What is a Good Life?

Ruth McCarthy, founder of Think It Through and Global Faculty at Time to Think, explores the transformative power of uninterrupted attention. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and emotional expression in personal growth. Through attentive listening, she believes we can navigate life's complexities and improve relationships. Ruth also discusses the significance of being present, challenging limiting assumptions, and the responsibility of being a 'good ancestor' in today’s world, fostering connections that lead to a fulfilling life.

On the 107th episode of What is a Good Life? podcast, I am delighted to introduce our guest, Ben Bushill. Ben is a writer, spoken word artist and ceremony holder. His passion is the remembrance and sanctification of our human lives as we try to understand our place and our belonging in the vast unfolding web of existence. In his work as a poet he aims to bring us to the place where we can be grateful and humble before the truth of our undeniable vulnerability and humanity. His ceremonial work with marriages, memorials, ritual and circles of wise love is a way for us to feel and honour the key moments of our lives beyond ideas of religion or alignment. He has been a student of a Sufi mystery school for the last twenty years and is currently setting the foundations for the establishment of a new school. In this enlightening conversation, Ben shares his journey of balancing the divine and the ordinary, alongside his ongoing inquiry into how he will meet each day. We explore the paradox of being deeply connected to life yet alone, the softening of the heart, and the link between vulnerability, the unknown, and aliveness. We also discuss the expression of our essence in shaping our purpose and the challenges of being human, all the while holding onto the hand of love.This conversation feels like a love letter to the human experience, embracing its struggles while celebrating its wonder. I suspect it will leave you feeling more at home in your own life.For further content and information check out the following:- Ben's website: https://www.benbushill.com/- For the What is a Good Life? podcast's YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@whatisagoodlife/videos- My newsletter: https://www.whatisagood.life/- My LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-mccartney-14b0161b4/- The Silent Conversations: https://www.whatisagood.life/p/the-silent-conversationsContact me at mark@whatisagood.life if you'd like to explore your own lines of self-inquiry through 1-on-1 coaching, take part in my 5-week Silent Conversation group courses, discuss experiences I create to stimulate greater trust, communication, and connection, amongst your leadership teams, or you simply want to get in touch.00:00 Introduction03:00 How do I meet this day?07:30 Balancing the divine and ordinary sense of life11:58 The paradox of being alone and connected17:40 The tenderising of the human heart24:40 The vulnerability of the unknown28:20 The love of your own essence36:00 The longing of your soul 40:30 Vulnerability and aliveness43:00 Your purpose is your essence51:40 Navigating the paradox58:30 Embracing the symphony of life1:00:40 What is a good life for Ben?

In this enlightening conversation, cognitive neuroscientist Mona Sobhani shares her journey of reconnecting with a meaningful universe. She discusses finding inner peace amid chaos and the role of synchronicity in shaping our paths. Mona reflects on emotional resilience during a life-threatening wildfire and explores the authenticity of spiritual practices in modern life. The dialogue further delves into reincarnation and past life experiences, blending science and spirituality to uncover deeper truths about consciousness and emotional healing.

Colin Smith, known as The Listener, is a seasoned expert in deep listening and mindful communication. In this engaging conversation, he delves into the transformative power of genuine listening in strengthening relationships and combating loneliness. Colin shares insights on how being present and curious can enhance interactions. He emphasizes that small acts of kindness can uplift connections and reflects on the importance of vulnerability in authentic communication. Listeners will gain practical tips on cultivating a more compassionate approach to conversations.

In this heartfelt discussion, Karen Maurice-O’Leary, an award-winning brand storyteller and wellbeing leadership speaker, opens up about her journey through grief after losing her husband. She shares how a missed final meal inspired her to create The Bolognese Philosophy, emphasizing the importance of being present in life's fleeting moments. Karen explores the duality of beauty and sorrow, the dangers of tying self-worth to success, and the necessity of meaningful relationships. This conversation invites listeners to cherish the fragility of life and embrace both joy and pain.

In this conversation with Nathan Kinch, a sociotechnology ethicist and organizational designer, listeners explore the profound journey from emotional suppression to authentic living. Nathan candidly shares his struggles with long COVID and how it intertwines with mental health, emphasizing holistic healing. He discusses the significance of embracing vulnerability and emotional expression, including the cathartic power of crying. This dialogue about self-acceptance and integrating all aspects of identity offers valuable insights for anyone navigating their own journey of self-discovery.

Nadjeschda Taranczewski, a Master of Psychology and Master Certified Coach, dives into the essence of building conscious collectives. She emphasizes the need for safe spaces that encourage aloneness in togetherness and the importance of embracing vulnerability. Nadja discusses how understanding emotions and establishing clear boundaries can deepen connections in communities. Through sharing personal stories and emphasizing storytelling, she illustrates the power of collective experiences in fostering unity and enhancing resilience.

Patrick Boland, a leadership consultant and psychotherapist, offers profound insights on navigating life's seasons. He emphasizes shifting from a busy, frantic existence to one filled with moments of meaningful connection. Patrick highlights the illusion of control and the beauty found in embracing life's uncertainties. Through personal stories, he shares the importance of self-reflection, cultivating compassion, and savoring intimate moments. This conversation invites listeners to let go and authentically engage with their journey.

In this enlightening conversation, Cormac Russell, a social explorer and author, shares his extensive experience in community development across 35 countries. He reflects on the importance of shifting from 'doing' to 'being', emphasizing genuine solidarity over misguided self-help efforts. Cormac challenges the idea of individualism, advocating for recognizing the interconnectedness of communities. He also encourages listeners to channel their emotions into meaningful actions, ultimately awakening to the deeper value of community connections.

On the 99th episode of What is a Good Life? podcast, I am delighted to introduce our guest, Darcia Narvaez. Darcia is Professor Emerita of Psychology at the University of Notre Dame, and Fellow of the American Psychological Association, American Educational Research Association, Association for Psychological Science, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. She uses an interdisciplinary approach to studying evolved morality, child development and human flourishing. Her most recent books include Restoring the Kinship Worldview, and The Evolved Nest: Nature’s Way of Raising Children and Creating Connected Communities. Her book, Neurobiology and the Development of Human Morality: Evolution, Culture and Wisdom won the 2015 William James Book Award from the American Psychological Association and the 2017 Expanded Reason Award. Her recent short films are Breaking the Cycle, The Evolved Nest, and Reimagining Humanity. She hosts the webpage EvolvedNest.org and serves as president of KindredWorld.org.In this enlightening conversation, Darcia shares her journey to creating The Evolved Nest, a concept that integrates insights from child development, parenting, and adult behaviour. We discuss reconnecting with our natural rhythms, engaging with the world around us, fostering welcoming social environments, embracing play, and allowing the spirit of both children and adults to flow freely.This conversation is a wonderful invitation to reconnect with our primal wisdom, reflect on how we disconnect from it, and learn how to create the nurturing environments we need to thrive.For further content and information check out the following:- Darcia's Newsletter: https://darcianarvaez.substack.com/- The Evolved Nest YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolvedNest- The Evolved Nest website: https://evolvednest.org/- For the What is a Good Life? podcast's YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@whatisagoodlife/videos- My newsletter: https://www.whatisagood.life/- My LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-mccartney-14b0161b4/Contact me at mark@whatisagood.life if you'd like to explore your own lines of self-inquiry through 1-on-1 coaching, take part in my weekly free silent conversations, discuss experiences I create to stimulate greater trust, communication, and connection, amongst your leadership teams, or you simply want to get in touch.00:00 Introduction03:11 What is wrong with the world?07:51 The path to The Evolved Nest10:26 Soothing Perinatal Experiences 12:41 Disconnecting from our natural rhythms16:41 The wonder of nature and breastfeeding21:51 A welcoming social climate26:10 Embracing joy and wise teachers 30:11 Play and experimenting 33:11 Wisdom and wildness37:13 Punishment and connection to spirit40:11 Minimising babies’ needs and work46:31 The need for multiple nurturers and mentors48:51 Nature and immersion with landscape55:13 Restorative healing practices1:01:49 What is a good life for Darcia?