Inspirations
Here are some people and communities I’m passionate or curious about:
The School of Life:
https://www.theschooloflife.com/
I first discovered School of Life founder when I read The Sorrows and Pleasures of Work, a book that explores how the meaning of our labor is in so many ways the meaning of our lives. The School of Life has a store with lots of thought-provoking and soothing books and discussion starters, but the real action happens on their Instagram page and in their YouTube where they post enlightening, educational, and hopeful ideas that also work to create community. I attended their School of Life Conference in the fall of 2019 – and it’s one of my greatest just before the pandemic memories.
Tara Brach:
Tara Brach is a psychologist, author, and Buddhist meditation teacher who founded the Insight Meditation Community in Washington, D.C. I discovered her book Radical Acceptance when I first began practicing Mindfulness Base Stress Relief twenty years ago, and have found her teachings on Buddhist thought applied to modern problems approachable, compassionate, wise, and reliable. She has created a huge community with her Wednesday night dharma talks now streaming live and weekly community sittings where she interacts with participants around the world. You can find her archive of meditations and dharma talks as well as the schedule on her website.
Geek Therapy:
https://www.geektherapytraining.com/specialties
I don’t know much about this organization, but so many of us are concerned and anxious about the increasing role that video games are playing in our lives and those of our children that I’m curious. I’m generally pro-gaming not just because I love games myself but because I believe strongly in engaging people positively where they are.