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This week, join meditation expert Sharon Salzberg as she delves into the art of being present. In her discussion with Alice and Melissa, she explores how the pandemic has underscored our interconnectedness and offers strategies to find stability amidst uncertainty. Sharon, the acclaimed author of “Real Happiness,” “Lovingkindness,” and “Real Love: The Art of Mindful Connection,” is set to release her latest book, “Real Change: Mindfulness to Heal Ourselves and the World,” this September.
Don’t miss Sharon’s previous appearance on the show in 2017, where she discussed How to Find Real Love. It’s a must-listen episode!
Tune in to The Upgrade above or find it on popular podcast platforms like Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, and NPR One.
Key Moments from This Week’s Episode
Insights from the Sharon Salzberg Interview
How meditation helps us recognize our interconnectedness:
Meditation, though it appears solitary—sitting quietly, perhaps with closed eyes—actually fosters a deeper connection to life and others. Beyond meditation, it’s vital during physical isolation to remember our shared bonds. I’ve witnessed friends find resilience and joy through simple acts of helping others. These gestures, though small, create meaningful connections. For instance, a friend in New York, who once didn’t know her neighbors’ names, now exchanges phone numbers for mutual support. Stories like these highlight how even minor actions can energize and sustain us.
On cultivating presence and understanding what we know and don’t know to prevent emotional spirals:
I’m more fearful when others assume I know something, especially if the outcome might be dire. The narratives I create in my mind amplify my anxiety. However, reminding myself, “You don’t actually know,” brings a sense of relief and space. While it’s important to plan wisely and respond to the present, the endless rumination and anxious predictions—like “It’s going to be awful, I’ll never return to New York”—only add unnecessary weight. I value the skills I’ve developed to pause and gently remind myself, “It’s okay, I don’t need to go down that path. Let me return to the present moment.”
On dealing with anger:
Anger should never be dismissed entirely, as it holds significance. However, it becomes problematic when it turns into a chronic or overpowering state, dictating our actions and words. In Buddhist psychology, anger is likened to a forest fire—it can consume everything, including its source. Yet, anger also carries energy; it’s not passive or complacent. It can set boundaries and highlight injustices. Often, the angriest person in a room is the one addressing uncomfortable truths others avoid. The key is to harness that strength and clarity without letting anger control us.
For more of Sharon’s insights and guidance on navigating the present, listen to the full episode.
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