The Art of Manliness

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The 5 Mountains of Personal Development

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Jul 17, 2024

Guest

Mark Divine

Mark Divine, a retired Navy SEAL commander and leadership professor, shares his expertise on personal development through the metaphor of five mountains. He emphasizes the importance of mastering the physical mountain first and explores techniques like box breathing for enhancing mental clarity. Divine discusses the Japanese concept of ikigai to help listeners find their purpose, along with the role of outdoor fitness in holistic growth. His unique blend of military discipline and mindfulness aims to inspire individuals to climb their personal peaks.

54:47

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ADVICE

Prioritize Self-Improvement

Prioritize self-improvement, even if you're busy.
A little time invested daily can prevent significant problems later.

insights

INSIGHT

Mind-Body Connection

Physical and mental health are intertwined.
Prioritize physical health as a foundation for overall well-being.

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ADVICE

Outdoor Team Training

Exercise outdoors with a team for holistic benefits.
Keep workouts simple, varied, and enjoyable like play.

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The Five Mountains of Personal Growth

02:34 • 18min

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Embracing Outdoor Fitness and Community Engagement

20:18 • 3min

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Unlocking the Path to Personal Development

22:56 • 2min

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Climbing the Mental Mountain: Developing Self-Awareness and Discernment

24:40 • 5min

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Mastering Mindfulness: The Art of Box Breathing

30:06 • 5min

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Harnessing Intuition and Visualization for Personal Growth

35:05 • 21min

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Harnessing Self-Reflection for Personal Growth

55:39 • 5min

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#174

• Mentioned in 72 episodes

Walden

Henry David Thoreau

Published in 1854, 'Walden; Or, Life in the Woods' is a series of 18 essays that reflect Thoreau's experiences living in a small cabin near Walden Pond from July 1845 to September 1847. The book is a personal declaration of independence, a social experiment, and a voyage of spiritual discovery. Thoreau details his life in the woods, discussing the construction of his cabin, his daily activities, and his philosophical reflections on economy, social relations, and the importance of living in harmony with nature. The work is considered a cornerstone of American literature and a foundational text in the Transcendentalist movement, emphasizing the benefits of a simplified lifestyle and the importance of individual freedom and self-reliance.

#79

• Mentioned in 117 episodes

Bhagavad Gita

The Bhagavad Gita is a central text in Hinduism, embedded within the epic Mahabharata. It recounts a dialogue between the warrior-prince Arjuna and his charioteer, Krishna, who is an avatar of the god Vishnu. The text explores themes of dharma (duty), karma (action), and the path to spiritual enlightenment. Krishna advises Arjuna on the importance of performing his duties without attachment to the outcomes, emphasizing the concept of nishkama karma (nonattached action). The Gita synthesizes various strands of Indian religious thought, including Vedic concepts, samkhya yoga, and bhakti (devotion), providing a coherent vision of Hindu philosophy and spiritual practice.

#696

• Mentioned in 27 episodes

The Book of Five Rings is a comprehensive guide to martial arts and strategy written by Miyamoto Musashi. The book is divided into five chapters: The Book of Earth, The Book of Water, The Book of Fire, The Book of Wind, and The Book of the Void. Musashi discusses various aspects of martial arts, including technique, strategy, and the psychological and spiritual dimensions of combat. He emphasizes the importance of practical experience, adaptability, and a deep understanding of one's opponent and the environment. The book is not limited to martial arts but also offers insights into general strategy and leadership, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in these fields.

• Mentioned in 341 episodes

The obstacle is the way

Ryan Holiday

In 'The Obstacle Is the Way', Ryan Holiday presents a framework for turning obstacles into successes. Drawing from the philosophy of Stoicism and the writings of Marcus Aurelius, Holiday outlines three disciplines: perception, action, and will. He illustrates these principles with historical anecdotes from figures such as John D. Rockefeller, Amelia Earhart, Ulysses S. Grant, and Steve Jobs. The book emphasizes the importance of perception in shaping one's response to obstacles, the need for intentional and creative action, and the cultivation of will to persist through challenges. Holiday argues that by adopting these Stoic principles, individuals can transform their obstacles into opportunities for growth and success.

#666

• Mentioned in 28 episodes

Ikigai

The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life

Héctor García

Francesc Miralles

This book delves into the Japanese concept of ikigai, which translates to 'the reason for living' or 'the happiness of always being busy. ' The authors, Héctor García and Francesc Miralles, travel to Okinawa to uncover the secrets behind the longevity and happiness of its residents. Drawing from psychology, spirituality, and philosophy, including concepts like Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s 'flow,' the book provides practical tips and insights on how to find purpose and meaning in life. It emphasizes the importance of staying active, nurturing friendships, living in the moment, and pursuing passions to achieve a long and happy life.

#9362

• Mentioned in 3 episodes

Unbeatable mind

Mark Divine

In 'Unbeatable Mind', Mark Divine shares his philosophy and methods for achieving maximum potential by cultivating mental clarity, concentration, awareness, and leadership skills. The book draws from his experiences as a Navy SEAL and offers practical exercises to help readers overcome challenges and succeed at an elite level.

#9586

• Mentioned in 3 episodes

Staring Down the Wolf

Mark Divine

#6748

• Mentioned in 4 episodes

Uncommon

Mark Divine

The journey of personal development, of becoming a more excellent and extraordinary individual, can sometimes seem a little abstract. That’s why it’s helpful to imagine it as Mark Divine does, as a set of five metaphorical mountains to scale.

Mark is a retired Navy SEAL Commander, a professor of leadership, a yogi, the creator of fitness and mindset programs like SEALFIT and Unbeatable Mind, and an author. He combines his two decades of military service with his study of martial arts and zen meditation to create the holistic warrior monk development philosophy that informs his work, including his latest book, Uncommon: Simple Principles for an Extraordinary Life.

Today on the show, Mark acts as a guide to the topography of the five mountains of personal development and the daily practices that will help you summit them. We talk about why mastering the physical mountain comes first and climbing the intuitional mountain comes fourth, the Navy SEAL breathing practice that will help you develop your metacognition, how the Japanese concept of ikigai can help you find your purpose in life, and much more.

Resources Related to the Podcast

Mark’s previous appearance on the Art of Manliness podcast: Episode #60 — The Way of the SEAL
Box breathing
Unbeatable Mind by Mark Divine
Staring Down the Wolf by Mark Divine
AoM Article: 4 Key Insights From the Bhagavad Gita
AoM Podcast #616: A Guide for the Journey to Your True Calling
Sunday Firesides: You Don’t Have the Time, Not to Take the Time
F3 Nation
Ikigai

Connect With Mark Divine

Uncommon website
Mark’s website
Mark on IG

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