

Forum From the Archives: Travel Writer Pico Iyer Celebrates the Joys of Sitting Still
Feb 17, 2025
Pico Iyer, an acclaimed author and travel writer, shares his transformative journey following the loss of his California home to a wildfire. He discusses his retreat to a Big Sur monastery and the profound healing power of solitude and silence found there. Iyer emphasizes the importance of inner journeys over physical travel, detailing how stillness fosters deeper connections and self-discovery. His new book, "Aflame," reflects on these themes, while personal anecdotes highlight the rejuvenating effects of silence amid modern chaos.
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Intro
00:00 • 2min
Finding Solitude in Chaos
02:15 • 12min
Exploring Inner Journeys and Solitude Amidst Wildfires
13:54 • 4min
Finding Stillness in Connection
17:48 • 14min
The Transformative Power of Silence and Solitude
32:18 • 6min
The Power of Silence and Solitude
38:15 • 12min
The Power of Stillness and Reflection
50:09 • 2min