On the 144th episode of What is a Good Life?, I’m delighted to welcome George Thompson. George is a filmmaker, teacher, and founder of Balance is Possible!, a movement dedicated to inspiring balance for both people and planet. With over 25 million people impacted by his work and support from changemakers like Louie Schwartzberg, Tara Brach, and Stephen Fry, George weaves together ancient Daoist wisdom and modern science into practical, playful tools for navigating modern life.

In this conversation, we explore what it truly means to live in balance — within ourselves, with others, and with the natural world. George shares insights from his time training under Master Gu in the Wudang Mountains of China, and reflects on how balance extends beyond personal wellbeing into a collective responsibility for the planet.

This is a gentle and profound invitation to slow down, be present, and rediscover harmony amidst the complexities of life.

For more of George's work:
website: https://www.balanceispossible.com/
His latest film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KArWcMldPM

Contact me at [email protected] if you'd like to explore your own lines of self-inquiry through 1-on-1 coaching, my 5-week group courses, or to discuss team coaching to stimulate greater trust, communication, and connection, amongst your leadership teams.

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- My LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-mccartney-14b0161b4/

00:00 What is balance?

03:00 The economy and nature

05:00 A radical transformation of understanding

08:30 The unexpected path to Tai Chi

11:20 The embrace of the unknown

17:00 Letting go of yourself

20:00 No longer separating life from practice 

23:50 The wisdom of the mind

28:15 Trusting the flow of life

31:00 The forming of a mission

34:00 The interdependence of healing

38:00 Giving yourself grace of seasons

41:00 Creating more space to meet life

44:25 Loving the challenging feelings of life

49:50 The movement towards balance

52:45 Summary of the conversation and what is a good life for George?