A conversation on deep listening, dukkha, vulnerability, acceptance, and using relationship as spiritual practice.

In this episode of The Midlife Spirituality Project, I’m joined by Devon Hase, co-author of This Messy, Gorgeous Love: A Buddhist Guide to Lasting Partnership.

This conversation explores what Buddhist wisdom can teach us about love, marriage, conflict, and the very human messiness of being in close relationship with another person. Devon shares why difficulty in partnership does not mean something is wrong, how the Buddhist concept of dukkha can help us normalize the “bumpy ride” of love, and why our closest relationships often become some of our greatest opportunities for spiritual growth.

We also talk about deep listening — to ourselves, to our partner, and to the relationship itself — and how this practice can help us move from projection and criticism toward curiosity, compassion, and connection.

Devon and I also discuss vulnerability, codependency, attachment, the middle way, accepting our partners as they are while still honoring our own needs, and the importance of deliberately practicing joy and appreciation in long-term relationships.

In This Episode, We Talk About

• Why relationships can feel especially complicated in midlife
• The Buddhist concept of dukkha and why love can feel like a “bumpy ride”
• Deep listening as a practice for ourselves, our partners, and the relationship
• How meditation helps us see our projections more clearly
• Relationship as a path of spiritual growth
• Accepting your partner while still naming your needs
• Codependency, attachment, autonomy, and connection
• The Buddhist “middle way” in partnership
• Vulnerability, boundaries, and “having no skin” with the people closest to us
• Practicing joy, appreciation, and tech-free connection

Connect With Devon & Nico

www.devonandnicohase.com

IG: @devonandnicohase.com

Buy The Book: This Messy, Gorgeous Love

About Katie Farinas

Katie Farinas is a midlife coach, yoga teacher, and spiritual guide who helps women navigate midlife with clarity, peace, purpose, and empowerment. Through yoga philosophy, mindfulness, nervous system regulation, and energy-based practices, Katie supports women in reconnecting with themselves and stepping fully into their most aligned and authentic lives.

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