Ben Greenfield (speaker) reflects on a philosophy—inspired by Michael Singer (The Untethered Soul; The Surrender Experiment)—that every encounter and experience (victories, struggles, mistakes, brief exchanges) contributes to personal growth. He frames failures and painful moments as lessons and presents a paired belief that events may be preordained ("everything happens for a reason") so each moment has purpose.
I believe it was Michael Singer who wrote the Untethered Soul and the Surrender Experiment. Two very good books, by the way, that I first came across the idea from him that everything you do, every person you meet, every encounter, every victory, every struggle you experience ultimately makes you a better person. Now this is particularly true if you're living your life with the philosophy. The failures and mistakes are fantastic lessons that bring you that much closer to significant learning and success. Paired with with the philosophy that everything happens for a reason and there's no such thing as chance, coincidence. In other words, God has the entire story of your life already written and planned out for you. Every month, every week, every day, every hour, every minute, every second was pre planned, meant to be and has a specific purpose. So that argument with your lover or your spouse, you can walk away as a better person. A failed business? Well, you've grown. A flunked test, you've learned. A brief exchange with the barist at the coffee shop. You've realized something about yourself and how you interact with others.
The Solution to Aging Might Be Closer Than Anyone Realizes - With Ben Goertzel
