The Courageous Life Joshua Steinfeldt

In yesterday’s Courageous Life episode with Dr. Todd Kashdan, the author ofThe Art of Insubordination, we unpacked the recipe for what he calls, principled rebellion:

A courageous practice of going against the stream,

Challenging conformity and questioning conventional ideas.

But doing so from a place of heart.

Rebelling in ways that are generative as opposed to destructive.

Along these lines, Todd offered practical research-backed insights into how we can dissent in ways that lead to:

Being heard,

Making change,

And effectively defying an unhealthy status quo. 

As part of our conversation we explored the courage it takes to be a principled rebel, including how these moments, when we push back against conformity, often bring with them a good deal of discomfort.

Today’s practice will hone in on a simple way we can get better at skillfully working with discomfort.

And how doing so can be part of our preparation to speak up and push back with courage, wisdom, and heart,

When it matters.


For more ways to dissent and defy effectively check out the conversation with Todd Kashdan (if you haven't already):
Practicing the Art of Principled Rebellion | Dr. Todd KashdanOr  pick up a copy of his book: The Art of Insubordination: How to Dissent and Defy Effectively

Thank you for your practice.

I look forward to continuing together next Thursday!

-Joshua

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Check out:
The Practice Pass - An annual membership that gives you on-demand access to robust practice experiences including the 28-Day Practicing Courage Challenge and The 5-Day Transforming Stress Challenge. Past Practicing Courage episodes in the podcast feedThe FREE Practice LibrarySupport the Show.

For ideas to evolve and societies to progress, Dr. Todd Kashdan argues it's vital to cultivate principled rebels.

Those who who are willing to go against the stream, to challenge conformity and question conventional ideas,

But to do so from a place of heart - to practice rebellion in ways that are generative (vs. destructive).

This type of authentic insubordination is fueled by  a motivation to contribute to the greater good.

Today Todd and I will dive deep into themes from his book, The Art of Insubordination, as we explore the recipe for principled rebellion.

Highlights from our conversation include:
The importance of growing a wide range of psychological resourcesThe ingredients of principled rebellion: deviance, authenticity, contribution, and social pressureStrategies for influencing the majority (when in the minority) including inviting curiosity vs. inciting fearWhy being open about experiencing discomfort reduces defensiveness, increases compassion, and helps rebellious ideas to be heard. Ways to skillfully work with feelings that arise when trying to rebelCreating the conditions for dissent, critical thinking, and productive conversationsWhy dissent is the ultimate protection against conformity mistakesThe importance of creating mechanisms for gathering diverse voicesLessons from Nelson Mandela  on winning graciously
**Please note: In this conversation Todd shares a personal story of experiencing suicidal thoughts, and how he moved through this experience to the other side. There is a possibility that some listeners may find parts of this episode triggering. Please listen at your own discretion and in a caring and supportive way for you. If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health issues, including those related to suicide please reach out for help. The International Association for Suicide Prevention is one organization that offers lots of free support, helplines, and resources globally. More at: https://www.iasp.info/

Did you find this episode inspiring? Here are other conversations we think you'll love:

Rediscovering the Art of Constructive Dialogue | Dr. Mylien Duong
Moving from Fear to Love | James Doty and Jacinta Jiménez

More about Todd:

Todd Kashdan is among the world’s top experts on the psychology of well-being, psychological strengths, mental agility, and social relationships. His research has been featured in hundreds of media outlets, including Harvard Business Review, The New York Times, Fast Company, and Forbes. Over 5 million readers enjoy his Psychology Today blog and Provoked Newsletter. Todd is the author of five books including The Art of Insubordination. Todd founded the Well-Being Lab at George Mason University which has produced over 225 peer-reviewed journal articles. He is among the top 1% most cited scientists in the world. For more please visit toddkashdan.com
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When I was first learning to be a coach we had a saying before stepping into a coaching conversation:

Leave your assumptions at the door and embrace curiosity.

In reality we often know SO little about someone’s experience, and about their story.

And when we recognize that, what seems to make the most sense is to get curious.

To ask questions,

And to listen deeply.

In yesterday's episode with Dr. Jonah Paquette which took a dive into the depths of awe and wonder he offered a beautiful reminder of the power of curiosity.

And that reminder is the inspiration for today’s practice which centers around finding ways to let go of your assumptions

And to choose learning over knowing.

If you want to dive deeper into this topic I would encourage you to check out the interview with Jonah Paquette (if you haven't already):
Awe, Wonder, and Everyday Miracles | Dr. Jonah Paquette
Or  pick up a copy of his book: Awestruck: How Embracing Wonder Can Make You Happier, Healthier, and More Connected. 

Thank you for your practice.

I look forward to continuing together next Thursday!

-Joshua

Want these practices delivered via text?

If you are located in the U.S. text the word courage to 805-430-6801 to join Joshua's text community and you'll get a text once/week with a link directly to the practice.

Looking for more practice opportunities? 

Check out:
The Practice Pass - An annual membership that gives you on-demand access to robust practice experiences including the 28-Day Practicing Courage Challenge and The 5-Day Transforming Stress Challenge. Past Practicing Courage episodes in the podcast feedThe FREE Practice Library

Support the Show.

What do you feel when you gaze up at the Milky Way, take in a beautiful sunset, stand before a mountain that seems impossibly high, or witness an extraordinary act of courage, kindness, or love?

Often, it's a profound sense of awe - the overwhelming feeling we experience when we encounter something vast that transcends our understanding.

In his book Awestruck,  clinician, researcher, and multi-time author, Dr. Jonah Paquette, reminds us that awe-inspiring moments are all around us.

Ranging from the grand to the commonplace, its these moments that hold part of the key to living a deeply fulfilling life.

Today, Jonah and I will dive into a wide ranging conversation about the life-changing potential of awe.

Together we'll explore:
How this powerful emotion can help alleviate some of the struggles in our daily lives, including stress, and social isolation.How awe can help us more effectively navigate polarization and division as we find the curiosity and compassion to build bridges across difference.The groundbreaking science behind awe including how it impacts our brain and nervous system. Powerful insights into the effects of awe and how it can transform life in flashbulb moments.Moving stories of people who inspire awe.Simple practices aimed at bringing more wonder, curiosity, empathy, and courage into our lives.
If you want to dive deeper into the topic of Awe I  would highly encourage you to check out Jonah’s book Awestruck: How Embracing Wonder Can Make You Happier, Healthier, and More Connected.  
Did you find today's episode inspiring? Please share with friends!

Here are other conversations we think you'll love:
The Transformative Power of Humility | Dr. Daryl Van TongerenThe Key to Resilience, Growth, and Possibility | Sharon Salzberg and Dr. Barbara Fredrickson. 
More about Jonah:
Jonah Paquette is a clinical psychologist, author, and keynote speaker specializing in the science of well-being and the promotion of emotional fitness for individuals, teams, and organizations. Jonah conducts keynote presentations with top organizations throughout the world, and teaches skills for well-being so that individuals and organizations can flourish. He is the author of four books. Prior to his career as a speaker and trainer, Jonah spent over a decade working in healthcare leadership at Kaiser Permanente. For more, please visit jonahpaquette.com


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On the heels of a powerful conversation with Dr. Emma Seppala we are re-releasing this Practicing Courage episode (originally #4) as it aligns intimately with the themes Emma and I explored together.

Perhaps none more important than Sovereignty, which is the topic of Emma's beautiful new book: Sovereign.

She defines Sovereignty as: Our innate human capacity for being resilient regardless of the chaos that life brings and for staying true to oneself and intentional regardless of outside influences.

Part of staying true to oneself involves the practice of intentionally letting go of what no longer serves us. 

Today's practice will explore how to let go as you are introduced you to the work of Dr. Jud Brewer. 

You'll learn more about how we can leverage knowledge of how our brains work, the latest science of habit change, and a blend of curiosity and kindness, to ultimately let go of ways of thinking and behaving that no are no longer helpful or beneficial in the pursuit of what we care about most.
Thank you for your practice!


Did you find today's practice valuable? Remember, courage is contagious. If you know someone who would benefit from today’s practice please share.

All practices can be found for free in our Practice Library. Access the library here: https://www.practicingcourage.com/join-library

Interested in taking a deeper dive into practices that support greater calm, clarity, courage, and meaningful connection?

We created The Practice Pass, an annual membership that gives you access to all of this dynamic original content including both live and on-demand learning experiences.

If you sign up up for the Practice Pass you’ll receive:

Existing on-demand meditation challenges:
 The Practicing Courage ChallengeThe 5-Day Transforming Stress Challenge3 NEW live challenges each year. 
Learn more and register for the pass here: https://www.practicingcourage.com/signup-practice-pass

Curious to explore this topic further? Here are some conversations on the podcast we think you'll love:
Dr. Emma Seppälä - Reclaiming Our Freedom, Energy, and PowerDr. Jud Brewer - Is Curiosity a Superpower?Dr. Jud Brewer - Harnessing Neuroscience to Change Habits and Find Happiness
Til next Thursday,
-Joshua
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There is an internal freedom and a relationship with yourself so profoundly life-supportive and energizing that you access your fullest potential. 

This is sovereignty. Our innate human capacity for being resilient regardless of the chaos that life brings and for staying true to oneself and intentional regardless of outside influences. 
In her beautiful, and empowering new book: Sovereign: Reclaim Your Freedom, Energy, and Power in a Time of Distraction, Uncertainty, and Chaos.

Dr. Emma Seppälä reminds us:

Sovereignty is our birthright and it's what we can all have if we know how.

Today we'll unpack how, as we take a deep dive into human potential and our capacity for Sovereignty.

In today's conversation Emma will share:
Moving stories about people she’s come across who have found sovereignty in the face of immense challenges and adversities and what she’s learned from them about resilience, inner freedom, and personal power.Her own story about a brush with death and finding sovereignty as a resultWhat keeps us from experiencing sovereignty - what Emma calls the bound state and different forms this can takeWhy finding sovereignty is really an act of reclaiming our innate strength and wisdom that is there from childhoodFoundational qualities for sovereignty including having a caring relationship with oneself, cultivating awareness, and choosing courage. Practices that can support sovereignty including meditation, breathing, and reflecting on our relationship triggers, How leaders can foster cultures that support sovereignty at work and how doing so can drive innovation and creativity. What she's learned about the importance of intuition, listening to your gut, and having the courage to follow your heart. If you want to dig in to this topic - I  would highly encourage you to pre-order a copy of Sovereign or pick it up when it comes out on April 23rd, 2024. You can find everything about the book, and some wonderful resources Emma has generously put together at iamsov.com

Did you find this episode inspiring? Please share with friends! 

If you enjoyed this conversation, here are others we think you'll love:
Neuroscience, spirituality, and the quest for an inspired life | Dr. Lisa MillerUnlocking the mindset of a champion | Shane O'Sullivan
More about Emma:
 
Emma Seppälä, Ph.D., is a best-selling author, Yale lecturer, and international keynote speaker, Seppälä teaches executives at the Yale School of Management and is faculty director of the Yale School of Management’s Women’s Leadership Program. A psychologist and research scientist by training, her expertise is the science of happiness, emotional intelligence, and social connection. Her best-selling book The Happiness Track has been translated into dozens of languages. Seppälä is also the Science Director of Stanford University’s Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education. For more please visit: emmaseppala.com
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