Original Love With Henry Shukman

One Humanity Lab: Into an Ecology of Wholeness

Meet Henry Shukman, poet, author, and Zen master. We begin our conversation by exploring how Henry navigates his life, both inwardly and outwardly, with a deep commitment to mindfulness. Henry shares insights on being present in the world and how his various life paths often merge, guided by his body's inclination towards creativity, especially poetry.

Starting from his early experiences, Henry recounts a story about a hobo named Speedy who taught him that a home isn't just four walls; the whole world can be your home if you take time to be still every day. This lesson has profoundly influenced Henry's approach to life and spirituality.

Henry explains how each person can find their way in the world and how meditation is about coming home to oneself, especially in moments of overwhelm—a feeling most of us can relate to. He reminds us that there's no one-size-fits-all approach to meditation and finding one's deeper self. For those starting, Henry's app, The Way, offers a guided introduction to meditation, making it accessible amidst the overwhelming number of options available. Yoga is another path he suggests, emphasizing the importance of connecting with your body.

Addressing the often-discouraging long path of spiritual growth, Henry shares the shifts he has experienced over the years and the journey he still sees ahead of him. It's about the process, not the end goal. He discusses this in his book, "Original Love." Henry also opens up about his concussion and difficult recovery, which helped him realize he was experiencing the world with more "heartfulness," turning his injury into a blessing. He explains why heartbreak, though dreaded by many, can be a valuable teacher.

We conclude our conversation with a discussion of Henry's book, "Original Love," which serves as a manifesto, map, and manual for spirituality in the twenty-first century. This essential guide replaces the concept of original sin with original love as the true foundation of life. We know you will leave this conversation feeling rejuvenated and maybe even inspired to begin your journey of meditation if you’ve been interested but hesitant to start.

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