Victorien Mulliez, French DJ, flutist, and social impact entrepreneur, shares his secrets to cultivating joy including creativity, nature, and Vipassana meditation. He discusses his journey towards sobriety and the power of music in finding joy. The interview also explores the mixed feelings towards Vipassana practice and the desire for a more authentic spiritual experience
Creative expression and music can be powerful tools for cultivating joy and finding self-expression.
Spending time in nature nurtures joy and offers a refuge from the modern world.
Sobriety allows for clarity, exploration, and experiencing the sweetness of life in its truest form.
Deep dives
Importance of Creative Expression and Music in Cultivating Joy
Exploring creative expression and music, particularly through the journey of being a DJ and musician, has been a significant tool for Victorian in cultivating joy and finding new ways of self-expression. By diving deep into creative pursuits that truly resonate with the heart, rather than following trends or seeking recognition, one can tap into the unwavering state of joy. The creative process itself becomes a source of joy, allowing for freedom and a sense of exploration in one's artistic journey.
Nurturing Joy through Connection with Nature
Time spent in nature has been a powerful tool for nurturing joy in Victorian's life and finding a refuge amidst the busy modern world. The beauty and wonder of nature allows for a deep connection with the present moment, recognizing the preciousness of being alive. By rejoicing in every heartbeat and appreciating the simple fact of existence, even during difficult times, one can tap into the joy that nature offers. Nature's contagious and giving nature further emphasizes the joy that can be found by sharing the experience with others.
The Transformative Power of Sobriety in Cultivating Joy
Victorian's journey of sobriety, a process that unfolded gradually, has played a vital role in cultivating joy. By recognizing the substances that no longer served him and being aware of their impact on his well-being, he decided to let go of them. Sobriety has allowed Victorian to explore the mind from a default state and observe his mental patterns and emotions without the influence of substances. This newfound clarity has brought a sense of excitement and exploration, as well as the opportunity to experience the sweetness of life in its truest form.
Connecting with Nature and Digital Detox
The podcast explores the joy and importance of connecting with nature and the adverse effects of social media addiction. The speaker emphasizes the beauty and therapeutic nature of being in nature, experiencing awe and wonder. They discuss how social media has co-opted these moments, making them about capturing and projecting oneself for validation. They question whether people can truly experience awe in nature without feeling the need to share it on social media.
The Power of Vipassana Meditation
The podcast delves into the speaker's experience with Vipassana meditation and its impact on their spiritual and personal growth. They describe Vipassana as a challenging and disciplined meditation practice that offers liberation from suffering. While the speaker expresses some resistance to certain aspects of Vipassana and its philosophical beliefs, they recognize its importance as a transformative path. They touch on the value of surrendering to sorrow, embracing challenge, and finding joy through the practice of Vipassana and devotion.
Victorien is one of the most joyful people I know. The French DJ, flutist, and social impact entrepreneur seems to have a few things figured out. From Vipassana meditation to sobriety, he shares his secrets with us today.
On the show, we begin by discussing the nature of joy and despair. Victorien shares his tools for cultivating joy, starting with creativity, and offers advice to young artists who would also love to be big in Pakistan. We discuss the power of nature and delve deep into Vipassana meditation. Victorien and I have both completed two 10-day meditation retreats, each with different results. He shares his journey toward sobriety and how it has also helped him cultivate joy. After the interview, we return to the topic of Vipassana, specifically my beef with honorable S. N. Goenka.
Victorien is an internationally renowned DJ and co-founder of the group FDVM. He is an accomplished flutist, with meditations available on Insight Timer. He has a new project called Nākaloka, which is a meditative concert presented by Victorien and his partner, Monica Dogra, featuring flutes, sacred chants, and movements. Victorien is also dedicated to social and environmental causes, co-creating LitterRally, Bali Live, and numerous other initiatives in a humble effort to promote ecological empathy and support those in need.
This interview was recorded at Experience House in Morocco, a collaborative mastermind space where the world's leading experience designers and community builders come together.