Jay Shetty, a former monk turned author and podcaster, shares his journey and the lessons he learned during his time as a monk. He discusses the power of solitude, daily practices like meditation, and the benefits of minimalism. The podcast also explores the misunderstood pursuit of happiness and the importance of self-love and relationships. Shetty highlights the scientific proof and benefits of meditation, all while promoting his own podcast.
Living a simpler life and being adaptable can bring liberation and contentment.
Finding purpose involves passion, strength, and compassion, not seeking validation from others.
Happiness can be cultivated through daily habits such as thankfulness, inspiration, meditation, and exercise.
Deep dives
The Power of Music in Mental Health
The podcast episode highlights the upcoming release of Happy Place's first album, which focuses on mental health and well-being. The speaker emphasizes the power of music in helping us work through difficult emotions and understand ourselves better. The album features songs by popular artists such as Emily Sunday, Sam Fender, and Ludovico in Audi. The music is intended to provide a calming and uplifting experience, elevating listeners and moving them emotionally.
Interview with Jay Shetty
Fern Cotton kicks off the season with an interview with Jay Shetty, a former monk who now helps others live a simpler life. The discussion centers around the importance of self-perception and doing things for oneself rather than seeking validation from others. Jay shares his journey from being a monk to returning to the modern world to make a positive impact. The conversation explores the benefits of meditation, finding purpose, and creating a balanced morning routine.
Implementing Daily Habits for Happiness
The podcast delves into the concept of happiness and how the pursuit of success often hinders it. The speaker emphasizes the need to separate success and happiness and focuses on four daily habits that can contribute to a happier life: thankfulness, inspiration, meditation, and exercise. These habits are seen as practical and manageable ways to cultivate happiness and bring clarity and peace to one's life.
Living Simpler and Being Flexible
Living a simpler life, free from excess possessions and attachments, can be liberating and help us realize that we can still live and be content. The example of monks sleeping on the floor and not having a designated spot demonstrates the importance of flexibility and adaptability. We can apply this principle in our own lives by finding areas where we can be more flexible and adaptable, such as being open to changes in routine or letting go of the need for control.
Discovering Your Dharma
The formula for purpose is passion plus strength plus compassion. Passion involves pursuing what makes us genuinely curious and excited, while strength relates to leveraging our unique talents and abilities. Compassion is about serving others and making a positive impact. It is essential to live our own lives instead of trying to fulfill someone else's expectations. By aligning our actions with our authentic selves, we can find our true purpose and experience fulfillment.
At 21 years old, Jay became a monk. For the next three years he applied himself to a simpler life, away from modern trappings.
Ten years later, he tells Fearne what he learned from that time that he still applies today - helping him on the road to helping others - and becoming a best-selling author and podcaster to boot.
Thanks to the sponsors of this series of Happy Place, Stripe and Stare - for 20% off your first order, head to stripeandstare.com and enter the code HAPPY20 at checkout.