Wise Caregiving

Wise Caregiving
  • 5.0 (5)
  • RELIGION & SPIRITUALITY
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Dharma talks presented by Wise Caregiving teachers Jonathan Prescott, Michael Melancon, and Karla Johnston.

  1. Living a Contemplative Life

    OCT 26

    Living a Contemplative Life

    Jonathan Prescott shows what it takes to live a contemplative life - a life more concerned with finding the Divine in the present moment than with satisfying our self-centered desires. He describes how the contemplative life brings joy, and contrasts it with the hollow pursuits of a conventional life. This talk was offered to the Guemes Island Community Church and includes a short guided meditation.

    32 min
  2. Cherishing Your Ingredients

    SEP 19

    Cherishing Your Ingredients

    Drawing from life stories, Buddhist teachings, and lessons from Plum Village, Karla Johnston explores how to respond skillfully to suffering by first recognizing the unique ingredients of our own lives and then examining the lens—historical or Ultimate—through which we view the world. Karla emphasizes connection, communal support, and mindful self-inquiry as essential practices for both personal growth and engaged, compassionate action.

    44 min
  3. What Do I Do Now

    SEP 19

    What Do I Do Now

    Michael Melancon encourages us to embrace each moment as an opportunity to awaken and engage intentionally with life, highlighting the importance of mindful awareness of breath, heartbeat, and our relationships. Through personal stories and practical advice, Michael asks the guiding question, “What do I do now?” as a way to cultivate presence, patience, and connection to one’s True Self. By pausing and reflecting rather than impulsively reacting, individuals can cherish their precious lives, foster deep compassion, and navigate challenges with clarity and love.

    53 min
  4. Meeting Thoughts and Emotions with Kindness

    SEP 19

    Meeting Thoughts and Emotions with Kindness

    Jonathan Prescott shows how mindful awareness of mental “seeds”—habits, emotions, and thoughts—can help practitioners move beyond reactive patterns toward insight and wisdom. Using the model of store consciousness and mind consciousness, Jonathan explains how seeds can proliferate and fill our experience, and encourages us to meet arising thoughts and emotions with kindness. The threefold practice of mindfulness, concentration, and insight offers a practical way to respond skillfully to difficulties, ultimately guiding each person toward greater freedom and skillful action.

    49 min
  5. True Self and Small Self in Harmony

    SEP 19

    True Self and Small Self in Harmony

    Jonathan Prescott explores the distinction in Zen between the “small self”—our ego and personality—and the “True Self,” the universal, undivided wisdom and goodness inherent in us all. Through personal stories and Zen metaphors, Jonathan illustrates how spiritual practice is not about eradicating the small self, but about allowing it to become a clear conduit for the True Self to act in the world. He emphasizes how integrating faith, diligence, and letting go enables our small self to mirror the qualities of the True Self, continuously shaping how we answer the essential question, “What do I do now?”.

    44 min
  6. Grace

    MAY 25

    Grace

    To live with grace means to flow freely with life. In this talk offered to The Guemes Island Community Church, Jonathan Prescott explores how Christianity tells the story of grace while Zen teaches the path to grace.

    24 min
  7. The Joy of Contemplative Practice

    MAR 29

    The Joy of Contemplative Practice

    Jonathan Prescott explores how you can use contemplative practices to make your life more joyful. He shares his life-long contemplative practice techniques and encourages you to find ways to transform everyday activities into opportunities for deepening.

    25 min
  8. Finding Peace in Difficult Times

    MAR 12

    Finding Peace in Difficult Times

    Many people around the world are suffering due to the actions of America's current President. Join Jonathan Prescott to explore how to find peace even in these difficult times. He helps us connect with the deep listening and skillful responses modeled by Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhistattva of Compassion, so that we can both protect ourselves from overwhelm and learn to respond effectively to this assault on American democracy.

    39 min
See All (114)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Dharma talks presented by Wise Caregiving teachers Jonathan Prescott, Michael Melancon, and Karla Johnston.

Information

  • Creator
    Wise Caregiving
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    114
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Wise Caregiving