Podcast Benomtad

My friend LL and I discuss the complex relationship between freedom and peace, distinguishing freedom to and freedom from, desire; subjective sense of peace (serenity) vs. intellectual challenge to learn.  Fundamentally, we explore the subjective ideas that may flow from liberal democracy, and then go on from there to touching on religious ideas in a secular country.

I discuss dating preferences of American women vis-a-vis Asian men with my female friend LL.  She has a different view than the majority and attributes this to her being raised by immigrants.  We briefly discuss the importance of education in that group.

My friend LL and I discuss The Fourth Agreement (from Don Miguel Ruiz’s The Four Agreements), which is “Always Do Your Best.” This challenge can focus one, helping one to feel alive in the moment, but it can seem like a burdensome obligation.  We have a kind of dialogue between these two ideas.

We summarize and discuss the Grimm Brothers’ “The Goat and Her Seven Little Kids” and how they dispatch of their wolf enemy by oversatiating him. We also discuss capital punishment.  

My Friend LL and I discuss the Grimm Brothers’ story “Cat and Mouse in Partnership” as well as the Four Agreements, by Don Miguel Ruiz

We discuss the morality of taking responsibility for knowing yourself and growing out of your weaknesses.  We talk about having more tranquility and presentness built into each day.  We also briefly discuss new books by Michael Malice and Rob Henderson.

My friend LL and I discuss the Grimm Brothers' story "The Frog Prince" and the Steven Soderbergh movie Solaris. 

We read the first chapter of the Tao te Ching, or Lao Tzu.  We talk about desire and reality (both ultimate and quotidian), and coming to terms with things.

My friend LL and I chat about Lao Tzu (Tao te Ching) Number 8, on the highest good and other things.

We discuss Stoic Meditations we've tried from the Waking Up meditation app.  I particularly like the Last Time Meditation, where you meditate and act based on the fact that there will be a last time you do every single thing in your life, from picking up your child, to having a cup of coffee, to saying hello to a stranger. Thank you for listening, and please share a last time meditation of your own.