Meditative Story The joy of being an unwilling traveler through life, by Maya Shankar
May 13, 2025
Maya Shankar, a cognitive neuroscientist and host of the podcast A Slight Change of Plans, shares her journey of navigating life as an unwilling traveler. She recounts lessons from her father that helped her find balance amid life's complexities. The conversation touches on perspectives of consciousness, the shared struggles of human existence, and the significance of connected detachment. Ultimately, Maya emphasizes cultivating gratitude and a lighter perspective as we embrace the joys and hardships of life.
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Unwilling Travelers Through Life
- Maya Shankar and her husband Jimmy discuss consciousness with her relatives in Chennai, highlighting their different perspectives on existence.
- Maya's relatives call her and her uncle "unwilling travelers through life," reflecting their shared philosophy of distress about life’s inevitable suffering.
Practice Connected Detachment
- Try to cultivate a state of connected detachment where you remain emotionally connected without overwhelming attachment.
- This balanced detachment can offer wisdom and calm when facing life's challenges.
Father's Humble Pie Lesson
- As a child, Maya Shankar learns humility from her father when he reminds her the world does not revolve around her.
- Her father's lesson helps her gain perspective during later tough times, including losing her violin career to injury.