ELIZABETH OLDFIELD X ME: How to be Fully Alive in a collapsing world
Oct 8, 2024
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In this insightful conversation, Elizabeth Oldfield, a British coach, author, and broadcaster, explores themes of resilience and spirituality. She reflects on accessing the sacred amid a turbulent world and the moral loneliness many face today. Together, they navigate grief related to climate change, the transformative power of community, and the journey of women in their 40s seeking purpose. Elizabeth emphasizes the importance of embracing discomfort for deeper connections and how love can guide us through life's challenges.
Genuine connections and empathy with others are vital for navigating turbulent times and fostering a collective sense of purpose.
Embracing discomfort is essential for personal growth, allowing individuals to cultivate authenticity and resilience in facing life's uncertainties.
Reframing sin as disconnection shifts focus to love, promoting communal well-being and a more inclusive understanding of relationships.
Deep dives
The Significance of Connection
Connection emerges as a central theme in discussions about what it means to be fully alive. Both individuals emphasize that genuine relationships with others are essential for navigating turbulent times. Connection is not merely about superficial interactions; it involves deep empathy, understanding, and a shared commitment to support one another. Recognizing the inherent value in being interconnected can lead to more fulfilling lives and a collective sense of purpose.
The Power of Discomfort
Discomfort is identified as a vital component of personal growth and learning. Rather than avoiding discomfort through technological comforts or superficial indulgences, embracing it can pave the way for deeper insights and connections. Experiences that challenge our comfort zones often foster resilience and the ability to face life's uncertainties. By confronting discomfort, one can cultivate a greater sense of authenticity and a more profound appreciation for the richness of life.
Reimagining Sin and Love
The conversation explores the concept of sin, not as a moral failing but as a propensity for disconnection and self-centeredness. By shifting the focus to love as a guiding principle, individuals can find a broader, more inclusive understanding of their actions and relationships. This reframing allows for a movement toward union with others and a commitment to communal well-being. Love becomes an anchor that helps navigate the complexities of modern life, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.
Embracing the Journey of Becoming
The notion of constantly evolving into a more authentic self is presented as essential for personal fulfillment. Individuals are encouraged to acknowledge their imperfections while actively seeking ways to grow and contribute to their communities. This journey involves a commitment to continuous learning and a willingness to engage with the challenges that arise. By practicing curiosity and humility, one can cultivate a deeper understanding of their place in the world and their impact on others.
Navigating Hope and Acceptance
As conversations about societal collapse and individual responsibilities grow, the importance of balancing hope with acceptance is highlighted. While maintaining hope for positive change is essential, individuals are urged to confront the realities of their circumstances without becoming paralyzed by despair. This acceptance opens space for action, empowering people to make meaningful contributions within their communities. Ultimately, embracing both hope and acceptance can lead to proactive coexistence and resilience in times of uncertainty.
In this SPECIAL EPISODE British coach, author and broadcaster Elizabeth Oldfield and I sit down in her London intentional community home and interview EACH OTHER on…what is sacred (and how we access it), acedia ( the moral loneliness we feel in turbulent times), how we sit in the grief and despair of things, losing friends to the cause, how to be of service, how to be Fully Alive (the title of her book) and honour This One Wild and Precious Life (mine!).
Elizabeth’s book has been endorsed by Krista Tippett; she’s written and broadcast for the BBC, The Times, and The Economist; was the Director of Theos, the UK’s leading religion and society think tank; and her podcast The Sacred has featured Nick Cave, Jonathan Haidt and an incredible array of spiritualists and existential thinkers. This was a joyous meeting of spirits!