The Noble Eightfold Path: Step Six: Right Effort

Send us Fan Mail

This week we explore Right Effort, the sixth step of the Noble Eightfold Path. While the earlier steps guide how we understand reality and how we act in the world, Right Effort begins to turn inward. It concerns how we work with our own mind and inner life.

Right Effort does not mean pushing harder or forcing yourself to improve. It begins with a commitment not to give up on yourself. From there, it becomes a practice of directing your energy wisely, caring for your inner world, and recognizing that even difficult states of mind can contain seeds of wisdom.

In this episode, I explore Right Effort through three lenses: foundational, relational, and transformational.

Highlights

• Why Right Effort is not about striving or pushing yourself
• A personal story about learning not to give up on myself
• The role of daily structure in supporting what truly matters
• How meditation helps us reclaim agency over our attention
• The effort required to remember our shared humanity
• What it means to “look deeply” at difficult emotions
• How anger, desire, anxiety, and spaciness can contain seeds of wisdom

Music After Party

For the after party, I share a short song called Regular Rabbit by Stephen Spencer. He writes songs based on stories told by his young daughter, and they capture something simple and reassuring about being human. This one brings me joy every time I hear it.

You can also listen here.

Watch this episode on video
If you’d like to watch the podcast, the video version is coming soon.

Thoughts?
You can send your questions or reflections via Instagram DM or through our form — I’d love to include them in future episodes.

Get your copy of The Buddhist Enneagram
From March 10 – April 10, you can receive 30% off the new physical edition of The Buddhist Enneagram when you order directly from Shambhala Publications. Use code ENNEAGRAM30 at checkout. If this book has been on your reading list, or if you know someone who might benefit from this perspective on the Enneagram, this is a great time to pick up a copy. Buy yours

If you enjoyed this episode:

Please rate, review, and share it with a friend who’s curious about mindfulness, spiritual commitment, or the Buddhist path.

For more on Buddhist teachings and how our humanity isn’t necessarily in our way, sign up for my free weekly newsletter or join the Open Heart Project sangha for more connection with community and with me.

If this podcast has been meaningful to you, it would be great if you would subscribe, give it a five star rating and share it with a friend. To join or learn more about The Open Heart Project please visit openheartproject.com.

Thoughts? Email us at [email protected]

Produced by Citizens of Sound

Music by: Derek O'Brien

©Open Heart Project