# 2. On Not Setting Goals, Being Overcritical, Repairing Hurt, and Obsession (#72)

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/zaltholive-claude-anshin-thomas-3463909/2-on-not-setting-goals-being-overcritical-repairing-hurt-and-obsession-72
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/zaltholive-claude-anshin-thomas-3463909/2-on-not-setting-goals-being-overcritical-repairing-hurt-and-obsession-72.md
Podcast: [ZalthoLIVE - Claude AnShin Thomas](https://stenobird.com/podcast/zaltholive-claude-anshin-thomas-3463909)
Published: 2026-01-25T15:51:27+00:00
Episode link: https://zaltholive.libsyn.com/2-episode
Audio file: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/zaltholive/zaltho_podcast__12_19_25_11_09_2025_72.mp3?dest-id=2452985
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Duration seconds: 2682

## Resource

Claude AnShin Thomas - Zen Buddhist monk, combat veteran, and author - responds to questions in an inspiring manner based on his Zen practice and life experiences. He reminds the listener how to stay awake to life and understand more deeply the traps of a deluded mind. This episode was recorded during a weekly online meeting of questions & responses. For more information: https://www.zaltho.org If you want to ask Claude AnShin Thomas a question, please feel free to write to info@zaltho.org . Book recommendations: - AT HELL'S GATE - A Soldier's Journey from War to Peace (Shambhala Publications 2003, also as ebook and audiobook) - Bringing Meditation to Life - 108 Teachings on the Path of Zen Practice (Oakwood Publishing 2021, also as ebook and audiobook) - On the Edges of Sleep: Poems of War and Memory (Oakwood Publishing 2024, also as ebook) - Applied Zen- A Short Guide to an Active Meditation Practice (Oakwood Publishing 2025, also as ebook) https://www.zaltho.org/books/ To support, donate . If you are interested in a specific question, this is the list of questions that Claude AnShin responded to and the time stamps for those questions so that you can go directly to the topic that is of most interest to you. Questions and Time Stamps: 1:26 – In past instructions, you've said to "notice how thoughts and feelings come together to form perceptions." Why do you emphasize this less lately? 2:52 – I heard you suggest to someone that sitting practice may help with sports. Do you think it's beneficial to emphasize goals or results? 5:23 – Do you think the same applies to sitting practice? (continuation of 2:52) 5:57 – What helps you avoid overusing the idea of "taking it easy"? 8:46 – How can I stop being overly critical? 10:37 – How can I avoid being superficial? 15:26 – Wh…

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