Dr. Ward explores how we can engage with the world and the media without losing our inner peace. He emphasizes that while we are constantly bombarded with extreme narratives designed to provoke fear and anxiety, we have the power to choose what we absorb. By practicing mindful media consumption, we can protect our well-being and remain connected to our deeper purpose.
Ward encourages a shift in perspective, reminding us that we are not merely material beings but cosmic, interconnected entities capable of profound transformation. He warns us about subscribing to the Newtonian worldview of separateness and urges us to recognize how everything—our thoughts, actions, and energy—shapes the world around us. In an era of sensationalized media, he advises developing the discipline to filter what serves our growth and release what does not.
Drawing from personal experiences, Ward shares the wisdom of his teacher Thích Nhất Hạnh, illustrating how mindfulness and silence can help us process difficult emotions without being consumed by them. He highlights the importance of starting each day with intentional stillness, engaging with nature, and cultivating practices that nurture resilience. By doing so, we prevent the exhaustion that comes from unconsciously carrying the world’s anxieties.
He reminds us of the importance of examining social conditioning, to understand how everybody’s minds are shaped by, or trapped in, unseen narratives, values, perceptions, and agendas. Mindful consumption of the media means doing our best to understand our own trappings and also the trappings of others.
Being present with self-awareness and equanimity, he argues, are keys to navigating life without being overwhelmed. Referencing Stephen Covey’s “circle of concern vs. circle of influence,” he urges us to focus on what we can change rather than being paralyzed by what we cannot. Through mindfulness, we can cultivate equanimity, freeing ourselves from destructive emotions and fostering true connection with others.
Ultimately, Ward’s message is one of empowerment: we are not powerless in the face of an overwhelming world. By consciously choosing how we interact with media and life itself, we can maintain a heart undisturbed—grounded, compassionate, and ready to contribute to a more just and harmonious future.
Scroll down to listen to Dr. Larry Ward’s talk and a link to his podcast on the topic. Happy Learning!
From the Teachers: Mindful Media Consumptions
Dharma Video:
Living in the World with Your Heart Undisturbed — by Dr. Larry Ward*
Because of time constraint, we skipped the meditation segment at the beginning of the recording during our session, and begin watching the talk at 00:15:46.
To support Dr. Ward and his non-profit organization, The Lotus Institute, visit: www.thelotusinstitute.org/donate
* Dr. Larry Ward (pronouns—he/him) is a senior teacher in Buddhist Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village tradition, the author of the book America’s Racial Karma, and co-author with his wife, Peggy, of Love’s Garden, A Guide To Mindful Relationships. Dr. Ward brings twenty-five years of international experience in organizational change and local community renewal to his work as director of the Lotus Institute and as an advisor to the Executive Mind Leadership Institute at the Drucker School of Management. He holds a PhD in Religious Studies with an emphasis on Buddhism and the neuroscience of meditation. Larry is a knowledgeable, charismatic, and inspirational teacher, offering insights with personal stories and resounding clarity that express his Dharma name, “True Great Sound.”
Related Resources:
- Beyond the News Podcast, hosted by Dr. Larry Ward.
In this series of short talks in podcast format, Dr. Ward explores current events through the lens of Buddhism and neuroscience, sharing practical skills for how to engage with the information we receive from the wider world.
