Margaret and David discuss David’s new book, “Using Your Mind for a Healthier and Happier Life.”
David’s most recent book is a series of short essays inspired by Buddhist teachings. It blends principles of psychology, mindfulness, and leadership to provide actionable strategies that foster happiness, health, and resilience in life.
Nuggets of Wisdom, Nuggets of Love
David shares the inspiration for the book, which started with sayings from the Buddha, which have been passed on by disciples and followers.
Many of the early chapters focus on the concept of non-duality, a Buddhist concept. In these essays, David writes about the spectrum between apparent opposites like love and hate.
On the topic of love, David touches on different types of love, referencing C.S. Lewis’s work.
David and Margaret discuss how love might be a bridge to today’s societal polarization. They challenge listeners: how might you use love to begin softening? Margaret and David are on opposite sides of the political spectrum — and have used their friendship and respect for each other not to shut each other down or abandon each other.
If you can’t get to a place of openness using your mind, Margaret suggests a somatic way to open your heart. David introduces curiosity as another tool to open.
A Stoic Father
David discusses his father’s influence on his writing and life philosophy.
David talks about his father’s wisdom as a voice in his head. Much about David was informed by growing up as a philosopher’s son. While his father was not particularly warm or fuzzy, David remembers his father as exuding charm and warmth, especially with students and friends.
David’s father was a Stoic, although David acknowledges that his father’s interpretation of stoicism led to withholding affection. That was both strengthening and hurtful. He reflects on how he now embraces his father’s “less is more” philosophy in his own life, living in a small space with few material possessions.
David’s newest project involves movie quotes, which reflect his father’s love for film.
On Anger
David discusses the role of emotions, particularly anger, in several chapters of the book, including how they interact with personal growth and relationships.
In one of the essays, he talks about how emotions like anger should not be denied but approached with caution. Anger, David says, is an emotion served hot. It can be both useful and harmful. Anger serves an important purpose, such as establishing boundaries and motivating action against injustice. But it can be messy and imprecise.
On one hand, it’s essential to express anger and have difficult conversations to relieve built-up tension, rather than avoiding conflict. But when expressed unskillfully, anger can also be destructive.
Grace is important in dealing with anger, both for the person expressing it and the person receiving it.
A Podcast Rebrand Preview: The Leadership Spelunk
The duo announce a rebranding of their podcast to “The Leadership Spelunk.” Margaret and David are planning to strap on their headlamps and explore some of the deeper crevices of leadership. Expect more details soon.
David’s book Using Your Mind for A Healthier and Happier Life is a transformative guide revealing the profound connection between your mind and your resolve to lead a fulfilling life. Get your copy of the book on Amazon here.