Do you find yourself rehearsing conversations in your head, overplanning, people-pleasing, or getting stuck in anger or anxiety — even while meditating? You’re not alone.
Most of us carry unconscious personality patterns that quietly shape our thoughts, reactions, and relationships. And while these patterns may have helped us survive early life, they often end up limiting our freedom and causing unnecessary suffering.
In this insightful talk, meditation teacher Dr. Tina Rasmussen dives deep into what Buddhism calls the “hindrances” and “defilements” — and reframes them as personality patterns that can be clearly seen and worked with in meditation. Rather than pushing these distractions away or bypassing them with spiritual platitudes, Tina invites us to bring compassionate curiosity to the inner material that pulls us off track — because those moments are not interruptions, they’re invitations.
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A Talk on Working Productively With Our Hindrances and Personality Patterns
Tina Rasmussen, Ph.D., began meditating at age 13, and has practiced in Theravada and Tibetan Buddhist traditions for 30+ years. In 2003, she completed a year-long solo retreat, and was later ordained as a Buddhist nun and was the first Western woman authorized to teach by renowned meditation master Pa Auk Sayadaw. Tina has been studied by Yale Neuroscience Lab, and is the co-author of Practicing the Jhanas, as well as several books on human potential. She has been interviewed by Time Magazine, Buddha at the Gas Pump, Deconstructing Yourself, and many other programs. Tina works with students worldwide.
