The Process & The Path
By Duane Toops
The Process & The PathJun 07, 2021
Poetry saved my life...
Recently, the awesome folks over at the Tattooed Buddha offered me an opportunity to review a book called The Dharma of Poetry by John Brehm. The subject matter of this book is something very personal for me and so I leapt at the chance to write a review.
This certainly isn't the first time I've written for the Tattooed Buddha, but it was still an absolute joy to do so again.
If you enjoy this episode and you'd like to support my work, consider buying me a coffee.
if you'd like to support my work on a recurring basis, get behind the scenes access to patron only content, and get shout outs in podcasts, check out my Patreon page.
Shout out to my Patrons and Supporters:
Jim Martin
Ben Bridges
Tarrah Schmidt
Julianna Minotty
I was born running...
A couple weeks ago I posted an audio version of poem I wrote called "Abide". Someone of you seemed to like it. I really enjoy spoken word poetry and listening to poetry readings, so I thought I'd try another. Hope you like it!
I dig my heels deep and hard into the pulse and pace of a pulmonary valve bursting wide
I was born with the restless heart rate of a runner
I was born running
This pavement hears my pleas
It bears the full weight of all my angst and agony without relenting
It reaches up and pulls me into peace
An embrace as solid as the concrete that calls me home to someplace unknown
I was born running
I dig my heels hard and deep into the pulse that runs in search of poetry and my pace quickens into a prayer
If you enjoyed poem and/or the podcast, consider supporting my work by Buying me a coffee or by becoming a Patron.
Crooked Hopefulness...
I can be a lot. Perhaps, I crave a kind of simple living because I've subconsciously convinced myself that if I can just minimiz the things I possess then maybe I can minimize the things that possess me. Yet, I've found that no matter how bare my cupboard is made to be, internally I'm still a cluster-fuck of complexity and disarray that not even Marie Kondo can tidy up and clear away.
I harbor a quiet intensity. I can have an overwhelmingly large and looming energy. It be more than some can handle, and more than most would want to. I can be isolated, solemn, severe, distant, and closed-off. I'm slow to warm and difficult to connect with. I'm ferociously passionate in my involvement with the things I care about, and I throw myself fully and fervently into them. And in most of my relationships I have either been too much or not enough.
I'm brutally aware of my foibles and I continue to do the work of trying to smooth-out, or at least dull-down, the serrated edges of myself. Yes, I can be better. Yes, I can do better. But, my efforts to improve will also require a degree of acceptance. There are parts of myself in need of repair, but some of these places of damage and discontent are also places of depth and divinity. There are shattered places in who I am that, in the light of awareness and acceptance, are also the consecrated ground of hallowed shrines. In these places the shards of past failures become holy objects, the remnants of who I havr been are sacred relics. As Cheryl Strayed explains, this is "the temple I built in my obliterated place."
The solemnity of my cold and quiet distance may create the appearance of someone disassociative, but come closer and you'll discover that this analytical silence provides me with a keen ability to listen, closely and deeply. My brokenness may mean that my heart is cracked , but that also means that is is wide and ever-open. The weight of my concern is heavy and burdensome indeed, but within the burden is the breadth and depth of an expanding empathy. The pitch of the black that envelops me is uncomfortable and consuming. There are few who are willing to peer into the darkness with an un-averted gaze. Many recoil from the mystery and ambiguity of the dark, but, as John O' Donohue says, "There is an inner depth and texture to the darkness that we never notice until we have to negotiate the absence of light." O' Donohue writes that "Something within us knows the darkness more deeply than it knows the light." I'm beginning to understand that my darkness is not a curse. The black bile coursing through my veins is neither a disease, nor a sickness requiring a cure, it is my greatest strength. this darkness is my gift, my gift to the world.
For some, and in some ways, I will always be too much. For other people, and in other places, i will simply never be enough. This kind of acceptance takes time. It requires frailty and fragility. I take deep breaths that test the capacity of my lungs. I breathe out long and hard, making a wish that the sheer force of the exhalation will blow out the candles of my burning worries and fears. This kind of acceptance is often awkward and clumsy, but it helps me to connect with what Neil Gaiman might call a "crooked hopefulness, a "crooked hopefulness" that knows that the crooked place in me naturally bend toward mercy and compassion.
If you liked this episode, consider supporting my work by Buying Me a Coffee
If you'd like to get shout-outs in podcasts, and get behind the scenes access to exclusive Patron only content, check out my Patreon page.
Shout out to my Patrons and Supporters:
Jim Martin
Ben Bridges
Tarrah Schmidt
Julianna Minotty
Keep Showing up, Keep doing the work, FAIL BOLDLY, and let's make something meaningful.
I make things...
My friend Daniel Midson Short, whom I had the great pleasure of interviewing on my podcast a year or so ago, left a comment on something I posted recently.
He told me that my persistent creativity was inspiring.
I don't know if it's a matter of persistence or inspiration so much as it is a matter of desperation and survival.
I make things because I must.
I make things because if I stop moving and if I stop making things I'll die.
I make things because I cannot find hope, and making things is the means by which I admit that I cannot find it.
I make things in the abundant lack of hope because if I cannot find hope perhaps I can make it. And if I can make hope then perhaps I can enough to give to others, and perhaps I can even make enough to have a little left over for myself.
Perhaps hope is something that has always been made. Perhaps whenever we find hope it is because it was first made by a maker of things, who in the sheer agony of her hopelessness and despair managed to make some hope. And rather than keep it for herself, she chose instead to hide it in the world, in the hopes that perhaps, in case of emergency, the hands of those who are not as skilled or adept at making hope would find it and then they would have it.
Perhaps makers have always first and foremost been makers of hope. I don't know for sure, but I hope so, and so I make things....
If you enjoyed this podcast, consider supporting my work by Buying Me a Coffee.
Keep showing up, Keep doing the work, FAIL BOLDLY, and let's make something meaningful.
Shout to my Patrons and supporters:
Jim Martin
Ben Bridges
Tarrah Schmidt
Julianna Minotty
If you'd like to get shout-outs in podcast episodes, and behind the scenes access to Patron only content, check out my Patreon page.
Abide: A poem for those who are waiting...
Last week I wrote and posted a poem inspired by a friend's sermon. I thought it might be fun or at least interesting to record a video of the poem being read as a spoken word piece. My initial intention was just to post the video on my social media accounts, but then I thought it couldn't hurt to make the audio available as a kind of podcast episode. So here it is, hope you like it.
If you enjoyed this poem, podcast, thing, consider supporting my work by Buying Me a Coffee.
Keep showing up, Keep doing the work, FAIL BOLDLY, and let's make something meaningful.
Shout to my Patrons and supporters:
Jim Martin
Ben Bridges
Tarrah Schmidt
Julianna Minotty
If you'd like to get shout-outs in podcast episodes, and behind the scenes access to Patron only content, check out my Patreon page.
Partially Depleted...
In the previous podcast episode I talked about a book I had been sent to review called Learning to Be by Juanita Campbell Rasmus. I'm still reading my way through the book, and struggling to do so honestly. But, I wanted to share a few more thoughts that have occurred to me during the process of working on it.
If you'd like to read the transcript of the episode you can find it here.
If you enjoyed the episode, consider supporting my work by Buying Me a Coffee.
Shout out to my Patrons and supporters:
Ben Bridges
Jim Martin
Tarah Schmidt
Julianna Minotty
If you'd like to get shout outs in podcasts and behind the scenes accesses to Patron only content consider supporting me on Patreon.
Keep showing up, Keep doing the work, FAIL BOLDLY, and let's make something meaningful.
Book Review?
I've made two previous attempts at a book review. I think I faltered in both attempts because I'm not sure that I ever offered a real "review" of either book. I shared some thoughts. I pointed out a few things I liked about each of the books, and highlighted some things that I didn't, but nothing that I feel qualifies as an explicit review. I think what I actually did was share my experience of reading the book as I was reading it. At the time that seemed like a defect in my approach, a glitch in my process, it maybe it’s not a fault at all. Maybe it’s really a feature.
I received another book to review from Speakeasy called Learning to Be: Finding Your Center After the Bottom Falls Out by Juanita Campbell Rasmus. I won’t lie, so far, I’m unimpressed. I’m a few chapters in and I have been largely unmoved. But, I’m refraining from falling into the trap of frivolously referring to the book as “bad” because who knows what part of myself I’ll meet along the way of reading it. I suppose we’ll find out together.
If you enjoyed this podcast episode consider supporting my work by buying me a coffee.
If you'd like to read a transcript of the episode you can find it here.
Thanks to my Patrons and Supporters:
Ben Bridges
Jim Martin
Tarah Schmidt
Julianna Minotty
If you'd like to get shout outs in podcast episodes and access to behind-the-scenes patron only content consider supporting my on Patreon.
Keep showing up, Keep doing the work, FAIL BOLDLY, and let's make something meaningful.
The Waiting Hours...
The waiting hours speak. They always speak, but they speak slowly and harder than any other because they have something to say, something to teach, something to impart. It just takes a long time to say it. And so we wait...
If you'd like to read the transcript of this episode you can find it here.
If you got any value out of this episode, consider supporting my work by buying me a coffee.
Shout out to my Patrons and supporters:
Jim Martin - https://theunusualbuddha.com/
Tarrah Schmidt - https://www.facebook.com/RSMMeditation
Ben Bridges - https://www.myfpvstore.com/
Julianna Minotty - https://jewles.medium.com/
If you'd like to get shout-outs in podcasts, early access to add free episodes, and see behind the scenes patron only content, then consider becoming a patron.
Keep showing up, keep doing the work, FAIL BOLDLY, and let's make something meaningful.
Chasing the Dragon that Chases Me...
James Victore writes that "Dragons are real". They are ever-present and always at the ready. "[E]very morning" we will find them curled "around [our] shoulders...quietly" snarling "into [our] ears". They can never be permanently slain, never completely defeated, never banished once and for all, but they can be faced, confronted, and overcome through the ritual of daily work and practice...
If you'd like to read the transcript of this episode you can find it here.
Shout-out to my Patrons and Supporters:
Jim Martin - https://theunusualbuddha.com/
Ben Bridges - https://www.myfpvstore.com/
Tarah Schmidt
Juliana Minotty
Ungala Grace - https://www.instagram.com/ungalagrace/
If you'd like to support the creative work that I do, get shout-outs in podcasts, get early access to podcast episodes, get exclusive videos, patron only blogs, and get behind-the-scenes access to works in progress - check out my Patreon page and consider becoming a patron!
Keep showing up, keep doing the work, FAIL BOLDLY, and let's make something meaningful.
Devoted to Something Difficult...
Austin Kleon explains that, for him, “Everything got better…when [he] made peace with the fact that it might not ever get easier”. Even as I type out his words I can feel myself struggling to accept their veracity. I am so not as peace with the thought of perpetual difficulty, and maybe that’s the problem.
If you want to read the blog of this episode you can find it here.
If you're interested in checking out the art pieces I made for the Unusual Buddha, you can find them here.
If you'd like to support what I do, consider becoming a Patron.
Keep Showing up, Keep Doing the Work, FAIL BOLDLY, and let's make something meaningful.
A Celebration of Resilience...
I certainly couldn't be classified as an optimistic person. Some days I'm not even sure I could be classed as a particularly "hopeful" person. My melancholic tendencies certainly propel me towards pessimism. There are a lot of things I don't believe in any more. There's quite a bit I've lost faith in. Years ago I let go of my belief in God. Some days I struggle to have faith in humanity. I'm not even sure that I still believe in "Love". But, I think in my own way I do still believe in hope, or maybe more specifically the resiliency of hope.
Austin Kleon writes that "hope is not about knowing how things will turn out - it is moving forward in the face of uncertainty. It's a way of dealing with uncertainty." " To have hope," Kleon goes on to say, " you must acknowledge that you don't know everything and you don't know what's going to happen".
Maybe the best we can do is get out of bed everyday and try to have hope. Maybe getting out of bed everyday is the highest form of hope, maybe that one brave act is the work that helps to create the conditions for the survival of hope. Maybe that minuscule bit of resilience is enough for hope to find a way to thrive.
If you're interested in purchasing one of the four prints created from Jim Martin's book, The Practical Meditation Journal, you can find them on the Unusual Buddha Website.
Thanks to my Patrons and Supporters:
Jim Martin - https://theunusualbuddha.com/
Ben Bridges - https://www.myfpvstore.com/
Rev. Jerry Maynard - https://www.facebook.com/thepplspriest
Bob Clubbs
Julianna Minotty - https://medium.com/@jewles
If you'd like to support the podcast and all my other creative work and projects, as well as get early access to ad free episodes of the podcast, early access to all my art work, and get patron only blogs, videos, and more consider becoming a Patron.
If you want to connect with me on Social Media you can find me at the links below:
FaceBook - https://www.facebook.com/duanejtoops
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duanetoops/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/duanetoops
Glimmers of Hope in the Kitchen: The Possibility Claimed Meaning...
Madeleine L' Engle says that "An artist at work is in a condition of complete and total faith" - a faith that some minute piece of the manifold mystery will become material for a moment. A faith that some small substance of the things hoped for will become manifest albeit in an ephemeral way. A faith that we will uncover the evidence of things unseen, the evidence of the possible, and that the possibility will claim meaning.
We are full of secrets. We contain a multitude of mysteries. We are breathing inkblots, walking Rorschach tests. Perhaps, its in experiencing the weight of our own untold secrets that we are driven to create and compelled to keep creating.
Maybe art, itself, is an external attempt to touch our deepest secrets, the secrets buried so deeply that we don't even know that they're there. And maybe, these are the secrets fighting the hardest to be unearthed.
We stand poised upon the precipice of a sacred unknowing. We don't know what comes next for us as a culture, as a society, we don't know what our civilization will become, but we know that there are glimmers of hope in the kitchen, and maybe that's the secret sauce.
If You're interested in pre-ordering "The Unusual Collections" mentioned in the show which contains a t-shirt, a Mala, a signed copy of Jim Martin's book, The Practical Meditation Journal, and one of my Art Prints - click here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/special-offer-37125633
Shout out to my patrons:
Jim Martin - https://theunusualbuddha.com/
Ben Bridges - https://www.myfpvstore.com/
Rev. Jerry Maynard - https://www.facebook.com/thepplspriest
Julianna Minotty - https://www.instagram.com/wellinformedish/
Bob Clubbs
If you'd like to support the podcast and all my other creative work, consider becoming a Patron on Patreon.
If you're interested in purchasing prints, feel free to message me on Social Media:
FaceBook - https://www.facebook.com/duanejtoops
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duanetoops/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/duanetoops
Fair weather in the work...
Maybe I'm just getting to that age where conversations about the weather is a thing that happens now. Maybe the weather is as good a metaphor for life as any other. Perhaps then every conversation is about the weather is an implicit conversation about living and being alive. Perhaps what we really talk about when we talk about the weather is how we are handling the way life is at this moment right now...
If you want to look further into some of the writes and thinkers I mention, check the links below:
The War of Art by Stephen Pressfield
The Practical Meditation Journal by James Martin
Grace Eventually by Anne Lamott
Brilliant Ideas: Artist Grayson Perry
If You're interested in pre-ordering "The Unusual Collections" mentioned in the show which contains a t-shirt, a Mala, a signed copy of Jim Martin's book, The Practical Meditation Journal, and one of my Art Prints - click here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/special-offer-37125633
Shout out to my patrons:
Jim Martin - https://theunusualbuddha.com/
Ben Bridges - https://www.myfpvstore.com/
Rev. Jerry Maynard - https://www.facebook.com/thepplspriest
Julianna Minotty
Bob Clubbs
If you'd like to support the podcast and all my other creative work, consider becoming a Patron on Patreon.
If you're interested in purchasing prints, feel free to message me on Social Media:
FaceBook - https://www.facebook.com/duanejtoops
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duanetoops/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/duanetoops
Poetic Pyromania & Artistic Archaeology
This episode is kind of a hodge podge of ideas and reflections. I talk about some recent art work I've done and some feedback I've got from that's given me some food for thought. And so I thought I'd offer you some of these random thoughts on art, poetry, and everything in between. I hope you like it.
I reference a lot of books in this episode and quite a few artists. Here's some relevant links if you want to delve deeper:
Art as Experience by John Dewey
The Sacredness of Questioning Everything by David Dark
Artist Liu Wei
Walking on Water by Madeleine L' Engle
The Lotus and the Rose by Matthew Fox and Lama Tsomo
Artist John T. Unger
The Roman Empire and the New Testament by Warren Carter
If You're interested in pre-ordering "The Unusual Collections" mentioned in the show which contains a t-shirt, a Mala, a signed copy of Jim Martin's book, The Practical Meditation Journal, and one of my Art Prints - click here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/special-offer-37125633
Thanks to my Patrons and Supporters:
Jim Martin - https://theunusualbuddha.com/
Ben Bridges - https://www.myfpvstore.com/
Rev. Jerry Maynard - https://www.facebook.com/thepplspriest
Julianna Minotty
Bob Clubbs
If you'd like to support the work I'm doing, becoming a Patron is a great way to do that: https://www.patreon.com/duanetoops
And thanks to the incredible people who have recently purchased prints of my Art Work - Molly Graham, and Bill and Sallee Bonham.
If you're interested in purchasing prints, feel free to message me on Social Media:
FaceBook - https://www.facebook.com/duanejtoops
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duanetoops/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/duanetoops
No place like home...
In many ways, it feels like I've been starting my life all over again. It's a strange and conflicted experience, and its given me a lot to think about and ponder, perhaps too much in fact. One of the thin, in particular, that's been heavy on my mind is the idea of "home" and the sense of "belonging". These are things that I think I've constantly struggled with, and that struggle continues no more than ever. Luckily, I've been reading a book by Irish poet and philosopher John O' Donohue called Eternal Echoes: Celtics Reflections on Our Yearning to Belong. It's been incredibly helpful and insightful so let's talk about it.
If You're interested in pre-order "The Unusual Collections" mentioned in the show which contains a t-shirt, a Mala, a signed copy of Jim Martin's book, The Practical Meditation Journal, and one of my Art Prints - click here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/special-offer-37125633
Thanks to my Patrons and Supporters:
Jim Martin - https://theunusualbuddha.com/
Ben Bridges - https://www.myfpvstore.com/
Julianna Minotty
If you'd like to support the work I'm doing, becoming a Patron is a great way to do that: https://www.patreon.com/duanetoops
And thanks to the incredible people who have recently purchased prints of my Art Work - Molly Graham, and Bill and Sallee Bonham.
If you're interested in purchasing prints, feel free to message me on Social Media:
FaceBook - https://www.facebook.com/duanejtoops
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duanetoops/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/duanetoops
Treasure in the trash...
In the previous episode we talked a bit about why I haven't put out any new podcast episodes, videos, blogs, etc. for the past 6 months. In other words, we talked a lot about what I haven't been doing. But, we didn't talk about what I HAVE been doing, what I have been making and creating. So, this week I wanted to discuss what my work creative work is; a kind of return to my first creative loves - art and poetry. I talk about what that looks like, how it plays out, what it means for me, and what I'm learning from it.
Also, I mention an article I wrote for The Unusual Buddha, if you want to check it out you can find it here: https://theunusualbuddha.com/2020/05/07/defy-the-monster/
If you'd like to support the podcast and all the other work I'm doing, consider becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/duanetoops
Special thanks to my Patrons and Supporters:
Jim Martin - https://theunusualbuddha.com/
Ben Bridges - https://www.myfpvstore.com/
Thanks for being here!
Keep showing up, Keep doing the work, FAIL BOLDLY and lets make something meaningful.
Something like normal...
After an almost six month hiatus from releasing a podcast episode, I'm back. In this episode I talk a little bit about where I've been, what's been going on, and why there hasn't been any podcast episodes for the past SIX MONTHS. I share about some personal difficulties I've been having and some hardships I'm still reeling from and going through. I also get into why I decided to finally make another episode.
And, because I'm a book junkie I bring up a wonderful book I've been reading by John O'Donohue called Eternal Echoes . A few passages reminded me of the last podcast episode I released called "The Insight of the Other" which was based on a blog post I wrote called " I am Grateful for the Insight of the Other".
Special thanks to my friends, patrons, and supporters:
Jim Martin: https://theunusualbuddha.com/
Charlie Maclean: https://taenofvessels.home.blog/
Rev. Jerry Maynard: https://www.facebook.com/jerry.m.maynard
Ben Bridges: https://www.myfpvstore.com/
If you'd like to become a patron and get access to behind-the-scenes patron only content: https://www.patreon.com/duanetoops
Thanks so much for being here!
Keep showing up, Keep doing the Work, and Let's make something Meaningful.
The Insight of the "Other"...
I am a person guilty of harboring a multitude of character flaws but, if there is one thing I am especially guilty of it is being an ungrateful @$$hole. I am a naturally “Glass half-empty” kind of guy but, I still have so much to be thankful for. Last month I decided to make it a point to create spaces and opportunities to be more purposefully and intentionally grateful.
In his book Against Happiness, Eric G. Wilson writes that
“When a person views the world only through his own experience, he divorces himself from the polarized flow of existence, that persistent dialogue between self and other, familiar and unfamiliar.”I am grateful for Eric Wilson’s writing. I’m grateful for what I’ve learned from it. Grateful that he was actually willing to be a guest on my podcast. And, I am so grateful for what I learned from the insights garnered from our conversation together.
When we fail to engage with the perspective of another, when we neglect the opportunity to see the world from an alternate view, we fail to see the fullness of the human experience, the fullness of the world, the fullness of “Being” itself.
Every one of us are on our own specific journey. Everyone knows something individually that we collectively don’t. Everyone has experienced something that I haven’t. Anytime we get to bridge the gap between ourselves and another person, it can only be fruitful, it can only be enlightening, it can only be insightful.
We live in an amazing time. The opportunities for connection and communication have never been more abundant, more alive, more vibrant, and more readily available. Kwame Anthony Appiah writes that “the worldwide web of information…means not only that we can affect lives everywhere but that we can learn about life anywhere”. Tim Harford explains that “the modern world gives us more opportunities than ever to forge relationships with people who do not look, act, or think the same way that we do.”
Every encounter with another person is an opportunity to get an insight that we didn’t have before, to get access to knowledge we wouldn’t have come across any other way.
Jean-Paul Sartre says “The Other holds a secret – the secret of what I am”.
The insight of the Other is insight into ourselves. Revealed in the portrait of the Other is a picture of who we are. To gaze into the eyes of the Other is to glimpse into the reality of Being. To begin to understand the Other is to begin to understand everything.
If you want to keep up with what I'm up to and what I'm working on - check out my website.
If you want to support what I do, get access to behind-the-scenes content, and get shout-outs in podcasts and video, head over to my Patreon page.
Thanks to my Patrons and supporters:
Jim Martin - https://theunusualbuddha.com/
Ben Bridges - https://www.myfpvstore.com/
Jerome Shaw - https://anchor.fm/jshaw
Rev. Jerry Maynard - https://www.facebook.com/revjerryhtx/
Rajan Shankara - https://rajanshankara.com/
Confessions of the "Quality" Obsessed...
I didn't start making videos because I wanted to be a film maker. I never wanted to be a videographer or a cinematographer. As much as I love the art form, as creatively invigorating as it is to film and edit, it's not my primary aspiration. It's not my passion. And yet, I've found myself becoming increasingly obsessed with camera angles, camera settings, lenses, aperture, frame rates, lighting, audio, mic placement, B-roll, cinematic sequences, setting, background, etc, etc, etc. In other words, I've become overwhelmingly obsessed with the production, the "quality".
I've also been unhealthily obsessed with "the numbers"; the subscriber count, the views, the listens, the plays, the likes, the shares, the comments, and the things. We all know the numbers shouldn't matter. We've all either said ourselves or heard other creatives say "don't create for the numbers", "the numbers don't matter" but, saying it and believing it are two different things. Implicitly, in the back of nearly every creators mind, the numbers matter. A lot of us, especially me, will attach our value as a creator, the value of what we create to those numbers. We will interpret those numbers as a numeric representation of how much our work matters, and we start judging the quality of our work based on those numbers. At least, that's what's happened for me.
I think I lost my connection to an even more important question, "why did I start?" "What did I start doing this for?" It's so easy to get lost in the minutia of techniques and all the things that touch the thing you're doing but, what's the core of what you're doing? What's the heart beat of why you do what you do? If you lose touch with the thing that made you want to start doing what you're doing then you've lost the whole drive, you've lost the whole aspiration, the whole motivation, the whole operative significance of the thing.
I started doing this because I'm in love with ideas. I'm in love with the kind of ideas that James Victore might call "Dangerous Ideas". Oscar Wilde said that " An idea that is not dangerous is unworthy of being called an idea at all". That is my core. It's gotten buried in the process but, its still there, and I'm trying to find my way back to it.
How do I get back? I don't know. I don't have it all figured out yet. But, this is an attempt to get back to the dangerous ideas, and maybe that's a dangerous idea in itself. I hope that it is. I don't know what comes next, but i never have. All I can tell you is that I'm still in the process. If you're still here then, we're in the process together.
Keep showing up, Keep doing the work, FAIL BOLDLY, and let's make something meaningful.
Shout out to my Patrons and Supporters:
Jim Martin - https://theunusualbuddha.com/
Ben Bridges - https://www.myfpvstore.com/
Rev. Jerry Maynard - https://www.facebook.com/revjerryhtx/?epa=SEARCH_BOX
Jerome Shaw - https://anchor.fm/jshaw
Rajan Shankara - https://rajanshankara.com/
If you want shout outs in podcasts and videos, if you want access to all my behind-the-scenes, patron only content, if you want early access to all my videos, and if you want to be a part of a community of creativity and curiosity, the check out my Patreon page -
https://www.patreon.com/duanetoops
A Transfer of Enthusiasm W/ Daniel Midson-Short
In this episode I interview writer, speaker, and Digital Marketing Expert Daniel Midson-Short. We talk about his journey into marketing, his trek from Australia to the Unites States, and his leap into starting his own agency. Through the process of this conversation we discuss the nuances of marketing and sales, the role of storytelling, and the necessity of integrity and authenticity. We dive deep into the experience of failure "when things don't go well", and we even get into his creative process.
I hope you like it!
You can find Daniel at the links below:
https://www.facebook.com/midsonshort/
https://twitter.com/midsonshort/
https://www.instagram.com/midsonshort/
https://www.youtube.com/user/LifestyleRevolution
Shout out to my Patrons and Supporters:
Jim Martin - https://theunusualbuddha.com/
Ben Bridges - https://www.myfpvstore.com/
Rev. Jerry Maynard - https://www.facebook.com/revjerryhtx/?epa=SEARCH_BOX
Jerome Shaw - https://anchor.fm/jshaw
Rajan Shankara - https://rajanshankara.com/
If you want shout outs in podcasts and videos, if you want access to all my behind-the-scenes, patron only content, if you want early access to all my videos, and if you want to be a part of a community of creativity and curiosity, the check out my Patreon page - https://www.patreon.com/duanetoops
Keep Showing up. Keep Doing the work, FAIL BOLDLY, and let's make something meaningful.
The Child Who Survived Adulthood W/ Jerome Shaw
This is a special episode for me because not only is Jerome Shaw a talented creator and an inspiring podcaster but, he's also one of my Patrons. His support and his encouragement means the world to me, so I'm excited to share this conversation with you! We talk about his theater arts background, his metamorphosis into a marketing Entrepeneur, and his creative journey into podcasting. He offers details about his meditation practice and gives us a glimpse into his creative process. This dialogue takes a lot interesting twists and turns, and ultimately I think its a beautiful adventure. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
Be sure to check out his podcast - https://anchor.fm/jshaw
And be sure to connect with him on Social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/jerome.shaw.9
https://www.instagram.com/jromeshaw/
https://www.youtube.com/user/Peralisis/videos
Shout out to my Patrons and Supporters:
Jim Martin - https://theunusualbuddha.com/
Rev. Jerry Maynard - https://www.facebook.com/revjerryhtx/
Ben Bridges - https://www.myfpvstore.com/
Rajan Shankara - https://rajanshankara.com/
If you'd like to get a shout out in podcasts and videos then be sure to check out my Patreon page - https://www.patreon.com/duanetoops
For $3/month you get all the behind the scenes blogs, videos, and photos, plus shout-outs, plus early access to all my YouTube videos!
Check out my website: http://www.duanetoops.com/
and hit me up on social:
https://youtube.com/duanetoops
https://twitter.com/duanetoops
https://www.facebook.com/duanejtoops/
https://www.instagram.com/duanetoops/
Keep showing up, Keep Doing the Work, FAIL BOLDLY, and let's make something meaningful
Episode 18 - Is it True? W/ Rajan Shankara
Recently, I had the good fortune of interviewing Rajan Shankara. Rajan is a former Hindu monk who lived the monastic life for 12 years. Almost a year ago he left the monastery and returned to the world. He’s now a personal trainer, a meditation teacher, and a life consultant.
He and I began chatting near the end of year after we had both been guests on the Project Mindfulness podcast. (You can find Rajan’s episode here and mine here) We wanted to collaborate together in some way but, we just weren’t sure how. Since our initial contact I started my podcast and the time was finally right for us have a recorded conversation.
Rajan was an absolute pleasure to speak with. We talk about what pushed him into the process of taking up a spiritual path. We discuss his time spent as a monk, and what inspired him to leave monastic life. We compare notes between Zen and Hinduism, and we even touch on some big topics like 'Enlightenment'. We had a great time and I really hope you enjoy it!
Be sure to connect with Rajan on Social Media:
Facebook Business - https://www.facebook.com/Rajanshankaraofficial/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/rajan.shankara.5
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rajanshankaraofficial/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/rajan_shankara
Shout out to my Patrons and Supporter:
Jim Martin - https://theunusualbuddha.com/
Ben Bridges - https://www.myfpvstore.com/
Jerome Shaw - https://anchor.fm/jshaw
Jerry Maynard - https://www.revjerrymaynard.org/
Rajan Shankara - https://rajanshankara.com/
If you want shout-outs in podcasts and videos, if you want to get early access to videos, and if you'd like exclusive access to Patron only content, then check out my Patreon Page. For $3/month you get it all!
Be sure to check out my Website to stay up to date with what I'm up to, and feel free to hit me up on Social media - links below.
YouTube - www.youtube.com/duanetoops
Twitter - https://twitter.com/duanetoops
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/duanetoops/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/duanejtoops/
Keep showing up, keep doing the work, FAIL BOLDLY, and let's make something meaningful.
#zen #hindu #Buddhism #Hinduism #mindfulness #meditation #spirituality #spiritual #enlightenment #creativity #creative #art #artist #writing #writer #blog #blogger #vlog #vlogger # videography #cinematography #youtube
Episode 17 - Lessons of Liberation W/ Rev. Jerry Maynard
This week I sit down with Rev. Jerry Maynard. Rev. Jerry is a Priest, activist, and Interfaith Minister. He works within the Int’l Church of Mary Magdalene, which a ministry of the Independent & Progressive Catholic Religious Order, Order of Mary Magdalene, He is the founding pastor of The People's Church.
In this conversation we talk about theology, atheism, activism, "liberation", and so much more. I think you're going to love it!
If you want to connect with Rev. Jerry you can find his social links below:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/revjerryhtx/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/revjerryhtx
The People's Church on Twitter - https://twitter.com/ThePplsChurch
Shout out to my Patrons and supporters Jim Martin from The Unusual Buddha, Ben Bridges, and Jerome Shaw from The Open Palm Podcast.
If you want shout-outs in podcasts and videos, early access to YouTube videos, and access to Behind-the-scenes Patron only videos, blogs, and photos, then check out my Patreon page. For $3/month you get it all!
Check out my website to see what I'm up too and be sure to connect with my at the social links below:
YouTube - https://youtube.com/duanetoops
Twitter - https://twitter.com/duanetoops
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/duanetoops/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/duanejtoops/
Keep showing up, Keep doing the work, FAIL BOLDLY, and let's make something meaningful.
Episode 16 - A Purposeful Purposelessness...
I received some great feedback and some really interesting push-back from fellow podcaster, Jerome Shaw, regarding last week's episode. I thought it might fun to dive into his feedback and share what I hope will be a thoughtful and interesting reply. I hope you like ti! Let me know what you think!
Be sure to check out Jerome's podcast - The Open Palm Podcast
If you want to support what I do, if you'd like to help create a community of curiosity, if you'd love to get shout-outs in videos and podcasts, and if you'd like to get access to exclusive patron only content then check out my Patreon page. For $3/month you get it all!!
If you want to connect hit me up on Social Media:
Keep showing up, Keep doing the work, FAIL BOLDLY, and Let's make something meaningful!
#podcast #zen #mindfulness #meditation #creativity #creative #podcasting #podcaster #spiritual #spirituality #buddhism #shikantaza #videography #cinematography #blog #blogger #blogging #youtube #content #contentcreator #creator
Episode 15 - Something About Nothing
I'm trying something a little different in this episode, at least, different for me.
I think I've been going through a bit of a creative shift and I've been doing some experimenting with my YouTube videos. I even wrote a blog about it earlier this week, you can read it here.
I wanted to try to bring that same kind experimental playfulness to the podcast. So I though I'd try to talk a little bit about what I think pushed me to start playing with my creative process, and I wanted to try to do it in a more relaxed, conversational tone.
I really hope you like it!
In this episode I talked about a particular vlog on Daniel Pascual's YouTube Channel, you find that video here.
Here's a link to the video that was kind of inspired by Daniel's video - https://youtu.be/A45rbN1Xnv8
I also mentioned the interview I did with Stuart Carter from the Simply Mindfulness YouTube Channel, you can find it here.
Shout out to my Patrons and supporters Jim Martin and Ben Bridges. Thank you both so much!!
If you want to support what I do, if you want shout-outs in videos and podcasts, and if you'd like acceSs to exclusive patron only content then check out my Patron page. For $3 a month you get everything!
Keep showing up, keep doing the work, FAIL BOLDLY, and let's make something meaningful.
#zen #mindfulness #spiritual #spirituality #creativity #creative #vlog #blog #youtube #writer #artist #buddhism #videography #cinematography #acceptance
Episode 14 - Meaning & Melancholy W/ Eric G. Wilson
First off, Shout-outs to mt patrons and supports Jim Martin and Ben Bridges. I completely forgot to give you a shout out in the episode, my apologies! To make up for it I'm giving you top billing here, lol.
I'm so excited to share this episode. I got the amazing opportunity to interview one of my favorite writers and thinkers, Eric G. Wilson.
A few months back I made a video and a podcast talking a little bit about one his books, Against Happiness. If you want to watch the video you can find it here, and if you want to listen to the podcast episode you can find it here.
That video put me in touch with both Eric and his podcasting partner, Joel Tauber. I was fortunate enough to have Joel as a guest on a previous episode of the podcast, you can also watch the video of my interview with Joel here.
Their podcast, which we talk about in the episode, is called Belt: A 2-Man Memoir. Its funny, smart, and irreverent.
This is an incredible conversation. I'm so unspeakably grateful to Eric for taking the time.
As the title of this episode suggests, we talk a lot about meaning and melancholy. But, we also talk quite a bit about creativity, writing, failure, religion, spirituality, and so many other rich and dynamic subjects.
Here are a few of the books from Eric's catalog that we discussed:
Everyone Loves a Good Train Wreck
If you enjoyed this episode it would mean the world to me if you subscribe to it on whatever platform you're listening to it on, leave it a good review and share with your friends.
If you'd like to support this work of learning out loud, contribute to creating a community of curiosity then please check out my Patreon page. For $3 a month you get shout-outs in all my videos and podcasts, you early access to all my YouTube video before they are released to the general public, and you get access to exclusive behind-the-scenes Patreon only blogs, videos, and photos.
Keep Showing up, Keep Doing the Work, FAIL BOLDLY, and Let's Make Something Meaningful.
Connect with me on Social
Episode 13 - Concentrated Curiosity W/ Jack Stolz
About two weeks ago I got to do an interview with YouTuber extraordinaire Jack Stolz.
Jack is a musician, a vlogger, photographer, cinematographer, and all around awesome guy!
Jack has played a big part in my process of dipping my toes into videography and YouTube. As a result, Jack has become a good friend and he continues to inspire me.
Whether he realizes it or not, Jack has been with me throughout most of this endeavor, in one form or another. He’s been a big encouragement. He has continually made himself available to talk shop, to provide helpful tips and advice, and to give feedback.
It probably goes without saying it was great to spend some extra time talking with him. It was an even greater pleasure to do it for the podcast!
If you want to check him out, here's all the places you can find him:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jackstolz/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/TooLateTheJack
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBax4UVO_iwMl6iaBsSwI2Q
If you enjoy this podcast, please consider subscribing to it on what ever platform you're listening to it one and leaving it a good review.
If you want to support this work of learning out loud, if you 'd like to help create a community of curiosity, and if you'd like to get access to exclusive, behind-the-scenes, Patron only content, and get shout-outs in videos and podcasts, then check out my Patreon page - https://www.patreon.com/duanetoops
Check out my website if you want to keep up with everything I'm working with Podcasts, Tube, Articles, Blogs, etc: https://www.duanetoops.com/
If you want to connect with me on Social Media you can find me here:
Keep showing up, Keep doing the work, FAIL BOLDLY, and let's make something meaningful!
#zen #buddhism #mindfulness #meditation #art #creativity #creative #contentcreator #content #creator #spirituality #spiritual #interview #conversation #learning #learningoutloud #documenting #documentingtheprocess #practice #FAILBOLDLY #music #metal #toolatethehero #trove #videography #videographer #cinematographer #cinematography #filmmaking #filmmaker #photography #photographer
Episode 12 - Art Meets Mysticism W/ Joel Tauber
Recently, I got to talk with Joel Tauber. Joel is an artist, a filmmaker, and an Associate professor at Wake Forest University, teaching video art and film-making.
Joel's work fascinatingly combines environmentalism and mysticism with the aim creating meaningful conversation to enable a greater degree of social and cultural ethicality.
Joel is also the co-host of a podcast called "Belt: A Two Man Memoir". which tries to take a closer look at issues of modern masculinity.
Also, Joel's project UNDERWATER opens at the Adamski Gallery in Berlin on June 22 and runs through August 17, with a one week break from July 20 to July 27.
If you'd like to look further into Joel Tauber and his work, check out the links below.
The Sharing Project - https://thesharingproject.net/
You can watch hi film "Pumping" on Amazon Video - https://www.amazon.com/PUMPING-Film-Joel-Tauber/dp/B01HFNWAHA
And also on Green Planet Stream - https://greenplanetstream.vhx.tv/products/pumping-a-film-by-joel-tauber
You can also watch his film "Sick-Amour" on Amazon Video - https://www.amazon.com/Sick-Amour-Joel-Tauber/dp/B00NKVFNDK
And on Green Planet Stream - https://greenplanetstream.vhx.tv/products/sick-amour
Big thanks to my Patrons Jim Martin and Ben Bridges.
If you'd like to get shout outs in Podcasts and videos, if you want to support this work of learning out loud, if you'd like to help create a community of curiosity, and if you'd like access to exclusive behind-the-scenes content then please check out my Patreon page - www.patreon.com/duanetoops
If you want to connect on Social Media:
YouTube - www.youtube.com/duanetoops
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/duanetoops/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/duanejtoops/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/duanetoops
Wordpress - duanetoops.wordpress.com
Keep showing up, keep doing the work, FAIL BOLDLY, and let's make something meaningful!
#zen #buddhism #Mindfulness #meditation #spirituality #motivation #inspiration #creativity #podcast #youtube #blog #dharma #mysticism #art #creative #filmmaker #filmmaking #enlightenment #artist #mystic #Judaism
Episode 11 - Simply Chatting W/ Stuart Carter
A while back I got the immense opportunity to do a YouTube collaboration with Stuart Carter from Simply Mindfulness. I had a great time working with Stuart and knew right away that I really wanted to work with him again, and I also really wanted to get to know him a little better. A podcast episode really did seem like the perfect way to do that!
We had a great conversation together and I'm really excited to share it with you. I hope you like it.
If you want to see the YouTube collaboration we did you can find it here.
If you'd like to hear the podcast version you find it here.
Below are links to Simply Mindfulness on Social, if you'd like to connect with Stuart.
https://www.facebook.com/Simply-Mindfulness-397034460851547/
https://www.instagram.com/simplymindflnss/
https://twitter.com/SimplyMindflnss
Big shout outs to my Patrons and Contributors - Jim Martin (The Unusual Buddha) and Ben Bridges
If you'd like to get shout-outs in podcasts and videos, If you'd like to support this work of learning out, if you'd like to help create a community of curiosity, and if you'd like to get access to exclusive, behind the scenes content then check out my Patreon page.
You can also contribute to the podcast here.
If you'd like to throw something in my digital tip jar you can do so here.
Thanks so much!
Keep showing up, Keep doing the work, FAIL BOLDLY, and let's make something meaningful!
Connect with me on Social!
#zen #Buddhism #mindfulness #meditation #spiritual #spirituality #motivation #inspiration #creative #creativity #podcast #youtube #blog #dharma
Episode 10 - Mindfulness & Insight
Hey Friends!
Recently the awesome people over at The Tattooed Buddha asked me if I would be interested in doing a book review for them. I'm pretty sure that's like asking Dracula if he'd like a warm bag O positive, lol. Of course I said yes!
The book they sent me is a book called From Mindfulness to Insight.
But, I had an idea...that's scary...I know. I thought, this might be a good opportunity to try something out. Rather than do a straight-forward book review, wouldn't it be a little more "me" to 'document-the-process' of reading through this book.
Hopefully, you think it's a good idea. Fingers crossed...
If you want to support what I do, if you want to lean into learning out loud, and if you want to help create a community of curiosity then, check out my Patreon page. There you can also get exclusive access to patron only content and you'll also get a shout out in just about everything I make.
Speaking of Shout-Outs...
Thanks to Jim Martin and Ben Bridges! You guys are the best!
Here's a few of the other books mentioned in this episode:
Diamond Mind - Rob Nairn
Living, Dreaming, Dying - Rob Nairn
Mindful Compassion - Choden and Paul Gilbert
Connect with me on Social Media!
https://www.facebook.com/duanejtoops/
https://twitter.com/duanetoops
https://www.instagram.com/duanetoops/
#zen #buddhism #mindfulness #meditation #spirituality #spiritual #creativity #buddha #dharma #motivation #inspiration #creativity #creative #youtube #podcast #blog #vlog
Episode 9 - An Unusual Talk W/ Jim Martin
This episode is Unusual...unusually special, and unusually awesome that is, lol!
This episode is our first ever guest interview. In this episode I sit down and talk with Jim Martin from The Unusual Buddha. He's an awesome guy, a great friend, and I think he really has a lot of insight and value to give. He offers a refreshing approach to meditation, mindfulness, Buddhism, the dharma, and just about everything else. We talk about all of it is this fantastic conversation!
I really hope you enjoy it!
Below are links to all things Unusual Buddha
Blog - https://theunusualbuddha.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theunusualbuddha/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theunusualbuddha/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/notthebuddha
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChyZCu6_zteJtVja6ECY1bA
Podcast - https://anchor.fm/theunusualbuddha
Here's a link to the Book Jim mentioned early on in the interview
The Buddhist Bible - https://amzn.to/2YgXEPO
Below are links to the gear I use to make podcasts and video. These are amazon affiliate links, using these links to make a purchase is an easy way to support the channel. Thanks so much!
K&F Variable Neutral Density Filter
Connect with me on Social Media!
https://www.facebook.com/duanejtoops/
https://twitter.com/duanetoops
https://www.instagram.com/duanetoops/
#zen #buddhism #mindfulness #meditation #spirituality #spiritual #creativity #buddha #dharma #motivation #inspiration #creativity #creative #youtube #podcast #blog #vlog
Episode 8 - The Lotus and the Rose - Mysticism and Mindfulness
Hey Friends!
Welcome to Episode Number 8! As always I continue to experiment, explore, and try things out. This week I do a little bit of a book review. I think I'd really like to do more of this type of thing, that is if you all dig it.
I was sent a book from a website called Speak Easy. The book is called The Lotus and the Rose: A Conversation Between Tibetan Buddhism and Mystical Christianity. I won't delve deeply into my thought about the book here, you can listen to the episode if you'd like to hear more!
I really hope you enjoy it!
Let me know what you think!
Here's a link to the YouTube Collaboration with Stuart Carter from Simply Mindfulness: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETqNFvJxXlA&t=508s
If you'd like to support what I do, if you'd like to help create a community of learning and curiosity, and if you'd like to get shout-outs in videos and podcasts, as well as access to exclusive, behind-the-scenes-content, then check out my patreon page!
If you'd like you can also make a contribution on Anchor.
Or, if you just want to throw something in my digital tip jar you can do so here.
Thanks so much!
Keep Showing Up, Keep Doing the Work, FAIL BOLDLY, and Let's Make Something Meaningful!
Namchak Tibetan Buddhist Practice and Retreat Website
Matthew Fox's Website
Matthew Fox on Twitter
Fox Institute of Creation Spirituality Website
Below are links to the gear I use to make podcasts and video. These are amazon affiliate links, using these links to make a purchase is an easy way to support the channel. Thanks so much!
K&F Variable Neutral Density Filter
Connect with me on Social Media!
Duane Toops
https://www.facebook.com/duane.toops
https://twitter.com/duanetoops
https://www.instagram.com/duanetoops/
You can also find me on Pintrest, Snapchat, and TikTok, although I'm still just experimenting with those platforms, lol.
#zen #buddhism #mindfulness #meditation #spirituality #spiritual #motivation #inspiration #creativity #creative #podcast #youtube #blog #dharma #TheLotusAndTheRose
Books to Boost Mindfulness
Hey Friends!!
I'm excited to give you this Special Edition Bonus Episode!!
April 23rd was World Book Day, and I had the privilege and the pleasure of doing a YouTube Collaboration with Stuart Carter from the Simply Mindfulness YouTube Channel.
We recommended some of our favorite books that we think could boost your Mindfulness.
It was so much fun and it was such an enjoyable experience that I just had to share the audio with you as well.
Stuart was great to work with, and we're currently in the process of scheduling him to be a guest on this podcast! So Stay Tuned for that!
Be sure to go Subscribe to Simply Mindfulness and check out the Simply Mindfulness Website too!
Below are links to the books we discussed. These are amazon affiliate links, using these links to make a purchase is an easy way to support Stuart and myself.
If you want another way to support what I do, check out my Patreon page! Thanks so much!
Books
1. Sadness, Love, Openness - https://amzn.to/2UaLfur
2. What is Zen? - https://amzn.to/2UuGjFM
3. Waking Up - https://amzn.to/2X2VFya
4. Alchemy of the Heart - https://amzn.to/2IOP9XU
5. Owning Your Own Shadow - https://amzn.to/2UBkXBS
6. The Untethered Soul - https://amzn.to/2GzXBsj
Connect with me on Social Media!
Duane Toops
https://www.facebook.com/duane.toops
https://twitter.com/duanetoops
https://www.instagram.com/duanetoops/
duanetoops.wordpress.com
Episode 7 - Let's Talk About Creativity
In this week's episode I try to take you on a little bit of a rambling and convoluted tour creativity and my creative process. In the spirit of 'leaning out loud' and 'documenting the process' I share a lot about what's going on with me and my journey, where I'm at, where my head's at, what I'm working on, what I'm struggling with, etc. but, it occurred to me that I really haven't done much as far documenting my creative process. So let's do this! Let's talk about creativity!
I'd like to thank Daniel Midson Short and Jason Now What, whose insightful conversations helped to inspire this episode!
Also, a very special thanks to my patrons and contributors - James Martin and Ben Bridges
If you'd like to support the work I'm doing be sure to check out my patreon page for exclusive content.
You can also support the podcast through anchor.
Below you'll find links to all the books and content I referenced, as well as all the gear I use to make videos and podcasts. Some of these are amazon affiliate links, using these links to make a purchase is an easy way to support the channel. Thanks so much!
Gear I use:
K&F Variable Neutral Density Filter
Connect with me on Social Media!
Duane Toops
https://www.facebook.com/duane.toops
https://twitter.com/duanetoops
Episode 6 - More About Sadness
In the previous episode we tried to take an honest look at sadness, and a tried to speak candidly about my own experiences in dealing with depression, anxiety, and dark emotional periods. In this episode I really wanted to continue the conversation, to try and probe a little bit deeper, and to try take it in another direction. I think that there's more that we can say here and so, lets talk a bit more about sadness.
If you'd like to support the work I'm doing be sure to check out my patreon page for exclusive content - patreon.com/duanetoops
You can only support the podcast through anchor - anchor.fm/duanetoops/support
Below you'll find links to all the books and content I referenced, as well as all the gear I use to make videos and podcasts. Some of these are amazon affiliate links, using these links to make a purchase is an easy way to support the channel. Thanks so much!
Sadness, Love, Openness: The Buddhist Path to Joy - amzn.to/2GYuY94
Against Happiness: In Praise of Melancholy - https://amzn.to/2JDDkpx
Gear I use:
Nikon D5300 - amzn.to/2s6zF89
Nikon 18-135mm Lens - amzn.to/2BMShhx
K&F Variable Neutral Density Filter - amzn.to/2Sm93Lz
Amazon Basics 50inch Tripod - amzn.to/2StDwrr
Boya BY-M1 Lav Mic - amzn.to/2rWHbC7
Blue Snowball USB Mic - amzn.to/2BLvyCL
Rode Video Micro - https://amzn.to/2JC9TEe
ESDDI Softbox lighting kit - amzn.to/2Sj1uFz
ASUS ROG G751J Laptop - amzn.to/2Solarw
Connect with me on Social Media!
https://www.facebook.com/duane.toops
https://twitter.com/duanetoops
https://www.instagram.com/duanetoops/
#zen #buddhism #Mindfulness #meditation #spirituality #motivation #inspiration #creativity #podcast #youtube #blog #dharma #sadness #love #openness #TibetanBuddhism #vajrayana #melancholy #impermanence
Episode 5 - Let's Talk About Sadness
Episode 3 - Let's Talk About Failure
Episode 2 - More About Discipline
In this episode, we revisit the topic and subject matter of 'discipline'. In the aftermath of posting the previous episode I had a lot of really interesting conversations about 'discipline' and 'practice'. It made me realize that I didn't do a very good job of communicating as clearly as I would have liked but, I also realized that I had more to think about and more to explore, and thus there's more to say and talk about. I think discipline gets a bad rap, especially in conjunction with Buddhism and meditation. Sometimes it seems like its treated like a dirty word. But, it doesn't have to be. That's what I want to try to talk about here. I'm excited to see where the conversation goes. Enjoy!
YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/uHAkNjdgF74
Transcript: https://thetattooedbuddha.com/2019/01/03/no-shortcuts-we-get-there-through-discipline-putting-the-work-in/
Below you'll find links to all the books and content I referenced in the video, as well as all the gear I use to make the videos. These are amazon affiliate links, using these links to purchase any of these items is an easy way to support the channel. Thanks so much!
Discipline Equals Freedom by Jocko Willink - https://amzn.to/2Rip2Nr
Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink & Leif Babin - https://amzn.to/2RlwmrJ
Pure Land of the Patriarchs Zen Master Han-Shan of Pure Land Buddhism - https://amzn.to/2BGDOnA
A Buddhist Leader in Ming China: The Life and Thought of Han-shan Te'Ching - https://amzn.to/2SoC7lV
Gear I use:
Nikon D5300 - https://amzn.to/2s6zF89
Nikon 18-135mm Lens - https://amzn.to/2BMShhx
K&F Variable Neutral Density Filter - https://amzn.to/2Sm93Lz
Amazon Basics 50inch Tripod - https://amzn.to/2StDwrr
Boya BY-M1 Lav Mic - https://amzn.to/2rWHbC7
Blue Snowball USB Mic - https://amzn.to/2BLvyCL
ESDDI Softbox lighting kit - https://amzn.to/2Sj1uFz
ASUS ROG G751J Laptop - https://amzn.to/2Solarw
Connect with me on Social Media!
Duane Toops
https://www.facebook.com/duanejtoops
https://twitter.com/duanetoops
https://www.instagram.com/duanetoops/
duanetoops.wordpress.com
The Podcast is also available on the following platforms:
Google Podcasts: https://www.google.com/podcasts…
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5ZmayXD4WG4B02wHKi5IqS
Breaker: https://www.breaker.audio/the-process-and-the-path
Pocketcasts: https://pca.st/7eZ6
Radiopublic: https://radiopublic.com/the-process-the-path-69aRdD
Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/…/anchor-podc…/the-process-the-path