You probably know Rainn Wilson from his Emmy Award-winning role as Dwight Schrute in The Office. But what most people don’t know is that he has been on a riveting spiritual journey since his childhood with an early introduction to religion through the Baha’i faith that has spurred a life-long curiosity and spiritual yearning.

As an aspiring, young actor in New York City, Rainn fell down a dark path with drugs and alcohol as a "young bohemian actor," causing him to reject all spiritual paths and try to find his own way. It wasn't until an unexpected, "freak" encounter with... the face of God (yup, seriously!)... that he was driven to search for a deeper meaning.

Today, Rainn shares how his spirituality was tested during his quick rise to fame, what drove him to write his latest book, Soul Boom (and create his podcast with the same name) and why he believes that “humanity is headed for rehab."

Tune in to hear what Rainn’s life was like before, during, and after The Office and how his perspective on spirituality has shaped the practices he has today to help him stay grateful and optimistic for the future.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:00] Jamie introduces Rainn Wilson. 

[04:54] Rainn begins to talk about his childhood, parents, and upbringing in the Baha'i faith. 

[08:12] Rainn describes his time as a college grad, in New York City, losing interest in religion, and falling into drugs and alcohol. 

[11:22] Rainn recounts the moment he saw the “face of God” and when he opened his heart to investigate spiritual paths. 

[14:14] Rainn dives into the thinking behind his spiritual exploration, asking himself whether a god even exists. 

[16:06] Rainn talks about his return to the faith of his childhood, the Baha’i faith. 

[18:36] Rainn offers a spiritual analysis of the character Dwight Schrute. 

[20:00] Rainn describes how his spirituality was tested during his time on “The Office”, more specifically how fame affected him.

[22:58] Rainn shares why Netflix, among all places across town, rejected his idea for a spiritual show. 

[23:57] Rainn explains the ideas that his book, Soul Boom, explores.

[25:38] Rainn talks about climate change and its relation to a necessary social transformation. 

[28:11] Rainn reveals his daily gratitude practice. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

[15:14] Rainn describes the concept of God as “The Great Mystery” and reveals why it’s more digestible for him than the common, patriarchal image of God. 

[16:21] Rainn expresses gratitude for the time of exploration in his life that forced him to seek a deeper meaning rather than live a “superficial life of comforts”. 

[24:45] Rainn defines our societal systems as being based on the worst aspects of humanity, fuelling a necessity for a spiritual revolution. 

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Make sure to follow Jamie @jamiehess on Instagram for news & updates, and visit our companion Instagram account @gratitudeology for a sneak peek into the personal moments discussed on the show.

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Thank you to Rainn Wilson for sharing your truth with us today. Follow Rainn on Instagram @rainnwilson.

Check out more about “Soul Boom”: 

https://www.soulboom.com/

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The Gratitudeology Podcast theme music is by HYLLS, performed by Nadia Ali @thenadiaali 

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