Letters to the Sky

Pema Chodron's Comfortable With Uncertainty

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1149104/open_sms] Embracing Discomfort: The Practice of Tonglen and Pema Chödrön's Teachings In this episode of Letters to the Sky, Stephan and Adam delve into the transformative teachings of Pema Chödrön's book, 'Comfortable with Uncertainty.' They explore the profound practice of Tonglen and how it serves as a tool for spiritual awakening and a deepening connection to all beings. With heartfelt reflections and guided meditations, they discuss the existential discomfort inherent in being human and the importance of equanimity in facing life's challenges. Join them for a meaningful conversation that touches on the core of waking up and embracing the full spectrum of human experience. 00:47 Discussing Pema Chödrön's Comfortable with Uncertainty 02:41 Exploring Lojong and Mind Training 08:45 Understanding Tonglen Practice 19:04 The Path of the Bodhisattva 29:32 Understanding Resistance and Ego 29:51 Meditation and Letting Go 30:58 Weather as a Metaphor for Life 32:24 The Illusion of Perfection 33:59 Exploring the Six Realms of Being 37:14 Heaven and Hell: A Zen Perspective 41:27 Practicing Tonglen Meditation 50:15 Personal Reflections on Tonglen 55:07 Final Thoughts and Takeaways Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1149104/support] Copyright 2025 by Letters to the Sky

Love Does Not Know Death by Adam Rizvi

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1149104/open_sms] In this special episode, Adam takes the spotlight as Stephan interviews him about his newly published book, 'Love Does Not Know Death.'  The conversation delves deep into Adam's unique perspective as a neurocritical care doctor who has seen countless patients at the end of their lives. They discuss the inspiration behind the book, touching on themes of spiritual transformation, the physical and emotional aspects of dying, and the profound insights that have come not only to Adam in his practice, but to the patients themselves as they reach the end of their lives.  Stephan and Adam also explore the challenging yet rewarding process of writing the book, offering a glimpse into Adam's own spiritual journey and how he uses storytelling to convey powerful truths. An enlightening discussion for anyone intrigued by the intersections of medicine, spirituality, and the human experience of death. Here's a link to purchase your own copy of Adam's book: https://a.co/d/5FZ6r7e [https://a.co/d/5FZ6r7e] 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:49 Adam's New Book: Love Does Not Know Death 04:30 The Journey of Writing a Book 05:24 A Memorable Patient Story 09:44 Lessons from Death and Forgiveness 14:02 Challenges in Healthcare and Healing 19:10 The Deeper Meaning of Healing 23:10 Facing Mortality and Embracing Life 31:09 Embracing the Messiness of Terminal Diagnoses 33:03 Healthy Responses to Death 34:35 Guilt and Burden in Facing Death 37:40 The Power of Self-Love in Facing Death 38:45 The Transformative Process of Writing 45:24 Insights on Writing and Creativity 53:55 Conclusion Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1149104/support] Copyright 2025 by Letters to the Sky

Where Does Spiritual Authority Come From?

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1149104/open_sms] In this episode, Stephan and Adam crack open one of the trickiest questions on the spiritual path: Who gets to claim authority — and why do we keep giving it away?  From childhood conditioning to teacher-student dynamics, we explore how spiritual authority forms, how it collapses, and how it can finally return to its rightful place: your own direct knowing. With warmth, humor, and a few gentle provocations, we look at the subtle ways we outsource our inner clarity and how to recognize the voice that was always yours. A grounded, liberating conversation for anyone walking the line between devotion, discernment, and awakening. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1149104/support] Copyright 2025 by Letters to the Sky

Embody Enlightenment Now with Adyashanti's The End of Your World

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1149104/open_sms] Exploring Adyashanti's 'The End of Your World' Stephan and Adam dive into Adyashanti's 'The End of Your World' and share their honest thoughts and personal experiences about the long process of embodying enlightenment after moments of realization. From the pitfalls of spiritual awakening to the simple beauty of being present, they cover it all with warmth, humor, and a sprinkle of cheekiness. Tune in to find out what it's like when spiritual journeys go off script and how honesty can be the game-changer you didn't know you needed. Grab your favorite drink, sit back, and enjoy this adventure through the world of spirituality with a side of laughs. 00:00 Reconnecting 00:54 Discussing 'The End of Your World' by Adyashanti 03:10 Dissolution and Reality 05:08 Challenges and Realizations in Awakening 09:37 Waking Up is Like a Rocket 11:14 Personal Awakening Experiences 16:57 The Importance of Honesty 26:38 Traps and Pitfalls on the Spiritual Path 31:58 The Ego's Voice: Convincing You That Now is Not Okay 32:43 The Simplicity of 'I Am': Insights from Adyashanti 33:31 Questioning Reincarnation: A Personal Reflection 35:23 The Trap of Concepts: How They Shape Our Lives 36:40 Understanding Adyashanti: Background and Teachings 40:42 Awakening in the Present Moment 43:06 The Impact of Future Obsession on the Present 46:36 Practical Advice for Overcoming Future Obsession 54:45 Final Thoughts and Reflections Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1149104/support] Copyright 2025 by Letters to the Sky

The Work that Reconnects - A Tribute to Joanna Macy

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1149104/open_sms] Honoring Joanna Macy: Love, Grief, and the Dance of Life Welcome back, folks! Join Stephan and Adam as they dive into a heartwarming tribute to the incomparable Joanna Macy. They chat about her life, her profound contributions to spiritual ecology, and her legacy of promoting interconnectedness and compassion. Explore grief, love, and how we can be Shambala warriors, embracing powerful, love-driven action in today's world. Shoutout to Dayton for the episode inspiration! If you have an episode recommendation on a book or topic related to awakening and spirituality, and to sign up for our email list, email us directly at: letterstotheskypodcast [ at] gmail.com 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:54 Tribute to Joanna Macy 01:26 Joanna Macy's Life and Work 03:04 Emotional Connection and Grief 04:16 Spiritual Ecology and Interconnectedness 14:41 The Shambala Prophecy 22:52 Taking Action from Love 29:09 Misconceptions About Awakening 30:16 The True Meaning of Awakening 31:24 Mind-Made Weapons and Their Undoing 33:35 The Power of Love Over Hate 35:36 Feeling Without Pathologizing 47:47 Joanna Macy's Reverence for Life 51:49 Final Thoughts and Call to Action Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1149104/support] Copyright 2025 by Letters to the Sky