Dharma talks by Zen monk Ven. Lawrence Do'an Grecco, the founder and Guiding Teacher of Open Sky Zen Meditation & Buddhist Studies Group, a nomadic Zen Center in New York City. Lawrence is also a teacher at the Interdependence Project. For more information please visit www.OpenSkyZen.com. Please feel free to rate these podcasts if you enjoy them and share them with your friends on Facebook & Twitter!
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Open Sky Zen Podcasts
Lawrence Dōan Grecco is a Zen priest, Dharma Teacher and Life Coach. He was ordained by the Five Mountain Zen Order and is the founder and Abbot of Open Sky Zen, a nomadic Zen Center in New York City. Lawrence writes for Sweeping Zen, The Interdependence Project, and Open Sky Zen. He received authorization as a dharma teacher from the Interdependence Project, and holds a certificate in Foundations in Buddhist Chaplaincy from the New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care. See www.ZenLifeCoac ...
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Zen Commuter is about meditation and how it can improve the quality of your life. Thom Walters speaks with acclaimed meditation teachers, authors and everyday practitioners, to help listeners understand how to start a mindfulness habit, as well as keep it going. Along the way he discusses topics that help listeners cultivate a calmer, wiser and happier life. Come join Thom Monday through Friday to deepen your meditation practice.
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ZC 2122: Under Open Skies: How to Meditate Outside
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16:26In today’s episode of Zen Commuter, we take our practice beyond four walls and into the wide embrace of nature. Meditating outside offers a unique opportunity to reconnect—not just with the present moment, but with the world around us. Whether it’s a quiet park bench, a forest trail, or your own backyard, outdoor meditation invites you to soften yo…
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ZC 2121: Knowing the Voice of Your Higher Self
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15:28
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15:28Inside all of us are many voices. Some uplift us, others cast doubt. How can we tell which one is our true guide? Today’s episode helps you learn to distinguish the voice of your higher self from the more reactive inner dialogue. Through body awareness and subtle cues in language, we’ll uncover how to better trust your wisest self. What we’ll cover…
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ZC 2120: Mobile Mindfulness Studio: Meditating in Your Car
14:39
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14:39Many people feel like they don’t have time to meditate, especially during a busy commute. But what if that commute became part of your practice? Today on Zen Commuter, we’ll talk about how to use your car as a space for mindfulness. While safety must always be the priority, there are ways to incorporate stillness and presence even while driving. Wh…
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ZC 2119: Divine Flow and Feminine Energy with Lillian Savoie
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53:05In today’s inspiring episode of Zen Commuter, I sit down with Lillian Savoie, intuitive healer, spiritual teacher, and author of Fill Your Soul the Feminine Way. Together, we explore how tuning into divine feminine energy can help you move from striving to flowing—creating a more peaceful, purposeful life. Lillian shares her journey from corporate …
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ZC 2118: A Family, Maybe: Zen, Identity, and the Stories That Shape Us
46:20
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46:20On today’s episode of Zen Commuter, I sit down with Lane Igoudin, author of A Family, Maybe—a beautiful, nuanced memoir about identity, belonging, and the shape-shifting nature of family. Our conversation moves between personal reflection and practical insight, touching on Lane’s writing process, the complexities of chosen family, and how Zen medit…
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ZC 2117: Tricycle Week: Making Life Your Practice by Ken McLeod
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12:30On Day Five of our special Tricycle Week, we explore the article "Making Life Your Practice" by Ken McLeod—a deeply practical and inspiring reminder that spiritual growth doesn’t just happen on the cushion. This piece reframes our everyday experiences—both the mundane and the messy—as the very terrain of awakening. In today’s episode, I reflect on …
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ZC 2116: Tricycle Week: Knowing the Three Fortresses
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16:02On Day Four of our special Tricycle Week, we explore the article "Knowing the Three Fortresses," a compelling piece that offers a fresh lens on inner resilience and spiritual grounding. Drawing from traditional Buddhist teachings, the article introduces the concept of the Three Fortresses—Powerful antidotes to distraction, confusion, and self-doubt…
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ZC 2115: Tricycle Week - Knowing Contentment by Myozan Ian Kilroy
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13:17Zen Commuter — Tricycle Week: "Knowing Contentment" by Myozan Ian Kilroy Welcome to another insightful installment of Tricycle Week on Zen Commuter! Today, we explore the wisdom of Myozan Ian Kilroy in his poignant article, Knowing Contentment. In a world constantly pushing us toward more — more success, more possessions, more striving — Kilroy’s r…
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The Daily Buddhist by Brendan Barca and Pema Sherpa
13:27
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13:27The Daily Buddhist by Brendan Barca and Pema Sherpa Today I read some selected passages from The Daily Buddhist. Authors Pema Sherpa and Brendan Barca have written a wonderful book whose essence is in total concert with Zen Commuter. Their book helps us life a fuller, calmer and more loving life by incorporating Buddhist principles and beliefs with…
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Buddhism in the Everyday: Brendan Barca’s Insights for Modern Life
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39:58Buddhism in the Everyday: Brendan Barca’s Insights for Modern Life What happens when ancient wisdom meets modern living? In today’s episode, I sit down with Brendan Barca, co-author of The Daily Buddhist, to talk about how Buddhist principles can bring more peace and clarity to your everyday routine. We explore the value of simple, consistent pract…
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Tricycle Week: The Power of a Quiet Life by Lewis Richmond
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20:09Welcome to day two of Tricycle Week on Zen Commuter, where we continue exploring transformative insights from Tricycle: The Buddhist Review. Today’s featured article is The Power of a Quiet Life by Lewis Richmond. In this thoughtful reflection, Richmond reminds us that simplicity and stillness are not just retreats from the world but powerful found…
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Tricycle Week: Encourage Others by Overcoming Your Own Suffering by Venerable Pannavati
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13:05It’s Tricycle Week here on Zen Commuter, a time when we explore wisdom from the pages of Tricycle: The Buddhist Review. Today’s episode features a powerful article by Venerable Pannavati titled Encourage Others by Overcoming Your Own Suffering. In it, she shares insight into how our personal healing can become a source of strength and support for t…
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A Preview of Tricycle Week: The Kamma of Goodwill
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11:05Next week on Zen Commuter, we begin our popular Tricycle Week, a five-episode series where we explore and reflect on selected articles from Tricycle: The Buddhist Review. It’s a listener favorite and a perfect opportunity to dive deeper into the teachings of contemporary Buddhist writers. Today’s episode offers a preview with “The Kamma of Goodwill…
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Vedic Meditation and Modern Stress - A Conversation with Michael Rosenfeld
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43:54
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43:54What if the key to handling modern stress wasn’t doing more, but doing less—much less? In this episode, Vedic Meditation teacher Michael Rosenfeld shares how an ancient practice offers surprising solutions to today’s fast-paced life. Discover how stillness can become your most powerful tool for clarity, resilience, and peace. What You'll Discover i…
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Jeff Patterson: Meditation Instructor and Author of The Yielding Warrior (R)
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56:56Jeff Patterson, from Portland, OR, USA, has over 36 years of experience, practicing and teaching the meditative and martial arts. As the founder of Northwest Fighting Arts/Portland Tai Chi Academy and The Yielding Warrior, where he emphasizes the transformative power of meditative and martial arts practices, particularly the yielding concept. He ha…
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Three Insight Timer Features to Enhance Your Meditation Practice
10:04
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10:04Insight Timer is, without a doubt, the top meditation app out today. With over 3000,000 meditations, talks and music tracks it has everything a meditator could want. And now it’s even better with three new enhancements to help you meditate more consistently, live intentionally and feel inspired all throughout the day. What You'll Discover in This E…
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Journey to Inner Stillness: A Conversation with Manal El Ramly
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56:27My guest today is Manal El-Ramly, author of Transcending Anxiety: From Fear to Freedom, TEDx speaker ('Why You Don't Need to Search for Your Purpose'), creator of the Mattain Method, and a beloved teacher on Insight Timer. Manal helps individuals overcome anxiety, limiting beliefs, and overwhelm by understanding and aligning their four bodies – phy…
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Breath as a Bridge: Exploring Meditation with Trea Drake
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56:39In this calming and insightful episode of Zen Commuter, I welcomes breathwork and meditation guide Trea Drake for a heart-centered conversation on the power of the breath. Together, we explore how mindful breathing serves as a gateway to inner peace, presence, and healing. Whether you're a seasoned meditator or just beginning, this conversation off…
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Restoring Balance: Energy Healing and Inner Calm with Mary Sanders
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36:22In this episode of Zen Commuter, I sit down with Dr. Mary Sanders, a skilled energy healer who specializes in helping people recover from burnout and chronic stress. With a unique blend of chiropractic care, energy medicine, and intuitive insight, Dr. Sanders supports individuals in reconnecting with their inner vitality and balance. If you’ve been…
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From Philosophy to Practice: Jonah Primo’s Guide to Everyday Mindfulness
1:08:43
1:08:43
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1:08:43Jonah Primo has spent the last 8 years studying mindfulness, meditation and philosophy in order to build practical frameworks that people can apply to everyday life and situations. He hosted the flagship podcast for meditation app "Waking Up", produces Australia's #1 philosophy podcast "Principle of Charity", and has interviewed and worked with neu…
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Creative Calm: A Conversation with Jodi Rose Gonzales
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41:31Today on Zen Commuter, I’m joined by the insightful and inspiring Jodi Rose Gonzales—artist, author, and art therapist. Jodi blends creativity and mindfulness to help others navigate life’s challenges with clarity and grace. Her unique approach to healing through expressive art and spiritual reflection offers a powerful path to inner peace. Get rea…
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Embracing the Divine Feminine: A Conversation with Leslie Draffin
51:11
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51:11Welcome to Zen Commuter! Today, I’m joined by Leslie Draffin for a fascinating conversation about the intersection of plant medicine, spirituality, and women’s wellness. We’ll explore how microdosing mushrooms can support mental clarity, emotional balance, and even spiritual awakening. Leslie also shares insights on how understanding the menstrual …
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Tricycle Week: Sitting Still in a World That Won’t Stop—Overcoming Discomfort in Meditation
13:29
13:29
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13:29Welcome to Zen Commuter and day five of Tricycle Week! Today, we’re exploring a challenge many meditators face—the uneasy relationship with the timer. Whether it’s impatience, restlessness, or the feeling that the minutes are stretching endlessly, the ticking clock can sometimes feel like an obstacle rather than a guide. But what if we could change…
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Tricycle Week: Understanding the 3 Types of Laziness—Is Your Laziness Real?
17:59
17:59
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17:59Welcome to Zen Commuter and day four of Tricycle Week! Today, we’re diving into a topic that challenges the way we see productivity and rest—laziness. Is laziness a real obstacle, or is it simply a rejection of society’s constant push to always be moving? We’ll explore the three aspects of laziness and question whether what we call “being lazy” is …
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Tricycle Week: How Mindfulness Helps You Handle Toxic People and Protect Your Peace
14:14
14:14
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14:14Welcome to Zen Commuter and day three of Tricycle Week! Today, we’re tackling a challenge that tests even the most mindful among us—dealing with toxic people. Whether it’s a difficult coworker, a critical family member, or someone who constantly drains your energy, these interactions can leave us feeling powerless and frustrated. But here’s the tru…
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