TED Radio Hour Escaping the modern world and your noisy mind
46 snips
Jun 13, 2025 
Pico Iyer, an acclaimed author known for his reflections on silence and escape, discusses the transformative power of solitude. Sarah Edmondson, a brave whistleblower from NXIVM, sheds light on the manipulative dynamics of cults and the struggle to reclaim one’s identity. Lehua Kamalu, a traditional Hawaiian navigator, shares her insights on navigating the ocean using ancient techniques, emphasizing the mental clarity that comes from connecting with nature. Together, they explore how escaping modern distractions can lead to renewal and inner peace.
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Pico Iyer's Renewal Retreat
- Pico Iyer lost all his possessions in a fire and retreated to a monastery in Big Sur.
- The silence there helped him leave behind his anxious self and rediscover a simpler life close to what he desired.
True Escape Is Inner Freedom
- Escape is less about the destination and more about what you're escaping from.
- Silence allows freeing oneself from the noisy mind and reconnecting to deeper reality and presence.
Create Daily Silence Rituals
- Make space for silence daily, even 20 minutes without devices, to transform your entire day.
- Even if retreats are impractical, simple solitude or phone-free time reconnects you with reality.
