Perennial Wisdom

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribeIn this episode of Perennial Wisdom, we discuss why we often struggle to see ourselves or life clearly, and how to calm restless minds while examining our perceptions and our place in the cosmos. We focus on what it means to “look again” at life—to pause, to notice, and to practice humility and wonder. This episode draws on insights from spiritual teacher Ram Dass, philosopher Socrates, psychologist Adam Grant, and astronomer Carl Sagan.Key TakeawaysWe don’t always see clearly.Humility can foster growth.A broader perspective reveals what truly matters.---  🖇️ Stay Connected: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialMeditations---  🦉 Additional Resources: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archiveListen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribeIn this episode of Perennial Wisdom, we examine an essay from the “Know Thyself” series on The Philosophy of Desire. You can expect to learn about the influence of desire in our daily lives. Why desire often shapes our decisions, self-image, and emotional states. This is volume one of a 10-part series on the art and science of self-awareness. If you’d like access to this series, consider becoming a Perennial Meditations member.Key TakeawaysBuddhism and the roots of sufferingStoicism and the discipline of desireEpicurus on having enoughSt. Thomas Aquinas on human desire---  🖇️ Stay Connected: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialMeditations---  🦉 Additional Resources: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archiveListen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribeToday, on this Sunday edition of Perennial Wisdom, we are turning to the pre-Socratic philosopher Heraclitus, who famously said,No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it is not the same river and he is not the same man. — FragmentsHeraclitus believed that everything and everyone is in a constant state of change. While this idea might seem unsettling, he presents it not as a threat but as a vital key. To live well, we must live with change, not against it.When Heraclitus wandered through the ancient streets of Ionia in the 6th century BCE, he was known not for power or prestige, but for speaking in paradoxes. His fragments are short and cryptic, yet they reveal wisdom. He saw what many refused to see: that stability is an illusion, and becoming is the ground of all being. “Everything flows; nothing stands still,” he stressed. [...]---  🖇️ Stay Connected: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialMeditations---  🦉 Additional Resources: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archiveListen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribeIn this episode of Perennial Wisdom, we discuss the timeless truths shared across cultures and traditions that guide us in cultivating a life well-lived. Rather than chasing life hacks, quick fixes, or fleeting trends, expect to learn why perennial wisdom invites us to slow down and return to what truly matters: cultivating character and finding meaning beyond ourselves.Key TakeawaysTimeless truths about human nature and the good lifeThe importance of cultivating inner clarity and characterWhy these enduring insights still matter today---  🖇️ Stay Connected: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialMeditations---  🦉 Additional Resources: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archiveListen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

Discover the transformative power of humility through St. Benedict's teachings. Far from being a sign of weakness, humility is framed as a path to self-awareness and inner peace. Explore how his Rule of life emphasizes prayer, work, and stability, providing timeless wisdom for contemporary seekers. St. Benedict's life during a chaotic era becomes a backdrop for a discussion that resonates with anyone looking to cultivate a deeper spiritual practice.

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribeToday, on this Sunday edition of Perennial Wisdom, we turn to one of the great pillars of Western philosophy—Plato—and his vision of the Good. Not just goodness in the moral sense but the ultimate source of truth, beauty, and being.Plato held that each human soul is inherently attracted to something ultimate. Though we might not always be conscious of it, beneath our pursuits for success, pleasure, approval, or knowledge lies a deeper desire—a longing for what is most real, whole, and divine.Writing in 4th-century BCE Athens, Plato watched his teacher Socrates face execution for asking questions and “corrupting the youth.” From this injustice, Plato dedicated his life to awakening the soul, proving that truth and goodness are more than mere ideals. [...]---  🖇️ Stay Connected: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialMeditations---  🦉 Additional Resources: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archiveListen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

Explore the healing potential of philosophy as it offers guidance toward clarity and inner freedom. Ancient traditions like Stoicism and Buddhism are highlighted for their emphasis on self-examination and alignment of thoughts with values. Discover how philosophy differs from psychological therapy in addressing the quest for meaning, aiding in the navigation of moral confusion and existential dilemmas. This discussion invites listeners to reflect on their personal growth and the transformative power of philosophical insights.

Discover the timeless wisdom of monastic life and how it can transform modern living. Learn to cultivate silence and embrace simplicity to combat distraction in today’s fast-paced world. The significance of small acts of service is emphasized, showcasing how they can create meaningful connections. Reflect on how individual encounters can enrich daily life, grounding you in love rather than isolation. This exploration invites you to incorporate these ancient principles into your life for deeper personal growth.

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribeIn this episode of Perennial Wisdom, my guest is Shane Trotter (author of Setting the Bar). In our conversation, Shane and I explore the complexities of character development, focusing on themes such as responsibility, discipline, and societal context. We also discuss the challenges of balancing personal and professional responsibilities, the importance of clarity in priorities, the distinction between duty and obligation, and much more. Key TakeawaysHow to see responsibility as a gift instead of a burden.The difference between duty and obligation.Why discipline and responsibility are interconnected.---  🖇️ Stay Connected: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods---  🦉 Additional Resources: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archiveListen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribeIn this episode of Perennial Wisdom, my guest is Prof. Dean Rickles, the author of Life is Short: An Appropriately Brief Guide to Making it More Meaningful. Dean is a professor of history and philosophy of modern physics at the University of Sydney, where he is also the director of the Sydney Centre for Time. ***Rebroadcast: This episode was recorded on March 22, 2023.  Key TakeawaysWhy the shortness of life is what makes it meaningfulOvercoming the fear of deathSeneca’s influence on the bookThe need for uncertaintyHow to connect with the future youDiscerning our path in life and much more---  🖇️ Stay Connected: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods---  🦉 Additional Resources: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archiveListen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts