Inner Skilled

Meditation "as is" means experiencing it exactly as it unfolds—nothing more, nothing less. No need to exaggerate or diminish it. Letting go of fear and expectations allows balance, where practice is neither forced nor reduced, but simply as it is. Want to be a guest on Inner Skilled? Send Josh Dippold a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/innerskilled Hosted on Ac...

(AI assisted:) In this multidimensional conversation, Josh Dippold, Randi Green, and David Hults explore the convergence of systemic collapse, spiritual evolution, and community building. They address the visible decay of U.S. governance, the rise of technocratic control, and the urgent need for practical and metaphysical preparation. Key Themes: ⚖️ Political & Societal Collapse David outlines...

Want to be a guest on Inner Skilled? Send Josh Dippold a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/innerskilled Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Want to be a guest on Inner Skilled? Send Josh Dippold a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/innerskilled Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Want to be a guest on Inner Skilled? Send Josh Dippold a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/innerskilled Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meditation, like daily tasks, doesn’t need overcomplication—just do it. In Samatha and Anapanasati, the practice is simple: stay with the breath in one location, know it clearly, and return to it repeatedly. Though it may seem unexciting, this disciplined simplicity leads to deeper expansion and insight over time. Want to be a guest on Inner Skilled? Send Josh Dippold a message on PodMatch, here:...

Distinction in meditation means clearly knowing the object, purpose, and method of practice. If it's vague or unclear, meditation can become unfocused. Recognizing when distinction is lacking is key—then, the question becomes: How do we respond? Do we refine our focus, adjust our approach, or deepen our awareness? Want to be a guest on Inner Skilled? Send Josh Dippold a message on PodMatch, here:...

Leeway in meditation is about finding balance. Too much tightness can lead to constriction, requiring more relaxation and receptivity. Conversely, too much looseness can lead to distraction and a lack of direction. Wise attention helps determine when to allow more flexibility and when to be more disciplined. Want to be a guest on Inner Skilled? Send Josh Dippold a message on PodMatch, here: https:...

The concept of a container in meditation refers to the space in which awareness of the meditation object—such as the breath—is held. This container can vary in size, from focusing narrowly on the nostrils and upper lip to encompassing the entire body or even the surrounding air. The amount of awareness within this container also fluctuates, ranging from minimal presence to full absorption in medit...

Laws of nature govern all aspects of existence, including our intentions and actions, the physical body, the environment, and the heart and mind. Our intentional thoughts, words, and deeds produce effects, whether wholesome or unwholesome. These natural laws regulate biological processes, weather, seasons, decay, renewal, and mental states, all of which are integral to meditation. Though we are al...

"Showing up" in meditation is not just as physical presence but with awareness of what challenges and strengths arise. Wise reflection on whether meditative experiences align with daily life and whether they bring clarity or vagueness. The importance of this reflection lies in recognizing that meditation doesn’t immediately erase daily struggles; rather, it helps cultivate wisdom that can be appli...

Restraint is often seen as limiting, but what if could also be a voluntary choice to let go of what is unnecessary? Instead of constantly reaching, seeking, or grasping, restraint allows for impulse control and greater agency over attention and actions. By cutting away distractions and training the mind to focus on what truly matters, one can cultivate stronger decision-making and long-term well-b...

When practicing mindfulness of breathing, consider how the breath can permeate and saturate different aspects of experience. It can fill the body, reaching every pore and cell. It can move through the heart, touching even its subtle stirrings. It can extend into the mind, thoughts, and consciousness itself, fully saturating the entire realm of awareness. Want to be a guest on Inner Skilled? Send J...

Different meditation instructions use similar words but carry distinct nuances. For example, breath meditation can involve knowing, following, feeling, seeing, or observing the breath—each offering a slightly different experience. One less common term is *detect*, which can suggest investigative precision but also a simple, direct sensing. It encourages discernment without overanalyzing. If the wo...

If you’re working with a meditation object, how are you meeting it? Are you approaching it like a boss—expecting control, obedience, and order? Or are you meeting it as if it were your boss, with all the dynamics that entails? What if, instead, you met it like a close friend? Want to be a guest on Inner Skilled? Send Josh Dippold a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailprev...

Of course, meditation offers countless benefits, and for many of us, practical reasons and time constraints shape how we practice. However, for some—especially during longer retreats or in certain circumstances—the notion of mystery may arise. As one deepens into the experience, a sense of awe and wonder can emerge, an appreciation for whatever all of this is. Even something as simple as the breat...

We all recognise the vital importance of mindfulness. And how it seems easier in certain places and situations than others. But what about when you need it most? Wouldn't it be grand if mindfulness could be cultivated in even the most dire of circumstances? In this live event from March 6, 2025 I guided participants with a contemplation and reflection to better discover and get the most out of the...

Receptivity. There's this notion that I have to pay attention to the meditation object, that I am meditating, and then I'm going to enforce my will on the meditation. And, yes, sometimes these techniques are needed or this mindset or this approach. Other times, what about letting the object come to me or to you? Letting the breath come to you, waiting for it, and then being breathed instead of bre...

How do we align to the sweet spot? So when we go to sit down for formal meditation practice, how do we align everything? What's the best way to do this? And why should we do this? Well, for those who are not familiar with this concept of alignment, we can look at it first on a physical level. Want to be a guest on Inner Skilled? Send Josh Dippold a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.c...

Taking stock first before directly imposing my will, trying to immediately jump right in and do the meditation (object). Instead, after setting intention(s) perhaps some moments of loving kindness or recollection on goodness before the main meditation object. Actually pausing to see what's there. Is there emotion? Is there a lot of agitation, restlessness? Is there disinterest? Or maybe there's ea...

Is there a predominant way of relating to reality, the world, experience, day to day life? What's at the forefront in the way that relation is happening? Is it from a mental level, thinking, cognition, and all things thought related? Is it emotional that's at the forefront? Want to be a guest on Inner Skilled? Send Josh Dippold a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailprevie...

Playlist of past (Open) Wisdom Wednesday(s) https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmHBy3jSQd-_Otf30cnRpOU3AyIiFcnju Want to be a guest on Inner Skilled? Send Josh Dippold a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/innerskilled Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Want to be a guest on Inner Skilled? Send Josh Dippold a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/innerskilled Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Restlessness. This hindrance is often said to not completely disappear until full awakening. So what degree of it is present in any given moment? How subtle does it go? How much do we really need to be aware of it in order to address it so it's easy to notice when we can't sit still on the cushion? Want to be a guest on Inner Skilled? Send Josh Dippold a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podm...

[AI assisted:] In this episode of Thought Process Thursday recorded live on Jan 30, 2025, I explored the intricate relationship between thinking and meditation examining common misconceptions, such as the belief that meditation requires the complete absence of thought, and discuss how thought processes can both hinder and support practice. I also introduce key questions that can shift our perspect...