the happiness of all beings. Donate at www.mindfulnessplus.org/donate.

Loch Kelly, one of the great teachers of our time, shares his insights and open-hearted awareness with the Mindfulness+ community in this opening and enlightening interview. He has a new book by Sounds True, The Way of Effortless Mindfulness—a superb handbook for any sincere student. Do you want to save yourself a lot of grief and unnecessary strife in your meditation practice and in life? Then pay close attention to what Loch has to share. Learn more at lochkelly.org

Loch Kelly, one of the great teachers of our time, shares his insights and open-hearted awareness with the Mindfulness+ community in this opening and enlightening interview. He has a new book by Sounds True, The Way of Effortless Mindfulness—a superb handbook for any sincere student. Do you want to save yourself a lot of grief and unnecessary strife in your meditation practice and in life? Then pay close attention to what Loch has to share. Learn more at lochkelly.org

The great poet, David Whyte tells us, “What you can plan is too small to live.” In what ways might the smallness of your planning being blinding you to a deeper grace, a greater truth? Explore this theme on today’s episode. Also, if you appreciate Mindfulness+ and what it does for you, then please donate! https://www.mindfulnessplus.org/donate

In this longer meditation, Thomas guides listeners into an exploration of their timeless, boundless nature. Sound trippy? You’ll find it’s as easy as breathing to show “your original face before your parents were born.”

Who are we really? And what ideas do we have about ourselves and others that keep us distant from them, keep us isolated? In this special episode, Thomas tells a story of an encounter he had with his grandfather recently, and the unexpected moment of Presence that shone through 26 years of estrangement.