Articles
Planning and the Busy Mind
an edited talk on planning as a form of restlessness and obsessive thinking
Cultivating Concentration
an overview of three kinds of concentration with initial instructions to strengthen concentration through mindfulness of breathing
Overcoming Doubt through Direct Experience
understanding the hindrance of doubt and freeing the mind from its influence.
Maranasati for the Modern World
an article on developing mindfulness of death by Kim Allen and Shaila Catherine
The Focused Mind
on the benefits of cultivating concentration
Working with Our Discouragement
on ways of dealing with disappointment in practice through balancing effort, tapping the support of sangha, and learning to uplift your own mind
Equanimity: Our Greatest Friend
offers practical ways to nurture equanimity in meditation, relationships, and daily activities
The Power of Lovingkindness
an introduction to the purpose of cultivating lovingkindness (mettā) and ways to develop this beautiful quality of mind
I, Me, and Mine
an exploration of how we construct the notion of I, me, and mine through opinions and thoughts
Beyond the Familiar
a reflection on ways of relating to the unknown and how we can free ourselves from habits that limit freedom
Vipassana Defined
an examination of insight as the clear seeing of how things are by contemplating impermanence and cultivating present moment awareness
Written Interviews
Distraction: Strategies for Overcoming Distracting Thoughts
an exploration of five ways of removing distracting thoughts and enhancing concentration
Mettā: What It Is, What It Isn’t
an experiential discussion of the practice of lovingkindness (mettā) and how it supports concentration, insight, and beautiful states of mind.
Jhāna Practice and True Happiness
a personal discussion of how sutta study, the deep concentration of jhāna, and the study of Abhidhamma supports profound spiritual happiness
Understanding Deep Meditative States: Developing Jhāna and Liberating Insight
a discussion on deep aspects of dhamma, including concentrative absorption, approaches to vipassanā, and stages of awakening
Settle Into Bliss
This discussion addresses the role of concentration and insight for today’s practitioners, and the benefits of retreat practice.
Reflections on Mindfulness
a broad exploration of qualities associated with mindfulness, including equanimity, clear comprehension, skills for removing distracting thoughts, and unpacking the construction of self.
The Way of Commitment
reflecting on early influences on Shaila’s practice, the inspiration gained through sutta study, support from her mentor, and ongoing vigilance in monitoring how the sense of self is constructed in daily activities.