What is a Good Life? #52 - A Journey Toward Co-Flourishing with Martin Ebeling

Jan 9, 2024

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On the 52nd episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I am thrilled to introduce our guest, Martin Ebeling. Martin is a philosopher and the co-director of The School of Life Berlin. He is also the co-founder of the Pura Vida Festival Retreat. You can also follow his journey toward and exploration of co-flourishing on The Co-flourishing Project, where he writes under his alias Ocean.

In this deeply insightful conversation, we delve into Martin’s exploration of the meaning of life and his shifting from a lone wolf to his fascination with co-flourishing. He shares how his recent insights on co-flourishing unfolded after a personal retreat in nature and silence, shedding light on valuable lessons we can draw from those experiences.

We explore what has resonated with him in his research on co-flourishing, encompassing the practices he observed at the Zen monastery, Plum Village. Here, monks consistently share both their wonder in existence and their experiences with difficult emotions. Additionally, we touch on the neuroscience that suggests it takes more than one human brain to create a human mind and we reflect on the interdependent nature of our being.

I found this conversation to be highly illuminating. We discuss numerous themes that can guide you toward leading a more connected life—connecting with yourself, fostering meaningful relationships with others, and cultivating a deeper connection with the world around you.

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Running Order:

03:35 How can we co-flourish?

07:34 We are part of an interdependent reality

12:30 The lonely wolf and ego

17:30 Finding clarity and courage in silence and nature

22:30 Viewing other humans as expression of nature and life

26:55 What does co-flourishing entail?

31:30 The importance of listening and awareness

37:45 The need to consistently share our emotions

42:45 The neuroscience of co-flourishing

49:30 Feeling an aliveness and trust

56:10 What is a good life for Martin?

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- For the podcast's YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@whatisagoodlife/videos