Posts Tagged ‘Meaning’
Becoming Wise: An Inquiry into the Mystery and Art of Living (Book Review)
Monday, May 16th, 2016
Peabody Award-winning broadcaster, Krista Tippett, has spent years interviewing some of the most fascinating voices of humanity. Her style is one of asking deep spiritual questions and then creating space for deep listening. Tippett’s work on her national public radio program and podcast, On Being, has been share a conversation with people who inspire a sense of wonder and curiosity. Tippett has spent her career interviewing scientists, theologians from several faiths, poets, activists, philosophers, historians, artists, and many more. Within moments of listening to the podcast, it becomes clear that these are more than interviews – they are moments of deep intimacy through the mastery of genuine conversation.
In Becoming Wise, Tippett distills many of the insights she has learned to appreciate from her numerous conversations. Throughout the pages, it becomes clear that the book is a deep meditation and journey on meaning. The chapters are organized around the themes of language, love, faith and hope. Through her years of conversations, Tippett and her conversation partners advocate mindfulness, compassion, forgiveness, humility and cooperation.
Tippett’s book embodies the open question – the deep desire for connection, conversation, and belonging. The wisdom we seek emerges from the everyday experiences. Real connections with one another happen in the ordinary moments of acts of kindness and generosity. Becoming Wise is our journey of asking the powerful questions of who we are to each other.
“I’m a person who listens for a living. I listen for wisdom, and beauty, and for voices not shouting to be heard. ”
This book offers a fiercely hopeful vision of humanity. Tippett sees hope as a force and a resource. For Tippett, “hope” sees and experiences the darkness, and the possibility for good, and makes a choice. Hope is something you put into practice through actions. Tippett reminds us that choosing to be hopeful is far more courageous than being cynical. Hope insists on the possibility of a life of resilience and redemption.
One powerful theme that Tippett reminds us is the gift of presence. Presence is the engagement with life and one another. Becoming Wise reminds us that presence does not mean passivity or acceptance of the status quo. In a world of sound bites, Becoming Wise is a reminder of the longer and deeper conversations needed for change. This book is a practical guide about life’s spiritual beauty through deep reflections. Tippett sheds a light on what it means to be human.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
What Is Your Good Life Manifesto?
Tuesday, March 12th, 2013
About a year ago, I applied to be a part of the inaugural launching of the Good Life Project™ (GLP) with Jonathan Fields.
GLP is a movement. A set of shared values. A community. A creed, bundled with a voracious commitment to move beyond words and act. First, as a manifestation of your soul. And then as a quest to have the adventure of a lifetime, and to leave the world around you changed.
As soon as I read that description, I applied to be a part of the project. I made it to the interviewing round and had an amazing conversation with Jonathan Fields about bringing Toning the OM™ to the next level. I shared how I wanted to create more triZENbe communities (Zen Tribes). My goal was to create meaningful connections through inspiring (meditation) videos and global heart-centered workshops and conversations. After my interview, I received an acceptance email from Jonathan to participate in an intense 10-month program. I was one of 100 people who were accepted into GLP, but due to the financial cost, I wasn’t able to join the project, and had to decline.
After I let go of my deep disappointment of not being able to afford enrolling in the project, I celebrated the fact that I was part of a very small group of people that was accepted. And for a year, I have followed the Good Life Project™.
Another aspect of GLP is a weekly web-show hosted by Jonathan with “acclaimed entrepreneurs, artists, authors and thought leaders.” At the end of each interview, Jonathan asks, “What do you think makes a good life?”
As I still ponder my answer about what makes a good life, what has emerged for me is: love, connection, and service.
For me, a good life is all about having heart centered connections rooted in love and service. My good life focus is about co-creating experiences to slow down, opening my heart, remembering my true self, and living from that space.
Connections, love, and service are my way of living aware, awake, and alive. That is my good life-long project.
How about you? What is your good life maifesto?
What is your good life manifesto?