Personal Development

Elizabeth Gilbert and Jack Kornfield (#751)

9 July 2024
Bourahima


This episode is a two-for-one, and that’s because the podcast recently hit its 10-year anniversary and passed one billion downloads. To celebrate, I’ve curated some of the best of the best—some of my favorites—from more than 700 episodes over the last decade. I could not be more excited. The episode features segments from episode #430 “Elizabeth Gilbert’s Creative Path: Saying No, Trusting Your Intuition, Index Cards, Integrity Checks, Grief, Awe, and Much More” and episode #300 “Jack Kornfield — Finding Freedom, Love, and Joy in the Present.”

Please enjoy!

Bios of guests may be found at tim.blog/combo.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Castbox, YouTube, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Audible, or on your favorite podcast platform.

This episode is brought to you by AG1 all-in-one nutritional supplement, Helix Sleep premium mattresses, and LMNT electrolyte supplement.

Listen onApple Podcasts
Listen onSpotify
Listen onOvercast

#751: Elizabeth Gilbert and Jack Kornfield

This episode is brought to you by LMNT! What is LMNT? It’s a delicious, sugar-free electrolyte drink mix. I’ve stocked up on boxes and boxes of this and usually use it 1–2 times per day. LMNT is formulated to help anyone with their electrolyte needs and perfectly suited to folks following a keto, low-carb, or Paleo diet. If you are on a low-carb diet or fasting, electrolytes play a key role in relieving hunger, cramps, headaches, tiredness, and dizziness.

LMNT came up with a very special offer for you, my dear listeners. For a limited time, you can get a free LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase. This special offer is available here: DrinkLMNT.com/Tim.

This episode is brought to you by Helix Sleep! Helix was selected as the best overall mattress of 2022 by GQ magazine, Wired, and Apartment Therapy. With Helix, there’s a specific mattress to meet each and every body’s unique comfort needs. Just take their quiz—only two minutes to complete—that matches your body type and sleep preferences to the perfect mattress for you. They have a 10-year warranty, and you get to try it out for a hundred nights, risk-free. They’ll even pick it up from you if you don’t love it. And now, Helix is offering 25–30% off all mattress orders plus two free pillows at HelixSleep.com/Tim.

This episode is brought to you by AG1! I get asked all the time, “If you could use only one supplement, what would it be?” My answer is usually AG1, my all-in-one nutritional insurance. I recommended it in The 4-Hour Body in 2010 and did not get paid to do so. I do my best with nutrient-dense meals, of course, but AG1 further covers my bases with vitamins, minerals, and whole-food-sourced micronutrients that support gut health and the immune system. 

Right now, you’ll get a 1-year supply of Vitamin D free with your first subscription purchase—a vital nutrient for a strong immune system and strong bones. Visit DrinkAG1.com/Tim to claim this special offer today and receive your 1-year supply of Vitamin D (and 5 free AG1 travel packs) with your first subscription purchase! That’s up to a one-year supply of Vitamin D as added value when you try their delicious and comprehensive daily, foundational nutrition supplement that supports whole-body health.

What was your favorite quote or lesson from this episode? Please let me know in the comments.

SHOW NOTES

  • [05:36] Notes about this supercombo format.
  • [06:38] Enter Elizabeth Gilbert.
  • [07:04] Liz shares who Rayya Elias was and how she’s remembered her in story at The Moth.
  • [14:53] What kind of stories and storytellers make Liz break out in applause?
  • [21:05] What has Liz learned from Martha Beck?
  • [23:49] Staying true to one’s inner compass and saying “No” without remorse.
  • [27:03] The simple “No” via Byron Katie.
  • [33:07] The wisdom of the body.
  • [36:56] Enter Jack Kornfield.
  • [37:24] Jack’s connection with hang gliding and paragliding.
  • [40:06] Jack’s childhood, abusive father, and role as family peacemaker.
  • [45:12] “If you’re going to be angry, do it right.”
  • [47:48] Jack’s transition from pre-med to Asian studies at Dartmouth.
  • [49:28] From hippie to Buddhist monk.
  • [50:57] Psychedelics’ influence on Jack’s spiritual path and current stance.
  • [59:53] Meeting Stanislav Grof.
  • [1:03:32] Finding and studying under Ajahn Chah.
  • [1:05:59] Rookie monk training in Thailand and enduring suffering.
  • [1:13:49] Long silence periods and out-of-body experiences.
  • [1:16:37] Mystical experiences aren’t always pleasant.
  • [1:19:15] Tim’s experience at Spirit Rock.
  • [1:20:10] Challenges during training in Thailand and Burma.
  • [1:24:47] “Hatred never ceases by hatred, but by love alone is healed…”
  • [1:29:55] Advice for deep inner work with real-life responsibilities.
  • [1:42:04] Compassion vs. empathy.
  • [1:46:19] Technology’s role in developing compassion.
  • [1:47:26] Lovingkindness meditation for Westerners.
  • [1:56:04] Attending the first White House Buddhist Leadership Conference.
  • [1:57:59] The mission of CASEL.
  • [1:59:18] Introducing mindfulness practice and love as a superpower.
  • [2:10:11] Returning to self-discovery after derailment.
  • [2:15:57] Apparent derailment as necessary communication.
  • [2:19:17] Self-talk for managing inappropriate anger.
  • [2:37:21] Returning to the US to study clinical psychology.
  • [2:42:50] Using forgiveness to help veterans and at-risk youth.
  • [2:45:30] Why community support beats community apathy.
  • [2:49:23] Lack of significant initiation rituals in modern society.
  • [2:53:10] Recommended book for newcomers to Jack’s work.
  • [2:57:48] Jack’s billboard.
  • [2:59:02] Parting thoughts.

SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE

Connect with Elizabeth Gilbert:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Connect with Jack Kornfield:

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

PEOPLE MENTIONED

The Tim Ferriss Show is one of the most popular podcasts in the world with more than one billion downloads. It has been selected for “Best of Apple Podcasts” three times, it is often the #1 interview podcast across all of Apple Podcasts, and it’s been ranked #1 out of 400,000+ podcasts on many occasions. To listen to any of the past episodes for free, check out this page.