The main topic we explore on the podcast, in many different ways, is change. How can we come to understand ourselves better, let go of who we were, and become who we wish to be? In this episode Dr. Rick and Forrest are joined by meditation teacher and former Zen monastic Caverly Morgan. They discuss how we can release our conditioning, identify the inner voice that leads to change, and get to the heart of who we are.

About Our Guest: Caverly is a meditation teacher, author, and the founder of Peace in Schools - a nonprofit which created the nation's first for-credit mindfulness class in public high schools. Her practice began in 1995, and has included eight years of training in a silent Zen monastery. She’s also the author of the wonderful new book The Heart of Who We Are: Realizing Freedom Together.

Watch the Episode: Prefer watching video? You can watch this episode on YouTube.

Key Topics:

0:00: Introduction

1:55: Caverly’s path to Zen

3:30: Truth and freedom

7:20: Chop wood, carry water

8:30: Why it’s okay to have a “conventional” path to enlightenment

9:35: The voice that says “is this all there is?”

12:25: Distinguishing our conditioning from what we really want

15:40: What supports us in exercising our will

21:20: Resistance, preference, and willingness

23:25: Responding to “should”

29:10: Our will and our ego

35:30: Making room for our own nurturing voice

37:35: Practical ways to listen to the heart

40:40: Awakening together

47:20: Coming home to our own being at the simplest level

50:30: Recap

New Online Course From Dr. Rick: Learn the tools you need to build strong, healthy, fulfilling relationships of all kinds in Rick's new Strong Heart Relationship Series. The program begins on February 18th, and all the teaching is recorded so you can watch on your own schedule. Visit RickHanson.net/strongheart to learn more and get 20% with coupon code BeingWell20.

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