On little-by-littling our way to a meaningful life, the power of music, the power of the group, self-compassion and self-kindness, the anecdote to rushing, and joy everywhere!
I loved this interview so much and it came at the right moment, or maybe that would always be true! The principal of not rushing is something I have been working on for a long time, my cats helped me daily with this. Cats cannot be rushed. So much wisdom here. I am going to write A LOT in hopes of winning the book, but I will buy it in any case. Thank you, Jane and Eric.
I love that Eric included “Badlands” on his depression playlist. It’s one of my favorite songs, and I got to see and hear Bruce and E Street perform it live in Austin last night. Definitely a moment of joy, as was the whole three hour show.
After the show, I got a reminder of the infinite goodness Eric mentioned. I had a flat tire as I was driving back around midnight, and it was going to take an hour for roadside assistance from my insurance co. to arrive. But a good Samaritan stopped within a few minutes and quickly took off the flat and put on my spare tire. He wouldn’t accept payment; he was just being kind and generously helping a stranger.
I wholeheartedly agree: rushing is a mindset. We live in a world where being "busy" is a badge of honour. We have no time to catch up with friends because we are "just too busy". I don't buy into this anymore. If I'm honest with myself, I always have time for the people I want to see and things I really want to do. I have decided to be honest with myself, and others, about that. And as for 'ordinary joy'... there is so much of it in the world. For example, the day I received my grant rejection I happened to be in my local cafe. I was devastated. I could have really used the grant that I had worked so hard for. So I burst into tears and hid in the corner. But the young barista saw me. When I came back from the bathroom there was a cookie on my table. He said, "I hope it helps a little." That's mostly what I remember from that day. His kindness. It was such a small gesture, but it completely shifted my day and perspective. So yes, I believe in one degree turns, a positive leaning mindset and honesty. Thank you for this beautiful conversation Jane and Eric!
Ooooooh, what a beautiful story, Imola. I'm sorry about the grant but kindness is everything. I mean, just everything. What a lovely soul that barista was. You are also a lovely soul. xx
Dear Jane....what a wonderful interview and human being! Eric Zimmer is an inspiration to humanity and his optimism is infectious. He lives for "not taking life for granted" especially because of the hardship he has experienced. I have known people who are recovering addicts of one form or another, and they have allowed their hearts to harden, have become self-righteous, arrogant in their recovery, and lack of compassion for those who are still struggling with addiction. There are a couple of things that stood out for me in the interview. One being that in order for Eric to continue with a 12-step program, he had to redefine what and who God is to him. I love that instead of this being a hindrance to him, he found a way to make the program work for him and didn't abandon the process. The second thing that stood out to me in the interview was the relationship he has with himself and the importance of self compassion in his life. He says that it’s the biggest upgrade he's ever given himself. I love this line! We all need to learn to give ourselves this "upgrade" and be more self compassionate. Thank you for this brilliant interview Jane and introducing me to this "new-to-me" author and podcaster.
Thank you for this awesome interview and so many wisdom gems. My mind-body-heart-spirit all relaxed at the thought of “low resistance actions” in the direction of my inner compass—an antidote for overwhelm. Thank you. A lot!
Ooh, that line about the baton dropping really got to me today. I wouldn't say it relates to my own spiritual struggles but definitely the feeling that I *have* to do everything by myself because there is no one supporting me. Thanks for the interview Jane! A lot.
A fantastic interview, thank you Jane and Eric. As my newsletter is The Bright Life I loved the analogy of one light that shines through everything, it's a perfect visual. I have been thinking a lot about commitment to a principled life so I appreciate the reminder that our small steps need to be in the same direction. I think this simple, yet important, idea gets lost in the distraction of our world.
I've been a fan of Eric's podcast for years so it was interesting that I could accurately hear his voice while I was reading the interview.
A Lot! of thanks and gratitude! Hugs
Thank you Kali!
Glad you enjoyed it, Kali!
I loved this interview so much and it came at the right moment, or maybe that would always be true! The principal of not rushing is something I have been working on for a long time, my cats helped me daily with this. Cats cannot be rushed. So much wisdom here. I am going to write A LOT in hopes of winning the book, but I will buy it in any case. Thank you, Jane and Eric.
Thanks Alice
No truer statement: Cats cannot be rushed!!!! 😹
I'm really happy you enjoyed Eric's beautiful words, Alice! I agree, mountains of wisdom and kindness. xx
I love that Eric included “Badlands” on his depression playlist. It’s one of my favorite songs, and I got to see and hear Bruce and E Street perform it live in Austin last night. Definitely a moment of joy, as was the whole three hour show.
After the show, I got a reminder of the infinite goodness Eric mentioned. I had a flat tire as I was driving back around midnight, and it was going to take an hour for roadside assistance from my insurance co. to arrive. But a good Samaritan stopped within a few minutes and quickly took off the flat and put on my spare tire. He wouldn’t accept payment; he was just being kind and generously helping a stranger.
I love that song, too, Wendi! It fills me with hope! How wonderful you saw Bruce in Austin!!
And what an amazing story about your spare tire. So beautiful. That also fills me with hope! Thanks for sharing!
I wholeheartedly agree: rushing is a mindset. We live in a world where being "busy" is a badge of honour. We have no time to catch up with friends because we are "just too busy". I don't buy into this anymore. If I'm honest with myself, I always have time for the people I want to see and things I really want to do. I have decided to be honest with myself, and others, about that. And as for 'ordinary joy'... there is so much of it in the world. For example, the day I received my grant rejection I happened to be in my local cafe. I was devastated. I could have really used the grant that I had worked so hard for. So I burst into tears and hid in the corner. But the young barista saw me. When I came back from the bathroom there was a cookie on my table. He said, "I hope it helps a little." That's mostly what I remember from that day. His kindness. It was such a small gesture, but it completely shifted my day and perspective. So yes, I believe in one degree turns, a positive leaning mindset and honesty. Thank you for this beautiful conversation Jane and Eric!
Ooooooh, what a beautiful story, Imola. I'm sorry about the grant but kindness is everything. I mean, just everything. What a lovely soul that barista was. You are also a lovely soul. xx
Thank you for this great conversation. I love the idea of low-resistance actions in the same direction-sounds like a mantra. A LOT
I know! Such a wonderful mantra! Happy you enjoyed it, Liz!
Dear Jane....what a wonderful interview and human being! Eric Zimmer is an inspiration to humanity and his optimism is infectious. He lives for "not taking life for granted" especially because of the hardship he has experienced. I have known people who are recovering addicts of one form or another, and they have allowed their hearts to harden, have become self-righteous, arrogant in their recovery, and lack of compassion for those who are still struggling with addiction. There are a couple of things that stood out for me in the interview. One being that in order for Eric to continue with a 12-step program, he had to redefine what and who God is to him. I love that instead of this being a hindrance to him, he found a way to make the program work for him and didn't abandon the process. The second thing that stood out to me in the interview was the relationship he has with himself and the importance of self compassion in his life. He says that it’s the biggest upgrade he's ever given himself. I love this line! We all need to learn to give ourselves this "upgrade" and be more self compassionate. Thank you for this brilliant interview Jane and introducing me to this "new-to-me" author and podcaster.
Oooh, Jo-Anne, I'm so happy you enjoyed it! I agree with all you wrote here! Eric is such a lovely human!
So many gems in this interview. Thank you, Jane and Eric.
Paulette! I'm so happy you enjoyed it!
Totally relate to the holding of both truths of good and suffering in the world at once! A lot :)
I feel like that's the key to a healthy life!
Thank you for this awesome interview and so many wisdom gems. My mind-body-heart-spirit all relaxed at the thought of “low resistance actions” in the direction of my inner compass—an antidote for overwhelm. Thank you. A lot!
I'm so glad, Stephanie! I agree, it's a much gentler path!
Ooh, that line about the baton dropping really got to me today. I wouldn't say it relates to my own spiritual struggles but definitely the feeling that I *have* to do everything by myself because there is no one supporting me. Thanks for the interview Jane! A lot.
I hear you, Marissa! I felt that, as well! Glad you enjoyed the interview! xx
Thanks for this interview with so much wisdom in it. A LOT!
So happy you enjoyed it, Sharon!!
Fascinating - off to order Eric’s book, thank you
So happy you enjoyed the interview, Mark! I think you'll enjoy the book, as well!
Adding his song recs to my "Be Brave" playlist now! A lot!!
Yay! And I love that you have a "Be Brave" playlist!
A fantastic interview, thank you Jane and Eric. As my newsletter is The Bright Life I loved the analogy of one light that shines through everything, it's a perfect visual. I have been thinking a lot about commitment to a principled life so I appreciate the reminder that our small steps need to be in the same direction. I think this simple, yet important, idea gets lost in the distraction of our world.
I've been a fan of Eric's podcast for years so it was interesting that I could accurately hear his voice while I was reading the interview.
Oh, that is perfect, Donna! And I agree, it so easy to lose track of that amidst the fifty million daily distractions!
I love that you could hear Eric's voice as you read! How wonderful! Glad you enjoyed the interview!
Thank you for sharing this, Eric and Jane! So many wonderful reminders to seek out joy and kindness. I loved your dog photos—a lot!
So glad you enjoyed it, Liz! Yes to joy and dogs!!
Lovely interview and reminder to slow down, trust the process and enjoy the sunlight as I go❤️
I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Yes! So happy it resonated with you, Eva! ❤️