| Optimize with Brian Johnson

Get 30 days of Optimize +1's… Free!

Showing 380 tag results for “spirituality”

All(380) PhilosophersNotes(40) Authors(34) Quotes(306)

PhilosophersNotes (40)

Strength in the Storm

Transform Stress, Live in Balance, and Find Peace of Mind

by Eknath Easwaran

As I mentioned in the other Notes on his work, Eknath Easwaran is one of my favorite teachers. He was a professor of English literature in India before coming to America on a Fulbright scholarship. He taught at UC Berkeley and became one of the world’s leading meditation and spiritual teachers. In this book, we learn how to love storms—how to use simple tools to find strength in the inevitable storms of life as we “transform stress, live in balance and find peace of mind.” Big Ideas we explore: “I love storms.” -Gandhi, Eudaimantra (how I came up w/the perfect mantra for myself), how to end all boredom, time as an infinite cosmic carpet, the secret of life (in one sentence) and Gandhi 101: how to become fearless.

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

20th Century Classics courage Mind Spirituality

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More
Knowledge of Higher Worlds and its Attainment

by Rudolf Steiner

I got this book on the recommendation of Phil Stutz (author of The Tools). I recently hired Phil as my coach and he *loves* Rudolf Steiner. I love Phil and I love following Joseph Campbell’s advice to study the books the teachers you admire studied so here we are. Rudolf Steiner was a remarkable man. Born in 1861, he was a philosopher, architect, and social reformer. Big Ideas we explore: the fundamental attitude of your soul, the importance of cultivating courage (and how to do it), spiritual perfection (it’s your ultimate goal), unfailing mastery (is the key), and using all your powers to serve profoundly.

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

20th Century Classics courage soul Spirit Spirituality

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More
Spiritual Evolution

How We Are Wired for Faith, Hope, and Love

by George Vaillant

George Vaillant is a psychiatrist and Harvard professor who, for 35 years, led Harvard’s 70+ year Study of Adult Development. (You learn a thing or three when you follow the development of teenagers as they grew into great-grandparents.) In this book, he tells us that we can evolve spiritually. Leaning on his experience running Harvard’s study plus cultural anthropology, ethology and neuroscience, he walks us through the biological underpinnings of the positive emotions that make up our spirituality: faith, love, hope, joy, forgiveness, compassion and awe.

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Faith Hope Modern Classic soul Spirit Spirituality

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More
The Way to Love

The Last Meditations of Anthony de Mello

by Anthony de Mello

This is a tiny little pocket book featuring thirty-one inspiring, challenging meditations on how to love by Anthony de Mello, a mystical Jesuit priest who also wrote the great book Awareness that we cover. The book is a powerful, challenging look at how to break free from our conditioning, reprogram our minds and truly love. Big Ideas we explore include what it means to love, enjoying the symphony of life (by no longer clinging or renouncing), the art of looking (How are you THAT?), how to create freedom to make a fool of yourself, plus effort, effortlessness and fun.

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

20th Century Classic Heart Spirit Spirituality

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More
Passage Meditation

Bringing the Deep Wisdom of the Heart into Daily Life

by Eknath Easwaran

This book could have been called “The Eight-Point Program for Daily Living” as Eknath Easwaran walks us through not just his approach to “passage meditation” but also the other key tenets of spiritual living. Big Ideas we explore include deciding whether you *really* want to get over your problems, how to tame your mind (and why it’s like an elephant’s unruly trunk!), making your mind one-pointed, swimming upstream and doing the work (vs. just attending lectures).

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

20th Century Classic Buddhism soul Spirit Spirituality

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More
Take Your Time

The Wisdom of Slowing Down

by Eknath Easwaran

This book was written in 1994—WAY before we blew up our brains with the Internet. Yet, the need to slow down and cultivate a calm, unhurried mind has been discussed by all the great teachers for 2,500+ years. We need the wisdom now more than ever. Big Ideas we explore include how use a red pencil, changing the channels of your mind, a quick quiz on whether meditation is right for you, and how to drive your mind safely (no tailgating thoughts!).

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

20th Century Classic Happiness soul Spirit Spirituality

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More
Waking Up

A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion

by Sam Harris

Sam Harris is part philosopher, part neuroscientist (with a Ph.D. from UCLA) and part contemplative seeker. His writing is smart, incredibly clear, and unapologetically direct. In Waking Up, he applies his intellect to the subject of discussing spirituality rationally—devoid of the baggage of both religious superstition/dogma and New Age woo woo-ness. Big Ideas: Mindfulness + meditation, stages of spiritual development, cultivating choice, and accepting while striving.

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get Podcast

Watch PNTV

Modern Classic Spirituality

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get Podcast

Watch PNTV
The Great Work of Your Life

A Guide for the Journey to Your True Calling

by Stephen Cope

Stephen Cope is the director of the Kripalu Institute for Extraordinary Living—the largest yoga research institute in the Western world. In this great book, Stephen brings the Bhagavad Gita to life and helps us apply this ancient wisdom to our modern lives. Big Ideas include the four keys to living your dharma, creating the right conditions, dealing with difficulties, training elephants, and reducing yourself to zero!

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get Podcast

Watch PNTV

Dharma Modern Classic soul Spirit Spirituality Yoga

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get Podcast

Watch PNTV
One Spirit Medicine

Ancient Ways to Ultimate Wellness

by Alberto Villoldo, Ph.D.

Alberto Villoldo is a fascinating blend of medical anthropologist and practicing shaman—having explored, practiced and taught these ideas for decades. Alberto walks us the healing wisdom at the nexus of ancient shamanic wisdom and modern science. Big Ideas include how (and why!) to optimize our gut-brain, removing two of the most toxic things in our diet, adding superfoods and detoxing from news and TV while cultivating stillness.

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get Podcast

Watch PNTV

Body Modern Classic Spirituality

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get Podcast

Watch PNTV
Fear

Essential Wisdom for Getting Through the Storm

by Thich Nhat Hanh

A Vietnamese Buddhist Zen master, Thich Nhat Hanh is, essentially, a living saint. In this great little book, Nhat Hanh delivers his essential wisdom on how to navigate the storms of life with more grace and poise as we cultivate fearlessness/nonfear. Big Ideas range from breathing in the moment, reflecting on interbeingness (= huge), and enhancing our energy of mindfulness and concentration.

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get Podcast

Watch PNTV

Buddhism courage Modern Classic soul Spirit Spirituality

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get Podcast

Watch PNTV
The Buddha in Your Mirror

Practical Buddhism and the Search for Self

by Woody Hochswender, Greg Martin, Ted Morino

Looking for the Buddha? Cruise on over to your mirror and you'll find him (or her). YOU are the Buddha and this book shows us how to realize that fact and live from that awareness. Big Ideas range from rockin' your swan legs and cleaning your face to become who you are truly are.

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Buddhism Modern Classic soul Spirit Spirituality

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More
The Undefeated Mind

On the Science of Constructing an Indestructible Self

by Alex Lickerman, M.D.

How'd you like to have an undefeated mind while constructing an indestructible self? (I'll take 'em!) Alex Lickerman, MD shows us how--blending Western science with practical Eastern mysticism in this powerful book. In the Note, we'll explore how to find your mission and turn poison into medicine.

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get Podcast

Watch PNTV

Buddhism Mind Modern Classic Spirituality

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get Podcast

Watch PNTV
Your Life Is Your Message

Finding Harmony With Yourself, Others, and the Earth

by Eknath Easwaran

Eknath Easwaran is one of my favorite teachers and one of the most beloved spiritual teachers of the 20th century. He walked with Gandhi in his native India and shows us to be the change while making our life our message. We'll explore how to change the gears of our thinking, detox from mas media and engage in practical idealism.

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get Podcast

Watch PNTV

20th Century Classic soul Spirit Spirituality

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get Podcast

Watch PNTV
The Seven Spiritual Laws of Superheroes

by Deepak Chopra, Gotham Chopra

What do you get when you mashup Deepak Chopra’s The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success with his son Gotham’s passion for comic books and superheroes? This great little book. In this Note, we’ll have fun looking at what makes a superhero so super and how we can rock it as well. Big Ideas include learning how to rise to the occasion as we live our ideals and commit ourselves to service. Will *you* be a superhero?

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get Podcast

Watch PNTV

Modern Classic soul Spirit Spirituality Volume II

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get Podcast

Watch PNTV
The Untethered Soul

by Michael Singer

Michael Singer is a great writer, storyteller and spiritual teacher who has a profound ability to communicate complex spiritual ideas in a simple, easy-to-grasp manner. The book is packed with wisdom. In the Note, we explore Big Ideas on how we can best relate to that voice in our heads as we develop our witness perspective and create real transformation in our lives.

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Modern Classic soul Spirit Spirituality Volume II

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More
The Way of the Bodhisattva

by Shantideva

The Way of the Bodhisattva is one of the classics of Buddhism that teaches us the key elements of the Bodhisattva—one who has dedicated his or her life to serving the world and releasing all sentient beings from suffering. In this Note, we’ll check out the importance of cultivating bodhichitta (an “awakened mind”) and how we can do it. (Hint: It’s all about “diligence in virtuous ways”! :)

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Buddhism Heart Old School Classic Spirit Spirituality Volume II

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More
When Things Fall Apart

Heart Advice for Difficult Times

by Pema Chodron

Pema Chödrön is a Buddhist teacher and prolific author with an incredibly strong, yet compassionate and grounded perspective. This book is all about facing challenging times with courage as we lean into our fears and grow. We'll explore a bunch of Big Ideas on everything from why we should meditate to how long the process of actualizing takes (roughly the rest of our lives :)!

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get Podcast

Watch PNTV

Buddhism Modern Classic soul Spirit Spirituality Volume II

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get Podcast

Watch PNTV
Wherever You Go, There You Are

by Jon Kabat-Zinn

Jon Kabat-Zinn is a Professor of Medicine at the University of Massachusetts and one of the world’s leading advocates for mindfulness training. He’s demonstrated the phenomenal health benefits of integrating meditation into our daily lives and in this Note we’ll learn about meditation—what it is, how we can rock it and what we can gain from doing so.

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get Podcast

Watch PNTV

Modern Classic Spirituality Volume II

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get Podcast

Watch PNTV
The Art of Peace

by Morihei Ueshiba

Morihei Ueshiba was one of the world's greatest martial artists and the founder of Aikido. In this little book, he shares some awesome Big Ideas on The Art of Peace. Big Ideas range from the fact that life is about growth and that if we stop growing, we're as good as dead to the idea that our ultimate purpose is to realize our inner divinity. Good stuff.

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

20th Century Classic soul Spirit Spirituality Volume II

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More
The Golden Present

Daily Inspirational Readings by Sri Swami Satchidananda

by Sri Swami Satchidananda

Sri Swami Satchidananda was one of the world’s greatest yoga masters and teachers. This book is organized as a daily inspirational guidebook and it’s packed with 365 wisdom gems. In the Note, we explore Big Ideas ranging from the importance of being bold and strong to the power of making a lot mistakes.

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get Podcast

Watch PNTV

20th Century Classic soul Spirit Spirituality Volume II

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get instant access!

Join Brian’s Optimal Living program and get instant access to this PhilosophersNote + Master Classes + other goodness to optimize your life.

Learn More

Get Podcast

Watch PNTV

Show more PhilosophersNotes

Loading more PhilosophersNotes for you...