The Midlife Chrysalis What 50 Years with the Dalai Lama Taught About Midlife | Pico Iyer
Jul 30, 2025
In this enlightening conversation, Pico Iyer, a celebrated writer and long-time friend of the Dalai Lama, shares invaluable insights from their 50-year friendship. He explores the concept of midlife as a breakthrough rather than a breakdown, emphasizing the importance of letting go to find true freedom. Pico discusses his transformative move from New York to Kyoto, the significance of stillness, and practical mindfulness tips. He reflects on the wisdom gleaned from life's contradictions and the urgency of living fully as we age.
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Home Lives Inside Us
- Home is not defined by physical soil but by what lives inside our soul.
- This internal home is a mosaic of multicultural influences shaping our identity.
Leaving NYC for Kyoto Simplicity
- At 29, Pico left his high-profile New York life to live simply in Kyoto.
- This radical change prepared him for later losses and deepened his inner life.
Value of Living Abroad
- Embrace expatriation to renew your perspective and reduce costs.
- Living abroad reignites wonder and helps appreciate both your home and the new culture.
