Chris is joined by author, Michael W. Taft, to talk about mindfulness in the modern age.
Michael W. Taft is a meditation teacher, bestselling author, and neuroscience junkie. As a mindfulness coach, he specializes in secular, science-based mindfulness training in groups, corporate settings, and one-on-one sessions. Michael is the author of several books, including the bestselling The Mindful Geek and Nondualism: A Brief History of a Timeless Concept.
Show Notes
Change from Within (Opening) – “Can mindfulness meditation really deliver, or is all of this just some New Age marketing scam?” Michael addresses this question in the first chapter of his book, “The Mindful Geek.” Chis and Michael discuss the realities of how mindfulness is often marketed, and what true scope of what mindfulness teachings have to offer.
Mindful Geek (9:00) – In “The Mindful Geek” Michael writes about looking at meditation like a technology. He discusses the ideas of mindfulness and meditation as a sort of “ancient brain hack.”
Some methods of practice work better for each person than others. Chris and Michael discuss various forms of mindfulness and meditation.
Entering Awareness (18:00) – Michael gives advice to those who are just starting to practice mindfulness and meditation. The two discuss the secular way in which Michael delivers mindfulness and awareness practices to an audience that may not have a context or connection with any religious or spiritual practice.
The Three Elements (21:20) – Michael discusses what he considers the three elements of mindfulness: concentration, clarity, and acceptance. He and Chris discuss these elements, as well as the importance of being able to relax.
Overwhelming Emotions (30:00) – Chris and Michael talk about coping with too much feeling. They discuss this kind of emotional overhaul that even experienced practitioners experience.
“The number one thing is acceptance.”
Nondualism (37:50) – Michael discusses an excerpt from his book “Nondualism: A Brief History of a Timeless Concept.” He makes the distinction between nondualism and non-dual awareness.
Chris and Michael also discuss the concepts of via positiva and via negativa. These are two seemingly contradictory teachings from the Upanishads which actually point to the same truth.
Emptiness (48:10) – From a Buddhist perspective, the ultimate non-dual philosophy is that of emptiness. Michael talks about this concept of “no-self” that describes the experience of being one with everything.
Find resources, blogs, and more from Michael online at Deconstructing Yourself.
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