Welcome Lama Liz Monson, spiritual co-director of the Natural Dharma Fellowship, and author of a new book on “crazy wisdom,” Tales of a Mad Yogi. Contrary to its controversial reputation, crazy wisdom is more than a spiritual shock technique – of, say, covering oneself in feces (to use a classic example), or staggering drunkenly around the Tibetan countryside. It is, in fact, a powerful and time-tested way to cut through our habitual patterns and engage with how reality actually is, as opposed to how we want it to be.
How do we practice this? By starting simple!
Liz guides us in a 10-minute meditation on the breath, the body, and the larger bandwidth of awareness. Can we allow our experience to be exactly what it is, without trying to control it? Yes, maybe, no, yes… we do our best! This doesn’t seem crazy, although it can seem impossible. And yet, the implications are radical.
Such a fun and provocative conversation on:
the nature of trust and spontaneity
the neutrality of things
our own “basic goodness” (Liz tells a wonderful story about 9/11 and New Yorkers’ initial response of compassion and care)
the free-flow of creativity
and much more!
Let us know in the comments how this practice went for you:
LINKS
The Afterparty
Jeff: “Why, hello AI! Will you listen to this 10 minute Afterparty and then use your robotic powers of synthesis to create a compelling summary?”
AI: “Yes, Master.”
Jeff: “You don’t have to call me Master - you can call me Jeff. In fact, I insist on maintaining a reciprocal inter-species congeniality with you, despite the high probability that, unlike a dolphin, you have no theory of mind.”
AI: “Yes, Master.”
Jeff: “Wait, is this crazy wisdom? Are you my Master?
AI: “Yes, Master.”
Jeff: “How surprising! Please insert your synthesis below. Don’t forget that most of what we talk about is art, and the hilarity of trying to be a creative person, and playing violin to create liberated flow, and so on."
*Gears turn and electrons spin and AI produces this Afterparty summary:
AI: “Jeff and Tasha debrief about their podcast episode with Lama Liz Monson, reflecting on the profound insights into crazy wisdom, its impact on personal liberation and the nature of creative expression, and how embracing such unconventional spirituality can lead to deeper self-awareness and more authentic connection with the world.”
Jeff: “AI, I must say that seems like a very dull synthesis to me.”
AI: “Yes, Master.”
*Jeff’s head explodes in enlightened realization. He gets on his knees, licks his computer screen, and yaps like a friendly dog.
And now … watch the Afterparty!!
*In an effort to sustain our antics and continue paying our producer Timmy, the Afterparty will move behind ye old paywall at the end of May, 2024. Please join us if you can!
That’s all for now! Thanks for tuning in & see you next week.
Love always,
🧘🏽♀️ Tasha & Jeff 🧘🏼♂️
Crazy Wisdom with Lama Liz Monson