What if midlife isn’t a breakdown—but a breakthrough?
In this powerful conversation, world-renowned writer Pico Iyer shares the surprising lessons he’s learned from 50 years of friendship with the Dalai Lama, losing everything he owned, and finding stillness in the chaos. From walking away from success in New York to building a soulful life in Japan, Pico reveals how true freedom comes not from having more—but from letting go. This episode is a masterclass in finding purpose, inner peace, and meaning in the second half of life.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:13 Meet Pico Iyer
02:02 Why TED Keeps Inviting Pico Back
02:50 Pico’s favorite TED talk
04:04 Early Life Across Continents
05:17 What “Home” Really Means
07:21 Stillness and the Midlife Chrysalis
12:33 Moving from Park Avenue to Kyoto
15:31 The Value of Being an Expat
18:10 Inner Calm in a Chaotic World
22:31 Everyday Stillness Practices
29:24 A Lifetime with the Dalai Lama
37:34 Living in Absence of Answers
42:29 Pico’s Anticipated Regret
46:11 What Makes MEA So Special
50:47 Awe, Community, and Transformation
53:27 Pico’s Wisdom Bumper Sticker
56:27 Episode Key Takeaways
Learn more about MEA at https://www.meawisdom.com/
#MidlifeChrysalis #PicoIyer #ChipConley #MidlifeTransformation #ModernElder #Stillness #InnerWisdom #SpiritualGrowth #LifePurpose #DalaiLama #HomeAndSoul #ExpatLife #GratitudePractice #Resilience #MindfulLiving
