5 Tools to help with Difficult Thoughts

5 Tools to help with Difficult Thoughts

Author: Kate Spina May 6, 2020 Duration: 16:46

During the COVID-19 pandemic, so many of us are experiencing worry, fear and grief. How can we manage these mind states? How can we stop them from taking over? The Vitakkasanthana Sutta (MN 20) has 5 steps to help remove distracting thoughts, and Kate uses practical examples to describe how these tools can be used. 


Each week, Toward Light: Practical Buddhism for the Modern World gently bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary living. Guided by Kate Spina, who is trained in the Theravada lineage, these conversations and reflections focus on early Buddhist teachings, translating their core principles into tangible practices for today's unique challenges. This isn't about abstract philosophy; it's about finding a grounded sense of clarity, resilience, and compassion amid the noise of daily life. You'll hear practical guidance that intersects naturally with themes of mental fitness, personal growth, and holistic well-being, all framed within a accessible spiritual context. Kate's approach demystifies these timeless ideas, making them relevant whether you're navigating stress, seeking deeper purpose, or simply curious about a more mindful existence. The Toward Light podcast serves as a thoughtful companion for anyone looking to integrate sustainable, peaceful habits into their modern routine. By focusing on direct applications, the show honors the tradition of making these teachings genuinely useful, supporting listeners in cultivating a steadier, more intentional life one step at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 121

Toward Light: Practical Buddhism for the Modern World
Podcast Episodes
Wise Effort [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:35
In our meditation practice we cultivate a balanced effort, and prevent unwholseome mind states from arising, abandon them when they do arise. We cultivate wholesome mind states and sustain them.
Wise Livelihood [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:05
How can we reduce harm in how we make and spend money?
Wise Action [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:51
The fourth factor on the Noble Eightfold Path is Wise Action. How does our Wise View and Wise Intention affect how we act in the world?
Wise Speech [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:36
In the third path factor of wise speech we are asked to refrain from speech that is false, harsh, divisive, gossipy or idle and to cultivate speech that is honest, kind, timely and useful.
Wise Intention [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:21
What underlies our thoughts words and deeds? And how can we make sure those intentions are wholesome?
Wise View: Understanding Kamma [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:16
The first path factor on the noble eightfold path is wise view. What understanding do we see the world through? How does understanding the truth of kamma help us on the path to freedom?
Absorbing the Path [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:28
This episode includes 2 guided practices with the intention of helping to remember and retain the noble eightfold path factors.
Freedom [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:58
The third noble truth is the truth of freedom. But what are we free from? And what does that open up for us?
The Cycle of Dependent Origination [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:21
Dependent origination is a map that helps us see the cycle of craving more clearly. You can read more about it here, and I share from Turning the Wheel of Truth by Ajahn Sucitto. The 12 links of dependent origination are…
Getting to Know Our Conditioning [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:33
Self-criticism, comparison, and judgement arise regularly. In this episode I look at why, and how we can work with them. I mention Internal Family Systems and this podcast with the founder of IFS.