How to Work With Unpleasant Mind States

How to Work With Unpleasant Mind States

Author: Kate Spina August 12, 2021 Duration: 12:15

In this episode I attempt to answer the question: When difficult things come up in meditation, how do we assess our capacity to stay with it and what does that look like? I discuss how tease out the difference between unpleasant and unwholesome mind states as well as share some tools for grounding when we are disassociated during practice.


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
Suffering Due to Lack of Acceptance [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:54
When we don't see things as they are, when we don't recognize what's actually happening, we can cause ourselves extra dukkha (difficulty). So how does acceptance help? And how can we see this resistance in our lives?
Spiritual Friendship (In Honor of Mollie) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:03
The Buddha said spiritual friendship is the whole of the holy life. In this episode I look at what spiritual friendship is by sharing about the spiritual friendship I had with my friend Mollie. I share an excerpt from th…
Joy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:58
In this episode I look at joy (pitti) and ways we can help ourselves be available to joy as it arises. I read the poem So Much Happiness by Naomi Shihab Nye (This is the last episode of season 2. Season 3 begins in May 2…
Faith, Truth, and Power [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:09
In this episode I explore the relationships between faith, truth, and power, and some steps the Buddha suggested in MN95 to help us see if we are cultivating groundless faith or verified faith.
Mindfulness in Information Age [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:03
In this episode I continue the theme from last episode of living in an era where we have access to global information. I specifically look at how to bring mindfulness to our use of devices (screen time) and news consumpt…
Looking at Spiritual Eclecticism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:37
In this global era we are exposed to so many different spiritual traditions. How do we decide what's right for us? I quote from Bhikkhu Bodhi's book The Noble Eightfold Path
Universality [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:51
This episode I look at different ways the teachings point toward universality. While we don't ignore difference, we also don't use difference to separate or segregate ourselves and others. We see the links between all co…
Retreat Structure and Reflections [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:18
I share details of a retreat I recently completed, ways to structure your own retreat, and 3 insights I received on this retreat. I reference this article by Chris McKenna to help structure an at home mini-retreat.
The Five Hindrances [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:13
The five hindrances, greed, aversion, sloth/torpor, restlessness/worry, and doubt, can be understood through the use of similes that are present in the teachings of the Buddha. There are also some antidotes to the hinder…
The Middle Way [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:13
Why are the Buddha's teachings rooted in moderation? How can we extrapolate those lessons into our lives?