How to Feel (Better) | February 17, 2026

Описание: Recorded at Insight Meditation Satsang
Online, February 17, 2026

DESCRIPTION
The relationship between the first and second noble truths—craving causes suffering—is about how we relate to our emotions. The Dhamma describes the natural reactions we have to life, in which some things are pleasant, some painful, and many neutral, and how those natural reactions habitually, but not inevitably, lead to unpleasant complex emotional experience. Things are painful, we fear them and get angry at them. Things are pleasant, we want more, and do whatever we can to keep what we have. Things are boring, and we desperately fill ourselves with stimulation and entertainment.

In modern versions of the Buddha's prescription, we can wrestle with the dissonance between the Stoic-seeming meditative practice (notice feeling without reactivity) and our impulse for the healing that comes with embracing and processing strong emotion. How do we make sense of this difference?

SEAN OAKES
Sean Feit Oakes, PhD (he/they, queer, Puerto Rican & English, living on Pomo ancestral land in Northern California), teaches Buddhism and somatic practice focusing on the integration of meditation, trauma resolution, and social justice. He received Insight Meditation teaching authorization from Jack Kornfield, and wrote his dissertation on extraordinary states in Buddhist meditation and experimental dance. Sean holds certifications in Somatic Experiencing (SEP, assistant), and Yoga (E-RYT 500, YACEP), and teaches at Spirit Rock Meditation Center, East Bay Meditation Center, Insight Timer, and elsewhere.

LINKS
Website: http://www.seanfeitoakes.com
Community Page:   / in.it.to.end.it  
Spirit Rock: https://www.spiritrock.org/sean-feit-...
Insight Timer: https://insighttimer.com/seanoakes

GIVING
All of Dr. Oakes’ independent teaching is offered on the model of Gift Economy, in the Buddhist tradition of dāna, inspired giving. Support of our teaching and community is gratefully received. Thank you for your generosity.

Donate: https://www.seanfeitoakes.com/gift-ec...

Blessings on your path.