Passion Struck with John R. Miles Episode 614: Janet Edley on How Joyous Effort Transforms Our Lives
Episode Overview
In Episode 614 of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles welcomes Janet Edley, a writer, musician, and dedicated student of Buddhist Dharma. Janet delves into the transformative power of joyous effort, drawing from ancient Buddhist principles to address modern life's challenges. This episode explores themes of mindfulness, compassion, connection, and intentional living, offering listeners practical insights for creating a meaningful and fulfilling life.
Introducing Janet Edley
Janet Edley is the author of the "How Life Works" series, which modernizes the six perfections (Paramitas) from Master Shantideva's teachings into relatable parables. Her latest work, "How Joyous Effort Works," features a foreword by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and emphasizes the ripple effects of selfless, joyful actions in transforming both individual lives and the broader world.
Key Discussions
1. The Power of Kindness and Personal Stories
Janet shares a profound personal experience that highlights the impact of kindness from strangers:
"I was 17 years old... I got separated from my friends... a young man saw me, must have seen what was happening... they drove me to Grand Central Station... and I made it safely home. It could have been gone quite horribly another way. So I think that was a very... one of the kindest things."
[00:02 - 07:32]
This story underscores the episode's central theme: the significance of compassionate actions and their ability to create lasting positive impressions.
2. Transition from Music to Buddhism
Janet elaborates on her journey from being a musician to embracing Buddhist teachings:
"I started researching books, reading as many books as I could on the subject... I met someone during one of the classes... he was in the publishing business... that's how it started."
[10:25 - 15:08]
Her path illustrates how personal experiences and deliberate choices can lead to profound spiritual and professional transformations.
3. The Disease of Disconnection
John introduces the concept of the "disease of disconnection," highlighting how societal shifts toward individualism and digital distractions have eroded genuine human connections:
"I call it the disease of disconnection, which to me is one of the largest epidemics that is impacting humanity."
[17:12 - 19:22]
Janet agrees, emphasizing the superficial nature of social media interactions and the lack of meaningful exchanges:
"We're distracted by this sort of glittery idea of the attention... it doesn't have anything to really sustain anything of any true quality with."
[19:22 - 22:04]
4. Cultivating Compassion and Connection
The conversation shifts to the importance of compassion as a remedy to disconnection. Janet references teachings from the Dalai Lama and Master Shantideva to highlight interdependence and the impact of compassionate actions:
"We can reject everything else, religion, ideology, all received wisdom, but we cannot escape the need for love and compassion... Our own heart, our own mind is the temple."
[25:17 - 26:05]
This segment reinforces the idea that cultivating inner compassion fosters external connections and societal harmony.
5. Mindfulness and Controlling the Mind
Janet discusses the significance of mindfulness in managing the incessant flow of thoughts and achieving a peaceful presence:
"Meditation is a method of familiarizing your mind to something... cultivating mindfulness, starting to become aware of what are these thoughts."
[33:25 - 35:07]
She explains how mindfulness practices enable individuals to filter and focus their thoughts, leading to more intentional and fulfilling actions.
6. The Eightfold Path and Practical Application
Janet introduces the Eightfold Path from Buddhist teachings as a framework for intentional living:
"Which is right view, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness and right concentration."
[37:26 - 38:02]
This pathway provides a structured approach to integrating mindfulness and ethical principles into daily life, aligning personal actions with broader spiritual goals.
7. Finding the Right Mentor
Discussing mentorship, Janet advises on selecting mentors who embody the qualities one aspires to develop:
"Are they patient? Do they have those qualities of patience and kindness and generosity... the Buddha said, see my fingers pointing to the moon."
[54:25 - 56:10]
This guidance emphasizes the importance of observing and aligning with mentors who practice what they preach, ensuring meaningful and ethical mentorship relationships.
8. Overcoming Feelings of Disconnection
When asked for advice, Janet suggests cultivating gratitude and initiating small acts of connection:
"Understand how everything that sustains our lives is a result of somebody else's work or kindness and get that feeling of gratitude... have that casual conversation with somebody in the produce section of the supermarket."
[61:48 - 62:07]
She highlights the transformative power of recognizing interdependence and taking proactive steps to foster genuine human connections.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
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Janet Edley [00:02]:
"I think that mattering isn’t something you prove—it’s something you create." -
Janet Edley [25:17]:
"We can reject everything else, religion, ideology, all received wisdom, but we cannot escape the need for love and compassion." -
John R. Miles [33:01]:
"Thought goes, energy flows." -
Janet Edley [37:05]:
"The more you rehearse this, the more adept you'll be at being able to put these things into practice."
Insights and Conclusions
Passion Struck Episode 614 with Janet Edley offers a deep dive into the integration of ancient Buddhist wisdom with contemporary life's demands. The conversation illuminates how joyous effort, rooted in compassion and mindfulness, serves as a catalyst for personal and communal transformation. Key takeaways include:
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Creating Meaning: Fulfillment arises not from external achievements but from internal practices of compassion and intentional living.
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Combatting Disconnection: In an era dominated by digital distractions and individualism, fostering genuine connections through compassionate actions is crucial.
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Mindful Choices: Being aware of and intentionally directing one's thoughts and actions can lead to a more fulfilling and purposeful life.
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Mentorship and Growth: Selecting mentors who embody desired qualities and practicing active mentorship can accelerate personal development and ethical living.
Practical Applications for Listeners
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Cultivate Gratitude: Regularly acknowledge and appreciate the kindnesses you receive from others, fostering a sense of interconnectedness.
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Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness techniques into your daily routine to manage thoughts and stay present.
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Engage in Acts of Kindness: Initiate small connections with others, such as striking up a conversation with a stranger, to build meaningful relationships.
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Seek Ethical Mentors: Identify and learn from mentors who exemplify the qualities you wish to develop, observing their actions and integrating their teachings into your life.
Reflection Prompts
- How can you turn your daily routines into mindful acts of service?
- What does it mean for you to put joyful effort into your relationships, your work, and your healing?
- How might shifting your focus from self-gain to other-centeredness create more peace in your life?
Learn More and Connect
To explore Janet Edley's works, including "How Joyous Effort Works," visit janetededley.com. Join the Passion Struck community by subscribing to the Ignited Life newsletter on Substack or following the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other favorite platforms.
Closing Thoughts
Episode 614 serves as a powerful reminder that intentionality and compassion are not just lofty ideals but practical tools for transforming our lives and the world around us. By embodying the principles discussed, listeners are encouraged to stop proving their worth and start living with purpose and joy.
Stay tuned for the next episode of Passion Struck, where John R. Miles will converse with Dr. Judith Joseph about her groundbreaking work on high functioning and healing unseen parts of ourselves.
Live boldly. Live with purpose. Passion Struck.