Life is hard—and then our mind makes it harder. We stew in old regrets, brace for future disasters, cling to how things should be, or take everything way too personally. Sound familiar?

In this talk, I dig into the Buddha’s teaching on dukkha—the unavoidable pain of life—and how we add unnecessary suffering on top through craving.

But here’s the good news: you can practice your way out of that extra suffering. I’ll walk you through four telltale signs of craving—and four powerful shifts you can make to feel stronger, calmer, and more at peace:

ONE: Contraction → Openness
Notice when you're tight, tense, and gripped—and gently open up to spaciousness and possibility.

TWO: Invasive Negative Emotions → Mindful Presence
Don’t get hijacked by old fears or frustrations. Name them, make room for them, and let them pass through.

THREE: Mental Time Travel → Present-Moment Awareness
Come back from ruminating about the past or catastrophizing the future. This moment, right now, is your refuge.

FOUR: Selfing → Perspective and Self-Compassion
Loosen the grip of “me, mine, and I.” Take good care of yourself as a person—without being imprisoned by the stories of the self.

This isn’t about bypassing pain—it’s about developing the inner resources to meet life as it is, with more equanimity, compassion, and ease.

How do we connect our personal healing and awakening… to the broader world that’s hurting? This is often called Engaged Buddhism — but honestly, it’s relevant to anyone who wants to live with wisdom, compassion, and integrity, especially in times like these.

Inner peace can and should lead to outer action. The Buddha himself confronted systemic suffering in his day. What does that mean for us now, and why do our values — yes, even judgment — actually matter on the path?

In this week's episode, I explore:

• Why inner work isn’t separate from outer work
• Why compassion means addressing the causes of suffering, not just feeling bad about it
• How to take wise, compassionate action without burning out
• What to do when you’re outraged, overwhelmed, or just tired
• Why the Buddha’s life (including leaving his family) is more complex than the myth
• How the Buddha did challenge systemic injustice (yes, including caste and patriarchy)
• 5 practical ways to stay grounded and engaged in a hurting world — right now, right where you are

This is about practical tools, honest reflection, and standing up for what’s good — without burning out. If you’re someone who wants to grow spiritually and make a difference, I think you’ll find something useful here.

Many of us are carrying pain, guilt, or resentment that we can’t seem to let go of. So this week I explored something we all face: those moments when we’re stuck — carrying old hurts, regrets, or mistakes that weigh us down.

How can we turn a corner inside ourselves? How can we let go, not by forcing it, but by choosing a new path with wisdom and self-compassion?

It’s important to recognize when it’s time to move on. It’s not about pretending things didn’t happen. It’s about giving yourself permission to heal, and finding a real sense of freedom and peace inside.

If you’re grappling with something hard — maybe an old resentment, grief, guilt, or a tough relationship — I hope this talk gives you some tools, some comfort, and a little encouragement to turn a corner for yourself.