E33 - Problem Seeking Mind - Zen Tools for finding peace in dangerous times

About this episode

The episode discusses Zen tools for finding peace in challenging times, focusing on the 'problem seeking mind' and the importance of mindful living.

This conversation, "The Game of Zen," covers four key "self-evident truths" from Paul's "Zen Shift" newsletter and the essential practice of mindful living when navigating difficult, tumultuous times. The Zen Shift in Focus This thought-provoking episode of The Game of Zen centers on the "Zen Shift" —the profound change in perspective needed to counter the psychological danger of holding false or distorted views about life. The hosts meticulously examine deep-seated societal distortions, such as the overwhelming tendency to link self-worth exclusively to tireless hard work and the perilous trap of the "problem seeking mind" that remains hyper-vigilant and obsessively focused on non-existential threats. The remedy, as discussed by Sensei Paul, involves consciously moving past the pervasive cultural belief in the scarcity of resources (the Buddhist concept of dukkha or insufficiency) and the ultimate delusion that one is in absolute control of external events. Instead, a dedicated daily practice is required to "zoom in" on one's present quality of mind and body, ultimately allowing one to live a more secure, grounded, and genuinely happy life. 00:00Podcast Introduction The hosts…

People in this episode

Hosts: Scott Berman, Paul Agostinelli

Topics covered

• mindfulness
• self-improvement
• psychological well-being
• Zen philosophy
• personal growth

Keywords

• Zen
• mindfulness
• self-worth
• psychological danger
• present quality of mind

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Zen Shift

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