Heart Wisdom with Jack Kornfield

Stories and a guided meditation explore loving kindness as a protective, heart-opening practice. Reflections cover forgiveness in family life, the origins and stepwise practice of metta, and how kindness applies to technology and daily struggles. Listeners hear traditional blessings of metta, group reflections on long-term practice, and practical guidance for extending compassion to self and all beings.

Stories about the surprising origins of Spirit Rock and Insight Meditation Society spark awe. Reflections on bowing to life’s mystery and the strange beauty of being human. Practical guidance on staying calm in traffic, working with anger, and holding grief with kindness. An invitation to wonder, compassion, and becoming a steady presence for others.

A reflective journey through stories that heal division and awaken compassion. Travel tales from India include meeting the Dalai Lama, AI and compassion, and confronting death at Varanasi’s ghats. Timeless tales—Ram Dass, Buddha’s last year, and moral fables—show how small acts, humility, and checking our intentions help us meet one another with genuine respect.

Anne Lamott, best-selling author and candid writing teacher, brings warm humor and spiritual bluntness. They explore storytelling from the heart. They examine laughter and tears as sacred connection. They reflect on rest, micro-dosing love through stories, and the surprising tenderness found in everyday human bonds.

A guided journey into the still point of the turning world. Reflections on solstice, the music of the spheres, and cosmic perspective. Instructions for embodied presence, breath awareness, and a global sense of interconnectedness. Gentle practices for calming the jaw and mind, naming thoughts, and becoming a loving witness.

As winter settles in, the warmth of compassion and generosity shines even brighter. Stories of everyday kindness reveal how small acts can create profound change. Jack emphasizes the importance of maintaining an open heart, especially in dark times, and explores the idea of beginner's mind to see the world anew. He discusses the sacredness of the solstice as a moment for reflection and highlights the power of respect as an expression of love. Tapping into our inner fire not only heals us but also lights the way for others.

As winter embraces us, the sacred pause of the solstice shines a light on stillness amidst chaos. Reflecting on impermanence, the beauty of life's renewals, and the weight of sorrow, the conversation explores the importance of tenderness in our connections. Jack invites listeners to ponder their last day—who to call and what to express—infusing each moment with love and mindfulness. Through acts of generosity and remembering small kindnesses, we can find meaning and joy, all while keeping the spirit of stillness alive.

Join bestselling author Anne Lamott, known for her humorous reflections on faith and life, alongside Tami Simon in a heartfelt conversation. They delve into the transformative power of stories and how they can remind us of our beauty and worth. Anne shares a touching tribute to Jack Kornfield, discussing the significance of friendship and writer's walks. Topics of compassion, shared grief, and the importance of seeing others through a lens of kindness are explored, urging you to embrace a generous vision even in dark times.

Explore the profound themes of meaning and connection as Jack shares transformative stories from his new book. Delve into Thich Nhat Hanh's insights on living in the present and the power of compassionate service. Discover how integrity and generosity can alter lives, highlighted by the tale of Abbott Anastasius and the thief. Embrace the idea of being a Bodhisattva and the importance of stillness as a mirror for others. Jack's reflections urge us to find joy and purpose even amidst life's challenges, reminding us of our inherent loving awareness.

Dive into the power of storytelling as a healing force. Jack Kornfield explores how narratives can unburden our hearts and help us face life's challenges with compassion. He discusses the significance of stories in overcoming conflict and their role in fostering cultural change. Discover insights from spiritual icons like Ram Dass and the Dalai Lama, as well as moving anecdotes that reveal the profound connection between storytelling and our shared human experience. Finally, reflect on the importance of delivering our unique gifts to the world.