Shell Fischer's Podcast

As opposed to the act of "striving," which involves a kind of unhealthy or stressful clinging to some sort of expectation, and typically arises from our more self-centered mind, or ego - the quality of aditthana (or determination, in the Pali language) almost always arises from the heart, as in, from our heart's desire. And because our heart is just naturally wise and compassionate, if we commit ourselves to following it, it will almost always lead us towards more joy, ease, and peace in our lives. This talk explores how we can not only use our meditation practice to establish this powerful quality, but learn how to more mindfully discern whether we're being driven by our tricky minds, or by the much vaster space of our heart. It includes a meditation at the end.

This talk addresses the question: How can we flow between all the different roles, hats, or identities that we place on ourselves every day, and that kind, wise, compassionate presence within us that is actually free of those often-limiting identities, or beliefs about who we think we "should" be? The answer involves using our meditation practice to examine how we can begin to loosen our strong grip on all of our toxic "shoulds," and uncover and find comfort in what is often called our Buddha Nature, or, the truth of who we really are. It includes a meditation at the end.

The Buddhist teachings are continually calling our attention to the truth of what is called annica, or impermanence, because essentially, it's exactly what we tend to struggle with, in the form of both the fear of uncertainty, and the grief that comes with change. But instead of trying to avoid our fear and grief – which is our natural tendency - the teachings are asking us to instead pause, and allow ourselves to BE with these feelings, so that ultimately, we can transform them, and discover more peace. This talk explores how we can use our meditation practice to train ourselves in the sacred, healing art of the pause. It includes a meditation at the end.

While the Buddha assured us that it's healthy to be aware of all our different intentions, he also suggested that once we've planted the seeds of our plans, our practice becomes surrendering to any determined outcome whatsoever – to truly let go, of all of it. This talk on Shoshin, or "Beginner's Mind," is aimed at helping us to let go more and more often by inviting us to see all things as new – including all situations, people, and especially ourselves – rather than clinging so tightly to our preconceived beliefs and expectations, which tend to keep us stuck. It includes a meditation at the end.

In order for us to practice well, we need to learn how to create and then dwell in a quality the Buddha called Noble Silence – something that is precious and multi-faceted, like a jewel, and not simply about being quiet. This talk explores all the many reasons why it's necessary and essential for us, along with offering practices that can help us to experience it more often, and slowly learn to live our lives from within this peaceful space of silence. It includes a meditation at the end.

As the Buddha tells us, rejecting, avoiding, or pushing away the reality of the moment - which might be unpleasant - is one of the main ways that we create suffering (or dukkha) not only for ourselves, but also for others. In the Pali language, this quality of aversion is called dosa. And because it tends to cause so much unnecessary pain and stress in our lives, the teachings urge us to use mindfulness practice to really get to KNOW our dosa, at all levels – from the most minor ways that we resist to the most troubling, or destructive. In this new talk, Shell explores all the many ways that we can start to notice when we're in some way resisting what IS, and start to let BE, instead of being so aversive to other people, life itself, and of course, ourselves. It includes a 10-minute meditation at the end.

In the Buddhist teachings, the Buddha urged us to very consciously be on the lookout for harmful qualities he called "The Near Enemies," – qualities that all "pretend" to be the heart-qualities of kindness, compassion, empathetic joy, and equanimity, or, The Divine Abodes, considered the highest, most beneficial emotions in the Buddhist teachings. In this talk, we explore how we can use our practice to bring these types of tricksters or "frenemies" up into the light, see them more fully for what they are, and begin to embody their opposites. It includes a meditation at the end.

In the Buddhist teachings it is said that there are 8 different "winds" or conditions that we either hope for, or fear - all of which are constantly blowing into our lives, just like the wind. These 8 are the main things that we tend to preoccupy ourselves with, and consequently become stressed out about. In this talk, Shell explores how we can use our practice to more clearly see and acknowledge these 8 when they rush in, and begin to let go of our strong grip or preoccupation with them in order to discover more peace, joy, and ease in our lives. It includes a 10-minute guided meditation at the end.