Finding True Presence in the Gaps Between Thoughts

Michael Taft leads a deep exploration into the nature of "awake space" and the fundamental nondual identity beyond our personal stories. The evening begins with mindful movement and breathing to settle the body, followed by a guided meditation that uses the natural pauses in the breath and the gaps between thoughts to reveal a state of simple, open presence. The session concludes with a dharma talk and Q&A focusing on the metaphor of being "the page" rather than the characters in the story, and a final period of silent resting in awareness. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction and Technical Check 02:24 – Mindful Movement: The "World's Best Movement" and Rolling 04:46 – Breathwork and Spinal Stretching for Spaciousness 09:40 – Posture and Relaxation Hacks for Meditation 14:01 – Guided Meditation: Resting in Simple Presence 23:43 – Meditation: Finding Openness in the Pause After Exhalation 38:35 – Advanced Practice: Noticing the Gaps Between Bursts of Thought 58:15 – Metta (Loving-Kindness) Practice for the World 01:04:30 – Dharma Talk: Being the "Page" vs. the "Story" 01:18:31 – Q&A: Thoughts as Organs and Deeper Identity 01:28:00 – Final Silent Meditation 01:34:02 – Closing Remarks and Upcoming Retreat Info