Makom - Podcasts
Meditation and mindfulness are time-tested techniques and practices that can help us manage the stresses of the modern world and allows us to really appreciate what life has to offer. From our daily facilitated meditation sessions to special evenings with world-renowned meditation teachers and experts in the field, Makom offers a wonderful array of courses and events.
Wholehearted with Koshin Paley Ellison, Jay Michaelson, and Jessica Morey
We are living in profoundly stressful, isolating times -- a world that poet and Zen teacher Koshin Ellison calls, in his new book, "Zombieland." Even those of us doing spiritual work are often focused on our own internal "stuff" at the expense of authentic relationship and service. As part of the traditional Jewish period of introspection, a Jewish Zen master, a Buddhist rabbi, and a leading teacher of mindfulness to teenagers (yes, teenagers!) come together to share true, funny, and sometimes wise stories of awakening through authentic relationship with others.
Presented by Koshin Paley Ellison, Jay Michaelson, and Jessica Morey at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan.
Making the Virtual Virtuous: Common-Sense Guidelines for Raising Kids in the Digital Age
Managing modern technology can be exhausting and stressful, potentially prompting us to ask - do we use it or does it use us? It's an even bigger challenge for parents trying to figure out how to raise healthy children in the digital age. Many families struggle as they try to maintain common sense limits while seeking balance in using media as a resource and entertainment. In this podcast developmental pediatrician Dr. Mark Bertin, child psychologist Dr. Chris Willard, and Campaign for Commercial Free Childhood's screen time program manager Jean Rogers engage in a conversation moderated by Samira Sine, New York Director of Common Sense Media. Starting with the premise that technology is not inherently good or bad, you'll get an overview of current media research alongside practical, realistic, and engaging, family friendly tools that integrate mindfulness while supporting long term wellbeing in your children. The evening was cosponsored by Common Sense Media and Campaign for Commercial Free Childhood.
Standing at the Edge: Finding Freedom Where Fear and Courage Meet with Roshi Joan Halifax, Frank Ostaseski, and Sharon Salzberg
Roshi Joan Halifax's new book, Standing at the Edge: Finding Freedom Where Fear and Courage Meet, focuses on the ways in which contemplative practice can be a vehicle for personal and social transformation. An extraordinary gathering of teachers—Roshi; Frank Ostaseski, a pioneer in contemplative hospice care; and Sharon Salzberg, the leading expert in lovingkindness meditation, discuss the ways in which we can transform life's greatest challenges into the most valuable source of our wisdom, allowing us to live our fullest lives and remain open to the full spectrum of human experience. This evening was cosponsored by our friends and partners at the Garrison Institute and part of the "Garrison Talks at the JCC" series.
Raising Resilient Children + Creating Thriving Families: Learning from Science and Wisdom Traditions: Sharon Salzberg with Dr. Mark Bertin and Dr. Chris Willard
Buzzwords such as thriving, resilience, and mindfulness may fill headlines and sell books, but what do they really mean, and how do we cultivate these traits in ourselves and our families? In this podcast we learn the good news that while the buzzwords may change, the basic concepts of skillful parenting have been known across cultures for millennia AND we now have the brain science to back up what works best, even in our hyperwired world. Listen in as moderator Sharon Salzberg talks with Dr. Mark Bertin and Dr. Chris Willard to help us all understand the best of what both science and wisdom traditions such as mindfulness teach us about creating and sustaining happy, healthy families.
Everyday Freedom: A Conversation with Sharon Salzberg and Ethan Nichtern
Is it possible to live an awakened life even in our everyday relationships? What does meditation teach us about living our lives with true connection? We invite you in this podcast to join Sharon, author of the new book Real Love: The Art of Mindful Connection and her friend and colleague, Ethan, author of The Dharma of the Princess Bride: What the Coolest Fairy Tale of Our Time Can Teach Us About Buddhism and Relationships, as they talk about love and practice in everyday time.
What Really Matters in Spiritual Practice? A Conversation with Sylvia Boorstein + Rabbi David Ingber
What really matters in spiritual practice? How can our practice help us in these challenging times? How might our meditation practice reflect and inform the themes of the Jewish New Year? Join this lively conversation between Sylvia and and David as they weave songs, stories, and personal experience with prayer and meditation. Along the way we begin to understand that what really matters is the healing of our hearts, our relationships, and our planet. And we learn how to actually cultivate open hearts in this difficult time. This evening was cosponsored by our friends and partners at the Garrison Institute. The program was also sponsored by Romemu, a congregation on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
Awake at the Bedside
Koshin Paley Ellison, co-editor of the book Awake at the Bedside:Contemplative Teachings for Palliative and End of Life Care, and four other spiritual leaders, Rabbi David Ingber, Robert Chodo Williams, Gina Sharpe, and Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie, have an intimate conversation and discuss challenging questions like "How do we understand death?"; "What is the current state of end of life health care?"; "How do we give care without becoming depleted?" Their experiences help us understand and recognize that end of life care is not really about dying; it's about life and what life has to teach us. This evening was cosponsored by our friends and partners at the Garrison Institute, the New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care, Romemu, Lab/Shul, and New York Insight Meditation Center.
Inner Transformation/Outer Transformation: Tikkun Olam Redefined
Many wonder whether there is a relationship between spiritual practice and social activism. But the reality is that personal and social change are deeply connected. Beloved teachers Rabbi Rachel Cowan z"l and poet and Zen priest Norman Fischer explore the way contemplative practices nurture qualities that can empower us to lead positive change in our workplaces and communities. This evening was part of the "Garrison Institute at the JCC" series.
Meditation and the Lives of Inner City Youth
Brothers Ali and Atman Smith, and their friend Andy Gonzalez know what it takes to not only survive, but to thrive under difficult and challenging circumstances. By teaching yoga and meditation to inner-city youth in Baltimore and other troubled communities around the country and the world, they're helping a new generation cope with the stress and suffering they face on a daily basis. Renowned meditation teacher and best-selling author Sharon Salzberg moderates the conversation—sharing stories, insights, and wisdom pertinent to those who teach or care for young people living in challenging environments and the ways in which this work can impact whole communities, especially in times of local and national unrest. This evening was part of our wonderful series “Garrison Talks” at the JCC, and cosponsored by our friends at the Garrison Institute.
Mindfulness in the Workplace
In his new book, Mindful Work, David Gelles, business reporter for The New York Times, reveals what business leaders around the country are already discovering: mindfulness practice leads to more focus, clarity, creativity, and compassion and may be the key to fostering a more fulfilling, sustainable, and even more productive workplace. In this podcast, David talks with outstanding businesswoman Eileen Fisher, who is changing corporate leadership culture as we know it, and Janice Marturano, founder of the Institute for Mindful Leadership, who is at the forefront of the training and support of leaders from business to government. Part of the "Garrison Talks at the JCC" series and cosponsored by the Garrison Institute and mindful.org.
An Evening of Wisdom With Sharon Salzberg
Sharon shares her own meditation journey and gives down-to-earth advice on sustaining a meditation practice. With her characteristic insight, humor, and compassion, she takes time to answer many questions from the audience. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced meditation student, Sharon’s gentle wisdom will continue to inspire your practice. This evening was part of our series “Garrison Talks at the JCC”, and cosponsored by our friends at the Garrison Institute.
An Evening with Norman Fischer and Rachel Cowan
Life is all about change, but this truth becomes clearer as we age. Can our practice help sustain us through this period, allowing for a sense of calm at the center and bringing clarity and grace to our older years? For the first time at the JCC, beloved teachers, Norman Fischer and Rachel Cowan z"l co-lead an evening of teaching and inspiration. Part of the “Garrison Talks at the JCC” series and cosponsored by the Garrison Institute.
Mindfulness and Parenting: Finding Grace Amidst the Chaos with Drs. Amy Saltzman and Mark Bertin
Would you like to minimize the effects of daily stress on you and your children? Research has shown that mindfulness may be an ideal antidote to life in the 21st century. It teaches us how to be in the present moment—the place where tenderness and strength reside and where choice is possible. Join doctors, mindfulness teachers, and authors Amy Saltzman (A Still Quiet Place: A Mindfulness Program for Teaching Children and Adolescents to Ease Stress and Difficult Emotions and Mark Bertin (The Family ADHD Solution) to learn about the latest research and techniques that are being used for both children and adults. It’s time to find a road to a more peaceful life.