In this episode, Loch reconnects with meditation teacher and author of The Mindful Geek, Michael Taft, for a deep dialogue about what happens after the first glimpse of awakening. Michael identifies a common source of confusion: some non-dual teachings stop at pure, spacious awareness and treat the world as a dream, while a fuller view sees awareness and appearances as inseparable. Loch and Michael explore emptiness as interdependence, the Zen ox-herding pictures, and why most people need to unhook from thought before they can return to the world with open hearts. Loch shares how we begin to know awake consciousness with eyes open, and how we can live from awake loving flow. Loch leads a guided glimpse through the “problem solver” doorway that takes us there. They also discuss why introducing the solution first helps people avoid getting flooded when the self is deconstructed, how awake awareness has its own intentionality and playful energy, and how parts work like IFS supports the liberation dimension of awakening, so that the awareness that can bear what seemed unbearable becomes the main healing agent.
Explore all of Loch Kelly’s practices and teachings on the Mindful Glimpses app, found at https://mindfulglimpses.com. This innovative meditation and wellness app offers daily micro-meditations, step-by-step programs, and simple-yet-advanced tools for awakening.
Michael W. Taft is a meditation teacher, author, and host of the Deconstructing Yourself podcast. With more than thirty-five years of practice, from Zen temples in Japan to yogi caves in India, he draws on deep training in both Buddhist and Hindu Tantric traditions and teaches courses, retreats, and individual students worldwide within a nondual orientation. He co-founded the Alembic center in Berkeley, was long-time editorial director of Sounds True and editor-in-chief of Being Human, and is the author of several books, including the bestselling The Mindful Geek.
Connect with Michael Taft:
Website: https://deconstructingyourself.com
Loch Kelly is the creator of the Mindful Glimpses app, an award-winning author, psychotherapist, and meditation teacher known for his unique practical methods that support awakening as the next natural stage of human development. Backed by modern neuroscience and psychology, Loch introduces Effortless Mindfulness, an ancient form of nondual meditation that provides immediate access to our embodied, awake nature, which manifests as calm, clarity, and compassion.
Connect with Loch:
Mobile App: https://mindfulglimpses.com
Website: https://lochkelly.org/
Donate: https://lochkelly.org/donate
