Recap & The Meaning of Our Name  

On June 5th, on a warm day in midtown Manhattan, we had our first live event - a Philosophy of Now podcast recording with Swami Sarvapriyananda! He is not only the head monk of the Vedanta Society of New York and one of the leading voices internationally for the Ramakrishna Mission, but also a scholar in philosophy, consciousness, and psychology. His two latest books, as shown in the image, are a perfect balance between theory and practice.

When thinking about this event, we thought deeply about how this was an opportunity to not only host Swami for an in-depth conversation, but also present what we are attempting to do through The ROOTS Movement and the podcast. After much thought, we concluded that we would humbly express our work in educational spaces, workshops, and also leave some time for collective reflection. In other words, after Swami discussed various topics and answered the audience questions, our attempt was to stay true to the ROOTS core and unify the participants and audience - a reflection exercise through journaling.

But, as serendipity would have it, Swami intuitively recognized the importance of our acronym without our emphasis, Realizing Our Own True Selves. In fact, he explained in depth why he felt the name was both fitting and important! We are grateful for this expression, as it provides a goal and context for our daily practices.

Furthermore, we had began the evening with a guided meditation from Swami, as he led us through an inquiry into Selfhood. We asked ourselves about the limits we put on Self, what definitions we cling to, and how Selfhood can expand to be inclusive, empowering, and infinite. We concluded with a Q&A session, in which the live audience asked questions. In all, thank you so much for those who participated, provided feedback, and connected with us! Onwards and upwards.

Guided Practice & More to Come

As mentioned, the guided meditation was a ceremonious beginning, as it grounded us all. In our latest episode, we actually inquired about a specific question asked during the event. Here, we discuss what it means to examine the essence of things. We often hold relationships, objects, and feelings to be permanent. They then tend to dictate our identities, but do they have substance to begin with? Furthermore, what is our essence? In this latest episode, we culminate the season with an extrapolation from all of our guests.

Yes - it was the culmination of Season 4. But, STAY TUNED! Throughout the summer months, we will be releasing previous conversations, video podcasts, and information on upcoming events.

In the past 2 months, we spoke with Sadhviji, George Mumford, & Dayal Gauranga. Truly an honor to spend that much time with teachers and practitioners of this caliber! Sadhviji, took some time from her busy travel schedule and teaching in the Himalayas, to discuss practical steps for a more meaningful, spiritual life. We are hoping that you can join us in understanding and applying the philosophies of now that the esteemed guests share. Feel free to reach out with questions, notes, and reflections of your own.

In The Philosophy of Now podcast, we speak with thought leaders and innovators to learn about their mantras and perspectives for being present, or what we like to call - their philosophies of now.

We’ve already learned from a diverse range of phenomenal personalities like Sri M, Henry Shukman, Swami Sarvapriyananda, Sid Sriram, Acharya Prashant and Nandita Das.

Join Us On This Journey!

We hope The Philosophy of Now serves to be a unique podcast - one in which the listener feels fully present and truly immersed in the conversation. One in which the guest, interviewer, and listener share a collective learning space.

So let’s begin this journey of contemplation and seeking together! The new season of the Philosophy of Now podcast launched February 11th. Join us weekly for new episodes.