Light Watkins has been active in the wellness space since 1998, first as a practitioner, and later as an apprentice to his Vedic meditation teacher, and finally in 2007 as a meditation teacher himself. He became nomadic in 2018 and now travels the world giving talks on happiness, mindfulness, inspiration, and meditation. He also hosts a weekly podcast, At the End of the Tunnel, and his book, Bliss More: How to Succeed in Meditation Without Really Trying, is out now.
What you'll learn from this episode:
How the modern romantic expectation of perfection from our intimate relationships often fails us, and what we might learn from examining what love meant to our ancestors (even if—especially if—it introduces challenges into the dynamic).
We share our feelings on monogamy and marriage as a contract we enter for the rest of our lives (something most of us would never agree to do with careers, hobbies, and other pursuits), and how we might find room to adapt within its structure.
When we're not in a relationship, it's common to pine for one. When we're in a relationship, we often envy our single friends who get to play the field. How do we find a way to be satisfied without resorting to this "the grass is always greener on the other side" attitude—whether it's with relationships or other situations in which we find ourselves?
How Light has found the motivation to send out a daily newsletter bright and early every morning since 2016—in spite of initial reservations he would only have enough content for 30 days.
How Light crafts videos that make a point and pack a punch without going off on airy tangents that waste his viewers' valuable time, and what his policy is for dealing with comments these days in a way that doesn't waste his valuable time.
And so much more!
This episode is sponsored by my friends at LMNT. LMNT is a tasty electrolyte drink mix that is formulated to help anyone with their electrolyte needs and is perfectly suited to folks following keto, low-carb, or paleo diets. Go to drinkLMNT.com/geniuslife for free shipping and no-questions-asked refunds!
This episode is sponsored by my friends at Belcampo, committed to delivering meat that’s good for you, good for the animals, and good for the planet. Meat you can trust—start to finish. Order online at belcampo.com/max and use code MAX for 20 percent off (excluding discounted/on-sale items)! Valid through 12/31/20.
This episode is sponsored by my friends at Four Sigmatic (check out my interview with founder Tero Isokauppila in episode 12), who make a wide range of coffees, elixirs, and teas using mushrooms like chaga, reishi, lion's mane, and more. Go to foursigmatic.com/max to save 10 percent off of everything!
This episode is sponsored by my friends at Simple Mills, people on a mission to change what's available in grocery stores and make nutrient-dense, whole foods delicious and convenient. Go to simplemills.com and use promo code GENIUS20 for 20 percent off your purchase!
Resources from this episode:
Bliss More: How to Succeed in Meditation Without Really Trying by Light Watkins
At the End of the Tunnel | Podcast
Light's Daily Dose of Inspiration | Newsletter
Fire Cider Tonic | Shire City Herbals
The Romantic Movement by Alain De Botton
How Romanticism Has Destroyed Love | Alain de Botton, Google Zeitgeist
Groucho Marx Quotes About Marriage, Relationships, and Divorce | Fatherly
Stuck in an Unhappy Marriage? Science Says You Should Stay in It | Inc.com
Should Marriage Be a Contract with an Expiry Date? | The Modern Man
Mythbuster: The Grass Is Not Always Greener on the Other Side | Psychology Today
Montezuma's Revenge Meaning and Origin | The Phrase Finder
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry Into Values by Robert M. Pirsig
Listen Instead of Correcting Others: What We Gain and Give | Tiny Buddha
20 Pieces of Writing Advice from William Faulkner | Literary Hub
'Your Camera Phone Is Our Weapon': Light Watkins on Why We Need to Talk About Racism | Form
For White People Who Are Asking "What Can You Do?" | Light Watkins, Instagram
Like the Intro/Outro Music? Check out Aaron Tap's Website!
The Genius Life: Heal Your Mind, Strengthen Your Body, and Become Extraordinary by Max Lugavere
Genius Foods: Become Smarter, Happier, and More Productive While Protecting Your Brain for Life by Max Lugavere and Paul Grewal M.D.
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If you live in the US or Canada, you can now text me at (310) 299-9401 with any questions or feedback! I read them all and will respond to as many as I can!