With the avalanche of information we get every day, closing down our minds and hearts seems to be the only way to survive. We close to ourselves by compulsively checking our devices. We close to each other by getting caught in echo chambers of outrage. But what if there’s another way? In this climate of distraction and division, what if there’s a path back to a way of living that is expansive, creative, and filled with wonder.

These are the big questions that today's guest, Dr. Nate Klemp, addresses in his new book: Open: Living With an Expansive Mind in a Distracted World. They're also the questions at the heart of our conversation today. 

In the first part of today’s episode Nate and I will explore why we close:

• Including his insights around two of the most pervasive forces driving closure in our society - our rampant addiction to technology and our devices, and growing political polarization
• We’ll also unpack how meditation practices can be used to work with technology addiction, and the incessant craving to check your phone

In the second half of the interview we’ll take a deep dive into insights, practices, and benefits around opening our minds and hearts to live a more expansive life.

Along the way, Nate will share some engaging and profound stories about his personal experiments in opening, particularly when it’s difficult - some of which include:

• Attending a training with the National Rifle Association
• And undergoing gum surgery while awake

One part of this interview which was a lot of fun involves the time Nate and I  spent trading meditation stories, particularly how we have taken meditation off the cushion - what he calls street opening - you’ll hear stories about:

• Meditating in Costco
• On trains
• In malls
• Raising kids etc. 

We explore how these practices have been instrumental in opening to more of life. 

Nate will also share a moving story of his grandma Hilda, and what she taught him about letting go, opening, and meeting life from a place of love

Did you find this episode inspiring? Here are other conversations we think you'll love:

• Finding the Strength to Meet Adversity | Mark Nepo
• Is Curiosity a Superpower? | Dr. Jud Brewer

More about Nate:

Nate Klemp, PhD, is a philosopher, writer, and mindfulness entrepreneur. He is the coauthor of the New York Times bestseller Start Here and the New York Times critics’ pick The 80/80 Marriage. His work has been featured in the LA Times, Psychology Today, the Times of London, and more, and his appearances include Good Morning America and Talks at Google. He’s a cofounder of LifeXT and founding partner at Mindful. For more, visit nateklemp.com or @Nate_Klemp on Instagram.

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