Kalani Das

The EVOLVE Podcast

an exploration of mindfulness, spirituality, and conscious living.
  • Home
  • About Kalani
  • Music Mindfulness
  • Speaking and Presenting
  • Subscribe
  • Contact

Staying Centered

June 5, 2016 by kalani

Play

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Staying-Centered_Kalani_Das

The virtuous one is still and without thought. When he moves he is without design. He keeps no tally of right and wrong, good or bad. Virtuous ones share their gains with All, and from this they derive pleasure.

- The Book of Chuang Tzu

Becoming the objective observer, refreshing your views through active and unbiased observation, is taking a step along the enlightening path. The more judgment we place on what we observe, the farther from the center of mindfulness we move. Being centered is being free of judgment, being mindful, being empty.

Views are what we experience when we observe something from different angles, considering various aspects and qualities. Views help us see a portion of a situation. They can be narrow or broad, but they don't automatically change when situations change, so they are often in need of updating. View points are useful to help us learn about something, but it is when we begin to collect views a memories that we risk moving away from the Center. Views that are held in our memories are no longer in-the-moment experiences and therefore can affect the way we experience the world.

As we collect views as memories, we may develop an Orientation, a way of favoring certain types of views and viewing the world in a particular way. When we become oriented in our thinking and life experiences, we may end up rejecting experiences and information that don’t quite fit with those we’ve collected, even when our experiences are first-hand. We unconsciously restrict our perception, our thinking, and end up with a preferred set of views that we hold onto, like old photographs that bring us comfort.

If we continue to deepen a particular orientation, viewing the world from the same perspective over and over, without taking the time to observe without bias, without judgment, and seeing through a beginner's eyes, we may eventually take a Position. Positions keep us locked into specific ways of thinking, built from static artifacts of our experiences. They are predictable and often unchanging, even in the light of the truth. A position says, "I don't need to look or listen any longer because I already know what that is." Positions can destroy presence. They keep us far away from center and often, in order to feel balanced, need an opposite position to lean against. Maintaining a position requires work. It requires that we build walls around our minds, our senses, and our hearts. When a position becomes so engrained that we no longer are aware of all the work we’re doing to maintain it, it might become a Belief.

Beliefs are notions of the world that supersede our experience of it. They are views that emanate from our internal experiences, rather than our observations. There is nothing unnatural about having beliefs. Everyone believes things. It's only when we place our beliefs in the highest regard, choosing them over our unbiased experiences, that we stray from the center of our mindfulness practice. Being mindful requires that we be willing to update our beliefs, positions, and orientations by taking into account our unbiased observations and first-hand experiences.

Experiences meaning what we sense, rather than what we think or imagine. It means trusting our bodies over our minds, remembering that our minds are as creative as the weather is unpredictable.

Forming beliefs around thoughts is like building a house on the wind.

We find our center when we consider all Views, remember that Orientations and Positions are limiting, and that Beliefs are perceptions of the world that are more rooted in thinking, rather than experiences. Life is growth, change, and forever new. Presence and centeredness develop through observation and attending to in-the-moment experiences, that are uncompromised by thoughts. Thoughts may be interesting, amusing, and even useful, but thoughts about your life are not your life. Memories are not in-the-moment experiences. Feeling centered does not require any special doing. It’s simply a matter of not doing things that may move you away from center. Your natural state is one of peace, joy, and contentment. All you need to do, is to allow the clouds of over thinking to lift away by not holding them in place.

Take a breath and blow them away.

Scroll Border

Music by Layne Redmond, Greg Ellis, and Azam Ali, used with permission.

Artwork by Cameron Grey

Share

Filed Under: EVOLVE, Mindfulness, Stress Reduction

Ohana – The Key to Kindness

May 2, 2016 by kalani

Play

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Mindfulness, Spirituality, Kalani Das, OHANA
Artwork by Cameron Grey

Kindness is the Light that dissolves all walls between Souls, families and nations.
- Paramahansa Yogananda

We are born into family. No human bonds are stronger, more important to our survival, and longer lasting. Throughout history, people all over the world value the importance of family. Some have even called it the nucleus of civilization.

If family is at the core of civilization, and kindness is the light that dissolves all walls between Souls, Families, and Nations, then logically, it is in our best interest to exercises kindness at every opportunity.

Many of us are most kind and tolerant with our immediate family members, even if we might choose otherwise should they be strangers, then to our extended family, then to our religious or spiritual family, our social or ethic group family and so on. As relationships move farther away from the nucleus; however, so do our levels of tolerance and kindness.

Generally speaking, we are not as kind or tolerant with strangers as we are with our friends. In some instances, there might exist a predisposition for a lack of kindness towards certain groups of people, perhaps due to perceptions based on history or associations between a group of people and the actions of specific members of that group. For whatever reasons, people sometimes withhold kindness in situations where it is obviously needed.

How can we step into the light of kindness and dissolve walls? It’s very simple: Treat everyone as if they are a member of your family. In the Hawaiian culture, this concept is called Ohana, meaning ‘Family.’ Many cultures around the world share this idea. It is up to us, as individuals, to create the reality of Ohana.

One way to expand the kindness of Ohana, is to reframe the way you think about other people. For example, you may think of anyone who is in your peer group as your brother, sister, or cousin, rather than as a stranger. You may think of anyone who is in your parents’ peer group as Uncle or Auntie, and people in your Grandparents peer group as Grandfather and Grandmother, “Tutu” in Hawaiian. You may think of any child as your son, daughter, niece, or nephew.

It’s not necessary to use these labels out loud. They can remain private and still be very effective in dissolving walls, reducing tension, and improving relationships. When you meet a stranger, think “hello, Brother.” It will change the way you feel and the way you treat people. If everyone practiced this, just imagine how quickly the world could change.

The key is to practice Ohana, even when others are not. Waiting to offer kindness until you first receive kindness is not practicing kindness at all. You may offer endless amounts of kindness and never run out. Give it freely and your heart will open and be filled. It is that which we withhold that we often feel denied by others.

When you meet a stranger on the street, be the first to offer kindness, to look at and greet them, to show the unconditional support of family. It’s not important that they respond in a way that meets your expectations. The scent of the rose remains on the hand of the one who gives it.

Be the person who offers flowers wherever you go. Be the one who shines the light of kindness on everyone you meet and everyone you could meet. We are all one family. Let our actions provide evidence of this belief.

Your practice: Treat every person you meet with the same kindness as you would your most beloved family member. Then share this idea with as many people as possible. This is how we get to live in the world we want.

mindfulness, spirituality, meditation, conscious living, kalani das, evolve.

This offering is blessed with music by Layne Redmond, Greg Ellis, and Azam Ali, used with permission.

Subscribe to and leave a review for the EVOLVE podcast on iTunes.

Share

Filed Under: EVOLVE, Mindfulness, Spirituality, Stress Reduction, Thoughtfulness

Experience Being

August 31, 2014 by kalani

Play

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Splash17When we suspend labeling, categorizing, associating, and judging, we open up the possibility for greater awareness of being. Being or "experiencing the now" is one of the goals of a medication or mindfulness practice. Wherever you are, you always have the potential for experiencing the world as it is and fastening feelings of wonderment and connectedness to all that is. In this episode, Kalani discusses ways to deepen your life experience by using your senses and managing thoughts that can distract you from reaching this simple and profound goal. Share this show with anyone you think could benefit.

Music for this episode by Layne Redmond, Greg Ellis, and Azam Ali. Used with permission.

 

 

Share

Filed Under: EVOLVE, Mindfulness, Spirituality, Stress Reduction, Thoughtfulness Tagged With: being, beingness, happiness, health, Love, meditation, mindfulness, miracle, peace, Presence, stress reduction

Liberating the Soul

September 7, 2013 by kalani

Play

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Splash13Kalani discusses what causes us to add to our own suffering and provides ways to free us from the bonds of aversion. Based on "The Guest House," a work by spiritual poet, Rumi, this talk is about creating positive relationships with every thoughts and feeling, inviting them into "your home" so that they may fulfill their role in helping us navigate our lives. We each gain knowledge and guidance from these "uninvited guests,' but there's no need to suffer. The KEY is paying attention and compassion.

This podcast features music by Azam Ali, Greg Ellis and Layne Redmond & Tommy Brunjes.

 

 

Share

Filed Under: EVOLVE, Meditation, Mindfulness, Self-Esteem, Spirituality, Stress Reduction, Thoughtfulness Tagged With: meditation, mindfulness, miracle, peace, Presence, Spirituality, stress reduction, thoughtfulness, wellness, Yoga

The Nature of Thought

September 6, 2013 by kalani

Play

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Splash14Kalani talks about the nature of thought as it relates to developing mindfulness and a healthy relationship with one's mind. The design and nature of the brain gives rise to an internal 'storm' of thoughts that are interconnected, dynamic, and have the ability to consume our awareness. Kalani describes ways to remain centered in the present moment, while allowing the mind to fulfill its nature. A healthy relationship with your mind is a KEY to developing a strong Thoughtfulness Practice and an Enlightened life.

This podcast features music by Azam Ali, Greg Ellis and Layne Redmond & Tommy Brunjes.

 

 

 

Share

Filed Under: EVOLVE, Mindfulness, Neuroscience, Spirituality, Stress Reduction Tagged With: happiness, health, Love, meditation, mindfulness, Mindfulness-based stress reduction, miracle, Presence, Spirituality, thoughtfulness, wellness

Peace of Mind

September 1, 2013 by kalani

Play

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Splash9Kalani discusses the nature of the mind and outlines specific practices for creating a peaceful and powerful relationship with it. Learn more about how to use your mind to navigate the world without getting lost in a sea of thought. Learn to foster quality thoughts and actions that are in alignment with your interests, values, and goals.

This podcast features music by Azam Ali, Greg Ellis and Layne Redmond & Tommy Brunjes.

 

 

 

Share

Filed Under: EVOLVE, Mindfulness, Spirituality, Stress Reduction Tagged With: happiness, health, joy, Love, meditation, Mindfulness-based stress reduction, peace, Presence, Spirituality, stress reduction, wellness

Seeing as New

August 31, 2013 by kalani

Play

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Splash10Kalani discusses ways to increase one's sense of joy and contentment by raising his/her awareness and appreciation for his surroundings, attending to the many features and changes in the environment. When we connect with the physical world through all our sense, we root into the present and live life more deeply. This practice is called "Seeing as New," and can help anyone deepen his/her life experience and sense of spiritual connection to the world, to other people, and to his or herself.

This podcast features music by Azam Ali, Greg Ellis and Layne Redmond & Tommy Brunjes.

 

 

 

 

Share

Filed Under: EVOLVE, Meditation, Mindfulness, Spirituality, Stress Reduction, Thoughtfulness Tagged With: happiness, health, lowering anxiety, meditation, mindfulness, peace, Presence, Spirituality, thoughtfulness, wellness, Yoga

The Creative Mind

August 18, 2013 by kalani

Play

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Splash15Your mind is a creative and beautiful resource that is capable of producing all types of thoughts. It is in learning how to identify the various thought types that you will come to develop a practice that will help you reach your goals, both in work and play. In this talk, Kalani describes how to increase your awareness of thought types with the goal of improving your Thoughtfulness Practice.

This podcast features music by Azam Ali and Greg Ellis .

LogIn_Logo

Share

Filed Under: EVOLVE, Meditation, Mindfulness, Spirituality, Stress Reduction, Thoughtfulness

A Wonderful Opportunity

June 10, 2013 by kalani

Splash12Thoughtfulness is the practice of creating a functional relationship with one's mind for the purpose of enhancing one's life experience. This podcast and articles have one goal in mind: To help people life more fully and with more ease and joy. The KEYS are accessible and easy to understand, yet there are some fundamental shifts in thinking and perspective that will help anyone make the shift. Thoughtfulness is not a religion or dogma. It is something that anyone can learn to incorporate into their lives, religious or not.

We all have the ability, in this moment, to make profound and meaningful changes in the way we use our minds. We don't have to live with fears and worries. We don't have to battle our minds for control over our lives. Each of us has the ability to use his or her mind in a way that creates harmony and peace. The practices are not difficult or complex. There is no hierarchy. There is no long path with multiple levels. Anyone can do this and they can do it now.

Enjoy the EVOLVE Podcast from Kalani Das.

Sharing is encouraged.

SUBSCRIBE to this PODCAST on iTunes.

LogIn_Logo

 

 

 

Share

Filed Under: Mindfulness, Stress Reduction, Thoughtfulness

The Key to Thought Types

May 31, 2013 by kalani

Understanding that we have different types of thoughts, each with its own particular characteristics and qualities, is a key factor in our spiritual evolution.

on a very basic level, we can easily acknowledge 3 categories of thought quite clearly. We can be having a thought about something that occurred in the past, such as a memory or an event we are imagining to have occurred. We can have thoughts that relate to our present moment experiences.  And we can have thoughts about things we imagine will be or could be happening at some point in the future.

Each of us experienced these three thought types. We all have many thoughts about the past present and future throughout the day. Many of these thoughts are repetitive or variations on the same thought, but we will address that in a future discussion. The important point is to recognize that not every thought we have has the same qualities or characteristics and may therefore be useful, or not useful, with regard to reaching various goals as you move throughout your day, creating and shaping your life the way you prefer it to be.

Just as their are three basic thought types with regard to time, or what some call 'clock time,' there are three basic feeling states we can attach to any given thought. Generally speaking, a thought could be categorized as  being of a "low" or an undesirable quality,  such as those that cause us to feel sad, anxious, or fearful.  While these emotions are typical and functional, most people would characterize these types of thoughts as undesirable.

At the other end of the emotional spectrum, we find thoughts that most people would characterize as desirable. These are thoughts that conjure emotions and states such as joy, happiness, elation, excitement, and so on.  For the sake of simplicity, we can label these thoughts as " high."

The third basic thought quality with regard to emotion or feeling is 'neutral.' Neutral thoughts are those that conjure neither "low" or "high"  feeling states. These would most often be  the bulk of  the thoughts we have throughout a typical day.  They include what we might refer to as mundane content, such as thinking about what we might need to do when we are out running errands.

Because we have three thought types that relate to time and three thought types that relate to emotional quality, we end up with a total of nine basic types. We can have thoughts that are low, neutral, and high about the past; low, neutral, and high about the present; and low, neutral, and high about the future.

One of the first steps you can take towards developing your Thoughtfulness Practice, is to start to recognize your thoughts according to the nine thought types identified above.  At this beginning point, it is not necessary or advisable to try to change or manage your thoughts, only to recognize the quality of each thought so that you may become more aware of, and in tune with, the activity of your mind.

Even the simple act of observation can have profound effects on one's ability to manage emotional reactions and remain in a state of centeredness and contentment.  For now, your  practice is to notice when you are producing thoughts about the past, present, or future, and to notice the emotional quality that is associated with those thoughts, be it low, neutral, or high.  Noticing your own thought activity will be an enlightening experience and give you the perspective you need to make meaningful changes.

As you engage in the practice of observation, resist the temptation to judge your thoughts or assign value to them. Resist also the temptation to judge yourself for having certain types of thoughts, such as those you might classify as 'negative.'  Self-judgment can result in feelings of frustration, anger, and even shame.  Should you have thoughts of this nature, simply recognize them as negative thoughts in the present moment.  Acknowledge the thought as the observer of the mind.  Know that your mind  is constantly producing many thoughts of different types, some of which you will find  emotionally desirable, and some of which you will find emotionally undesirable.

The goal is not to try to change your thinking to produce only those types of thoughts that you would like to have, but to simply observe the thoughts and feelings that your mind/body  is producing naturally.  Once you are able to observe your own thinking and remain neutral,  you will move to the next step,  which involves selecting which thoughts to use and which thoughts to acknowledge and let go.

Thank you for engaging the Thoughtfulness Practice as a way to help yourself and your community.

Many blessings and much aloha to you, my friends.

Leave your questions and comments below and I will do my best to respond.

- Kalani Das

Share

Filed Under: Mindfulness, Self-Esteem, Spirituality, Stress Reduction, Thoughtfulness Tagged With: health, lowering anxiety, mindfulness, thoughtfulness

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • Next Page »
Share

Categories

Teachings

  • Everlasting Contentment
  • Good News and Neurons
  • Associations
  • A Natural Practice
  • Surrender to Beauty
  • Staying Centered
  • The Truth
  • The Enlightening Path
  • Ohana – The Key to Kindness
  • Life is Sensational
  • The Sacred
  • Anger
  • Judge Not
  • Life Is Now
  • Calm in the Storm
  • Experience Being
  • Liberating the Soul
  • The Nature of Thought
  • Peace of Mind
  • Seeing as New
Follow @KalaniDas

Subscribe to Podcast

Apple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsAndroidby EmailRSS
  • Home
  • About Kalani
  • Music Mindfulness
  • Speaking and Presenting
  • Subscribe
  • Contact

Copyright © 2023 · Agency Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in