A discussion on the book The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle.

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle explains that much of human suffering comes from how we relate to our own thoughts and identify with them. Most people spend a large part of their time thinking about the past and future. Over time, this creates a constant mental “story” about who we are, what is wrong, and what needs to change. Tolle calls this mental identity the ego.

The ego is not a separate thing inside us, but the sense of self that arises through identification with thoughts, memories, opinions, and personal history. When we believe this mental story is who we are, we become emotionally affected by it and often experience stress, fear, or dissatisfaction.

Tolle contrasts this with what he calls “Being”, a deeper sense of awareness that is present when we are not lost in thought. This awareness is realized in the Now - the present moment that is always already here.

The book presents the Now not as an idea to believe in, but as the only place where life is actually experienced, and the doorway to what Tolle calls inner peace or enlightenment.

Hosted by Peter Banda & James de Klerk

A discussion on the book The Enchiridion by Epictetus.

The Enchiridion, often translated as The Handbook, is a collection of teachings by Epictetus recorded and compiled by Arrian, one of Epictetus’s students. Epictetus was born a slave, his Greek name roughly meaning “acquired one.” After gaining his freedom, he became a well-known Stoic philosopher and teacher. One of the main themes of the Handbook is the distinction between what is “up to us” and what is not - often called the dichotomy of control. Epictetus teaches that understanding this difference, acting accordingly, and not being ruled by things outside our control are essential to a good life.

Hosted by Peter Banda & James de Klerk

A discussion on the book The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday.

The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday explores how adversity can be transformed into opportunity. Structured around three disciplines - perception, action, and will - it draws on Stoic philosophy and historical examples to illustrate how great figures have faced challenges and turned them into a path forward.

Hosted by Peter Banda & James de Klerk