Podcasts: The Bodhisattva Warrior

[Art_dude]

Hey everyone,

So as some of you may know, I recently started making a podcast on my blog here on VT. Using this awesome site, vocaroo.com, I give a biweekly lecture thing where I take questions, and talk about different life topics related to yogic, and buddhist perspectives. I really want to try use my knowledge on the subjects (which I've gotten such positive feedback on) to help even more people, hence this thread/podcast.

To advertise this more I figured I would post the podcast both here, and on my blog as to get a wider audience. If I'm in the wrong place, please move me mods!!! Best wishes to everyone. Namaste!

-Alex

[Art_dude]

Here are all the podcasts to date:

Podcast 1: Shenpa - Addiction, Anger, & Cutting

http://vocaroo.com/?media=vuE8kyGs9Z8razjRZ

This week's podcast is on Shenpa: addiction, anger, and how these apply to addictive behaviors like drinking, cutting, and aggression. In this podcast I discuss how the root of our suffering is craving and attachment to negative habitual patterns and how through meditation and other exercises we can sit comfortably with these mental afflictions.

Podcast 2: Relaxation vs. Collapse

http://vocaroo.com/?media=vtH59f5WXVShdKNGh

Hey all, today's podcast is under 5 minutes since I wanted to keep it brief. Today I discuss yoga and meditation as tools for leading a relaxing and healthy lifestyle and how relaxation is very different from our traditional western concept of "collapse."

Podcast 3: Friendship, Gratitude

http://vocaroo.com/?media=vcS1Z70i96VBXNTw8


Today's podcast is about friendship and also the lack of it. I'm a little bit wary of posting this since It's a pretty personal post, and I kind of tear up towards the end, but I know that the people who choose to listen to these can handle it xD

In the first half of this podcast I talk about the distinction between different types of friends, and how too often we project our needs onto friends who can't live up to those expectations. Using an example from my own life I try to illustrate how (by realizing what our friends are really willing to give us) we can reach a better friendship with them.

In the second half of the podcast I talk about those of us who haven't had many friends and how (with a real life example) we can overcome those times. In this second half I mention the people here on VT I'm friends with/ talk with on a somewhat regular basis: I failed to mention several important people so I'd like to give a shout out to Krezlyn (Maya), Blue63 (Matt), Laurita_21 (Laura), Kitty, and of course Chickaroo92. You have all been remarkable people. And to everyone who's ever helped me here, or I have helped. I thank you.

Podcast 4: Self-Esteem, and Fear

http://vocaroo.com/?media=vqiJ8hzVbNbAJNGUV

Today's podcast is divided into two parts: part one is a sparknotes version of the Buddha's life and how his story can inspire us to reach our own goals.
Part two is about fear and emptiness. In this half I talk about how we can deconstruct fear with the buddhist concept of emptiness. By realizing fear as a delusion of the mine we can destroy its grip on us. As always, questions, comments, and kudos are welcome. If you have a question for me, what was discussed in this podcast, please ask in the comment box. Or if you have a suggestion for a topic you would like to hear me discuss in the next podcast I would appreciate hearing it. Thanks guys

Podcast 5: Yoga Lesson - Listen Along!

http://vocaroo.com/?media=vZCpni44Jn2ECT2XH

Today's podcast is a little different than normal!
Today I'll be guiding you through a super brief yoga exercise. A great way to unwind, this sun salutation is the first sequence to a full vinyasa, but can be done a few times in the morning or at night to get a quick stretch and calm down. As always, questions, comments, suggestions, kudos are appreciated!!! leave somethin in the comment box

Podcast 6: Tonglen

http://vocaroo.com/?media=vy6scb9T3NcU3VSrt

Hey everyone, today's podcast is about a buddhist meditation called "Tonglen." This breathing exercise is about building compassion for others - on the inhale we breathe in the suffering of others, and on the exhale we breathe out peace, compassion and the necessities to end their suffering.

Podcast 7: Groundlessness - 9/11

http://vocaroo.com/?media=vxv0h9Y9HG8byuvsL

Today's podcast is a bit of a repeat on last week's. I want to retalk about tonglen and it's importance especially on occasions like the anniversary of 9/11. When the rug is pulled out from underneath us we have two options - to shut down or to open our hearts. I discuss the consequences of both, and do a briefly guided meditation at the end.

[Art_dude]

Hey everyone, just put up this week's podcast on my blog. Check it out there, or listen to it here!

Podcast 8: Honesty towards Oneself

http://vocaroo.com/?media=vun7LSUaMztdkpTHl

Today's podcast is about honesty with oneself and how that leads to being the best person you can be. I use two examples from real life - a yoga class and a conversation with my sister, as models for the way we must approach ourselves and life's difficulties if we are to find true and lasting happiness. As always, questions, comments, and/or ideas for the next podcast, are always appreciated!!!

[Art_dude]

Hey Everyone, just put up today's podcast on my blog. Check it out there or listen to it here! Either way, questions, comments or ideas for future podcasts are greatly appreciated!

Podcast 9: Child Mind - Cultivating Awareness for Meditation

http://vocaroo.com/?media=vsArn8IqQ71yn7on6

Today's podcast is about a beginner friendly meditation exercise on cultivating, "child's mind." By practicing a relaxing, NON-meditation, we can soften our minds into being more aware and more cooperative for the difficulties of an analytical meditation practice. Easy to listen to and practice at home, cultivating child's mind is an integral part of relaxation and meditation.