Managing Emotions Mindfully

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Our emotions can lead us to our greatest joys and most painful sorrows. In their most creative capacity, they are guides pointing us towards who we truly are and what is most meaningful in our lives. However, most of us struggle with disturbing emotions such as anger, attachment, jealousy, resentment, etc. At their most destructive, we are caught by them: lost in the grip of anger, sadness, fear, or overwhelm. This suffering is something we have all felt, but we can create more space, choice, and ease in the face of it.

Does Buddhism have any unique perspective to offer that can help us deal with our disturbing emotions? Do the ideas of Buddhist psychology and modern research support each other, or contradict each other?

In this class, we will we will explore the interface between the ideas of modern psychology and the Buddhist contemplative methods and approaches to dealing with disturbing emotions, including:

• Understanding how emotions work, and how they can work for and not against us
• Recognizing and working with emotional triggers
• Deepening awareness and stabilizing attention
• Looking at the definition of disturbing emotions from both the Buddhist and psychological perspectives
• Applying an understanding of Buddhist philosophical principles to our emotional lives
• Increasing compassion for the self and others

These sessions will include discourse, discussion, meditation instruction and guided meditation sessions. They are suitable for new students as well as experienced students wishing to deepen their practice. All are welcome. This class is open to all levels of meditation experience.