Talk
In our previous exploration of equanimity with John Bruna, we examined how a balanced and impartial mind frees us from being controlled by fear, attachment, and reactivity. But understanding this raises another important question: If we already know what leads to greater well-being, why is it often so difficult to actually live that way?
Most of us have experienced the gap between knowing and doing. We know meditation supports our well-being, yet we avoid practicing. We know kindness, patience, exercise, healthy relationships, and meaningful work enrich our lives, yet we often find ourselves pulled toward habits that offer immediate comfort while undermining our deeper aspirations. Why?
This month, John explored the conditioned patterns of mind that continually draw us toward short-term gratification and away from lasting well-being. Drawing from Buddhist psychology, contemplative science, and practical experience, we will examine how our habitual conditioning shapes our choices, why awareness alone is often not enough to create lasting change, and how we can gradually retrain the mind to align with our deepest values. Equanimity is not the end of the path—it is the foundation that allows us to become conscious participants rather than unconscious passengers in our own lives. Through understanding the nature of conditioning and learning practical methods for cultivating new habits of mind, we discover that genuine freedom is not found in controlling circumstances but in developing the capacity to choose wisely, intentionally, and compassionately, moment by moment. The invitation is not simply to know what is true, but to become the kind of person who naturally lives it.
Additional Resources:
About John Bruna
John Bruna is the spiritual director and primary teacher at the Way of Compassion Dharma Center in Carbondale, Colorado. He is a former Buddhist monk of Gaden Shartse Monastery, transitioning from monastic life in 2012. During his transition back into the life of a lay practitioner, John sought guidance from Lama Alan Wallace and has been guided by his precious teachings since.
What is Ghatika Monthly?
Ghatika Monthly is an in-person and virtual gathering held on the 2nd Saturday of every month, in which CCR expert teachers offer accessible guidance in foundational yet transformative contemplative practices. Ghatika is the Sanskrit term for one 24-minute meditation session, which is a recommended length for beginning meditators. While most of the CCR’s expert teachers come from a Buddhist background, these sessions are designed to be secular, informative, and welcoming to beginning and advanced practitioners alike. At Ghatika Monthly, we hope to offer a taste of the contemplative technology that our full-time contemplatives cultivate for 8–12 hours per day at Miyo Samten Ling Hermitage in Crestone. Sign up for our Ghatika Monthly email list to never miss a session!
