Talk 13: Balance Striving and Being

Talk 13: Balance Striving and Being

Author: Meditation and mindfulness daily practice to remain interested in, and remember, being present in every day life and living October 3, 2014 Duration: 22:37
The huge question of how to balance our striving in meditation practice opens a whole lot of possible things to say. In this talk however one very important point is made that before trying to work all that out, it is crucial to fully explore and surrender to single moments of allowing everything to just happen. And these moments should be kept separate from any plan, including how good it would be to do this! Including how to sustain it in time, how to stay with it, or how it relates to everyday life. Keep these special moments separate from all plans as much as possible. Then, we will be more open to the important two aspects of the rest of the question. 1. We have a planning and orienting energy, and it's there for a reason, and it can and should be used in some measure to go about our life, if it is arising for us. But we get out of balance when that energy captures our attention. 2. We don't have to figure out that balance by ourselves, life itself will show it to us and life itself will move us down the proper course. If we are open to it that may happen easier. But if we are not open, life will bite us until we get what it is telling us.

Finding a consistent space for quiet reflection can be a challenge, but I Should Be Meditating with Alan Klima offers a direct and practical path back to the present moment. This isn't about achieving a perfect state of silence, but rather cultivating a daily practice of mindful curiosity. Alan provides guided mindfulness meditations that feel like conversations with a knowledgeable friend, blending direct instruction with thoughtful discussion. You'll encounter fresh perspectives on foundational techniques-breath awareness, body scans, and loving-kindness-along with subtle tweaks and surprising approaches that can reinvigorate a routine practice. The podcast serves as a gentle, recurring nudge to remain interested in the texture of everyday life, whether you're new to meditation or have been sitting for years. Each session is designed to be a tool for personal investigation, helping to dissolve the distance between formal practice and simply living. Tune in for a blend of calm guidance and insightful talk that makes the intention to be present feel both accessible and deeply worthwhile.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 84

I Should Be Meditating with Alan Klima: Guided Mindfulness Meditation and Discussion
Podcast Episodes
56: Awareness of both Thoughts and Presence [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:00
In this whole world that is your life there are thoughts and busyness, emotions and sensations, but there's also something else here. Something that is always present. This guided meditation points towards that awareness…
55: Hanging out with Yourself [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:31
The pure pleasure of hanging out with yourself! Find the most direct way to enjoy the inwardness that meditating on a regular basis provides. Through this guided lesson you will get closer to that inner refuge that is wi…
54: Appreciating Presence [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:18
Thoughts and worries can seem to distract you. By practicing this simple exercise you are reminded of the power of feeling your breath. Staying with the breath allows your inner mental attitude to brighten. Appreciating…
Meditation on Loyalty to Life [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:21
When we think about life we often make judgements about it, have ideas of how it is, or how it should be. In this guided meditation we commit to life as it already is. Through this practice we move from what our idea of…
Relax with the Breath All Over the Body [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:54
Use this guided meditation to connect with the breath in all kinds of ways you haven't tried before. Playing with the Breath hones our skills in relating to what feelings and emotions arise in our experience later. Pract…
Pleasant Breath Now For Hard Times Later [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:35
There is a powerful breathing technique for facing hard times, but you must practice it now if you want to use it later. It's not always a good idea to try and zap your problems with meditation while they are happening.…
Panic Attacks, Anxiety, and Breathing Meditation: Talk 17 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:06
How should one breathe for panic attacks and how to breathe for regular worry? Panic Attacks and every day worry have some things in common, but also a big difference. We can learn a lot from panic attacks, whether we ha…
53: Guided Compassion Meditation Formula [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:31
This classic formula for cultivating compassion is an excellent way to bring us back to the fact that mindfulness attention is a kind attention. It is also a great meditation to use at bedtime to sleep great!! Mindfulnes…
53: Guided Compassion Meditation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:31
This classic formula for cultivating compassion is an excellent way to bring us back to the fact that mindfulness attention is a kind attention. It is also a great meditation to use at bedtime to sleep great!! Mindfulnes…
52: Being Simply As You Are [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:46
This guided meditation is very simple and short, giving you the space and pause to do nothing but remain as you are. Simply being is a refreshing, restful pause that brings us back to ourselves, from one point of view, b…