Online Retreat

This Is How Civilizations Heal: The Alchemy of the Three Poisons

Leslie Booker
Greed, aversion, and delusion, collectively known as the three poisons, are mind states that cloud the heart and mind. But these energies contain information that can lead us to a healing that can mitigate the chaos of the world. Toni Morrison wrote, “I know the world is bruised and bleeding. And though it is important not to ignore its pain, it is also critical to refuse to succumb to its malevolence. Like failure, chaos contains information that can lead to knowledge, even wisdom. That is how civilizations heal.” By clearly recognizing the three poisons, we can meet them with their antidotes of generosity, mettā, and wisdom. Generosity can expand our ability to feel connected and remind us that we belong to each other. Mettā opens the heart, protecting us from both inner and outer harm, while wisdom allows us to see things right sized as we move through the world.

Teaching Team

Leslie Booker

Leslie Booker

Teacher

Booker is a Spirit Rock Teacher Training graduate, committed to creating a culture of belonging. She was voted as one of the 12 Powerful Women in the Mindfulness Movement in 2020, and is a Co-Guiding Teacher of New York Insight. She lives in Philadelphia with her partner and pup.

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