The Courageous Life

Yesterday we released a moving Courageous Life conversation with Juliana Tafur.Juliana is a journalist, award winning documentary filmmaker, and bridge builder. She serves as the Program Director for the Greater Good Science Center’s Bridging Differences initiative. During our time together she shared shared some of her story, and insights from her incredible work as we explored the art and science of listening in ways that lead to: Meaningful connectionDeeper relationshipsAnd ultimately that build bridges across difference. Today I’d like build on that conversation and dig further into how we can find ways to connect. Particularly when it’s difficult.Given that we’re human, imperfect, and not always at our best (at least speaking for myself) this idea of finding ways to connect when it’s difficult, when we are in conversations that are charged, or there’s reactivity etc…Can be quite a useful inquiry to explore. Today's practice will infuse a blend of storytelling, research backed insights from leading organizational scholars, and simple ways to deepen self-awareness and tap into more empathy, understanding, and compassion.For more ways to have constructive conversations, including insights and practices for connecting across difference, check out the conversation with Juliana Tafur (if you haven't already):Building Bridges Back to Each Other | Juliana TafurLearn more about Juliana's award winning documentary Listen at listencourageously.comThank you for your practice. I look forward to continuing together next Thursday!-JoshuaWant these practices delivered via text? If you are located in the U.S. text the word COURAGE to 805-430-6801 to join Joshua's text community and you'll get a text once/week with a link directly to the practice. Looking for more practice opportunities? Check out:Free Meditation Events - 60 minute community gatherings with Joshua held 2x a month over zoom.The Practice Pass - An annual membership that gives you on-demand access to robust practice experiences including the 28-Day Practicing Courage Challenge and The 5-Day Transforming Stress Challenge. Past Practicing Courage episodes in the podcast feedThe FREE Practice LibrarySupport the show

How does it feel to be seen? What is it like to be listened to in a way that you feel deeply understood? How often have you listened to others in this way? And, how often have you been listened to like this? In his book, Caring Enough to Confront, David Augsberger writes:"Being heard is so close to being loved that for the average person they are almost indistinguishable."During our time together Juliana Tafur shared this beautiful quote with me as we explored the art and science of listening in ways that lead to meaningful connection, deeper relationships, understanding, empathy, and compassion. And ultimately how we can build bridges across difference. In this beautiful and practical conversation Juliana will share some of her story, insights from her work as a journalist, documentary filmmaker, and Program Director for the Greater Good Science Center’s Bridging Differences Program. Highlights include:A framework for compassionate listeningThe importance of giving ourselves and others grace while engaging in the imperfect and messy process of constructive dialogueWhy opening the heart across difference begins with tuning into selfDiscerning when to engage in constructive dialogue and when it’s safer, and wiser, not to. The power of asking questions from a place of genuine curiosityLetting go of winning as a fundamental practice of effective listeningWhy listening is an act of courageThe importance of recognizing and appreciating complexity in other people’s stories, and lived experiences Ways to quiet the ego in tough conversations including recognizing our common humanityIf you find today’s conversation intriguing check out the Bridging Differences Program at the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley as they offer a a lot of free resources including the Bridging Differences Playbook. Did you find this episode inspiring? Here are other conversations we think you'll love:Rediscovering the art of constructive dialogue | Dr. Mylien DuongPracticing the art of principled rebellion | Dr. Todd KashdanIs curiosity a superpower? | Dr. Jud BrewerMore about Juliana:Juliana Tafur is the program director for GGSC’s Bridging Differences Program, applying her experience as social entrepreneur and founder of Listen Courageously, and as Emmy-nominated senior television producer and award-winning documentary filmmaker. Juliana creates resources rooted in science to bridge political and cultural divides. She also forges strategic partnerships across sectors—government, education, philanthropy, and public service—and oversees communities of practice, to ensure bridge-building skills and resources reach people and strengthen social cohesion across the US. As a Colombian-American devoted to listening to bridge what divides us (as seen on her TEDx talk), fostering a broader culture of belonging—through dialogue, connections, and understanding—is her life’s mission.Support the show

In yesterday’s Courageous Life episode with Dr. Todd Kashdan, the author ofThe Art of Insubordination, we unpacked the recipe for what he calls, principled rebellion:A courageous practice of going against the stream, Challenging conformity and questioning conventional ideas.But doing so from a place of heart. Rebelling in ways that are generative as opposed to destructive. Along these lines, Todd offered practical research-backed insights into how we can dissent in ways that lead to:Being heard, Making change, And effectively defying an unhealthy status quo.  As part of our conversation we explored the courage it takes to be a principled rebel, including how these moments, when we push back against conformity, often bring with them a good deal of discomfort.Today’s practice will hone in on a simple way we can get better at skillfully working with discomfort. And how doing so can be part of our preparation to speak up and push back with courage, wisdom, and heart, When it matters. For more ways to dissent and defy effectively check out the conversation with Todd Kashdan (if you haven't already):Practicing the Art of Principled Rebellion | Dr. Todd KashdanOr  pick up a copy of his book: The Art of Insubordination: How to Dissent and Defy EffectivelyThank you for your practice. I look forward to continuing together next Thursday!-JoshuaWant these practices delivered via text? If you are located in the U.S. text the word courage to 805-430-6801 to join Joshua's text community and you'll get a text once/week with a link directly to the practice. Looking for more practice opportunities? Check out:Free Meditation Events - 60 minute community gatherings with Joshua held 2x a month over zoom.The Practice Pass - An annual membership that gives you on-demand access to robust practice experiences including the 28-Day Practicing Courage Challenge and The 5-Day Transforming Stress Challenge. Past Practicing Courage episodes in the podcast feedThe FREE Practice LibrarySupport the show

For ideas to evolve and societies to progress, Dr. Todd Kashdan argues it's vital to cultivate principled rebels. Those who who are willing to go against the stream, to challenge conformity and question conventional ideas,But to do so from a place of heart - to practice rebellion in ways that are generative (vs. destructive). This type of authentic insubordination is fueled by  a motivation to contribute to the greater good.Today Todd and I will dive deep into themes from his book, The Art of Insubordination, as we explore the recipe for principled rebellion. Highlights from our conversation include:The importance of growing a wide range of psychological resourcesThe ingredients of principled rebellion: deviance, authenticity, contribution, and social pressureStrategies for influencing the majority (when in the minority) including inviting curiosity vs. inciting fearWhy being open about experiencing discomfort reduces defensiveness, increases compassion, and helps rebellious ideas to be heard. Ways to skillfully work with feelings that arise when trying to rebelCreating the conditions for dissent, critical thinking, and productive conversationsWhy dissent is the ultimate protection against conformity mistakesThe importance of creating mechanisms for gathering diverse voicesLessons from Nelson Mandela  on winning graciously**Please note: In this conversation Todd shares a personal story of experiencing suicidal thoughts, and how he moved through this experience to the other side. There is a possibility that some listeners may find parts of this episode triggering. Please listen at your own discretion and in a caring and supportive way for you. If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health issues, including those related to suicide please reach out for help. The International Association for Suicide Prevention is one organization that offers lots of free support, helplines, and resources globally. More at: https://www.iasp.info/ Did you find this episode inspiring? Here are other conversations we think you'll love:Rediscovering the Art of Constructive Dialogue | Dr. Mylien DuongMoving from Fear to Love | James Doty and Jacinta JiménezMore about Todd:Todd Kashdan is among the world’s top experts on the psychology of well-being, psychological strengths, mental agility, and social relationships. His research has been featured in hundreds of media outlets, including Harvard Business Review, The New York Times, Fast Company, and Forbes. Over 5 million readers enjoy his Psychology Today blog and Provoked Newsletter. Todd is the author of five books including The Art of Insubordination. Todd founded the Well-Being Lab at George Mason University which has produced over 225 peer-reviewed journal articles. He is among the top 1% most cited scientists in the world. For more please visit toddkashdan.comSupport the show

When I was first learning to be a coach we had a saying before stepping into a coaching conversation:Leave your assumptions at the door and embrace curiosity. In reality we often know SO little about someone’s experience, and about their story.And when we recognize that, what seems to make the most sense is to get curious.To ask questions,And to listen deeply. In yesterday's episode with Dr. Jonah Paquette which took a dive into the depths of awe and wonder he offered a beautiful reminder of the power of curiosity. And that reminder is the inspiration for today’s practice which centers around finding ways to let go of your assumptionsAnd to choose learning over knowing. If you want to dive deeper into this topic I would encourage you to check out the interview with Jonah Paquette (if you haven't already):Awe, Wonder, and Everyday Miracles | Dr. Jonah PaquetteOr  pick up a copy of his book: Awestruck: How Embracing Wonder Can Make You Happier, Healthier, and More Connected.  Thank you for your practice. I look forward to continuing together next Thursday!-JoshuaWant these practices delivered via text? If you are located in the U.S. text the word courage to 805-430-6801 to join Joshua's text community and you'll get a text once/week with a link directly to the practice. Looking for more practice opportunities? Check out:Free Meditation Events - 60 minute community gatherings with Joshua held 2x a month over zoom.The Practice Pass - An annual membership that gives you on-demand access to robust practice experiences including the 28-Day Practicing Courage Challenge and The 5-Day Transforming Stress Challenge. Past Practicing Courage episodes in the podcast feedThe FREE Practice LibrarySupport the show

What do you feel when you gaze up at the Milky Way, take in a beautiful sunset, stand before a mountain that seems impossibly high, or witness an extraordinary act of courage, kindness, or love?Often, it's a profound sense of awe - the overwhelming feeling we experience when we encounter something vast that transcends our understanding. In his book Awestruck,  clinician, researcher, and multi-time author, Dr. Jonah Paquette, reminds us that awe-inspiring moments are all around us.Ranging from the grand to the commonplace, its these moments that hold part of the key to living a deeply fulfilling life.Today, Jonah and I will dive into a wide ranging conversation about the life-changing potential of awe.Together we'll explore:How this powerful emotion can help alleviate some of the struggles in our daily lives, including stress, and social isolation.How awe can help us more effectively navigate polarization and division as we find the curiosity and compassion to build bridges across difference.The groundbreaking science behind awe including how it impacts our brain and nervous system. Powerful insights into the effects of awe and how it can transform life in flashbulb moments.Moving stories of people who inspire awe.Simple practices aimed at bringing more wonder, curiosity, empathy, and courage into our lives.If you want to dive deeper into the topic of Awe I  would highly encourage you to check out Jonah’s book Awestruck: How Embracing Wonder Can Make You Happier, Healthier, and More Connected.  Did you find today's episode inspiring? Please share with friends!Here are other conversations we think you'll love:The Transformative Power of Humility | Dr. Daryl Van TongerenThe Key to Resilience, Growth, and Possibility | Sharon Salzberg and Dr. Barbara Fredrickson. More about Jonah:Jonah Paquette is a clinical psychologist, author, and keynote speaker specializing in the science of well-being and the promotion of emotional fitness for individuals, teams, and organizations. Jonah conducts keynote presentations with top organizations throughout the world, and teaches skills for well-being so that individuals and organizations can flourish. He is the author of four books. Prior to his career as a speaker and trainer, Jonah spent over a decade working in healthcare leadership at Kaiser Permanente. For more, please visit jonahpaquette.comSupport the show

On the heels of a powerful conversation with Dr. Emma Seppala we are re-releasing this Practicing Courage episode (originally #4) as it aligns intimately with the themes Emma and I explored together. Perhaps none more important than Sovereignty, which is the topic of Emma's beautiful new book: Sovereign. She defines Sovereignty as: Our innate human capacity for being resilient regardless of the chaos that life brings and for staying true to oneself and intentional regardless of outside influences. Part of staying true to oneself involves the practice of intentionally letting go of what no longer serves us. Today's practice will explore how to let go as you are introduced you to the work of Dr. Jud Brewer. You'll learn more about how we can leverage knowledge of how our brains work, the latest science of habit change, and a blend of curiosity and kindness, to ultimately let go of ways of thinking and behaving that no are no longer helpful or beneficial in the pursuit of what we care about most.Thank you for your practice!Did you find today's practice valuable? Remember, courage is contagious. If you know someone who would benefit from today’s practice please share. All practices can be found for free in our Practice Library. Access the library here: https://www.practicingcourage.com/join-libraryInterested in taking a deeper dive into practices that support greater calm, clarity, courage, and meaningful connection?We created The Practice Pass, an annual membership that gives you access to all of this dynamic original content including both live and on-demand learning experiences.If you sign up up for the Practice Pass you’ll receive:Existing on-demand meditation challenges: The Practicing Courage ChallengeThe 5-Day Transforming Stress Challenge3 NEW live challenges each year. Learn more and register for the pass here: https://www.practicingcourage.com/signup-practice-passCurious to explore this topic further? Here are some conversations on the podcast we think you'll love:Dr. Emma Seppälä - Reclaiming Our Freedom, Energy, and PowerDr. Jud Brewer - Is Curiosity a Superpower?Dr. Jud Brewer - Harnessing Neuroscience to Change Habits and Find HappinessTil next Thursday,-JoshuaSupport the show

There is an internal freedom and a relationship with yourself so profoundly life-supportive and energizing that you access your fullest potential. This is sovereignty. Our innate human capacity for being resilient regardless of the chaos that life brings and for staying true to oneself and intentional regardless of outside influences. In her beautiful, and empowering new book: Sovereign: Reclaim Your Freedom, Energy, and Power in a Time of Distraction, Uncertainty, and Chaos.Dr. Emma Seppälä reminds us:Sovereignty is our birthright and it's what we can all have if we know how.Today we'll unpack how, as we take a deep dive into human potential and our capacity for Sovereignty.In today's conversation Emma will share:Moving stories about people she’s come across who have found sovereignty in the face of immense challenges and adversities and what she’s learned from them about resilience, inner freedom, and personal power.Her own story about a brush with death and finding sovereignty as a resultWhat keeps us from experiencing sovereignty - what Emma calls the bound state and different forms this can takeWhy finding sovereignty is really an act of reclaiming our innate strength and wisdom that is there from childhoodFoundational qualities for sovereignty including having a caring relationship with oneself, cultivating awareness, and choosing courage. Practices that can support sovereignty including meditation, breathing, and reflecting on our relationship triggers, How leaders can foster cultures that support sovereignty at work and how doing so can drive innovation and creativity. What she's learned about the importance of intuition, listening to your gut, and having the courage to follow your heart. If you want to dig in to this topic - I  would highly encourage you to pre-order a copy of Sovereign or pick it up when it comes out on April 23rd, 2024. You can find everything about the book, and some wonderful resources Emma has generously put together at iamsov.comDid you find this episode inspiring? Please share with friends! If you enjoyed this conversation, here are others we think you'll love:Neuroscience, spirituality, and the quest for an inspired life | Dr. Lisa MillerUnlocking the mindset of a champion | Shane O'SullivanMore about Emma: Emma Seppälä, Ph.D., is a best-selling author, Yale lecturer, and international keynote speaker, Seppälä teaches executives at the Yale School of Management and is faculty director of the Yale School of Management’s Women’s Leadership Program. A psychologist and research scientist by training, her expertise is the science of happiness, emotional intelligence, and social connection. Her best-selling book The Happiness Track has been translated into dozens of languages. Seppälä is also the Science Director of Stanford University’s Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education. For more please visit: emmaseppala.comSupport the show

To fail is human.It’s built into our experience from childhood.We begin to walk and we fall.We begin a project, we work toward a goal, or we start a business and we may fail.We experience these moments -When we are engaged in learning, When we are moving toward something we care about And we come up short.And in these moments there is an opportunity for practice -Learning to relate to these moments from a place curiosity, care, and compassion (vs. criticism, blame, and judgment).In my recent conversation with Amy Edmondson we dove into the topic of failure and explored this opportunity under the backdrop of larger questions:How do we stay open to learning in the face of failure?How do we stay open in the moments where we come up short? Today’s practice offers some options for opening that build upon the conversation with Amy and the insights that came out of it, including:An invitation to slow downTo breathe deeplyAnd to make an intentional shift to curiosity, awareness, and compassion.When you do, it may just open up more opportunities for learning, growth, and getting better next time. If you want to dive deeper into this topic I would encourage you to check out the interview with Amy Edmondson (if you haven't already):Meeting Failure with Curiosity and Compassion | Dr. Amy EdmondsonOr  pick up a copy of her book: Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing WellThank you for your practice. I look forward to continuing together next Thursday!-JoshuaWant these practices delivered via text? If you are located in the U.S. text the word courage to 805-430-6801 to join Joshua's text community and you'll get a text once/week with a link directly to the practice. Looking for more practice opportunities? Check out:Free Meditation Events - 60 minute community gatherings with Joshua held 2x a month over zoom.The Practice Pass - An annual membership that gives you on-demand access to robust practice experiences including the 28-Day Practicing Courage Challenge and The 5-Day Transforming Stress Challenge. Past Practicing Courage episodes in the podcast feedThe FREE Practice LibrarySupport the show

Failure is an experience that is deeply embedded into our lives. As we learn to walk we fall. As we learn to ride a bike we (usually) fall again. And yet even though it is so familiar, so intertwined with our journey through life, not all failure is created equal. Which brings up important questions:How do we fail well? What are the crucial distinctions that might help us separate good failure from bad?How do we learn to identify when failure is our friend, and prevent most of it when it is not? These bigger questions about failing wisely are at the core of the conversation today. Dr. Amy Edmondson is back on the show and together we’ll explore:How we can stay open to learning from failure at the individual and team levelHow leaders can create the conditions for learning in the face of failures. The importance of curiosity before blame - and a simple way to practice itThe reasons why most failures are not blameworthy and yet that is often the knee jerk reaction in organizationsThe three types of failure and how diagnosing failure type can lead to learning and preventing further failure.Painful emotions that can arise in the face of failure, and the importance of compassion, vulnerability, and giving ourselves permission to be human. Why failure is not an equal opportunity proposition, and her vision for a world where everyone has equal license to fail intelligently. Some of Amy's reflections on the importance of play, having fun, experimenting, taking risks, trying new things, and why practicing in low stakes situations has tremendous upside when it comes to getting better at failing. Interested in diving deeper into Amy’s work around failure? Check out her new book: Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well Did you find this episode inspiring? Here are other conversations we think you'll love:Giving Everyone Permission to Feel | Dr. Marc BrackettCreating Fearless Organizations | Dr. Amy EdmondsonMore about Amy Edmondson:Ranked #1 on the latest Thinkers50 ranking of the world’s most influential management thinkers Amy C. Edmondson is the Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management at the Harvard Business School, a chair established to support the study of human interactions that lead to the creation of successful enterprises that contribute to the betterment of society. She is the author of 7 books and over 60 scholarly papers. She is a sought-after keynote speaker with a worldwide following. For more visit amycedmondson.comEnjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen! Thanks!For more information about coaching, mentoring, and the latest events with Joshua please visit: joshuasteinfeldt.comSupport the show