Raghu Markus, co-author of their new book, joins Duncan for deep conversations on identity, interconnectedness, and letting go of preferences. They also discuss the power of awareness and mindfulness, the ineffable experience, and creative endeavors. Listen to their audiobook 'From the Movie of Me to the Movie of We' and explore their insights on managing seasonal challenges and the current state of the world. Plus, discover the benefits of chanting, microdosing THC, and using Square Space for website creation.
Recognizing and changing selfish patterns leads to fulfillment and contentment.
Adopting a compassionate approach towards others fosters interconnectedness and reduces polarization.
Embracing discomfort and reflecting on biases allow personal and societal growth.
Deep dives
The realization that we can change and become less selfish
In this podcast episode, the hosts discuss their own experiences of being selfish and self-centered. They talk about the realization that the pursuit of personal gratification and success is not fulfilling and that it leads to feelings of emptiness and unhappiness. They emphasize the importance of mindfulness and awareness in recognizing our own selfish patterns and the motivation to change and become more equanimous and content. They discuss the benefits of letting go of the fixation on the self and finding a sense of interconnectivity and service to others.
The polarization and division in the world
The hosts delve into the current state of polarization and division in society, particularly with regards to political and social issues. They talk about the impact of this polarization on individuals and how it fosters a sense of separation and fear. They emphasize the need to move away from a mindset of taking sides and seeing everything in terms of right or wrong. Instead, they suggest adopting a more open-hearted and compassionate approach towards others, recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings.
Embracing discomfort and expanding our capacity for compassion
The hosts discuss the importance of embracing discomfort and challenging habitual patterns of thinking and behavior. They highlight the value of being able to sit with discomfort and not running away from it. By doing so, they explain, we can cultivate a greater capacity for compassion and understanding. They reference examples from Indian culture and traditions, where discomfort is seen as an opportunity for growth and transformation. They advocate for a willingness to engage with discomfort and reflect on one's biases and attachments, paving the way for personal and societal change.
Letting go of preferences and embracing the present moment
One of the main ideas discussed in this podcast episode is the importance of letting go of preferences and embracing the present moment. The speaker explains that being attached to how we think things should go can lead to stress and frustration. Instead, by letting go of our preferences, we can find humor in the unpredictable nature of life and stop taking things so seriously. This shift in mindset allows us to stop feeling disrespected or offended if things don't go our way, and instead find beauty in accepting things as they are.
Understanding reification and the power of devotion
Another key point discussed in the podcast is the concept of reification and the power of devotion. Reification refers to the tendency to make things more concrete or real than they naturally are. The speaker explains that reification can lead to anxiety, fear, stubbornness, and other negative emotions. By understanding reification, we can gain awareness of how we solidify our perceptions and narratives, often creating suffering for ourselves. On the other hand, devotion is described as the willingness to give our heart to something completely, engaging with life with deep love, loyalty, and generosity of spirit. Devotion can help us realize our aspirations, bring satisfaction and fulfillment, and play a crucial role in transforming our inner and outer worlds.