Philosophy & Coffee

“The Origins of You” by Vienna Pharaon is a transformative guide that delves into the profound impact our family of origin has on the way we live and love. Pharaon, a licensed therapist and Instagram relationship expert (follow her on @mindfulmft), offers readers a compelling journey through the intricacies of familial relationships and the patterns they create.

The book is structured into four parts, each addressing critical aspects of our formative experiences. It begins with ‘our roots,’ where Pharaon encourages readers to explore the family and framework they grew up within. This section sets the stage for understanding the ‘wounds’ that may have developed during childhood and how they manifest in adulthood.

Okinawa, the enchanting island nestled in Japan, has gained fame for its remarkable longevity among its residents. Once dubbed the “Island of Immortals,” Okinawa is part of the exclusive group known as “Blue Zones,” where centenarians thrive. Researchers attribute this longevity to a harmonious blend of factors: a plant-based diet, regular physical activity, strong social bonds, and a low-stress lifestyle. However, one key element stands out—the concept of ikigai. Let’s delve into this profound philosophy, explore its connection to longevity, and understand its significance in finding purpose and meaning in life.

James Nestor’s “Breath” is a breath of fresh air (pun intended!) that will leave you fascinated by the often-overlooked act of respiration. It’s a captivating blend of personal anecdote, historical intrigue, and scientific research. Nestor chronicles his own struggles with mouth breathing and the dramatic improvements he experiences after retraining himself to breathe nasally. His journey makes the science relatable and engaging, inviting readers to consider the potential to unlock their own well-being through focused breathing.

In the heart of Indigenous communities around the world lies a treasure trove of stories, sharing creation myths, heroic journeys and ancestral wisdom. These stories are passed down through generations, rich with this wisdom, history, and lessons on the interconnectedness of life. For Indigenous Peoples, stories are not just for entertainment; they are part of a sacred tradition, the lifeblood of cultural identity and a testament to the profound relationship between people, nature, and the universe. To understand Indigenous storytelling is to embrace a more profound way of living

Life is a series of decisions, some trivial, some monumental, each leading us down a unique path forward. In the labyrinth of choices that life presents us with, we often find ourselves at crossroads, pondering over the ‘right’ decision. Dr. Ellen Langer, a renowned social psychologist, offers a refreshing perspective on this universal dilemma. She suggests, *“Instead of making the right decision, make the right decision right.” *This profound statement encapsulates a truth about decision-making and the subsequent feelings of regret that often follow.

Life is a tempest of emotions. Sometimes, the waves crash against us, threatening to engulf our very being. In their lifetime most everyone will be struck by a heartbreak tsunami, a fury hurricane, a fog of despair, a thunderstorm of fear or quicksands of regret. In those moments, we have a choice: to flee or to face the storm head-on. Myself (vulnerability alert!), I usually ran like the wind but recently I’m learning to “sit” or “be” with my emotions and to weather the emotional squalls. I’m not yet fully there and it’s not easy, but know that doing this will make you emerge stronger, more resilient, and wiser.

Ever had one of those days? You wake up late, have to hurry to get to work in time, trip over the dog leash, and then BAM! Your perfectly brewed latte goes flying, splattering all over your new white shirt. Fury bubbles up, threatening to erupt at the poor, unsuspecting dog (an innocent and kind Golden Retriever in my case, who, let’s be honest, probably just wanted some morning hugs).

Frank Lloyd Wright said, “Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.” The iconic architect, known for his organic designs that make his buildings a bridge to nature, might have hit the nail right on the head. Most of us will agree that taking a nature walk is healthy and deeply relaxing. But even beyond personal experiences and intuitions, research has accumulated convincing evidence that (recurrent) contacts with nature indeed lead to (long-term) positive health outcomes.[i] The range of beneficial psychological and physiological health outcomes is amazing, to say the very least. These benefits include but are not limited to helping against depression, anxiety, ADHD but also infections, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Not to mention the overall stress reduction and the increase in focus and mood that people experience after a nature walk.

Ah, the lotus and the water lily – nature’s version of motivational speakers!

Meditation, an ancient practice with roots dating back centuries, has transcended its traditional role as a means to foster individual well-being and has emerged as a potent catalyst for organizational success in modern times. Beyond its inherent spiritual and mental benefits, meditation has garnered attention in recent years for its remarkable capacity to enhance performance, elevate productivity, and foster a culture of resilience within the corporate sphere.

The essence of meditation lies in its ability to cultivate mindfulness, the art of being fully present and engaged in the current moment. By imparting techniques to harness mental focus and regulate thoughts, meditation equips employees with invaluable tools to navigate the complexities of the contemporary workplace with clarity and composure. The transformative effects ripple throughout the organizational fabric, yielding tangible improvements across various facets of operations.

The Stoics were a school of ancient Greek and Roman philosophers known for their emphasis on rationality, self-control, and acceptance of the present moment. They believed that by living in accordance with nature and virtue, one could achieve a state of inner peace and tranquility.

The Stoics believed that the key to a good life was to focus on what you can control and to accept what you cannot control. They taught that the only thing we truly have control over is our own actions and reactions. By accepting the present moment and not dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, we can live a life free from stress and anxiety.