Practicing Human
656 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 months ago - ★★★★★ - 1.1K ratingsPracticing Human is a daily podcast, hosted by Cory Muscara, offering insights and practices into how to live a fulfilling life. Cory pulls on his time living as a Buddhist monk in Burma, his many years as a mindfulness and meditation teacher, and his work in Positive Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania.
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Episodes
Permission to Say "No"
November 23, 2020 05:00 - 4 minutes - 3.27 MBIn this episode, we discuss why in order to say "yes" to something, you have to say "no" to something else. We explore why that's so hard, but why it's an inevitable truth of being human. To register for the upcoming retreat, visit: www.corymuscara.com/retreat As always, if you'd like to get free access to my resource library, including guided meditations, book recommendations, app recommendations, and more, text your email address to: +1 (631) 337-8298 And if you'd like to get daily insp...
Working With Urges
November 20, 2020 05:00 - 8 minutes - 6.1 MBIn this episode, we're going to talk about how to mindfully work with urges, impulses, and addictive tendencies. As always, if you'd like to get free access to my resource library, including guided meditations, book recommendations, app recommendations, and more, text your email address to: +1 (631) 337-8298 And if you'd like to get daily inspirational text messages to your phone from me, just text the word "podcast" to +1 (631) 305-2874
Courageous Rest
November 19, 2020 05:00 - 5 minutes - 3.51 MBIn this episode, we talk about the importance of rest and why it can be so hard for so many of us to truly rest. As always, if you'd like to get free access to my resource library, including guided meditations, book recommendations, app recommendations, and more, text your email address to: +1 (631) 337-8298 And if you'd like to get daily inspirational text messages to your phone from me, just text the word "podcast" to +1 (631) 305-2874
What Gets Lost When Multitasking
November 18, 2020 05:00 - 7 minutes - 4.88 MBAs Publilius Syrus wrote, "To do two things at once is to do neither." In this episode, we explore what we lose when we're not fully present for the moment in front of us. As always, if you'd like to get free access to my resource library, including guided meditations, book recommendations, app recommendations, and more, text your email address to: +1 (631) 337-8298 And if you'd like to get daily inspirational text messages to your phone from me, just text the word "podcast" to +1 (631) 30...
What To Do When You're Stuck
November 17, 2020 05:00 - 13 minutes - 9.41 MBHave you ever felt stuck? You don't know what decision to make? Where to go next with your life? Whether to stay in or get out of a relationship? Whether to quit or stay at your job? In this episode, we'll explore the feeling of being stuck, why it's a blessing in disguise, and how to navigate it. Also, if you're interested in the upcoming online retreat, you can register and learn more at: www.corymuscara.com/retreat
What To Do When You're Stuck
November 17, 2020 05:00 - 13 minutes - 9.41 MBHave you ever felt stuck? You don't know what decision to make? Where to go next with your life? Whether to stay in or get out of a relationship? Whether to quit or stay at your job? In this episode, we'll explore the feeling of being stuck, why it's a blessing in disguise, and how to navigate it. Also, if you're interested in the upcoming online retreat, you can register and learn more at: www.corymuscara.com/retreat
Stop Turning Away
November 16, 2020 05:00 - 16 minutes - 11.5 MBIn this episode, we explore the idea of taking ownership of our internal experience so that we can move toward more clarity, balance, and peace. Here is the poem that was recited: Stop turning away. Connect with your experience, face the unpleasant, what you don’t want to see. No more excuses. No more complaining. No more blaming. No one is going to save you from your own intentions, thoughts, decisions, actions. Now, it’s up to you, to be skillful or unskillful, to point your mind towards ...
This is It
November 13, 2020 05:00 - 6 minutes - 4.61 MBLao-Tzu had some great words about how to best practice human, and in this episode, we explore a passage that reminds us of the importance of the moment that we're in. As always, if you'd like to get free access to my resource library, including guided meditations, book recommendations, app recommendations, and more, text your email address to: +1 (631) 337-8298 And if you'd like to get daily inspirational text messages to your phone from me, just text the word "podcast" to +1 (631) 305-2874
A Way to Think About Anger
November 12, 2020 05:00 - 4 minutes - 2.98 MBIn this episode, we discuss a short story by Thich Nhat Hanh that helps reframe the experience of anger and how to best work with it. As always, if you'd like to get free access to my resource library, including guided meditations, book recommendations, app recommendations, and more, text your email address to: +1 (631) 337-8298 And if you'd like to get daily inspirational text messages to your phone from me, just text the word "podcast" to +1 (631) 305-2874
Maximizing Pleasure
November 11, 2020 05:00 - 9 minutes - 6.59 MBThis episode is all about the art of savoring. We'll take a deep dive into the world of appreciating the small, simple pleasures of life. Enjoy!
How to Develop Self-Respect
November 10, 2020 05:00 - 9 minutes - 6.55 MBSelf-respect is one of the most important factors in living a peaceful, fulfilling life. BUT, we can easily erode our self-respect over time. In this episode, we'll discuss how to rebuild it from wherever we are.
How to Talk About Politics
November 09, 2020 05:00 - 12 minutes - 8.6 MBIn this episode, I'm going to share 3 tips to have more grounded, sane, and unifying conversations around politics. Whether it's on social media, at the dinner table with your crazy cousin, or in a coffee shop with a stranger, there are certain dos and don'ts that will help facilitate a better conversation. As always, if you'd like to get free access to my resource library, including guided meditations, book recommendations, app recommendations, and more, text your email address to: +1 (631...
Short Bursts of Deep Presence
November 06, 2020 05:00 - 12 minutes - 8.7 MBIn this episode, we dive into the differences between short bursts of deep mindfulness versus longer periods of weaker mindfulness. Which is better? Listen to find out. As always, if you'd like to get free access to my resource library, including guided meditations, book recommendations, app recommendations, and more, text your email address to: +1 (631) 337-8298 And if you'd like to get daily inspirational text messages to your phone from me, just text the word "podcast" to +1 (631) 305-2...
Letting Go of Painful Emotions
November 05, 2020 05:00 - 7 minutes - 5.11 MBIn this episode, we explore a simple question you can use to help let go of difficult emotions that may no longer be serving you in a positive way. As always, if you'd like to get free access to my resource library, including guided meditations, book recommendations, app recommendations, and more, text your email address to: +1 (631) 337-8298 And if you'd like to get daily inspirational text messages to your phone from me, just text the word "podcast" to +1 (631) 305-2874
2020 Election: Lead Yourself
November 04, 2020 05:00 - 6 minutes - 4.33 MBTensions are high as we navigate one of the most contentious elections in US history. In this episode, I'll share my thoughts on how to navigate this time and what may be most needed from us more than anything else.
Lead Yourself
November 04, 2020 05:00 - 6 minutes - 4.33 MBTensions are high as we navigate one of the most contentious elections in US history. In this episode, I'll share my thoughts on how to navigate this time and what may be most needed from us more than anything else.
The Power of Appreciation
November 03, 2020 05:00 - 8 minutes - 5.68 MBOn this one year anniversary of the Practicing Human podcast, we take some time to discuss the importance of slowing down and appreciating what is GOOD in your life, and why this can be a qualitatively different form of happiness than the pursuit of what is good. As always, if you'd like to get free access to my resource library, including guided meditations, book recommendations, app recommendations, and more, text your email address to: +1 (631) 337-8298 And if you'd like to get daily in...
Holding On vs Holding Space
November 02, 2020 05:00 - 13 minutes - 9.58 MBMany people are afraid to make space for their experience because they're trying to move away from it; they perceive holding space as holding on. It's understandable, but these are two very different things. In this episode, we'll break down the differences.
Embracing Your Life
October 30, 2020 04:00 - 7 minutes - 5.53 MBIn this episode, we discuss a Rumi poem that helps us meet more moments of our life with softness, embracing whatever may come through the door of our metaphorical guest house. As always, if you'd like to get free access to my resource library, including guided meditations, book recommendations, app recommendations, and more, text your email address to: +1 (631) 337-8298 And if you'd like to get daily inspirational text messages to your phone from me, just text the word "podcast" to +1 (63...
Where Focus Goes, Energy Flows
October 28, 2020 04:00 - 11 minutes - 8.2 MBIn this episode, we discuss the subtle nuances of directing your attention to create different internal and external experiences. If you're interested in attending the upcoming retreat on Awakening Joy, Dec. 4-6th 2020, visit www.corymuscara.com/retreat
Slow Down to Speed Up
October 27, 2020 04:00 - 6 minutes - 4.29 MBIn this episode, we discuss the importance of going slower to get things done fast. We will connect this to productivity, higher quality work, and making fewer mistakes. As always, if you'd like to get free access to my resource library, including guided meditations, book recommendations, app recommendations, and more, text your email address to: +1 (631) 337-8298 And if you'd like to get daily inspirational text messages to your phone from me, just text the word "podcast" to +1 (631) 305-...
Awareness is Your Refuge
October 22, 2020 04:00 - 7 minutes - 5.15 MB"Awareness is your refuge. Awareness of the changingness of feelings, of attitudes, of moods, of material change and emotional change. Stay with that, because it’s a refuge that is indestructible. It’s not something that changes. It’s a refuge you can trust in. This refuge is not something that you create. It’s not a creation. It’s not an ideal. It’s very practical and very simple, but easily overlooked or not noticed. When you’re mindful, you’re beginning to notice, it’s like this." -Ajahn ...
Do The Best You Can
October 20, 2020 04:00 - 4 minutes - 2.83 MBIn this episode, I share a short, simple invitation to bring out the best of yourself in each moment. May it offer you a map for living more fully, deliberately, and authentically. As always, if you'd like to get free access to my resource library, including guided meditations, book recommendations, app recommendations, and more, text your email address to: +1 (631) 337-8298 And if you'd like to get daily inspirational text messages to your phone from me, just text the word "podcast" to +1...
How to Set Goals
October 19, 2020 04:00 - 7 minutes - 5.06 MBIn this episode, we talk about the counterintuitive, surprising approach to effective goal-setting. As always, if you'd like to get free access to my resource library, including guided meditations, book recommendations, app recommendations, and more, text your email address to: +1 (631) 337-8298 And if you'd like to get daily inspirational text messages to your phone from me, just text the word "podcast" to +1 (631) 305-2874
Getting to the Root of the Problem
October 16, 2020 04:00 - 7 minutes - 4.98 MBIn this episode, I share the contemporary fable, Upstream Downstream by Donald Arnell: It was many years ago that the villagers of Downstream recall spotting the first body in the river. Some old timers remember how spartan were the facilities and procedures for managing that sort of thing. Sometimes they say, it took hours to pull 10 people from the river, and even then only a few would survive. Though the number of victims in the river has increased greatly in recent years, the good folk...
Unwinding Deep Tension
October 15, 2020 04:00 - 9 minutes - 6.83 MBIn this episode, we'll talk about unwinding the tension that can slowly (but significantly) accumulate in your nervous system over time, as well as how to get back in alignment with your deepest needs. As always, if you'd like to get free access to my resource library, including guided meditations, book recommendations, app recommendations, and more, text your email address to: +1 (631) 337-8298 And if you'd like to get daily inspirational text messages to your phone from me, just text the...
Failure
October 13, 2020 04:00 - 5 minutes - 3.73 MB"I've missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed." -Michael Jordan
Morning Productivity Hack
October 12, 2020 04:00 - 7 minutes - 5 MBIn this episode, we discuss a simple practice/routine you can use to ensure you're doing meaningful work and feeling a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment in your day. As always, if you'd like to get free access to my resource library, including guided meditations, book recommendations, app recommendations, and more, text your email address to: +1 (631) 337-8298 And if you'd like to get daily inspirational text messages to your phone from me, just text the word "podcast" to +1 (631) 30...
The Gift of Boredom
October 09, 2020 11:00 - 5 minutes - 3.67 MBIn this episode, we discuss the power of boredom to change how we focus, inspire how we pay attention, and spark new creativity. As always, if you'd like to get free access to my resource library, including guided meditations, book recommendations, app recommendations, and more, text your email address to: +1 (631) 337-8298 And if you'd like to get daily inspirational text messages to your phone from me, just text the word "podcast" to +1 (631) 305-2874
How Much Does Your IDEAL Day Cost?
October 08, 2020 04:00 - 10 minutes - 7.16 MBIn this episode, we explore the relationship between money and happiness, discussing a very practical exercise you can do to gain clarity around how much money you actually need to feel fulfilled. Be sure to sign up for the 7-Day Meditation Challenge starting October 8th at this link! As always, if you'd like to get free access to my resource library, including guided meditations, book recommendations, app recommendations, and more, text your email address to: +1 (631) 337-8298 And if yo...
How to Not be Controlled by Thoughts
October 07, 2020 04:00 - 10 minutes - 7.27 MBIn this episode, we discuss a practice you can use to reduce the emotional charge of your thoughts and not be subconsciously swept around by them. As always, if you'd like to get free access to my resource library, including guided meditations, book recommendations, app recommendations, and more, text your email address to: +1 (631) 337-8298 And if you'd like to get daily inspirational text messages to your phone from me, just text the word "podcast" to +1 (631) 305-2874
Thoughts on Confidence
October 06, 2020 04:00 - 4 minutes - 3.24 MBIn this episode, I discuss why I don't believe you need to confident, and what an alternative way to approach your life might look like. As always, if you'd like to get free access to my resource library, including guided meditations, book recommendations, app recommendations, and more, text your email address to: +1 (631) 337-8298 And if you'd like to get daily inspirational text messages to your phone from me, just text the word "podcast" to +1 (631) 305-2874
Relationships: A Reason, a Season, or a Lifetime?
October 05, 2020 11:00 - 8 minutes - 6.04 MBIn this episode, we discuss the different kinds of relationships that enter our life, making space for (and normalizing) the many variations that can take place. Be sure to sign up for the 7-Day Meditation Challenge starting October 8th at this link!
How to Develop Concentration
October 02, 2020 11:00 - 11 minutes - 8.05 MBIn this episode, we discuss concentration--why it's important and how to develop it. Specifically, we focus on the role of continuity of awareness within our meditation practice. As always, if you'd like to get free access to my resource library, including guided meditations, book recommendations, app recommendations, and more, text your email address to: +1 (631) 337-8298 And if you'd like to get daily inspirational text messages to your phone from me, just text the word "podcast" to +1 (...
Slow Down
October 01, 2020 04:00 - 7 minutes - 4.93 MBIn this episode, we explore the importance of slowing down to appreciate our life as it's happening. The poem that I share is called "Slow Dance" by David Weatherford. To learn more about the upcoming "Awakening Joy" retreat, head to www.corymuscara.com/retreat
A Better Way to Focus
September 29, 2020 04:00 - 6 minutes - 4.4 MBFocus is an important skill in all domains of life, but typically, our efforts for developing focus are misguided. In this session, we'll talk about a more effective and sustainable approach to developing focus. As always, if you'd like to get free access to my resource library, including guided meditations, book recommendations, app recommendations, and more, text your email address to: +1 (631) 337-8298 And if you'd like to get daily inspirational text messages to your phone from me, jus...
How to Respect Yourself
September 25, 2020 04:00 - 7 minutes - 5 MBIn this episode, we explore the relationship between integrity and self-respect, and a practice you can do to start to develop more respect for yourself. If you're interested in the upcoming online retreat, you can learn more here: www.corymuscara.com/retreat As always, if you'd like to get free access to my resource library, including guided meditations, book recommendations, app recommendations, and more, text your email address to: +1 (631) 337-8298 And if you'd like to get daily inspi...
The Positive Role of Suffering
September 24, 2020 04:00 - 8 minutes - 5.92 MBIn this episode, we explore how to reframe the role of suffering in your life, reflecting on past experiences and how they may have served you in unforeseen ways. If you're interested in the upcoming online retreat, you can learn more here: www.corymuscara.com/retreat As always, if you'd like to get free access to my resource library, including guided meditations, book recommendations, app recommendations, and more, text your email address to: +1 (631) 337-8298 And if you'd like to get da...
Holding Space for Others
September 23, 2020 04:00 - 12 minutes - 8.61 MBIn this episode, we discuss why your ability to hold space for another person's suffering is directly related to your ability to hold space for your own suffering. If you're interested in the upcoming online retreat, you can learn more here: www.corymuscara.com/retreat As always, if you'd like to get free access to my resource library, including guided meditations, book recommendations, app recommendations, and more, text your email address to: +1 (631) 337-8298 And if you'd like to get d...
What if You Stopped Worrying?
September 22, 2020 04:00 - 4 minutes - 3.14 MBIn this episode, I offer you a thought experiment: What if you stopped worrying? What would change in your life, positive or negative? Through this thought experiment, you'll get to see some of the ways worry is serving you, and some of the ways it's just happening out of habit and conditioning. If you're interested in the upcoming online retreat, you can learn more here: www.corymuscara.com/retreat As always, if you'd like to get free access to my resource library, including guided medita...
3 Steps for Navigating Difficulty
September 21, 2020 04:00 - 9 minutes - 6.65 MBIn this episode, we explore a 3-step practice for working with a difficult experience as outlined in Rick Hanson's new book, Neurodharma. If you're interested in the upcoming online retreat, you can learn more here: www.corymuscara.com/retreat As always, if you'd like to get free access to my resource library, including guided meditations, book recommendations, app recommendations, and more, text your email address to: +1 (631) 337-8298 And if you'd like to get daily inspirational text me...
The Martian Walk
September 18, 2020 04:00 - 8 minutes - 5.6 MBIn this episode, I share a beginner's mind exercise that I call "The Martian Walk," designed to reconnect you to a sense of awe and wonder for the world around you. If you're interested in the upcoming online retreat, you can learn more here: www.corymuscara.com/retreat As always, if you'd like to get free access to my resource library, including guided meditations, book recommendations, app recommendations, and more, text your email address to: +1 (631) 337-8298 And if you'd like to get ...
Total Surrender
September 17, 2020 04:00 - 11 minutes - 7.68 MB"You are not ready to accept the fact that you have to give up. A complete and total "surrender"... It is a state of hopelessness which says that there is no way out ... Any movement in any direction, on any dimension, at any level, is taking you away from Yourself..." -U. G. Krishnamurti
Working With Fear
September 16, 2020 04:00 - 10 minutes - 7.21 MBIn this episode, I share a 4-step process for moving through moments of fear. If you're interested in the upcoming online retreat, you can learn more here: www.corymuscara.com/retreat As always, if you'd like to get free access to my resource library, including guided meditations, book recommendations, app recommendations, and more, text your email address to: +1 (631) 337-8298 And if you'd like to get daily inspirational text messages to your phone from me, just text the word "podcast" t...
Is it Worth Your Peace?
September 15, 2020 04:00 - 9 minutes - 6.74 MBWe have so many small reactions throughout the day take us out of our grounded state. However, many of these reactions are connected to trivial things that, when we really look at them, are not worth our peace. In this episode, we'll discuss how to think through this so you can have more moments of peace throughout your day. If you're interested in the upcoming online retreat, you can learn more here: www.corymuscara.com/retreat As always, if you'd like to get free access to my resource li...
How to be Less Impulsive
September 14, 2020 04:00 - 10 minutes - 7.32 MBIn this episode, we'll talk about how to manage the build-up of energy we feel when we really want something but know we shouldn't give in to it. If you're interested in the upcoming online retreat, you can learn more here: www.corymuscara.com/retreat As always, if you'd like to get free access to my resource library, including guided meditations, book recommendations, app recommendations, and more, text your email address to: +1 (631) 337-8298 And if you'd like to get daily inspirational...
Getting to Where You're Going
September 11, 2020 04:00 - 4 minutes - 2.85 MBIn this episode, we channel some wisdom from Winnie the Pooh, discussing how to let go and move toward the life we wish to create. If you're interested in the upcoming online retreat, you can learn more here: www.corymuscara.com/retreat As always, if you'd like to get free access to my resource library, including guided meditations, book recommendations, app recommendations, and more, text your email address to: +1 (631) 337-8298 And if you'd like to get daily inspirational text messages ...
3 Steps to Acceptance
September 10, 2020 04:00 - 13 minutes - 9.45 MBWe all struggle with acceptance at different points in our life, and it's one of the most important things we can cultivate in this life, as we won't be able to live our lives fully unless we can move fluidly with the changing landscape. In this episode, I share a 3-part practice you can use to move toward acceptance. If you're interested in the upcoming online retreat, you can learn more here: www.corymuscara.com/retreat As always, if you'd like to get free access to my resource library, ...
How to Start Your Day Right
September 09, 2020 04:00 - 9 minutes - 6.44 MBHow we start our day often dictates how the rest of our day will unfold. In this episode, I'll make my favorite tip for having a great morning. If you're interested in the upcoming online retreat, you can learn more here: www.corymuscara.com/retreat As always, if you'd like to get free access to my resource library, including guided meditations, book recommendations, app recommendations, and more, text your email address to: +1 (631) 337-8298 And if you'd like to get daily inspirational t...
The "So What" Exercise
September 08, 2020 04:00 - 9 minutes - 6.86 MBDo you ever find yourself caught in a loop of anxiety and fear, thinking about something you did wrong, or something that could potentially go wrong? In this episode, I'll share a simple cognitive exercise you can use to settle yourself down and feel more empowered. If you're interested in the upcoming online retreat, you can learn more here: www.corymuscara.com/retreat As always, if you'd like to get free access to my resource library, including guided meditations, book recommendations, a...