#20 – Peter Russell – HAPPINESS.info

Peter Russell studied mathematics and theoretical physics at Cambridge University (in the UK), and was a student of Stephen Hawking. He then became increasingly fascinated by the mysteries of the human mind and so changed to experimental psychology. Pursuing this interest, he traveled to India to study meditation and eastern philosophy. In the 1970s, he pioneered the introduction of human potential seminars and taught the top management at companies such as Apple, IBM, American Express and Shell. In 1982 he coined the term “Global Brain” with his 1980s bestselling book in which he predicted the Internet and the impact it would have. He is the author of 7 books, appears frequently on radio and television and gives keynote speeches at conferences all around the globe. He has spent a lifetime researching the untapped potentials of the human mind, and last but not the least he was described by Watkins Magazine as the 21st Most Spiritually Influential Living Person in the world.

In This Episode:

The reason why Peter counts his age in days rather than in years.
How advances in technology have not freed up our time as was original believed it would.
Human’s have been almost hypnotised since birth by this belief that the more we do, achieve, and have, the happier we’ll be.
What do the great Spiritual traditions point to as the reason for unhappiness.
“A lot of our unhappiness is actually self created, we think there is something we need, or we think there is something we need to get rid of and so in our minds we are creating dissatisfaction the whole time”.
The two questions that Peter always asks himself.
The reason for why the the speed of change is constantly accelerating?
A description of 3 of the best ways that humans can survive and adapt in a world of constant and non stop change?
The importance of reclaiming time for ourselves.
In a busy world our minds also get extremely busy so we need to take time to quieten them.
Some of the dangers of this constant desire to keep on growing, improving and need for progress.
What is the balance between goal setting and striving for improvement on the one hand and being present and living in the moment on the other hand?
Some of the ways in which we can all do Micro Meditations.
What are some of the biggest things that we do that stop us from being happy?
The importance of acceptance and letting go.
How Peter uses writing as a good method for expressing his feelings and releasing built up tensions and emotions.
What doing a blindfolded walk taught Peter about love.
How deep down we are all the same.
What does a fulfilled life mean to Peter?
What is 1 thing our listeners can do today that will have a massive positive effect on their lives?
Which books or resources have changed/had a big impact on your life?