#476 A Monk's Guide To Finding Happiness, Cultivating Inner Peace & Slowing Down In A Fast-Paced World: Haemin Sunim

Published: Sept. 17, 2024, 11 p.m.

What if the key to happiness and fulfilment was not changing our external circumstances but learning to appreciate and understand our inner world? This powerful idea is at the heart of this week's conversation\xa0with Buddhist monk and author\xa0Haemin\xa0Sunim.\n\nHaemin\xa0is a Zen Buddhist teacher and the author of two Sunday Times bestselling books, including his very latest, the beautiful: \u2018When Things Don\u2019t Go Your Way: Zen Wisdom for Difficult Times.\u2019\xa0\n\xa0\nHaemin\xa0was born in South Korea, educated at Berkeley, Harvard, and Princeton, and received formal monastic training in Korea. When not travelling to share his teachings, he resides in Seoul, where he founded the Dharma Illumination Zen Center, offering meditation retreats and counselling programs.\n\nWe begin our conversation exploring the tension between personal aspirations and societal expectations, what\xa0Haemin\xa0calls the "me of me" versus the "me of others." This internal conflict, he believes, is at the root of much of our stress and unhappiness.\n\xa0\nWe also discuss the importance of slowing down and being present, and how, in our rush to achieve and reach our goals, we can often miss the beauty and richness of our current experiences. With that in mind, Haemin shares some practical tips for mindfulness, that can help us reconnect with ourselves and the world around us.\n\xa0\nA key theme in this conversation is the interconnected nature of all things.\xa0Haemin\xa0explains how adopting this worldview can profoundly affect our happiness and sense of purpose. We also discuss the power of listening, the importance of solitude, and the crucially important notion that we always have a choice in how we interpret and respond to life's challenges. And, even when things don't go our way, there's always an opportunity for growth and unexpected joy.\n\xa0\nThis is a beautiful conversation, full of deep and practical insights that I\u2019m sure will help you find greater peace, purpose and contentment.\xa0\n\xa0\nSupport the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts\xa0https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore.\nFor other podcast platforms go to\xa0https://fblm.supercast.com.\nThanks to our sponsors:\nhttps://calm.com/livemore\nhttps://vivobarefoot.com/livemore\nhttps://airbnb.co.uk/host\nhttps://drinkag1.com/livemore\n\xa0\nShow notes https://drchatterjee.com/476\n\xa0\nDISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.