Weekly Wisdom

Weekly Wisdom examines the interplay of psychology, philosophy, spirituality, music, and personal growth. It incorporates reflections on life experiences, insights from wisdom traditions, and practical advice for living well. The substack delves into the meaning of existence, the pursuit of mastery in creative fields, and strategies for personal betterment.

Psychology Philosophy Spirituality Music and Creativity Personal Growth and Self-improvement Mindfulness and Meditation Life Experiences and Reflections Wisdom Traditions Health and Well-being Productivity and Learning Strategies

The hottest Substack posts of Weekly Wisdom

And their main takeaways

The Longest 45 Minutes Of My Life

159 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🎶 Music Performance Musician Self-doubt Success
  1. Preparing for important moments can be nerve-wracking, but staying focused and organized is key.
  2. Receiving reassurance and positive feedback can have a powerful impact on one's confidence and performance.
  3. Persistence and dedication are crucial in pursuing a passion, despite facing self-doubt and challenges.

Saharan Surprise

179 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Ritual Presence Peace
  1. The author describes a mystical experience in the Saharan desert under the night sky, feeling awe and vitality while performing a ritual with friends.
  2. During the experience, the author felt a surge of energy through their body, pondered on physical tension, and experienced a profound sense of stillness and peace.
  3. The author ended the experience feeling a deep presence, an absence of worries, and a state of non-ordinary consciousness, ultimately reflecting on the sacredness and simplicity of existence.

Wisdom Of The Prophet

119 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy Religion Literature
  1. Reading out loud can be a powerful and ancient practice, bringing words on a page to life with the breath and voice of the reader.
  2. Before silent reading became the norm, reading aloud was a communal activity performed in groups.
  3. Resurrecting the tradition of reading out loud to yourself can offer a unique and enriching experience, allowing you to savor the words and feel their impact.

The Paradox Of Spirituality

238 implied HN points • 09 Feb 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality History Philosophy Meditation Ethics
  1. Spirituality is a complex, elusive concept that defies easy definition, with a focus on ethics and virtue.
  2. Spirituality often involves a path of introspection and transcendence, which can include practices like meditation and prayer.
  3. Spirituality provides a framework for exploring meaning, prosocial behavior, and interconnectedness in both personal and societal contexts.

Perennial Problems, Projects & Philosophies - Part 3

198 implied HN points • 18 May 23
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Psychology Human flourishing Meaning of life
  1. The evolution of psychology is deeply intertwined with philosophy, with early psychologists being philosophers themselves.
  2. Western existentialist ideas on existence's meaninglessness and Eastern concepts like shunyata converge, yet offer different conclusions.
  3. The field of psychology has transitioned from studying dysfunction to focusing on well-being and flourishing, emphasizing the importance of a meaningful and intentional life.
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Playing In The Dark

198 implied HN points • 22 Mar 23
🎶 Music Memory Fatherhood Loss Appreciation
  1. Playing music in the dark can offer a sense of freedom and focus, away from visual distractions.
  2. Memorable moments shared through music can hold deep meaning and provide comfort during difficult times.
  3. Music can serve as a powerful connection between generations, expressing love and appreciation beyond words.

Inside The Great Pyramid

99 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🏝 Travel Exploration Adventure Experience Journey
  1. The experience of visiting the Great Pyramid after a long journey can feel like a culmination of a significant and emotional pilgrimage.
  2. Exploring the interior of the Great Pyramid offers a unique acoustic experience, where sounds are amplified and resonate in a majestic manner.
  3. Despite the mystery surrounding the purpose and design of the pyramid, embracing the unknown can lead to a profound sense of relief and acceptance.

Rites Of Passage

179 implied HN points • 11 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Writing Nature Travel Friendship Technology
  1. The author reflects on a year of writing with acknowledgements and a tribute to writing colleagues who provided support and inspiration.
  2. The author talks about heading into the backcountry desert for a trip, acknowledging the break in the streak of publishing as a moment of reconnecting with nature.
  3. The author expresses excitement and fears about the upcoming trip, highlighting the anticipation of stargazing in the desert and concerns about being perceived as the weakest link in the group.

Reminiscing On A Musical Odyssey

179 implied HN points • 30 Mar 23
🎶 Music Education Collaboration Skills Development
  1. Musical education should focus on rhythm, deep listening, improvisation, and playing with others rather than just reading music and solo performance.
  2. Traditional music education may overlook essential skills like rhythm and listening, hindering overall musicianship development.
  3. Learning music is like learning a language - start with listening and speaking before moving on to reading and writing. Encourage exploration and collaboration to nurture talent.

An Ineffable Memory Of Effortless Mastery

179 implied HN points • 16 Mar 23
🎶 Music Jazz Performance Mastery Books Art
  1. The author recounts experiencing a state of effortless mastery while playing jazz piano after a series of events including alcohol consumption and the unexpected presence of their father, creating a magical performance.
  2. Effortless mastery in music, as discussed in the book 'Effortless Mastery' by Kenny Werner, involves overcoming self-imposed limitations and negative thinking through affirmations and a love for the process.
  3. The author shares affirmations such as 'I am a master' and 'Music is easy' that counter self-criticism with positive beliefs, highlighting the importance of mindset in achieving mastery and enjoying the process.

Wisdom Of The Ages & Megadosing Nostalgia

159 implied HN points • 06 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Generations Lifestyle Community Memory Connection
  1. Attending milestone events like anniversaries and reunions can offer valuable insights and reflections on life choices and paths not taken.
  2. Witnessing the passage of time and seeing decades of life unfold in a single evening can prompt thoughts about self-comparison, individual uniqueness, and societal standards.
  3. Embracing one's unique journey, unconventional successes, and personal fulfillment can lead to a fulfilling life, even if it deviates from traditional norms.

The "I" Of Your World

159 implied HN points • 21 Jun 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Connection Mind Meditation Awareness Compassion
  1. The world is experienced through your thoughts, which may not always reflect reality.
  2. Understanding the mind is key to understanding the world - thoughts are a layer between you and reality.
  3. Meditation is about befriending the mind and making direct contact with the world, moving beyond the illusion of separation.

Weekly Wednesday Wisdom #8

159 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Meditation Mindfulness Relationships Life Satisfaction
  1. The newsletter summarizes a mix of content on business, spirituality, and personal growth from various sources like authors, marketers, and speakers.
  2. The importance of relationships in human happiness is highlighted based on findings from a study discussed in a podcast.
  3. The author is contemplating on balancing commercial and creative interests, working on fundamental skills, and has embarked on the challenge of writing a book, spurred by a sense of urgency and mortality.

Riffing On The Cosmic Joke

139 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Humor Philosophy
  1. Understanding the various theories of humor like superiority theory, relief theory, incongruity theory, and benign violation theory illuminates why we laugh and its significance in human experiences.
  2. Humor serves as a tool for expressing joy, bringing levity to life's heaviness, and addressing serious topics while promoting social bonding and self-reflection.
  3. Exploring the concept of the cosmic joke reveals profound insights about human limitations, the pursuit of enlightenment, and the paradoxical nature of existence.

Meandering Aspirations On A Wobbly Table Of Context

139 implied HN points • 27 Apr 23
📚 Literature Book Writing Human condition
  1. The author discusses the motivations behind writing a book, likening it to regret minimization and a cognitive itch to scratch.
  2. The author aims to blend various wisdom traditions and personal experiences in their writing to create a philanthropic project focused on healing and integration.
  3. The text delves into existential questions about human development, the purpose of life, and the pursuit of wisdom and excellence, drawing on ancient philosophical concepts and deities of wisdom for inspiration.

The Alabama Sutta

119 implied HN points • 09 Nov 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Buddhism Enlightenment Meditation Spiritual Awakening
  1. The text draws parallels between a 90's country song and Buddhist philosophy by connecting the themes of restlessness and ignorance from the song lyrics to the Buddhist concept of fetters.
  2. The ten fetters in Buddhism represent psychological obstacles that must be overcome for spiritual liberation, similar to cognitive biases in psychology.
  3. Methods to break free from these fetters include inquiry, self-inquiry through writing or meditation, and becoming confident in the absence of the perceived obstacle.

Weekly Wednesday Wisdom #5

179 implied HN points • 05 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Books Podcasts Philosophy Personal Development Self-reflection
  1. The newsletter discusses reading 'Discipline Is Destiny' and '5000 Words Per Hour' to increase productivity and writing output.
  2. Listening recommendations include 'Building A Second Brain' and insights from author David Deida on masculinity and femininity.
  3. The newsletter delves into philosophical discussions from podcasts and videos, and reflects on the themes of wisdom and personal growth.

Win the morning, win the day.

139 implied HN points • 23 Feb 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Breathwork Movement Meditation
  1. Having a good morning routine sets the tone for your whole day by ensuring your sleep, purpose, and passion are aligned.
  2. Key elements of a morning routine include light exposure, cold exposure, breathwork, movement, meditation, and journaling.
  3. Flexibility in your routine allows for adjustments based on time availability, and focusing on meaningful activities is more crucial than a perfect routine.

Tales From Dark Canyon

119 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mindfulness Self-Improvement Personal Growth
  1. The backcountry trip involved more than just hiking - it was a leadership course with elements of wilderness skills, communication, and reflective discussions.
  2. Embracing mediocrity and facing personal challenges like feeling ordinary and accepting weaknesses can lead to valuable self-discovery and growth.
  3. Self-assessments can sometimes reveal unexpected strengths and weaknesses, highlighting the importance of reflection and learning from experiences.

Feynman, Fairy Tales & Fooling Ourselves

139 implied HN points • 16 Feb 23
📖 Philosophy Psychology Fiction Morality Spirituality Self-deception
  1. Richard Feynman emphasized the importance of not fooling oneself, as we are often prone to self-deception.
  2. Fairy tales serve as more than simple children's stories, often exploring dark themes and offering lessons through storytelling.
  3. Stories like 'The Emperor's New Clothes' highlight human tendencies such as vanity, greed, conformity, and the importance of speaking up against falsehoods.

Get Wise Or Die Trying, Part 2

99 implied HN points • 23 Nov 23
📚 Literature Writing Book release Substack Essay
  1. The author released their first book 'Get Wise Or Die Trying: Musings & Memoirs On Mortality, Meaning & The Mystery Of Being Alive', available for purchase now.
  2. The book is pay-what-you-want with a minimum of $5, compiled from the author's first year of writing on Substack, featuring essays and poems.
  3. The author expresses gratitude to friends, writing group, and Substack subscribers for their contributions and support in completing the project.

Follow Your Flow

59 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Existential Music Inspiration Meditation
  1. It's important to follow your flow and cultivate a relationship with your muse in whatever form it takes.
  2. Flow, as described by Mihalyi Csikszentmihalyi, is a state of being characterized by selflessness, timelessness, effortlessness, and sensory richness, associated with meaningful moments and achievements.
  3. Finding your flow requires effort, but the rewards of reaching a state of effortlessness are definitely worth it in the end.

Perennial Problems, Projects & Philosophies - Part 1

119 implied HN points • 04 May 23
📖 Philosophy Human condition Mortality Virtue ethics Ancient Wisdom
  1. Human existence is marked by a balance between living for the moment and planning for an uncertain future.
  2. The pursuit of material wealth and fame may lose appeal in the face of mortality, leading to a focus on benefiting others.
  3. A key aspect of human life is the quest to cultivate wisdom, virtue, and excellence, striving towards understanding what it means to be a good human being.

The Case For Life

119 implied HN points • 24 May 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy Connection Meaning Spiritual Practices Existence
  1. The question of whether life is worthwhile is often pondered in times of distress, highlighting the nature of the mind.
  2. The emergence of life preceded the application of logic, leading to a mysterious and unanswerable question of why life exists.
  3. The root cause of suffering is often attributed to disconnection with oneself, others, and the environment, suggesting that feeling connected can dissolve doubts about the worth of life.

The Nose Knows

159 implied HN points • 08 Dec 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Breathwork Science Techniques Physiology Mind-Body Connection
  1. Breathwork is essential since the breath is a constant companion, affecting both body and mind.
  2. Various breathing techniques can be used for specific effects like calming the nervous system, increasing alertness, or improving oxygen absorption.
  3. Understanding the different elements of breathing, such as nostrils, lungs, and techniques like Breath of Fire, can lead to improved well-being and mind-body connection.

Rediscovery Of The Obvious

99 implied HN points • 31 May 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Connection Self-awareness Mental health Therapy Self-care
  1. The breakdown and recovery of human connection is a complex process involving biological, psychological, and social factors.
  2. Connection can be categorized into three main areas: self, other, and world, each presenting unique challenges and opportunities for growth.
  3. Connecting with oneself involves lovingly witnessing and accepting one's thoughts, feelings, body, and behavior, which can be facilitated by practices like mindfulness, meditation, journaling, and artistic pursuits.

More & Less Than Our Feelings

99 implied HN points • 08 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Emotions Expression Repression
  1. Artistic expression can help access a full range of emotions and connect with oneself.
  2. Emotions play a significant role in human experience, impacting how we function and thrive.
  3. Suppression and repression of emotions can lead to inner conflicts, impacting how we express ourselves.

Wisdom In The Rearview Mirror

99 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Wisdom Attention Awareness
  1. Wisdom must be seen in the rearview mirror, meaning we often realize our wisdom after the fact.
  2. To deepen attention, we must expand peripheral awareness. It's like zooming in and out.
  3. Managing attention is crucial in a world filled with distractions. Wise attention involves noticing things indirectly.

When In Doubt...

99 implied HN points • 31 Aug 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Emotions Self-Improvement Mental health Social Connections Personal Growth
  1. Doubting ourselves can be beneficial as it helps us be more cautious, avoid mistakes, and blend in social situations.
  2. Self-doubt can serve as a protective mechanism to conserve energy and maintain a positive self-identity.
  3. Many people may have creative aspirations but are held back by their own doubts, contributing to a majority of individuals consuming content rather than creating it.

Why Philosophy Is Not An Option

99 implied HN points • 16 Aug 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics Self-reflection Hedonism Existentialism Self-Actualization
  1. Philosophy is not just a rarefied activity - it's about the basis informing our decisions and can be seen as a life operating system.
  2. Our default philosophy often revolves around seeking pleasure and avoiding pain, but self-reflection can help in moving towards more conscious decision-making.
  3. Understanding our hypocricy quotient - the gap between our beliefs and actions - can lead to deeper self-awareness and satisfaction in life.

Perennial Problems, Projects & Philosophies - Part 2

99 implied HN points • 11 May 23
📖 Philosophy Spirituality Philosophy Ethics Religion Traditions
  1. The project aims to explore the convergence and divergence of different traditions and schools of thought to understand cultural breadth.
  2. Traditional systems of thought that have endured for centuries hold value and merit consideration alongside modern perspectives.
  3. Comparative soteriology analyzes the ideals and aims of various religious, spiritual, and philosophical traditions, offering insights into different paths to attainment.

Planting Crops Of Meaning

139 implied HN points • 22 Dec 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Existentialism Spiritual Practices Worldview
  1. John Vervaeke's work provides valuable insights on existential meaning and wisdom.
  2. The meaning crisis is part of a larger meta-crisis that includes environmental, health, socio-economic, political, and judicial aspects.
  3. Vervaeke introduces the 'four P's of knowing' (propositional, procedural, perspectival, participatory) and emphasizes the need for developing perspectival and participatory knowing to combat the meaning crisis.

Wednesday Weekly Wisdom #6

119 implied HN points • 18 Jan 23
🚌 Education Technology Skill development History
  1. The newsletter discussed various topics like technology, history, and skill development.
  2. Tai recommended engaging in activities like meditation and binaural beats to aid focus and productivity.
  3. He shared personal reflections on family, tradition, and the impermanence of moods.

On Mastery & Mediocrity

79 implied HN points • 02 Nov 23
📖 Philosophy Achievement Mastery Imperfection Self-Improvement
  1. Striving for mastery is natural and rewarding, driven by intrinsic and extrinsic motivations.
  2. Most people are mediocre at most things, so it's important to find what you excel at or create your own path.
  3. The balance between striving for excellence and accepting mediocrity is a complex interplay that requires thoughtful consideration.