Becoming Buddha: How to Be Happy – Jerry Colonna
Dave Asprey
May 7, 2024
Episode description
On today's episode, Jerry Colonna shares his transformative journey from a high-powered venture capitalist to a Buddhist coach. You'll learn about the profound impact of “radical self-inquiry" on leadership and life, illustrating how deep personal development can reshape personal and professional relationships. You'll also learn how mindfulness and self-awareness are crucial for effective leadership. Whether you're a seasoned leader or simply aspiring to improve, this conversation offers invaluable insights into executive coaching, Buddhism and personal transformation, making it essential for anyone aiming to foster a compassion and understanding.
Highlights:
(00:01:01) - Jerry Colonna's Transformative Journey
(00:05:51) - The Impact of Material Success
(00:13:27) - Mindfulness in Leadership
(00:17:32) - Deep Mental States Through Meditation
(00:22:10) - Themes of 'Reunion'
(00:30:17) - Philosophy of Radical Self-Inquiry
(00:34:27) - Leadership and Self-Awareness
(00:39:34) - The Practice of Continuous Personal Development
(00:41:54) - Becoming a Leadership Coach
(00:51:18) - Connecting Mindfulness with Professional Relationships
(00:56:10) - Long-Term Benefits of Self-Inquiry
(01:00:42) - Insights from Executive Coaching
(01:03:00) - Future of Leadership and Compassion
Sponsors:
LEELA Q | Visit LeelaQ.com/Dave for 10% off
Timeline Nutrition | Go to TimelineNutrition.com/Dave and get 10% off your first order.
Resources:
Jerry’s Website - https://www.reboot.io/team/jerry-colonna/
Jerry’s Book – Reunion: Leadership and the Longing to Belong
Follow Jerry on Instagram: @Jerry.Colonna
Dave Asprey’s Book ‘Smarter Not Harder’ is out now: https://daveasprey.com/books
Follow Dave on Instagram: @Dave.Asprey
Follow The Human Upgrade: @TheHumanUpgradePodcast
Want to join The Human Upgrade Podcast Live? Join Our Upgrade Collec
Mindsip insights from this episode:
Engage in radical self inquiry for true personal growth
True personal growth starts by asking tough questions about your own beliefs and behaviors. Radical self inquiry means gently examining the masks you wear and how you might be contributing to your own struggles. This practice helps you make conscious choices and move toward lasting happiness.
Upgrade blood flow daily for enhanced longevity
Healthy blood vessels are key to longevity because they deliver nutrients and remove waste from your body. Dave Asprey recommends protecting your arteries’ inner lining (the glycocalyx) with supplements like Arterial HP for better circulation. Good blood flow helps everything in your body work better, making it an important daily focus.
Pursue curiosity, service, and joy for a meaningful long life
Longevity isn’t just about physical health—it’s also about emotional peace and purpose. If you want to live a long life, focus on being curious, serving others, and finding joy in everyday living. Don’t let fear of death run your life; aim to be healthy, wise, and at peace.
Establish boundaries for healthy empathy without absorbing pain
True empathy is about seeing the world through someone else’s eyes, not taking on their pain as your own. Too much empathy without boundaries can become overwhelming. Healthy empathy starts with knowing yourself and being present for others without needing to fix them.
Practice self-forgiveness to promote healing and growth
Forgiving yourself can be harder than forgiving others, but it’s crucial for growth. Notice how holding onto guilt or self-blame might be trying to protect you, then gently let go. Self-compassion and understanding your past helps you move forward.
Build peer groups to combat loneliness and burnout in leadership
Leaders and high performers often feel lonely because they can’t always share their struggles with their team. Finding or creating a peer group provides a safe space to be authentic and supported. Regular connection with others helps avoid isolation and burnout.
Develop transcendence skills through meditation and breathwork
Profound, meaningful experiences aren’t reserved for a select few or those who use psychedelics. Practices like meditation, breathwork, and simply sitting with your thoughts can help you access deeper states of peace and connection. Anyone can develop this skill with practice.
Practice kindness to break old patterns and negative habits
Letting go of negative habits or emotional triggers isn’t a one-time fix—it’s a lifelong practice. Old behaviors feel comfortable, so you might slip back into them, especially during stress. Noticing when this happens and being kind to yourself is key to lasting change.
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