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Soren Gordhamer, Being Mindful in Silicon Valley

Jan 11, 2017 58m 57s 14 insights
Soren Gordhamer is the founder and host of the Wisdom 2.0 conference, which is lauded as one of the largest gatherings of meditators in the world, but it also has been the target of controversy. Raised in Lubbock, Texas, Gordhamer grew up as one of five kids in a Buddhist-friendly household and said he was drawn to meditation in high school as a way to deal with pain and suffering.
Actionable Insights

1. Live with Presence and Purpose

Prioritize being fully present and accepting of the current moment as your primary focus, while simultaneously listening for what life wants to express or do through you as a secondary focus. This approach allows actions to emerge from a state of presence, rather than trying to ‘make better’ the present moment.

2. Understand Your Own Suffering

Engage in an inner process to deeply understand your own suffering and pain, as this self-awareness is essential for developing empathy. This understanding opens you up to genuinely feel and respond to the suffering and pain of others.

3. Offer Genuine Presence

Give others, especially children, the profound gift of your genuine presence and undivided attention, as this fosters deep connection and helps them feel truly seen and valued. This quality of attention can be more impactful than formal teachings or advice.

4. Create Contemplative Time

Actively establish dedicated ‘containers’ or spaces for contemplative time and mindfulness in your daily life, as modern society often lacks built-in opportunities for reflection. This practice is crucial for thoughtful decision-making and maintaining balance amidst increasing technological demands.

5. Balance Internal & External Growth

Prioritize the development of ‘internal technologies’ such as love, compassion, and wisdom to grow alongside external technological advancements. This ensures a balanced society where human connection and emotional intelligence are valued as much as technical skills.

6. Integrate Tech and Wisdom

Actively seek to combine external technological advancements with internal wisdom, mindfulness, and compassion. This synergy can address complex global problems more effectively by harnessing the best of both domains.

7. Frame Teachings to Audience Interests

When introducing new concepts or practices, especially to a challenging audience, frame them in terms of the audience’s existing interests and perceived needs. This approach increases engagement and relevance, making the message more accessible and impactful.

8. Meet People Where They Are

Be flexible and observant of what individuals are truly seeking, rather than imposing your own assumptions or agenda about what they ‘should’ be getting. Meet them at their point of need and provide what genuinely matters to them.

9. Use Humor to Soften Barriers

Employ humor and self-deprecation to create a relaxed atmosphere and make yourself more relatable and human, particularly when introducing serious topics to diverse audiences. This approach can break down barriers and enhance receptivity to your message.

10. Address Pain with Compassion

Seek out teachings and practices that directly address pain and suffering, learning to relate to these difficult emotions with compassion. This approach offers significant relief and provides a constructive way to work through personal challenges.

11. Listen for Soothing Voices

When seeking guidance or comfort, pay attention to the tone and presence of teachers or mentors, as a soothing voice can provide reassurance and a sense that things are manageable. This can be impactful even before fully grasping the content of the teachings.

12. Leverage Influence for Good

Utilize the platform and respect afforded to influential figures, such as business or technology leaders, to advocate for and promote values like mindfulness, wisdom, and compassion. Their endorsement can significantly amplify these messages for broader societal impact.

13. Reframe Criticism as Impact

When facing public criticism or protests, consider reframing these events as indicators of having achieved significant visibility or impact. This perspective can help maintain resilience and a broader understanding of your work’s reach.

14. Create a Family Sharing Circle

Establish a regular family gathering, such as a monthly or bimonthly ‘family circle,’ where everyone can openly share their life’s struggles and joys. This routine fosters a tight-knit and connected family dynamic.