Buddhist Retreat Practice

Buddhist Retreat Practice

Author: Kate Spina September 9, 2020 Duration: 23:36

A few hours after returning from meditation retreat I recorded this episode. I share my personal reflections of my experience. I also explore why we do meditation retreats, how they can benefit our practice, and ways to craft them while many retreat centers are closed. Here is a blog post about self retreat resources and here is an article by Chris McKenna about doing a short retreat at home. 


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
Practice: 12 Minutes of Mindfulness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:46
In this episode I offer a 12 minute guided mindfulness practice that I recommend you practice in a still posture, either sitting, standing, or lying down.
Being Human [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:44
In this episode I explore what it means to be human, and how fighting with reality can create more suffering for us.
Untangling Our Habitual Stories [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:37
So many of our thoughts are automatic, habitual patterns, that often don't serve us, but we base our actions on them anyway. In this episode I look at common stories and what tools can serve us as we work with them.
Compassionate Action [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:04
In this episode I explore barriers to compassionate action and some guidelines to help us when we do take compassionate action.
Compassion for Others [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:16
Continuing the theme of compassion I share reflections on the importance of cultivating the felt sense of compassion for others.
Self Compassion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:44
This episode I look at the bhramavihara of compassion, karuna, and how we can cultivate compassion toward ourselves and why that is important.
Unrealistic Expectations on the Buddhist Path [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:46
In this episode I explore how unrealistic expectations around Buddhism, both internally and externally, can create dukkha, and in some cases take us away from the path.
Wise Concentration [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:37
Finalizing the series on the Noble Eightfold Path with the eighth path factor of Wise Concentration.
Wise Mindfulness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:28
Wise Mindfulness is the 7th path factor, and it's also a study to itself. Some resources if you're interested in exploring mindfulness: Mindfulness in Plain English by Bhante Gunaratana. Satipatthana Meditation: A Practi…