Perennial Wisdom

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In this episode of In Search of Wisdom, my guest is Ben Aldridge, author of the new book Seriously Happy. Ben has spoken to audiences worldwide, encouraging others to build resilience by stepping outside their comfort zones in various ways. His writing and methods are inspired by ancient philosophy and modern psychology. You can learn more about Ben and his work at BenAldridge.com.Key Takeaways:What Socrates can teach us about critical thinking.How Buddhism can help us be more resilient.The power of writing a setback diary.Why the concept of impermanence can help create mental toughness.---  🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods---  🦉 Additional Resources Related to the Podcast: 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/subscribe In this episode of In Search of Wisdom, my guest is Leslie Stein, the author of Becoming Whole: Jung’s Equation for Realizing God. Prof. Stein is a Jungian analyst and graduate of the C.G. Jung Institute of New York and is in private practice in Sydney, Australia. Today’s episode is a rebroadcast. Since we’re exploring Carl Jung’s ideas for ‘Reading and the Good Life’ this month (our Book Club for the Perennial Meditations newsletter), I thought it would be a good time to share it. Key Takeaways:The meaning of IndividuationObstacles to understanding the ‘Self’Why we ‘seek wisdom’ The role of the ‘Ego’ in daily life ---  🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods---  🦉 Additional Resources Related to the Podcast: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archiveListen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

Delve into Stoic philosophy as it tackles the challenges of blame and external judgment. The discussion emphasizes that our perceptions shape our reactions, encouraging a shift from criticism to self-improvement. Explore how compassionate responses can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and enhance the art of living.

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe When you look up the word happiness, it's usually defined as “the state of being happy” or “a state of well-being and contentment.” But what does it actually mean to ‘be’ happy in everyday life? Strangely, it's a more challenging question than one might think. On this episode of In Search of Wisdom, I share a meditation from our upcoming course, Happiness & the Meaning of Life (beginning 19 September). This 10-week philosophical study explores happiness and the art of living a meaningful life. Some of the lessons we’ll cover are “The Science of Well-Being,” “A Buddhist Guide to Happiness,” “Saying ‘Yes’ to Life,” and others.Today, I share a portion of a meditation titled Being and Becoming. Some of you who are longtime subscribers may remember a meditation titled The Art of Being Where You Are. But what if ‘being’ is only one side of the equation? Wisdom traditions also stress the idea of ‘becoming’ who we are. One might ask, “What is more important, being or becoming?” […]---  🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods---  🦉 Additional Resources Related to the Podcast: 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/subscribe In this episode of In Search of Wisdom, my guest is Dr. Daniel McInerny, author of the new book Beauty and Imitation. Dr. McInerny is an associate professor and chair of the philosophy department at Christendom College, as well as a novelist and dramatist. In the conversation, we discuss the wisdom of imitation, the art of contemplation, the way of beauty, and much more.Key Takeaways:The connection between humility and art.Why it’s possible to ‘fail to see’ objective beauty.How ‘works of art’ can guide us through challenging times.  ---  🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods---  🦉 Additional Resources Related to the Podcast: 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/subscribe In this episode of In Search of Wisdom, we explore what it means to answer the call to the “better angels of our nature,” as Abraham Lincoln put it. We discuss whether or not we have better (and worse) angels of our nature. And if so, what can we do to lead a life that’s guided by the wiser sides of our nature?Key Takeaways:The wisdom of dignityThe wisdom of opposing ideasThe call to compassion ---  🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods---  🦉 Additional Resources Related to the Podcast: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archiveListen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

Dive into the intriguing concept of embracing ignorance as a form of wisdom. Explore how acknowledging what we don't know can spark deeper understanding through the lens of philosophers like Socrates. Discover the importance of intellectual humility and curiosity in learning. This discussion challenges the notion of certainty and highlights cognitive biases that cloud our judgment. It's a compelling invitation to reflect on beliefs and cultivate a mindset open to growth.

Dive into the paradox of feeling disconnected in a world that's fundamentally interconnected. Explore how philosophical insights and spiritual wisdom can enhance our relationships. Discover the Stoic idea of concentric circles, addressing the loneliness epidemic while fostering community bonds. Learn from Marcus Aurelius about empathy's crucial role in nurturing connections and the consequences of isolation on society. Uncover practical tools for enriching your life through the art of connection.

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In this episode of In Search of Wisdom, we explore impermanence, a topic from our Wisdom is the Way course. We discuss why understanding how the world works is an integral part of a philosophy of life and the various ways that philosophical and spiritual traditions think about impermanence. We also discuss how embracing uncertainty can help us lead an intentional life. Key Takeaways:The Wisdom of ChangeThe Art of BecomingThe Shortness of Life  ---  🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPodsWebsite: https://www.perennialleader.com/---  🦉 Additional Resources Related to the Podcast: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archiveListen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

Emily Austin, author of 'Living for Pleasure: An Epicurean Guide to Life,' shares her insights on finding tranquility and the true meaning of pleasure. She debunks the myths surrounding Epicureanism, revealing its focus on balanced desires and meaningful connections. The discussion also touches on the intersection of minimalism and happiness, while contrasting Stoicism and Epicureanism in their approaches to well-being. Through practical wisdom, Emily encourages listeners to embrace philosophy as a way of life.