Show Notes
In this intimate audio essay, Anne V Mühlethaler reflects on Rebecca Shaw's piercing observation about watching powerful men "burn the world down." Through her own journey of frustration and self-reflection, Anne explores how our childhood coping mechanisms shape adult perspectives on "us vs. them." Drawing from both psychological insights and Buddhist wisdom, Anne examines how the very qualities we despise in others might mirror parts of ourselves we'd rather not see. She weaves Dr. Guralnik's work on political polarization - how early experiences of "splitting" the world into all-good or all-bad persist into adulthood - with Buddhist teachings that offer a pathway forward through radical acceptance. From confronting her own "inner dictator" to embracing ancient wisdom about sitting with difficult emotions, Anne invites listeners to consider: What if the key to healing our divided world begins with acknowledging the complexity within ourselves? Selected links from episode: The opinion piece by Rebecca Shaw in the Guardian The guest essay in the New York Times by Dr Orna Guralnik Wealth extremism Tara Brach's article about inviting Mara to tea The Metta View This episode is brought to you by Le Trente Are you a purpose-driven individual seeking clarity in your personal narrative? Is your brand struggling to communicate authentically with your audience? Looking for a thought partnership that transforms how you connect with the world? Le Trente is a global community that emboldens purpose-driven individuals and organizations to communicate authentically. Headquartered in Geneva but serving clients worldwide, we coach both individuals and brands through their communication journey—from identity exploration to strategy development—all grounded in mindful leadership and compassionate, holistic communication. Our mission is to be a catalyst for positive change. We inspire open-minded people and organisations to build better worlds through community-building salons, strategic consulting, mindful coaching and storytelling. Ready to transform your approach to communication and create ripples of positive change? Get in touch, we like to make magic happen. FIND OUT MORE ABOUT LE TRENTE HERE.
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