Creativity, Spirituality & Making a Buck with David Nichtern

Ep. 53 – The Four Powers of Confidence with Ethan Nichtern

Jun 19, 2024

Ethan Nichtern, author of 'Confidence,' discusses vulnerability, truth, and the current political environment with his dad. They explore the concept of real confidence, imposter syndrome, and the importance of authenticity. Touching on sadness as a response to the world, they delve into the Eight Worldly Winds and the power of tuning into inner knowing.

01:05:06

Episode guests

Ethan Nichtern

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Quick takeaways

Compassion and self-compassion are essential for cultivating confidence and empathy in challenging situations.

Calling on lineage and connecting with ancestral wisdom can provide support, guidance, and stability in navigating life's uncertainties.

Deep dives

The Four Powers of Confidence

Compassion, lineage, awareness, and Windhorse are the four powers discussed to cultivate confidence. Compassion involves self-compassion and empathy towards oneself and others. Lineage emphasizes calling on the wisdom and support of those who came before us. Awareness shifts focus to observing with detachment and recognizing impermanence. Windhorse relates to rousing outward energy and recognizing and uplifting one's heart amidst challenges.

Intro

2min

Exploring Confidence, Compassion, and Buddhist Teachings on Life's Challenges

2min

Exploring Confidence and Meditation Techniques

2min

Exploring Confidence and Self-Esteem with Ethan Nichtern

2min

Exploring Confidence and Creativity in Writing

6min

Exploring Confidence and Authenticity

26min

Exploring Imposter Syndrome and the Four Powers of Confidence

4min

Exploring Confidence and Compassion through Buddhist Practices

19min

Gratitude, Wisdom Sharing, and Course Promotion

5min

Exploring the themes in his new book, Confidence, Ethan Nichtern chats with his dad, David, about vulnerability, truth, and the state of the world.

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/beherenow and get on your way to being your best self.

In this episode, David and Ethan speak about:

Ethan’s new book and what real confidence is
False confidence and manipulation
The current political environment and seeking the truth
Why authenticity is so important
Examples of people who radiate confidence and light the candles of others
How sadness can be an authentic response to the state of the world
The Eight Worldly Winds and practicing confidence
How we are all vulnerable to imposter syndrome
Awareness and tuning into our inner knowing to avoid being caught in emotions
Remembering our powerful and tender hearts

Check out these on-demand online courses from David Nichtern and an upcoming course from Ethan Nichtern based around his new book HERE.

About Ethan Nichtern:

Ethan Nichtern is a Buddhist teacher, and is the author of the acclaimed book The Road Home: A Contemporary Exploration of the Buddhist Path, which was selected as one of Library Journal’s Best Books of 2015, and one of Tech Insider’s “9 Books That Define 2015.” He also wrote The Dharma of The Princess Bride: What The Coolest Fairy Tale of Our Time Can Teach Us About Buddhism and Relationships and most recently, Confidence: Holding Your Seat through Life’s Eight Worldly Winds.

For the past 20+ years, Ethan has taught meditation and Buddhist psychology classes and workshops around New York City and North America and Europe, along with working with students privately. He has primarily studied in the Shambhala and other Tibetan traditions, but has also studied Theravadan and Soto Zen Buddhism. He is also an avid yoga practitioner. He served as Shastri, or Senior Teacher-In-Residence, for the Shambhala Meditation Center of New York, from 2010-2018. Continue listening to Ethan on his podcast, The Road Home.

“I think there is a compassion element to genuine confidence where you’re using your own confidence to light other people’s candle.” – Ethan Nichtern

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Creativity, Spirituality & Making a Buck with David Nichtern

Ep. 53 – The Four Powers of Confidence with Ethan Nichtern

Episode guests