In this ‘David’s View’ micro-episode, David Nichtern – exploring the age-old question, ‘What the heck is mindfulness?’ – shares wisdom about our practice post-meditation.

Introducing this mini-episode, host, Michael Kammers, welcomes David into part three of a discussion around the question: ‘What the heck is mindfulness?’ Focusing this time on our practice post-meditation, Michael invites David to share insightful wisdom on how to keep the dharma flowing once we step off the cushion.

“Post-meditation could expand to include your whole world.” – David Nichtern

Post-Meditation // Forgetting, Remembering, & Paying Attention
Starting the podcast with a classic ‘Nichtern-flip,’ David swiftly binds together polarities, recognizing that post-meditation and pre-meditation are actually the same thing. Noting forgetfulness as a detriment to our spiritual practice and in-the-day mindful actions, he highlights the importance of ‘Smriti’ (recollection) – remembering to pay attention.

“That’s what we mean by post-meditation: Is there a way to include that time that we think of as just ordinary life, as somehow part of the journey, part of the cultivation of all the qualities that we’re trying to cultivate in the meditation practice?” – David Nichtern

Sharing how post-meditation ‘remembering’ is truly ‘the art of continuing to pay attention in everyday life,’ David poses the question: Can we do that—actually pay continued attention—while still fully functioning in the world? Likening our ability to do this as akin to playing with a yo-yo, Michael prompts David to reflect on how we can find the Middle Way in meditation and everyday life – relaxing and opening.

“The Middle Way – there’s this entire highway of opportunity to simply make an adjustment, fine-tune it, come back, and relax, really open. That possibility is always present in everyday life.” – David Nichtern

“If you want to find yourself a Buddhist Master, watch them wash the dishes.” – David Nichtern

Not Skipping Through Tulips // Slowing Down (12:00)
David and Michael reflect on the post-meditation importance of honesty and slowing down. Rather than pretending it’s all great or constantly jumping to the next thing, they invite us to mindfulness be with what we are doing in order to accommodate all of our different states of embodied experience. Combatting speed’s perceived invincibility, they share on the transformational power of vulnerability and gentleness post-meditation.

“If you don’t meditate, there’s no post-meditation.” – David Nichtern