In this episode Joe offers a guided meditation inspired by Ajahn Chah’s teaching - “Still, like a clear forest pool” . With the mind calm like a clear forest pool allowing all the fascinating creatures (thoughts and mind states, fear. doubt, lust, joy happiness) to drink, We can watch them from a distance, neither shewing them away nor enticing them to stay and come closer, free from the attack of doubt. We can also watch and enjoy the pleasantness of joy and happiness without clinging....most of the time.

In this episode, Joe and Roxan “get the band back together”. They talk about how amazing her new Spiritual AF Activity Book and Journal is, how much they miss each other and how friendship is one of the best parts of life.

In this episode I reflect on what it means to surrender. Not in a giving up sense but a practice of “giving in”. Giving time, space to and for your inner experience through moment to moment awareness. We can begin to see what each moment has to offer us when we cease fighting. We are constantly battling, anger hatred and delusion. With practice we can learn to rest, respond and tend to the wounds caused by this overwhelming internal battle with wisdom and compassion.

When we practice mindfulness is this way we begin to see that the mind constantly clings-to and pushes away experience with an attitude. Everything is Yum, Ick or Meh. All which lead to suffering when we get caught in the “Why”. When we begin to see this in our minds and just note our experience we can live in a more balanced acceptance of “right now it’s like this.”

In this episode of the Hella Meditated podcast I sit down with Santa Cruz local-living legend Clifford Dinsmore. Clifford has not only been an integral part of the Santa Cruz punk scene since the early 1980’s when his band Bl’ast blew up on the scene but he also has been an unspoken mentor of mine in my music journey. I Hope you enjoy this conversation that speaks to growing up in Santa Cruz, the music scene, spiritually and the trials and tribulations of navigating it all in this human experience.

Together let’s end this year’s cycle with wise reflection and begin anew with ease, soft intentions, and gratitude.

As I practice today at my favorite spot next to the ocean, i am reminded of this simplistic yet difficult practice of finding peace within myself. Finding peace can sometimes feel unattainable. It can feel like a constant battle to get access to that place of peace. The truth I know and must return to over and over is that place of peace is right here, right now within every moment. I just need to take a little time and check in. My heart will guide me if I listen. I hope you take this as a gentle reminder to take a little time, check in and listen. - Joe

In this episode Joe sits down with is long time hero and spiritual inspiration Kate from 108 to talk about Kate growing up in the NY hardcore scene, Str8 edge, her solo music - Project Kate with Sergio Vega from Quicksand, writing songs with Blake Schwarzbach from Jawbreaker, Krsna Consciousness and being a woman in two heavily male dominated scenes. Give Kate a fallow on instagram @keli108 @kate108 And check out her music projects - @108bandofficial and Project Kate . Here is a video of Kate playing in 108 after a 20 year hiatus … with no practice! https://www.instagram.com/p/BFsuXALSI33/ (Peep the Deathless (Joes band) shirt in the audience) Here is a link to the org discussed in this episode that is helping out at the Ukraine border helping Ukrainian refugees get shelter, food and other necessities. - www.godharmic.com Insta- @GoDaharmic #krsnacore #NYhardcore #108 #projectkate #quicksand #jawbreaker #hellameditated

In this weeks episode Joe talks about how Mindfulness meditation begins the process of uncovering, discovering and recovering our innate heart qualities. These innate qualities of the heart - Kindness Compassion Joy and Balance are waiting to be discovered, the heart will guide us, We just to learn to listen. This short talk is fallowed by a guided meditation. Make sure to subscribe like and review! Stay up. Stay True. Be You. #sitfeelheal #mindfulness #meditation