Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation

096 The Shape of Joy (with Richard Beck)

Oct 14, 2024

Dr. Richard Beck, a psychology professor and author of 'The Shape of Joy,' delves into cultivating joy in a world rife with mental health challenges. He suggests that turning outward rather than inward is key to finding meaning and connection. The conversation critiques traditional introspection, emphasizing mindfulness and humility. Beck also explores the surprising link between humility and happiness, and highlights stories of 'mattering' and joy emerging from unexpected places, offering new perspectives on resilience and fulfillment.

31:35

Episode guests

Richard Beck

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Quick takeaways

Dr. Richard Beck emphasizes that cultivating joy is enhanced through community connection and a focus on transcendent values rather than self-centered pursuits.

The podcast underscores that true joy arises from a sense of mattering and belonging, aiding in mental health during challenging times.

Deep dives

The Impact of Attaching to God

In the context of a mental health crisis affecting younger generations, the importance of building emotional and spiritual connections to God is emphasized. Returning to fundamental principles of faith can offer a gospel filled with hope and joy, as opposed to one rooted in judgment. The discussion highlights the need for communal support and the cultivation of joy and meaning in life, especially during challenging times. This foundational attachment serves as a counterbalance to pervasive feelings of loneliness and despair.

Intro

2min

Rethinking Dreams: A Commencement Address for Life's Challenges

3min

Reimagining Joy: From Introspection to Transcendence

2min

The Wandering Mind: Rethinking Introspection

9min

The Intersection of Humility, Joy, and Spirituality

16min

In a world where mental health issues and loneliness are at an all-time high, it’s more important than ever to find ways to cultivate joy, community, and meaning in our lives. But how exactly do you do that?

Maybe we need to turn outward rather than inward for answers.

That's what we are talking about with Dr. Richard Beck.

Dr. Richard Beck is a professor of psychology at Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas He is a popular blogger and speaker and the author of several books. We interviewed him a bit ago about his Hunting Magic Eels: Recovering an Enchanted Faith in a Skeptical Age (which I recommend to people all the time if there are in that space of deconstruction). And today we are talking about his newest book, The Shape of Joy: The Transformative Power of Moving Beyond Yourself.

00:00 Introduction: Exploring Joy in a Challenging World
00:37 Meet Dr. Richard Beck: A Journey into Joy
01:16 The World's Worst Commencement Address
04:00 The Shape of Joy: Turning Outward
05:55 The Wandering Mind and Mental Health
11:38 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Beyond
15:28 Humility and Happiness: A Surprising Connection
19:13 The Power of Mattering and Transcendence
23:18 Mr. Kenneth's Story: Joy in Unexpected Places
29:34 Conclusion: Finding Joy and Staying Connected

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