Zen Commuter

ZC 2150: The Antidote to Anger by Karen Maizen Miller

In this episode, I share and reflect on part of a thoughtful article from Lion's Roar exploring anger through the lens of Buddhist practice. As one of the "three poisons" alongside greed and ignorance, anger can easily pull us away from peace and connection when left unexamined. Rather than condemning anger or pretending it shouldn't exist, this discussion gently explores how awareness, compassion, and understanding can transform our relationship with difficult emotions and help us respond to life with greater clarity and calm. THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the Show If this conversation inspired you, please share it using the social media buttons on the page. Be a part of the show! 🎙 Send me a voice message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter [https://speakpipe.com/zencommuter] 📧 Email: thom@zencommuter.com [thom@zencommuter.com] 📱 Instagram: @thom_walters [https://instagram.com/thom_walters] 🐦 Twitter: @thom_walters [https://twitter.com/thom_walters] 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/zencommuter [https://facebook.com/zencommuter] Subscribe: Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/] | Spotify [https://spotify.com/]

ZC 2149: 8 Reasons You Don't Meditate

If you have meditated in the past and have fallen off your practice, then today's episode is for you. If you are listening to this episode and your practice has stopped, then it's safe to say you are eager to start it up again. But if you don't know why it stopped, it might get derailed again. No worries. Today, I share with you eight reasons why you may have stopped. the purpose is easy; if you know why you stopped, you'll be prepared should the circumstances line up to kick you off the trail again…And you'll be ready! THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the Show If this conversation inspired you, please share it using the social media buttons on the page. Be a part of the show! 🎙 Send me a voice message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter [https://speakpipe.com/zencommuter] 📧 Email: thom@zencommuter.com [thom@zencommuter.com] 📱 Instagram: @thom_walters [https://instagram.com/thom_walters] 🐦 Twitter: @thom_walters [https://twitter.com/thom_walters] 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/zencommuter [https://facebook.com/zencommuter] Subscribe: Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/] | Spotify [https://spotify.com/]

ZC 2148 - Meditation, Identity, and the Stories That Shape Us — with Christopher Rivas (R)

In this episode, we sit down with multi-hyphenate storyteller Christopher Rivas — actor, writer, Buddhist practitioner, and host of the Brown Enough podcast. We dive deep into themes of identity, race, belonging, and what it means to "live in the middle space." Christopher shares his journeys into Buddhism, the stories behind his creative work (including Brown Enough and Rubirosa), and how life, art, and spiritual practice intersect for him. ✨ Guest Bio & Links Christopher Rivas is an actor, author, playwright, and podcast host known for exploring issues of race, culture, identity, and transformation. Christopher Rivas [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Rivas?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * He hosts the Brown Enough podcast, where he explores what it means to navigate "brownness" in a Black/white world. Brown Enough Podcast [https://www.christopherrivas.com/podcasts?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * He also created Rubirosa, a documentary-style story about Porfirio Rubirosa (a Dominican figure many believe inspired James Bond). Rubirosa Podcast [https://www.christopherrivas.com/podcasts?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Key writings in Tricycle Magazine Christopher regularly contributes essays to Tricycle. A few notable ones: * Non-Self Storage — reflection on attachment, possessions, and letting go Tricycle: The Buddhist Review [https://tricycle.org/magazine/non-attachment-chris-rivas/] * I Think the Clock Is Broken — on time anxiety, meditation, and being present [https://tricycle.org/magazine/rivas-meditation-time/] * Always Lie When Someone Asks If You Meditate — an unconventional take on how practice begins (and how we show up) [https://tricycle.org/magazine/christopher-rivas-meditation-retreat/] Social & Web Links * Christopher's official site: [https://www.christopherrivas.com/] * Brown Enough podcast: Apple Podcasts Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/brown-enough/id1634083998?utm_source=chatgpt.com] | Spotify Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3tumTTBOEWRvBFQSqwtDhW?utm_source=chatgpt.com] | general listing via Podnews Podnews [https://podnews.net/podcast/ia1q6?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * YouTube playlist for Brown Enough episodes: YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPwYKD8BIWY9opb9IQEDnhcjVIyfaGK03&utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Twitter / X: @chris__rivas [https://twitter.com/chris__rivas] X (formerly Twitter)+1 [https://twitter.com/chris__rivas/status/1526690622958030848?utm_source=chatgpt.com] 🔍 Themes & Talking Points from the Episode Here are some of the central topics and takeaways we explore: 1. Integration of spiritual practice & creativity We talk about his meditation journey (16 years and counting), how Buddhist ideas inform his storytelling, and practices that help him stay grounded amid creative turbulence. 2. Storytelling as healing & reimagining narratives Christopher uses storytelling not just as art, but as a bridge to identity, culture, and reconciliation. 3. Attachment, letting go, and identity We unpack his reflections on possessions, ego, attachment, and what does it mean to truly let go (materially and emotionally). 🔗 Links for Listeners & References Christopher Rivas & His Work * Official website / podcast hub: christopherrivas.com * Brown Enough podcast: • Apple Podcasts Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/brown-enough/id1634083998?utm_source=chatgpt.com] • Spotify Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3tumTTBOEWRvBFQSqwtDhW?utm_source=chatgpt.com] • Podnews listing & show info Podnews [https://podnews.net/podcast/ia1q6?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * YouTube Brown Enough playlist YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPwYKD8BIWY9opb9IQEDnhcjVIyfaGK03&utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Twitter / X handle: @chris__rivas [https://twitter.com/chris__rivas] X (formerly Twitter)+1 [https://twitter.com/chris__rivas/status/1526690622958030848?utm_source=chatgpt.com] THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the Show If this conversation inspired you, please share it using the social media buttons on the page. Be a part of the show! 🎙 Send me a voice message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter [https://speakpipe.com/zencommuter] 📧 Email: thom@zencommuter.com [thom@zencommuter.com] 📱 Instagram: @thom_walters [https://instagram.com/thom_walters] 🐦 Twitter: @thom_walters [https://twitter.com/thom_walters] 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/zencommuter [https://facebook.com/zencommuter] Subscribe: Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/] | Spotify [https://spotify.com/]

ZC 2147: Tricycle Tuesday - Silent Underground by Aryavandana

In today's episode, I share a thoughtful piece from Tricycle: The Buddhist Review titled Silent Underground by Aryavandana. It's a gentle yet powerful reflection on the unseen roots of our practice—the quiet, often unnoticed ways that mindfulness and compassion take hold beneath the surface of our daily lives. Much like roots growing in the dark, our practice doesn't always announce itself, but over time, it nourishes a steadier, more grounded way of being. Take a few minutes to explore how what's unseen within you may be shaping something truly beautiful. THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the Show If this conversation inspired you, please share it using the social media buttons on the page. Be a part of the show! 🎙 Send me a voice message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter [https://speakpipe.com/zencommuter] 📧 Email: thom@zencommuter.com [thom@zencommuter.com] 📱 Instagram: @thom_walters [https://instagram.com/thom_walters] 🐦 Twitter: @thom_walters [https://twitter.com/thom_walters] 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/zencommuter [https://facebook.com/zencommuter] Subscribe: Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/] | Spotify [https://spotify.com/]

ZC 2146: You Are Completely Safe

Today I want to talk about the comfort that comes from knowing that in every situation you are completely safe. You might be thinking…"Thom, that is a nice thought, but not a real one…Have you seen the world lately?" I have, and I'm sticking by my premise. And hopefully, if it serves you, you might do the same. THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the Show If this conversation inspired you, please share it using the social media buttons on the page. Be a part of the show! 🎙 Send me a voice message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter [https://speakpipe.com/zencommuter] 📧 Email: thom@zencommuter.com [thom@zencommuter.com] 📱 Instagram: @thom_walters [https://instagram.com/thom_walters] 🐦 Twitter: @thom_walters [https://twitter.com/thom_walters] 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/zencommuter [https://facebook.com/zencommuter] Subscribe: Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/] | Spotify [https://spotify.com/]