About this episode

Jack Kornfield discusses how to respond to suffering and stay present amidst global crises and personal difficulties.

Beginning with reflections on global crises and personal difficulty, Jack reminds us that while suffering is inevitable, how we respond is what shapes our lives. Today’s podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/heartwisdom and get on your way to being your best self. This time on Heart Wisdom, Jack Kornfield explores: Responding to difficulty without becoming overwhelmed Living in the present moment instead of fear-based thinking The power of intention and deep listening Becoming an “island of peace” in chaotic times Trusting uncertainty and the mystery of life This episode was originally filmed for the April 2026 Spirit Rock Meditation Center Monday Night Talk and Guided Meditation. “In difficulty, the mind goes into survival—trying to protect and fix. Thank it, let it soften, and return to the present. As Ram Dass reminds us—you can be here now.”  –Jack Kornfield About Jack Kornfield: Jack Kornfield trained as a Buddhist monk in the monasteries of Thailand, India, and Burma, studying as a monk under the Buddhist master Ven. Ajahn Chah, as well as the Ven. Mahasi Sayadaw. He has taught meditation internationally since 1974 and is…

People in this episode

Host: Jack Kornfield

Topics covered

• loving awareness
• staying present
• responding to difficulty
• intention
• deep listening
• chaos
• uncertainty

Keywords

• mindfulness
• meditation
• suffering
• present moment
• intention
• peace
• chaos
• uncertainty

Sponsors

BetterHelp

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Spirit Rock Meditation Center, Insight Meditation Society

Places: Thailand, India, Burma, Barre, Massachusetts, Woodacre, California

More episodes of Heart Wisdom with Jack Kornfield

• Ep. 327 – Spirit Rock's New Stupa: Community, Courage, and the Awakened Heart · July 15, 2026 · 48 min
• Ep. 326 – Keeping Your Heart Strong: Courage, Connection, and the Path Forward · July 1, 2026 · 32 min

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