Podcast Summary: Search Engine – "How Do You Sit Quietly in the Middle of a Storm?"

Episode Information

• Title: How Do You Sit Quietly in the Middle of a Storm?
• Host: PJ Vogt
• Guest: Rev Angel Kyoto Williams, Ordained Zen Priest and Author
• Release Date: November 1, 2024
• Description: In this introspective episode, host PJ Vogt delves deep into the art of finding inner peace amidst chaos. Through a heartfelt conversation with Rev Angel Kyoto Williams, listeners explore the intricate relationship between anxiety and curiosity, the essence of meditation, and the transformative power of compassion.

Introduction

PJ Vogt opens the episode by presenting a seemingly simple yet profound question: "How do you sit quietly in the middle of a storm?" This metaphorical storm represents the tumultuous nature of modern life, filled with anxiety, constant information overload, and relentless challenges. To shed light on this topic, PJ invites Rev Angel Kyoto Williams, an ordained Zen priest, author of Radical Dharma, and CEO of Mindful.

The Intersection of Anxiety and Curiosity

[03:06] Rev Angel Kyoto Williams:
“Most of the instruction that we have received about meditation in the big mainstream world comes from largely monastic traditions... They home leave, they go away, they cloister... I’m saying that’s most of what we have received.”

Rev explores the idea that anxiety and curiosity, though distinct, share similarities. While anxiety often narrows one's focus to self-doubt and fears, curiosity broadens one's perspective, encouraging exploration beyond oneself. She emphasizes that traditional meditation practices, rooted in monastic lifestyles, may not align with the bustling lives many lead today.

Notable Quote:
Rev Angel Kyoto Williams [05:28]: “We are all given that navigation system for life itself that is endemic to who we are. It is our fundamental nature. It is our birthright.”

Personal Journey: From Trauma to Transformation

Rev shares her personal history, growing up in the gritty environment of New York's Bronx and Brooklyn. She recounts traumatic experiences, including abuse, which significantly impacted her perception of safety and self.

[12:49] Rev Angel Kyoto Williams:
“One of the things that happened is that by a series of events, I ended up back close to the person that... was separated from me...”

Despite her traumatic past, Rev's encounter with her abuser led her to a pivotal decision: to reclaim her life and seek understanding rather than perpetuate suffering. This journey of metabolizing pain—transforming it into a source of compassion and awareness—guided her toward Zen Buddhism and a deeper meditation practice.

Notable Quote:
Rev Angel Kyoto Williams [22:06]: “I get to decide that I'm not going to land my suffering and extend that and have it land on someone else.”

Understanding Meditation Beyond Traditional Practices

PJ introduces the concept of meditation retreats, traditionally perceived as isolated and silent environments where individuals meditate intensively. Rev demystifies this by explaining that true meditation is not merely about sitting quietly but about actively returning to oneself amidst life's distractions.

[30:16] Rev Angel Kyoto Williams:
“It’s like a pendulum swing between, like the most profound stillness you can enjoy... and utter excruciating.”

Rev describes retreats as spaces that force individuals to confront their internal struggles without external distractions. This environment helps practitioners recognize their role in shaping their experiences, fostering personal responsibility and self-awareness.

Notable Quote:
Rev Angel Kyoto Williams [46:55]: “It is our fundamental nature. It is our birthright.”

Compassion in Meditation

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the role of compassion in meditation. Rev emphasizes that compassion should naturally arise from genuine mindfulness practices, rather than being an ancillary outcome.

[54:58] Rev Angel Kyoto Williams:
“Compassion naturally arises out of every type of meditation. I don’t think that’s actually true. I think there are ways that people can meditate and use very focused meditation...”

She warns against purely concentrative meditation practices that lack a moral or compassionate framework, highlighting that without this foundation, meditation may not contribute positively to societal well-being.

Notable Quote:
Rev Angel Kyoto Williams [56:19]: “Meditation is not in and of itself like, it's just going to be good. It makes us better at something, but not necessarily things that are pro-social all the time.”

Practical Insights: Returning to Yourself

Rev offers actionable advice on integrating meditation into daily life without the need for traditional retreat settings. She introduces the concept of "returning"—consistently bringing one's focus back to the present moment and authentic self, amidst external chaos.

[64:42] Rev Angel Kyoto Williams:
“That curiosity that you have, that yearning to find yourself is all you need to respond to it. It's like, oh, where am I? What am I? Okay, right here.”

This practice involves acknowledging distractions and gently guiding oneself back to the present, fostering a state of mindfulness that enhances personal contentment and resilience.

Notable Quote:
Rev Angel Kyoto Williams [52:49]: “Meditation is not for me about sitting quietly or becoming quiet. It's about the choice that when you find yourself anywhere other than where you intend to be, you come back.”

Addressing External Stressors with Compassion

In a moment reflecting current political tensions, Rev discusses how to maintain compassion towards individuals embodying divisive personas, such as political figures. She advocates for recognizing underlying suffering and systemic issues that shape such behaviors, fostering a compassionate yet boundary-respecting mindset.

[58:48] Rev Angel Kyoto Williams:
“I feel a lot of compassion toward him or for him... I have to keep being me. I get to keep choosing who I am and how I show up.”

Rev underscores the importance of distinguishing between personal responsibility and systemic influences, encouraging listeners to cultivate compassion without sacrificing personal boundaries or well-being.

Notable Quote:
Rev Angel Kyoto Williams [56:19]: “When you throw that offline, you just get this... just get this.”

Conclusion: Embracing the Present with Compassion and Self-Awareness

The episode culminates with Rev emphasizing that true meditation and mindfulness transcend mere silence. They encompass a profound engagement with the present moment, coupled with an unwavering commitment to self-awareness and compassion. By returning to oneself and acknowledging both internal and external challenges, individuals can navigate life's storms with grace and resilience.

[65:31] Rev Angel Kyoto Williams:
“You started already. You returned. You know, that curiosity that you have, that yearning to find yourself is all you need.”

Final Thoughts

"How Do You Sit Quietly in the Middle of a Storm?" offers listeners a deep dive into the complexities of meditation, anxiety, and compassion. Rev Angel Kyoto Williams provides invaluable insights into transforming personal trauma into a source of strength and empathy, advocating for a meditation practice that is accessible, compassionate, and deeply intertwined with everyday life.

Notable Quotes Compilation

1. Rev Angel Kyoto Williams [05:28]:
   “We are all given that navigation system for life itself that is endemic to who we are. It is our fundamental nature. It is our birthright.”

2. Rev Angel Kyoto Williams [22:06]:
   “I get to decide that I'm not going to land my suffering and extend that and have it land on someone else.”

3. Rev Angel Kyoto Williams [46:55]:
   “It is our fundamental nature. It is our birthright.”

4. Rev Angel Kyoto Williams [56:19]:
   “Meditation is not in and of itself like, it's just going to be good. It makes us better at something, but not necessarily things that are pro-social all the time.”

5. Rev Angel Kyoto Williams [52:49]:
   “Meditation is not for me about sitting quietly or becoming quiet. It's about the choice that when you find yourself anywhere other than where you intend to be, you come back.”

6. Rev Angel Kyoto Williams [58:48]:
   “I feel a lot of compassion toward him or for him... I have to keep being me. I get to keep choosing who I am and how I show up.”

7. Rev Angel Kyoto Williams [65:31]:
   “You started already. You returned. You know, that curiosity that you have, that yearning to find yourself is all you need.”

Additional Resources

Listeners interested in exploring Rev Angel Kyoto Williams' teachings can visit her website revangel.com for audio recordings of meditation instructions and information about upcoming meditation sessions, including a half-day sitting meditation over Zoom on November 16th.

Final Note

This episode serves as a guiding light for those seeking tranquility amidst chaos, offering practical tools and profound wisdom to cultivate inner peace and compassion in an ever-changing world.