#505: Elizabeth Lesser on Building Omega Institute, ADD (Authenticity Deficit Disorder), and Seeking The Emotion of Illumination

Mar 16, 2021

Elizabeth Lesser, bestselling author and co-founder of Omega Institute, shares her journey through holistic education and personal growth. She discusses the concept of 'Authenticity Deficit Disorder' and how childhood shapes our adult relationships. Lesser reflects on the complexities of communal living and the importance of open communication. Her latest work emphasizes empowering women's narratives and the healing power of storytelling. Tune in for profound insights on grief, spirituality, and the intersection of personal and social change!

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ANECDOTE

Giant Squirrel

Tim Ferriss shares his first experience at Omega Institute, taking a class with Elizabeth Lesser and Olympic weightlifters.
He mistook a groundhog for a giant squirrel, highlighting the unique environment of Omega.

INSIGHT

Mysticism's Pull

Tim Ferriss's interest in mysticism and direct experience led him to Sufi poetry, despite his atheistic background.
This resonates with Elizabeth Lesser's journey, finding answers to life's big questions through spiritual seeking.

ANECDOTE

Shaker Village Origins

Elizabeth Lesser explains the origins of Omega Institute, starting with a Shaker village commune in the Berkshires.
This experiment in communal living served as a foundation for Omega's holistic learning center.

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Tales of the dervishes

Idries Shah

Tales of the Dervishes is a captivating anthology of Sufi tales, legends, and fables collected by Idries Shah from Turkish, Persian, and Arabic sources. The book provides a unique window into Sufi teachings, challenging intellectual assumptions and offering profound insights into human nature. Each story is accompanied by a postscript explaining its origin and significance within Sufi tradition.

A letter of consolation

Henri Nouwen

This book is a deeply personal letter written by Henri Nouwen to his father six months after his mother's death. It explores the meaning of her passing for both of them as Christians, delving into themes of death, loss, and consolation. The letter was initially written during Lent and Easter of 1979 while Nouwen was on sabbatical at The Abbey of the Genesee.

On Grief and Grieving

Finding the Meaning of Grief Through the Five Stages of Loss

Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

David Kessler

This book, written by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and David Kessler, explores the process of grief through the lens of the five stages of loss. It delves into the inner and outer worlds of grief, covering topics such as sadness, hauntings, dreams, isolation, and healing. The authors provide practical advice and share personal stories, emphasizing that grief is highly individual and there is no fixed timeline for the grieving process. The book addresses specific circumstances like suicide, multiple losses, and sudden death, making it a valuable resource for those experiencing loss and those supporting them.

Cassandra Speaks

When Women Are the Storytellers, the Human Story Changes

Elizabeth Lesser

In 'Cassandra Speaks,' Elizabeth Lesser delves into the myths and stories that have shaped our culture, particularly those that have marginalized women. The book is divided into three parts: the first part examines the historical and cultural stories that have influenced our perceptions of women; the second part redefines what it means to be courageous, daring, and strong from a feminine perspective; and the third part offers tools and exercises for inner strength and personal growth. Lesser argues that by changing these stories, we can change our lives and create a more compassionate and equitable world. She draws on her own life experiences, research on gender, and cultural myths to provide a compelling narrative that encourages readers to reclaim their own stories and challenge patriarchal values[1][2][4].

Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior

Book and Card Set (Book & Card Set)

Chögyam Trungpa

This book presents the Shambhala Buddhist vision of Chögyam Trungpa, focusing on the creation of an enlightened society through secular and non-religious approaches. It discusses the importance of meditation, basic goodness, fearlessness, egolessness, and soft-heartedness. The book aims to help individuals establish an enlightened society by living genuinely and compassionately in each moment, and it is grounded in the principles of Tibetan Buddhism while being accessible to people of any or no religious background.

The Tending Instinct

Shelley E. Taylor

Marrow

A Love Story

Elizabeth Lesser

In 'Marrow: A Love Story', Elizabeth Lesser recounts the journey of her sister Maggie's battle with cancer and the need for a bone marrow transplant. Lesser, who is the perfect match, delves into the complexities of their relationship, examining family history, having difficult conversations, and offering forgiveness. The book is a profound exploration of love—love of other, love of self, and love of the world—highlighting how even the most challenging experiences can lead to unexpected spiritual growth and deeper connections.

Broken Open

How Difficult Times Can Help Us Grow

Elizabeth Lesser

In 'Broken Open,' Elizabeth Lesser shares a blend of moving stories, humorous insights, practical guidance, and personal memoir to help readers navigate life’s challenges. The book emphasizes the choice between being broken down by adversity or being 'broken open' and transformed by it. Lesser draws on her own experiences, including divorce and single motherhood, as well as stories from others who have faced significant hardships, to illustrate the 'Phoenix Process' of growth through pain and loss. The book combines spiritual and psychological perspectives to offer readers a path towards wisdom, love, and personal transformation[2][3][4].

The Seeker's Guide

Elizabeth Lesser

In this book, Elizabeth Lesser synthesizes lessons from the world's wisdom traditions and intertwines them with personal anecdotes and meditative exercises. She guides readers through the four landscapes of the spiritual journey: the mind (learning meditation to ease stress and anxiety), the heart (dealing with grief, loss, and pain), the body (healing and overcoming the fear of aging and death), and the soul (experiencing daily life as an adventure of meaning and mystery). The book is designed to help readers create a personal practice, gauge their progress, and choose effective spiritual teachers and habits.