What if the key to happiness and fulfilment was not changing our external circumstances but learning to appreciate and understand our inner world? This powerful idea is at the heart of this week’s conversation with Buddhist monk and author Haemin Sunim.

Haemin is a Zen Buddhist teacher and the author of two Sunday Times bestselling books, including his very latest, the beautiful: ‘When Things Don’t Go Your Way: Zen Wisdom for Difficult Times.’

Haemin was born in South Korea, educated at Berkeley, Harvard, and Princeton, and received formal monastic training in Korea. When not travelling to share his teachings, he resides in Seoul, where he founded the Dharma Illumination Zen Center, offering meditation retreats and counselling programs.

We begin our conversation exploring the tension between personal aspirations and societal expectations, what Haemin calls the “me of me” versus the “me of others.” This internal conflict, he believes, is at the root of much of our stress and unhappiness.

We also discuss the importance of slowing down and being present, and how, in our rush to achieve and reach our goals, we can often miss the beauty and richness of our current experiences. With that in mind, Haemin shares some practical tips for mindfulness, that can help us reconnect with ourselves and the world around us.

A key theme in this conversation is the interconnected nature of all things. Haemin explains how adopting this worldview can profoundly affect our happiness and sense of purpose. We also discuss the power of listening, the importance of solitude, and the crucially important notion that we always have a choice in how we interpret and respond to life’s challenges. And, even when things don’t go our way, there’s always an opportunity for growth and unexpected joy.

This is a beautiful conversation, full of deep and practical insights that I’m sure will help you find greater peace, purpose and contentment.

Watch the video version of the conversation here:

Watch on YouTube