A Meditation for Overwhelm

A Meditation for Overwhelm

Author: Kate Spina August 18, 2021 Duration: 15:18

When the world gets "too much" what do we do? How do we stop spinning our wheels and take positive action? The first step is to stop, take a break, and get back into our bodies. I offer a roughly 10 minute stationary meditation practice to help us do just that.


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
My Buddhist Lineage [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:13
In this episode I discuss the Theravada Buddhist tradition I am rooted in and the lineage of teachers that I learn from. For more reading on Buddhism I recommend Buddhism: A Concise Introduction by Smith and Novak. Some…
Working With Physical Pain [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:34
In this episode I explore how to work with physical pain both in our formal practice and in our daily lives. I reference Maslow's hierarchy of needs as a framework for helping us understand why meditation can be difficul…
Building Distress Tolerance: The First Noble Truth [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:01
In this episode I explore the importance of being with the truth of dukkha, the reality that there is difficulty in life, and the dangers that come from not accepting this truth. I share quotes from the Buddha's first te…
How We Train Our Hearts and Minds [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:09
“Under pressure, you don’t rise to the occasion, you sink to the level of your training. That’s why we train so hard.” -Archilochus This week I explore the ways we train in the three poisons, greed, hatred and delusion,…
Roadblocks to Liberation: The Ten Fetters [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:06
In this episode I explore the ten fetters, and how this list of barriers can help us to stay on the Dharma path. I share quotes from Sharon Salzberg, Ruth King, Matthew Brensilver and more.
The important Practice of Generosity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:58
In this episode I explore how generosity can help combat the three poisons of greed, hatred, and delusion and some avenues for cultivating generosity.
Finding Safety in this Ever-Changing World [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:46
This week I look at the practice of taking refuge in the Triple Gem, the Buddha, the Dharma, and the sangha. I share ways that we can search for refuge that don't always work, and how the Triple Gem can guide us to a tru…
Living with Grief [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:47
In this episode I explore the different ways that we can avoid or minimize grief and the importance of accepting this mind state. I share quotes from Rev. angel Kyodo williams, Michelle Obama, Bruce Springsteen and other…
Guarding the Sense Doors: Choosing What We Let Into Our Lives [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:01
This week I explore what it means to guard the sense doors. How we relate to things as they arise, and how we make choices about what we do and don't let into our lives. I also share my interpretation of the Bahiya Sutta
Roadblocks on the Path [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:07
Sometimes the teachings can feel inaccessible. Maybe anger or depression or doubt has taken over. I explore what that can look like, and some tools we can access in those moments. I also share a story from Ajahn Brahm's…