The Still Point: Where Freedom Begins - Off the Cushion Part 5

This we wrap up our discussion of the Eightfold Path by talking about 3 components of Meditation/samādhi: Wise Effort, Wise Mindfulness, and Wise Concentration. We’ll talk about how our meditation practice isn’t just to calm the mind, and why we need it now more than ever. Plus I’ll give you some ways you can begin practicing samādhi in your own daily life.

You will learn:

// The real reason we meditate (it’s not what you think!)

// The 3 parts of samādhi: Wise Effort, Wise Mindfulness, and Wise Concentration

// Why modern industrialized society has given many of us a complicated relationship with “effort”

// How meditation (samādhi) trains the mind to pause between impulse and action - not to escape life, but to meet it fully.

// Why ethical living quiets inner conflict and creates the ground for real peace and a solid meditation practice.

// How to recognize when effort becomes striving

// What mindfulness truly means: remembering what matters and staying awake to what’s real, even when it’s uncomfortable.

// How concentration offers refuge in an age of distraction

// Why the Eightfold Path isn’t about checking out, but learning to see clearly and act with integrity in a world that needs awake hearts.

Resources:

// Episode 44: The Power of the Pause

// Episode 208: The Sit Spot Practice - When It’s Hard to Meditate

// Episode 209: Ripening and the Inevitability of Our Awakening

// Listen to Ana talk with Brooke Castillo on The Life Coach School Podcast about how Buddhism was using thoughtwork thousands of years ago

// Episode 278: Off the Cushion and Into the World – Part 1 Intro and the Three Jewels

// Episode 279: Reality Check – Off the Cushion + Into the World Part 2

// Episode 281: Wisdom In Action – Off the Cushion Part 3

// Episode 282: Remembering Our Humanity – A Lesson of the Ages

// If you’re new to the squad, grab the Rebel Buddhist Toolkit I created at RebelBuddhist.com. It has all you need to start creating a life of more freedom, adventure, and purpose. You’ll also get access to the Rebel Buddhist private group, and tune in every Wednesday as I go live with new inspiration and topics.

// Want something more self-paced with access to weekly group support and getting coached by yours truly? Check out Freedom School – the community for ALL things related to freedom, inside and out. We dive into taking wisdom and applying it to our daily lives, with different topics every month. Learn more at JoinFreedomSchool.com. I can’t wait to see you there!

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