Our Natural Goodness with Sylvia Boorstein, Ph.D.

MP3 Download

As one of the most beloved American teachers of Buddhism, Sylvia Boorstein brings warmth, humor, and real-life honesty to the principles of mindfulness and spiritual practice. In this joy-filled conversation, she shares her insights on how we can be more accepting of the negative patterns in our minds and find happiness regardless of the challenges we face. She explains: “The point of practice is not to keep the mind unconfused, because that’s not going to work. We’re going to keep getting confused, startled, broadsided by life all the time. So it’s not about not getting confused. It’s about recognizing that I’ve become confused and then doing something to reestablish the clarity in the mind that enables my own innate goodness to manifest itself.” With personal stories about her own foibles as well as her wisdom, Dr. Boorstein helps us realize how each of us can make moment-to-moment changes that alter the way we see ourselves and the world around us. (hosted by Michael Toms)

Bio

Sylvia Boorstein holds a doctorate in psychology from Saybrook University. She is cofounder and teacher at Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, California, and senior teacher at the Insight Meditation Center in Barre, Massachusetts.

Sylvia Boorstein’s books include:

• It's Easier Than You Think: The Buddhist Way to Happiness (HarperSanFrancisco 1995)
• That's Funny, You Don't Look Buddhist: On Being a Faithful Jew and a Passionate Buddhist (HarperSanFrancisco 1997)
• Happiness Is an Inside Job: Practicing for a Joyful Life (Ballantine 2008)

To learn more about the work of Sylvia Boorstein go to sylviaboorstein.com.

Topics Explored in This Dialogue

• Why you may still get angry no matter how many years you practice
• How you can be angry or in pain and still be happy
• How you can avoid feeding your own "grumble"
• How you can rearrange the furniture in your mind
• What are the three steps you can take to find happiness-no matter what

Host: Michael Toms      Interview Date: 7/18/2007      Program Number: 3205

Music Playlist

From Album: Peace of Mind Music I an Anthology – Calling Wisdom
Artist: Karunesh, Debbie Danbrook (water & light)
Real Music #RM 3473 

Opening Essay: Track 09 Khumyung
Music Break 1: Track 02 Softly Falling
Music Break 2: Track 04 For the Joy of it All
Music Break 3: Track 01 Contemplation