Ghatika Monthly Meditation 22: The Skill of Free Will with John Bruna

Join John Bruna at the Center for Contemplative Research for a transformational and accessible exploration of free will — not as something we’re born with, but as a skill we can develop. Drawing from his journey of recovery, mindfulness training, and contemplative practice, John shares practical tools to help us break free from autopilot living. By grounding our choices and actions in wisdom, we empower ourselves to act in ways that support the lives we want to live, and the people we want to be. This inspiring talk offers reflection, insight, and encouragement for anyone seeking to live with greater intention, clarity, and compassion.

Additional Resources

• Guided Meditation (Audio Only)
• Ghatika Monthly YouTube Playlist – All Sessions

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.

Way of Compassion Dharma Center: https://wocdc.org/

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.