The 7 levels of wisdom. In this Short Talk episode Judith Germain speaks to Mónica Esgueva, about her life experiences and insights on mindfulness, wisdom, and finding meaning in life. They discuss Monica’s diverse career path, including working as an economist for Prada in London, then moving to Paris to work for INSEAD, and her earlier experience as a semi-professional tennis player. Monica shared how she had to quit tennis due to back issues, and how that led her on a journey of self-discovery, including trips to India and Nepal to study with Tibetan Lamas.
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Key Takeaways
- Mónica’s journey: From economist at Prada to studying with Tibetan Lamas, bridging Eastern and Western mindsets
- True mindfulness goes beyond presence, incorporating kindness and intention for the greater good
- Success alone isn’t enough; finding meaning and purpose in life is crucial for fulfilment and mental well-being
- Accepting what’s beyond our control is key to transforming fear and negative emotions into growth opportunities
Topics
Mónica’s Diverse Background
- Worked administratively for Prada in London, observing celebrity personalities
- Economist role at INSEAD business school in Paris
- Semi-professional tennis player from age 10-15, stopped due to spine issues
- Pivotal 3-month stay in India studying with Tibetan Lamas, including the Dalai Lama
- 10-year commitment: Annual 3-month spiritual/meditation retreats in Nepal and India
Eastern vs. Western Mindfulness
- Eastern perspective: More than just being present; includes kindness and positive intention
- Western view often focuses on effectiveness and performance
- True mindfulness aims for the good of all, not just personal calm or effectiveness
- Integrates heart presence, not just mind presence
The Seven Levels of Wisdom
- Book by Mónica presenting a map of inner development
- Challenges societal focus on material success as the ultimate goal
- Emphasises interconnectedness and living a life of purpose
- Argues success without meaning often comes at a hefty personal price
Integrating Ancient Wisdom with Modern Thinking
- Rooted in living a life with meaning, applicable across cultures
- References Victor Frankl’s observations in concentration camps: meaning as a survival factor
- Addresses modern issues like depression, often stemming from lack of life meaning
- Suggests this philosophy is core to both Eastern and Western spiritual traditions
Transforming Fear and Negative Emotions
- Key step: Accepting what is beyond our control
- Resistance to current circumstances often causes suffering
- Acceptance provides clarity for discerning best actions
- Emphasizes reflecting with a clear mind rather than reacting emotionally
Next Steps
- Listeners encouraged to find deeper meaning in their lives beyond daily routines
- Focus on small, positive actions to contribute to the world (e.g., helping others, smiling)
- Reflect on personal “overriding mission” in the world
- Consider how today’s actions may positively impact others in the future
In this conversation Monica explained how Eastern mindfulness, rooted in Buddhism, is about more than just being present – it’s also about cultivating kindness and using that presence to benefit others, not just for personal gain. She contrasted this with a more individualistic Western interpretation of mindfulness.
They discuss ways to integrate ancient Eastern philosophies around mindfulness and purpose with modern Western mindsets, highlighting the universal human need for meaning and the dangers of a purely materialistic worldview.
Mónica Esgueva has a profound understanding of the mind, human consciousness, and spirituality. She has been helping the transformation of individuals for more than 16 years. She is the author of 9 books.
Mónica Esgueva can be found on LinkedIn here. Her website is here.
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