Looking Deeply in Order to Be of Help: Understanding the Sandy Hook Tragedy

In this Dharma talk Joanne asks us to look deeply together at the causes and conditions that can create such tragedy in our culture. She also gives us the tools to take good care of ourselves and our own pain in the face of such violence, so that we might be strong enough to help others. The Buddha, she offers, shows us the way.

Dharma talk originally given in 2012.

Responding Skillfully to Life

Joanne shares the ways in which our minds pull us off balance and arouse our emotions, driving us toward creating suffering for ourselves and others with unskillful words and actions. She assures us that the practice of mindfulness gives us the ability to be in charge of ourselves — to stop, get clarity, and choose a skillful response to life.

A Survival Kit for the Holidays

Joanne gives us a handy "toolbox" for dealing with difficult people and stressful situations over the holidays, including conflicts over personal issues and political views. She shows us how the practice can help us develop our confidence and send us into these gatherings confident that we can skillfully handle whatever arises.

Fear and Love

How do we overcome our fears, anxiety, and anger? By using the practices taught to us by the Buddha to cultivate compassion for ourselves and others. Joanne shows us the way, emphasizing the importance of a Sangha — a spiritual community — in helping us develop our capacity to transform our suffering into joy.