Buddhist teacher David Niktern explains that making friends with your mind and inner world is the first step to building better relationships with those around you.
Today’s podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Try online therapy today at betterhelp.com/behere and take a step toward becoming your best self. Live at Ram Dass Summer Mountain Retreat 2024, David Nichtern explores: How our minds shape the reality we experience and perceive The importance of positive mantras and focusing on the negative Finding peace and refuge within your own heart Understanding restless “hot” boredom and calm “cool” boredom Musical examples of how we relate to each other The bridge between the everyday world and inner spiritual experience Mental patterns that destabilize us and hinder our resilience Becoming open to the environment during mindfulness meditation
“Mindfulness meditation is good because it develops the patience and intimacy with yourself to accept rather than reject. It’s about loving yourself, in a way. It’s about intimacy with yourself, and it’s just yourself and your mind. It develops a kind of willingness to be where you are.” -David Nichtern
About David Nichtern:
David Nichtern, founder of Dharma Moon, is a senior Buddhist teacher who has practiced and taught meditation for over 40 years. He was one of the first American students of the famous meditation master Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche and studied closely with him shortly after arriving in the United States in 1970. He is also a business consultant for companies that develop a variety of services that integrate meditation into the larger context of health and well-being. David is also a multiple Grammy Award-nominated and Emmy Award-winning musician. David’s journey has intersected with the Maharaj/Ram Dass Sangha for decades. He has produced multiple Krishna Das albums and frequently plays guitar at Baktets’ live performances. He considers himself a cousin and honorary member of the Bhakti community.
“If you examine the self-talk, or stories, that go around in our minds, there’s a lot of criticism and harshness towards ourselves and others. We start with kindness and gentleness, and that’s it. If you can’t go anywhere else, that’s a really good place to be.” – David Nichtern
