In this Awake in the World podcast episode Michael considers the question: “If the boundaries of your self are conditioned and changeable, how do you know if you’ve stretched too far?” How do we balance the importance of boundaries and self-care against the need to be open, responsive, and flexible. Michael argues that you can’t have fluidity without boundaries, and discusses Shunryu Suzuki’s assertion that the best way to control a cow is to give it a large pasture. 

Recorded on April 27, 2010.

You Are Your Refuge: Take Care of Yourself

Awake in the World Podcast is a library of talks on a wide-range of topics, including bringing mindfulness and meditation practice into daily life; personal and community issues regarding mental health; and social change. The podcasts were recorded at live events so you might hear coughing, airplanes, cars, sirens, laughter, and peoples’ questions—all part of the intimate experience. Michael Stone (1974-2017) was a Buddhist teacher, author, and mental health advocate. His legacy is stewarded by Carina Stone. Podcast funded by Patreon (patreon.com/michaelstone).