Working with Overwhelm

Working with Overwhelm

Author: Kate Spina July 30, 2021 Duration: 11:20

Seeing as my life has been super full recently, I thought it important to talk about the sensation of overwhelm, what it is, and how we can see it through a Buddhist lens. I mention Tricia Hersey's project The Nap Ministry which you can learn more about here.


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
Renouncing Negative Self-Talk [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:38
We can often be harsh or critical in our minds. This episode I explore how we can use the path factor of wise Speech to address our internal talk.
Renouncing Multi-Tasking [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:15
In this episode I begin a series of talks on renunciation. For this episode I am specifically looking at the behavior of multi-tasking, why it is a problem and how we can address it.
What Is Insight? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:44
In this episode I clarify what is insight, what is it's opposite, and how we can cultivate it consistently.
Getting to Know Your Inner Knowing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:41
How do you know when you're experiencing insight? Can you hear your inner wisdom? When does conditioning get in the way? How can you tell the difference? How can you cultivate connection with your inner knowing?
New Year, Same Vicissitudes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:48
Reflecting on the eight worldly winds, seeing them in our lives, can help us to deepen our understanding of dukkha, annica, and upekkha.
Investigation with Koans [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:09
Dhamma vichaya, investigation, is one of the factors of awakening, and I explore how using koans can help us deepen our inquiry into our present moment experience.
Wise Action: Holiday Edition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:00
In this episode I discuss the path factor of Wise Action; exploring how, when we are doing the self-work discussed in episode 29, it naturally leads to skillful action in the world.
Self Knowing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:55
In this episode I explore how knowing our strengths, our challenges, and our authentic interests can help move us closer to freedom.
Metta and Karuna for Self [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:08
In this episode I discuss the importance of practicing kindness and compassion for ourselves and guide a 9 minute meditation practice.
Continuity of Mindfulness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:31
In this episode I share how we can use the refrain from the Satipatthana Sutta to help us bring mindfulness into our days. I share a translation from Bhikkhu Analayo as well as several ways to practice with this key Budd…