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Aloha!

Howdy, PhiloSurfer?

Just like Socrates, I’m a true believer that philosophizing has the power to radically improve your life.

I’ve been dropping some heavy thinking for 27 years now (wow!)

Philosophy has made me way more chill, self-aware and stoked about life in so many unexpected ways.

I highly recommend you start pondering the deep questions.

ASAP

But today I don’t wanna preach about why you gotta do philosophy.

Instead, I’m passing the mic to some righteous students from my recent Philosophical Soul Therapy course.

They’ll share with you why philosophy helps you shred gnarly breaks.

Here are their 5 prime reasons straight from the source:

Reason #1: You’re always expanding your mind

Ask yourself – when’s the last time you picked up a truly life-changing new idea?

Well, in my course you get your gray matter flexed with fresh concepts at least twice a week.

And that’s just the start of the sweet cogitation that goes down afterward.

As one student said, they had “no idea philosophical beliefs aligned so well with how they want to live.”

Reason #2: You gain crystal-clear self-awareness

By pondering thought-provoking questions like “Who am I and what do I want to be?” and “What do I fear and why?” you quickly achieve a deeper understanding of yourself and what matters most.

This “had the most impact” on one student and is key for finding epic inner peace.

Sharpen your tools, bro!

Reason #3: You become a master of mellowness

One anxious student said learning about mistakes caused by anxiety, practicing calm acceptance (anaideia), and Wu Wei (effortless action) were hugely helpful for “addressing anxiety and finding happiness.”

Philosophy makes you radically chill out.

Just like Gerry Lopez taught us in Module 5 on Harmony.

Reason #4: You can stop the suffering addiction!

Many peeps unconsciously get hooked on their own discontent.

But philosophy helps you “end the addiction to suffering” as a student learned, so you don’t keep postponing joy.

You become stoked on life right now and break away from comfort zones that keep you in a suffering barrel!

Reason #5: You join a tribe of big thinkers and improve together

Students loved how my course created a “safe space for open discussions that felt compassionate.”

Everyone is free to pick their own ingredients for shaping their life-philosophy surfboard.

Philosophy connects you with deep people to form lifelong friendships and inspire each other to improve.

We even agreed on starting The PhiloSurfer Book Club, a bi-monthly book discussion group.

(Saty tuned for more details)

__________

In short, I couldn’t be more amped on the results.

So much, that I am thinking of having another session of this same course in November.

If you too want to start leveling up your life, hit me up!

I’d love to chat philosophy and get you dialed in.

Hang loose, change your mind!

Small Kahuna Iggy

Additional recommendations:

1. “The Eternal Tao Te Ching” by Benjamin Hoff: This book is a modern translation and commentary on the ancient Tao Te Ching, a foundational text of Taoism. If you are interested in Taoist philosophy and reflections on life, this book might be worth exploring.
2. “The Tao of Pooh” by Benjamin Hoff: A delightful book that uses characters and stories from A.A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh to illustrate Taoist principles. It offers a playful and accessible way to learn about Taoism through familiar characters.
3. “The Tao of Surfing” by Michael Allen: This book blends Taoist philosophy with the art of surfing. It provides insights into finding harmony with nature and oneself while enjoying the sport of surfing. The author sent me a free copy & the Spanish postal service lost it!!!
4. “The Tao of Leadership” by John Heider: This book is about applying Taoist principles to leadership and management. It provides a unique perspective on effective and harmonious leadership.
5. “Kook” by Peter Heller: This novel follows the adventures of a middle-aged man who decides to learn how to surf, despite being a complete beginner (or “kook”). It’s a humorous and heartwarming story that reminds us of the value of humility in learning new skills.
6. “Plato’s Apology”: In this classic work of philosophy, Plato recounts Socrates’ defense during his trial in Athens. Socrates’ humility and commitment to questioning his own knowledge serve as timeless lessons in intellectual modesty.
7. “Epictetus’ Enchiridion”: This Stoic manual by Epictetus offers practical wisdom on how to live a virtuous life. It emphasizes the importance of humility, self-awareness, and acceptance of what is beyond our control.