What’s the point of an off-season?  

The Summer is finally upon us, and more often than not, we are probably all taking some breaks, vacations, trips, etc. Yes, we all need the halt in our schedule - the break to do nothing. But, what does that really mean ‘do nothing’?

Of course it implies that we sit back, relax, listen to music, eat ice cream, or even go to a beach. But more so, as Jenny Odell examines it, we actually don’t know how to do nothing. We are so involved in the attention economy of clicks, likes, follows, and alerts, that even when our work or technology is not near us, we are consumed with it. The ‘fomo,’ as it pertains to updates, news, and scores consumes it. But, what if I do miss the update or text? What if I really did read the message hours later? Would my life change?

Studies suggest that it would…for the better, as you may have predicted (or not). We can spend more time with ourselves, our thoughts, ideas, our inherent stillness. In fact, we need a vacation from our things, tasks, and stimulants! Let’s see if we can detach for a second, minute, hour, week, etc. Let’s enjoy the vacations and trips this summer, but also the silence and time with ourselves. To Summer.

Recent conversations: The mantra taught to Kobe & MJ

In our insightful conversation with Mindfulness teacher, George Mumford, we discovered the tips and guidance he gave champions like Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. When we asked what he taught them, Mumford humbly discussed the offseason practices he preaches: reflect, introspect, and be the stillness. This teaching he learned from his exposure to Buddhism provided the foundation for those giants to spend the summers reflecting and preparing their minds. Let’s do the same, together.

In our recent conversations, 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. In relationships, at work, or while engaging our hobbies, how can we make them unselfish? How can we be more present in all activities? As inspired by Yoga, how can all of life’s acts be more service-oriented? Her nonprofit provides the space for recognizing the divinity inherent in all.

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.