~ Waylon Lewis {Walk the Talk Show Podcast, Video}
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Walk the Talk Show with Waylon Lewis presents:
“ None of these are gonna be super original thoughts—but, hopefully, all [together] they’ll be helpful.”
This week on our long-running “Walk the Talk Show” podcast and video series, with awards and millions of views over the years…
Waylon speaks with the Elephant community about the reality of aging and growing older…about how it doesn’t match our childhood utopic idea of what being an “adult” may mean, and shares his advice for younger folks who may be realizing that they’re surrounded by cynics—and a lack of ethics.
“I’m 51. When you’re a kid, you think different things about growing older. Number one, you think you’re going to have your act together.
You think you’re going to know what’s up.
You’re going to have a credit card, and money, and a car, and probably a wife or a husband, and kids if you want ’em. And you’re gonna be in charge of your life.
Many of us realize as we get older—no one’s really in charge.
No one really has any idea which way is up.
I think the people who know which way is up are, as Trungpa Rinpoche, my parents’ Buddhist teacher said, in the profession of giving and caring about others before themselves. They do care about themselves. You gotta take care of yourself. But taking care of others first is about as noble as anyone gets in this world.” ~ Waylon H. Lewis
So, yeah… no one’s really got it all figured out, but from a positive point of view:
…we don’t wanna have it totally figured out.
What team are you on?
“When we run from boredom to entertain ourselves, we can never be fully present. And presence is, itself, the gateway to empathy. If we can’t be empathetic, we’re not on the side of the ‘goodies’—we’re on the ‘baddies.’ We’re on the wrong team.
There’s two teams in this life, and it’s not Republicans vs Democrats, or Yankees vs Red Sox (necessarily). It’s not local vs. Amazon.
It’s those who care about themselves and others vs. those who care only about themselves.
It’s empathy. If you villainize empathy, you’re a ‘baddie.’ It doesn’t mean you’re evil. There’s always hope. You can turn the boat around, but look: you’re on the wrong team.” ~ Waylon H. Lewis
Can’t watch the video? Why not listen?
”The only thing that actually keeps all of us safe is a safe, enlightened, caring, kind, and functioning society. So we all have to create that. We all have to contribute to the greater good. That’s what keeps us truly safe. Volunteering, caring for neighbors, supporting our schools, shopping at local farmer’s markets, perhaps the videos or communities like Elephant or even this very conversation.” ~ Waylon H. Lewis
I think some of this basic Buddhist wisdom really helps me out:
”As we age, we realize that none of us really have any clue what’s going on. All we can do is try to be ethical, try to be caring.” ~ Waylon H. Lewis
There’s a wonderful Buddhist quote. Maybe I’ll end with that.
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“Thank you for your vulnerability. It means a lot to hear your voice. Thank you for Elephant, too.” ~ Mindful Elephant Listener
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“We do indeed have to contribute to the greater good!! “~ Mindful Elephant Listener
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Miss it? Listen to last week’s Walk The Talk Show Episode:
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